With the auto market ever changing, there is one car type that will always be in demand – family cars. That’s why automotive publication Parents magazine recently did a thorough review of the many family cars out there today. Covering a wide range, including sports cars and luxury cars, check out the list and what stood out for each vehicle.

Best New Minivan – Kia Carnival

Released in February 2021 as the new luxury vehicle from Kia, the Kia Carnival isn’t just s minivan but a multipurpose vehicle. Even so, when it comes to a family vehicle, the starting MSRP is already a steal for all the tech that comes in this minivan. Starting at $32,300*, the Kia Carnival can sit seven or eight passengers. With a total of five total LATCH systems, there are plenty of choices for strapping child seats in for small children. The standard setup is an 8-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for those with teens.

Best Luxury Minivan – Chrysler Pacifica

Is it any surprise that the Chrysler Pacifica is on this list? Starting at $37,095*, Chrysler is known for its Stow 'n Go seating in the second and third row. With family-friendly features like Uconnect Theatre, standard across the lineup are also a Blu-Ray/DVD player system, seatback video screens, wireless headphones, and a six-speaker sound system. For securing child seats, though, there is the standard of only two, found on the outboard seats on the second and third rows in the Pacifica.

Best Adventure SUV – Nissan Pathfinder

Starting at $34,640*, the Nissan Pathfinder can seat seven or eight passengers. With Pro Pilot Assist ADAS features standard, the safety has been upgraded for 2022. If looking to really treat the family, the Platinum edition comes with center row captains chairs, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium Bose sound system. The center row outboard seats are LATCH equipped, and another LATCH spot is in the third row on the driver’s side.

Best Value – Volkswagen Atlas

The Volkswagen Atlas became a top seller, with a starting MSRP of $34,335*. With lots of space, the third row is built with full grown adults in mind, and buyers can choose between center row captains chairs or a bench seat that can also fit three car seats. Now that’s spacious, and there's still plenty of room for cargo. With varying levels of luxury, there is also a digital cockpit available in select trims. With three LATCH systems in the center row, and these can still slide and tilt to give access to the third row, even with a child seat installed.

Best Luxury Redesign – Grand Cherokee L

The Grand Cherokee got a new generation release recently, and with it came the first three-row SUV by Jeep, the Grand Cherokee L. Starting at $39,725*, this SUV still has the same prowess as all off-road Jeep vehicles, and even offers some semi-autonomous assistance with its upgraded ADAS suite. Able to seat up to six or seven people, there are three LATCH spots in the center row. Adding luxury and high tech, the UConnect multimedia system got a huge upgrade. Be prepared to say “Hey Jeep” and use a new virtual assistant for operating many in-cabin functions.

Best Steering – Chevrolet Equinox

Although known for their trucks and SUVs, Chevrolet also makes a great family car that gives the driver a strong sense of control. Built with a roomy cabin that’s comfortable for long road trips, there are two LATCH seats available in the second row. Offering consumers a lot at base level, this minivan is packed with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, WiFi, active noise cancellation, and a touch screen multimedia system. And it all starts at $25,800*.

Best Quiet Ride – Buick Envision

Offering luxury on a budget, Buick puts the Envision at a starting MSRP of $31,500*. Roomy, and with two sets of LATCH systems for child passenger car seats, this family car is perfect for a quiet ride around town and on long road trips. Providing confidence and comfort, the Envision is a premium family car without the premium price. If consumers do go for the Premium trim, however, there is enough to separate it from the rest of the lineup, equipped with quilted leather, a premium Bose sound system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Best City SUV – Volskwagen Taos

As we mentioned earlier, SUVs can be family cars too, like the Grand Cherokee L above. Volkswagen is all about budget for families when it comes to the Taos, with a starting MSRP of $23,495*. Designed more for low-speed city driving, the Taos is comfortable and provides a perfect cabin for families with small children, equipped with two LATCH systems. Made with premium materials and design at an affordable price, the available digital cockpit stands out when it comes to the tech.

Best Sport Sedan – Nissan Maxima

Starting at $37,840*, the Nissan Maxima is a luxury vehicle while staying practical. The base trim level alone comes with leather heated power front seats, chrome trim details, a navigation system, and Nissan Safety Shield 360 ADAS systems. There are two outboard LATCH systems for child car seats, and up in front is a driver-focused cockpit, offering a sporty perforated leather steering wheel to leather seats.

So many great choices at so many great prices. You can find any of these family cars at NowCar when you shop for a new car online.

Photo Source/Copyright: Kia Media