When it comes to family cars, safety is often the top priority. But who says you can’t have a safe and stylish car? The modern auto market is full of vehicles that offer the best of both worlds—keeping your loved ones safe while turning heads on the road. Gone are the days when family cars meant dull minivans or bulky SUVs with all the charm of a washing machine. Today, you can cruise in a vehicle that’s as sleek as it is secure. Here are 9 family cars that blend safety with style.
Volvo XC90
Volvo builds some of the safest cars on the planet, and the XC90 is no exception. This Swedish beauty is like a Scandinavian fortress on wheels, loaded with various safety features. The XC90’s City Safety system, which includes pedestrian, cyclist, and significant animal detection, was designed by someone who hates accidents. Add in the Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving feature, and you’ve got a car that practically drives itself in bumper-to-bumper traffic, all while wrapped in an exterior that looks more like modern art than a family SUV. But let’s talk style. The XC90 doesn’t just sit in the parking lot; it lounges there with its clean lines and minimalistic design. The cabin is just as impressive, with a sleek, tech-laden interior that’s more Scandinavian living room than a car interior.
Audi Q7
If the Volvo XC90 is a Scandinavian fortress, the Audi Q7 is a German tank—but one that’s been to finishing school. Audi is synonymous with luxury, and the Q7 doesn’t disappoint. It’s packed with features like Pre-Sense City, which can detect and prevent collisions at speeds up to 52 mph. Then there’s the Quattro all-wheel-drive system that ensures you’re safe even when the weather is rough. The Q7’s style is pure Audi—understated yet undeniably elegant. It’s the kind of car that doesn’t shout but commands attention with its sharp lines and sophisticated stance. Inside, it’s a tech lover’s paradise, with a virtual cockpit that replaces traditional dials with a customizable digital display.
Subaru Ascent
Subaru’s Ascent is the car that laughs in the face of bad weather. It comes with a standard all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Subaru’s Eyesight Driver Assist Technology is standard and includes pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. It’s like having a co-pilot who’s always on high alert. Stylistically, the Ascent is more rugged than ravishing, but that’s part of its charm. It looks ready to tackle the Appalachian Trail as quickly as the daily commute. The interior is functional, with plenty of room for the whole family and their gear.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is the epitome of dependability. This car will be there for you through thick and thin, with the safety credentials to prove it. The Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a suite of features that includes pre-collision detection with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, and full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control. It’s like having a samurai bodyguard who’s always ready to leap into action. In terms of style, the Highlander has come a long way. Once considered a bit vanilla, the latest model sports a more aggressive look with sharp lines and a bold front grille. The Highlander might be the sensible choice, but that doesn’t mean it’s boring.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is like that friend who’s always on time, never forgets your birthday, and somehow manages to look good doing it. When it comes to style, the CR-V has a certain understated elegance. It’s not flashy, but it’s far from dull. The exterior is clean and modern, with a sleek profile that’s more aerodynamic than expected from a compact SUV. Safety-wise, the CR-V comes with the Honda Sensing suite of safety features as standard. This includes adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, and lane-keeping assist. It’s the car equivalent of a Swiss watch—precise, reliable, and packed with all the right features. It’s practical without being plain and stylish without being showy.
Kia Telluride
Kia has been stepping up its game lately, and the Telluride is proof of that. This big, bold SUV doesn’t just want to fit in; it wants to stand out. Safety is a big deal for the Telluride, which has a full suite of driver-assist features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Its available Highway Driving Assist 2 can assist with steering wheel control when changing lanes (activated by the turn signal) with a one-touch button setting for speed. Plus, the Telluride’s style is anything but subtle. With its boxy shape, bold grille, and distinctive LED headlights, it’s the kind of car that makes a statement.
Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is the family SUV sports car. It’s agile, responsive, and a joy to drive, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice fun for practicality. In terms of design, the CX-5 is pure Mazda—elegant, dynamic, and just a bit daring. The exterior is sleek and sculpted, with a design that looks fast even when parked. On the safety front, the CX-5 comes equipped with Mazda’s i-Activsense suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring, and Mazda’s Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) technology optimizing responsiveness through different drive modes (Sport, Off-Road, Normal) so your connection to your drive is intuitive no matter where it takes you. It’s like a driving coach who’s always one step ahead.
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is like the surprise star of a blockbuster movie—unexpected but impossible to ignore. Hyundai has packed this SUV with safety features, including blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go Function. This function helps Adjust the vehicle’s speed without stepping on the gas. It’s like having an air traffic controller in your car, ensuring everything goes smoothly. The Palisade might be a relative newcomer, but it’s already setting new standards for what a family car can be.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer has been a staple of American driveways for decades, and the latest version shows why. Critical safety systems include Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite, which has advanced technologies like Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert, and a Lane-Keeping System. The Explorer also offers Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Evasive Steering Assist, and a rearview camera with a built-in washer for clear visibility. The vehicle’s sturdy build is complemented by side-impact airbags and a reinforced frame, providing additional protection during a collision. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2023 Explorer a 5-star overall safety rating, reflecting its superior crashworthiness. With these features, the Ford Explorer upholds its reputation as a reliable and safe SUV, offering peace of mind on every journey.
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