Are you looking for a new car to serve your family's needs? Everything, from that new car smell to the fresh paint job, makes buying a new car exciting.
The family car market has exploded in recent years. With so much choice, how can you pick the best family car for you? We'll detail what you should look for in a family car, the best options available in Australia, your financing options, and avoiding car loan mistakes.
Purchasing your new family car is a big decision. Asking yourself whether it has enough seats isn't the only question you must consider. Here are the top priorities you should think about before buying a new family car. Any car you have your eye on should pass these six tests.
Safety should be your utmost priority when purchasing a new family car. 63% of Australians consider safety the most pressing matter during the car shopping experience. Fortunately, cars are safer today than ever. With revolutionising technology and government legislation, safety features are standard in new vehicles.
Buying a car isn't cheap. You want to find a vehicle that meets your needs without breaking the bank. However, the expenses don't stop once you put the keys in the ignition. Looking for a 'good value' car means finding a vehicle that doesn't cost too much to run. Consider insurance, fuel, maintenance, and repair expenses.
No one wants a car that continually breaks down. Aside from the cost of repairs, it's an enormous hassle—especially when you have young kids in the back. No, you want to know that your new purchase will reliably transport you from place to place for years to come. Reliability is an extra concern if you buy a used car.
The driving experience may not seem like a priority—after all, your aim is to get everyone in your family from point A to point B without too much fuss.
However, if you plan to take a few road trips or even just want the school run to pass more enjoyably, buy a car that's nice to drive. Consider driving ease, steering precision, brake and accelerator pedal feel, and visibility—all-important for safety.
Comfort and convenience mean having enough seats for everyone in the family, Bluetooth speakers, GPS, adjustable seats, and more. The level of convenience you require depends on your family, needs, and budget. It's an easy aspect to look over, but how much stress will an in-built navigation system save?
Finally, is the car built for children? Whether you have one or five kids, you need a vehicle that can safely accommodate child seats. Is there enough space for a child's seat, other seating, and your belongings?
So, without further ado, here are the top family cars of 2022. Once you have found your family-friendly dream car, don't hesitate to get in touch to see how we can help you finance your vehicle purchase.
If you're looking for one of the top family-friendly SUVs Australia offers, then the Mazda CX-9 might provide everything you need. The Mazda CX-9 fits six to seven people, but if you prefer a smaller SUV, the CX-5 is more compact. The car is roomy and comfortable, designed with refinement and luxury while maintaining a relatively low price tag.
The Toyota RAV4 is a smaller option on the market if you don't require a seven-seater. It's one of the most affordable cars of its style, with a new and refreshed model in 2022. The vehicle is ideally suited to families, with many practical features and plenty of space. There is a large amount of cargo space, especially for a hybrid model.
However, if you're not keen on the hybrid style, you can purchase the base RAV4 GX for an even lower price. Without opting for a fully electric vehicle, Toyota leads the Australian market in affordable hybrid SUVs.
Kia's latest SUV comes as a hybrid, petrol, or diesel model. It's family-friendly, with smart safety tech, comfortable features, and plenty of space and practicality. The entry-level Sorento comes with a generous amount of technology as standard.
You can opt for a five or seven-seat configuration, the former coming with more than 600L of cargo space. It's ideal for everything from family road trips to the daily school run.
If you want a car that will transport you away from the city into the outback, the Subaru Outback is an excellent family-friendly choice. Rather than looking large and cumbersome (like many SUVs), the Sabura is sleek and stylish—but not afraid to get dirty. It's affordable, comfortable, and packed with safety features, making it the ideal choice for your new family car.
The Subaru Outback comes with autonomous emergency braking and steering. Plus, there's plenty of space to stretch out in the front and room in the back to pile all your kids' toys for each outing. If you're looking for a larger family-friendly car, consider the Subaru Outback.
The Toyota Kluger is one of Australia's leading family cars. With plenty of space and seating, the Kluger is large, adaptable and safe. It's available in hybrid or fuel options. The cargo space might seem lacking compared to other family cars. However, with the third row of seats folded down, the cargo space almost triples.
Moreover, the Toyota Kluger is incredibly fuel-efficient, saving your family money in the long term. Models come with alloy wheels, LED headlights, keyless entry, and more. You can also opt for a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and a leather finish.
Skoda might not be the first company to come to mind when considering family-friendly cars. However, their newest Kodiaq range is awe-inspiring. With seven seats or the configuration option for five seats, this model has plenty of space for everyone. Cargo space expands to 630L with only five seats.
The entry-level models come with 19-inch alloys, LED headlights, two digital displays, cruise control, an automatic boot, and tablet holders in the rear seats. It's an excellent choice for families with plenty of safety and tech features.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is another vehicle that has quickly taken Australian families by storm. The Santa Fe is perfect for large families, with up to seven seats and enormous space. Moreover, it's a highly comfortable car with plenty of entertainment and safety features at an affordable price.
The Volkswagen Passat is a large, spacious, and comfortable sedan. If you're not interested in the SUV route, the Passat offers all you need and more. With an impressive 650L boot space and high-quality engineering throughout, the Passat is refined and comfortable yet highly affordable.
The Volvo XC90 has been a long-time favourite family car and is a little pricier than the other options on your list. However, the XC90 is worth the cost if you can afford it. With luxury, class, spaciousness, and a powerful engine, you cannot go wrong. Volvo also offers a hybrid version of the XC90.
The Ford Everest offers a neat, comfortable build with plenty of safety and tech features for all the family. If you're looking for a vehicle with plenty of space, look no further. You'll have enough room for everyone and all your gear with five-seat and seven-seat configurations. In addition, the Everest is fuel-efficient, built for off-roading, powerful, and intuitive. What more do you need?
Have you found your new dream car on your list of the top ten family cars of 2022? Don't worry if the price is a little intimidating. While all of our car options are highly affordable models, not everyone has the cash sitting in the bank. You don't have to pay upfront for your new vehicle.
Have you considered taking out an auto loan to purchase your new car? Ausloans can find you highly affordable, flexible, and competitive loans to help you buy your family car now. Our financing solutions are tailored to your situation. Use our borrowing power calculator to determine which brand new family car could be yours.