Family vehicles are about more than just moving people from point A to point B. These cars are the mobile headquarters for families on the move. If you’re looking for a family vehicle that can do it all, you’re probably checking out the award-winning models. These 8 vehicles have racked up more trophies than a spelling bee champion, and for good reason.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V would win the gold medal in every event if family vehicles had an Olympic Games. The CR-V’s list of accolades is longer than your grocery list on Thanksgiving. It’s been awarded titles like Best Compact SUV for Families by U.S. News & World Report, IIHS Top Safety Pick, and Motor Trend’s SUV of the Year — all in one year. Versatility is the CR-V’s middle name. Its spacious interior fits all the essentials (and non-essentials) for a family of five while still offering a fuel-efficient engine to keep gas station stops to a minimum. Safety features like Honda Sensing come standard, giving you a suite of safety tech that watches out for pedestrians, lane drifting, and the car in front of you when you get too caught up in a rendition of “Let It Go” from the backseat.
Toyota Highlander
Packed with Toyota’s reputation for reliability and enough space to hold half your house, the Highlander has earned Best Buy awards from Kelley Blue Book, IIHS Top Safety Pick, and was named Best Three Row SUV for Families by U.S. News & World Report. The Highlander’s success boils down to its balance of everything a family could want: Safety, space, and tech. Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5+ suite is essentially the SUV version of a parental superpower, offering features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control that make long drives feel a little less like a marathon. Plus, there’s enough room for eight passengers. Each model year sees new tech upgrades, better fuel efficiency, and more comfort for drivers and passengers.
Chrysler Pacifica
Hold your groans. The Chrysler Pacifica is here to prove that minivans are officially cool. It has won Family Car of the Year from Cars.com, Best Minivan from U.S. News & World Report, and even Luxury Family Vehicle awards from Parents Magazine. Why does the Pacifica rack up so many awards? There’s Stow ‘n Go seating, meaning those rear seats fold flat into the floor, giving you a cavernous interior for everything you didn’t know you’d need to haul (IKEA furniture, anyone?). On top of that, Chrysler packed this van with tech: From the rear-seat Uconnect Theater system to the *360-degree camera* that ensures you can park like a pro, the Pacifica practically drives itself. The plug-in hybrid option is one of the only family-friendly hybrids to save you on gas without skimping on space.
Subaru Ascent
If your family’s motto is Adventure Awaits, the Subaru Ascent should be your trusty steed. This mid-size SUV has earned multiple IIHS Top Safety Pick awards, Best 3 Row SUV from Kelley Blue Book, and is a regular in Parents Magazine’s Best Family Cars list. Why the acclaim? This is partly due to Subaru’s legendary all-wheel drive system, which means the Ascent can take your family from the soccer field to the ski slopes without breaking a sweat. The EyeSight Driver Assist system provides adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking so you can focus on your next adventure while the Ascent watches out for hazards. Inside, the Ascent offers enough room for eight passengers, and its rear doors open extra wide, making getting kids in and out of car seats easier. Add 19 cup holders (yes, 19) for all your sippy cups and coffee mugs, and you’ve got a vehicle ready for any family outing.
Ford Explorer
In recent years, the Explorer has racked up trophies like the IIHS Top Safety Pick, Best Full-Size SUV for Families by U.S. News & World Report, and multiple Best Buy awards from Kelley Blue Book. What makes the Explorer stand out? Its flexibility. Whether you need to tow the boat for a weekend at the lake or survive the daily commute, the Explorer adapts to whatever life throws. Its powerful engines ensure you’re never underwhelmed, and its spacious interior can handle cargo and kids or both. The Ford Co-Pilot360 system gives you a suite of safety features, making it one of the most reassuring vehicles on the road. With heated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and an upgraded sound system, the Explorer proves you can have it all: Performance, comfort, and safety.
Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride has won the coveted World Car of the Year award, along with MotorTrend SUV of the Year and Best 3 Row SUV from just about everyone. The secret to the Telluride’s success is its ability to deliver luxury-level comfort at a non-luxury price. Its upscale interior feels like something from a car costing twice as much, and its standard safety tech, like Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Forward Collision Warning, keeps families safe without the need for pricey add-ons. With eight seats and plenty of room for cargo, the Telluride doesn’t just win awards. It wins over parents, too
Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevy Traverse may not be the flashiest SUV, but it’s one of the most decorated. Earning spots on Best Family SUV lists from U.S. News & World Report, IIHS Top Safety Pick awards, and even being recognized for its resale value by J.D. Power, the Traverse is a workhorse that families can count on. The Traverse has room for eight passengers and an enormous cargo area, meaning this SUV can handle almost anything. Need to tow the boat? No problem. Hauling gear for a weekend camping trip? Easy peasy. Its V6 engine delivers solid performance without guzzling gas, making it an excellent choice for long road trips.
Mazda CX-9
Mazda’s CX-9 may look like a sleek, sporty SUV, but don’t let its stylish appearance fool you. This family vehicle means business when it comes to safety. It’s been awarded IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and made countless “best family vehicle” lists thanks to its perfect blend of driving dynamics, safety tech, and style. Mazda’s i-Activsense system offers everything from adaptive cruise control to rear cross traffic alerts, ensuring you stay safe regardless of road conditions. Plus, its responsive handling makes it feel like a smaller, sportier vehicle, which is excellent when navigating tight parking lots or weaving through traffic.
14 Supercars Under $100K That Deliver Breathtaking Speed and Style
When you think of supercars, names like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren often come to mind, along with their staggering price tags. However, high-performance vehicles aren’t exclusively reserved for the super-rich. There exists a sweet spot where speed, style, and (relatively) sensible pricing converge, offering thrilling rides without completely obliterating your bank account. Hop in as we explore 14 underrated supercars under $100K.
14 Supercars Under $100K That Deliver Breathtaking Speed and Style
