Best Buys
Mar 15, 2018

The Chevrolet Malibu XL on display in Great Falls, MT | Taylor's Auto MaxThe list of requirements for the family-mobile hasn’t changed much in the last decade. Reliability, top safety features, fuel economy, and room to grow seem to top the list every year. Add some style and performance to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a great family car. Not all sedans are created equal, so let’s explore our list of the four best sedans for families.

Nissan ALTIMA

If you’re afraid your next family car has to be boring, think again. With optional illuminated kick plates and an available rear spoiler, the ALTIMA oozes sophistication and style. The ALTIMA is easy on the pump with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that gets an incredible estimated fuel economy of 38 miles-per-gallon highway. Nissan has packed the new ALTIMA with the latest in innovative safety features like blind spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking, making this family-sedan a solid, worry-free choice all for a base retail of $23,260.

Volkswagen Jetta

The 2018 Jetta offers families a spacious, quiet and comfortable ride in a sedan. While labeled “compact” the Jetta is roomy, just not too big with 94 cubic-feet of passenger space and 16 cubic feet in the trunk. The Jetta has maintained a reputation as a modest, practical car, but it’s anything but plain, and it’s friendly design fits well with smaller families.

The rear seatbelts are easy to use, even for little hands, and best of all, the Jetta has a long track record of excellent safety scores. With the lowest sticker price of our top picks, get the base 2018 Jetta SE for just $18,645.

Chevrolet Malibu

Chevy’s answer to a reliable family-friendly sedan is the handsomely styled mid-size 2017 Malibu. With seating for five, a back seat with tons of legroom, and 15.8 cubic-feet of cargo space in the trunk, the new Malibu is spacious enough for most families. Built-in 4G LTE connectivity will impress the most hardcore techie teen, and with a hybrid trim available as of the 2016 model year, look for fuel estimates around 43 miles-per-gallon highway. Find your Malibu at the bargain starting price of only $21,680.

Honda Accord

After 42 years, American families are still in love with the Honda Accord. An Accord may have even shuttled you around as a kid back in the 80s, and now there’s a spot in your driveway for your very own reliable workhorse. The latest Accord is sporting new everything from the powertrain to an improved infotainment system, and a slew of high-tech safety features with a starting price of $23,570.

Not to mention Honda’s flagship was named North American Car of the Year — again. The Accord still holds our top spot for one of the best family cars, year after year.

In a world where families seem to be heading towards SUV crossovers, the family sedan is still alive and kicking. Parents are always on the lookout for a vehicle that not only looks good, and drives well, but is easy on the pocketbook too. So load up the kids and hit the road in one of our top four picks for the best family sedans.

 

“Chevrolet Malibu XL” by TuRbO_J, licensed via CC BY 2.0