Why Choose a Family-Friendly Car

Are you looking to buy a new vehicle this year? While that sounds exciting, the idea and the actual process of purchasing one aren't simple. You need to consider various factors, such as price, financing, features and size. The latter is an important point, especially if you're looking to buy something for the family. 

Gone are the days of reckless sports cars. Now, more people are searching for vehicles that offer huge cargo space and accommodate more passengers. Why is that? Besides fitting the whole family, a larger and heavier vehicle is safer than a smaller one. However, cars are not created equal, and size is only one thing to consider. 

Regardless, putting the safety and well-being of your family remain a top priority. After 100 years of innovation, automakers are building more family-friendly vehicles. Below, we'll discuss what benefits you can expect from it. We also include some essential factors you should not miss when buying a car for your family and a list of the best options to consider. 

Overview of Family-Friendly Cars in Canada

A family car comes in various sizes, but they can all transport and accommodate the needs of an average family. In Canada, the regular family size is 2.9, which means having three persons or fewer in one household. 

Minivans, station wagons, and crossovers have enough space to be considered family-friendly. However, that's only half of the equation. Modern family life needs more than a spacious room when going on a short or long road trip. 

Choosing a car for the family isn't only about the size of the vehicle that can transport multiple family members. Now, more than ever, family-friendly features, which are evident in Mazda car models, are an essential factor when buying a motor vehicle. 

The latest average new car price exceeds the $40,000 threshold. It could even go higher if you want something with a higher safety standard and more advanced features. If it means better security and well-being for your loved ones, a family-oriented vehicle is worth every penny. 

Benefits of a Family-Friendly Car

If you think you don't need to upgrade your regular car, you might want to change your mind once you know the benefits of owning a family-friendly vehicle. 

Enough Room for Everyone

Space is crucial, especially if you have more than two kids or toddlers. They often want to be in motion, and not having enough room while you're on the road can make them cranky. Since family-friendly cars are designed with children and adults in mind, you won't need to worry about getting jam-packed.  

Provides More Comfort 

With sufficient seating for everyone, it's much more comfortable to go on a trip in a family-friendly car. Plus, most of these vehicles make it easier to access and secure car seats for your children. The measurements of the seats may also be wider with extra inches of rear legroom for the children. 

Ample Cargo Area

Ample cargo space is necessary if your family is fond of going on a vacation. That's one of the best things about family-oriented vehicles. With a roomy cargo area, it's convenient to pack a lot of stuff. You can easily fit all your luggage for a week into the car without having anyone sit on boxes or bags. 

Perfect for Outdoor Adventures

A family-friendly car can be versatile. Besides using them to transport your kids to schools, it's also a practical option for outdoor adventures. They're often big and equipped enough to haul your camping gear or power through some muddy and tricky roads. 

Reliable and Safe

You need to ensure that the car is reliable and safe, especially if you're driving with kids at the back. Family-oriented vehicles are known to be sturdy, so you won't need to worry about problematic issues while on the road.  

Must-Consider Factors for Every Family Car

Not all family cars are family-friendly. If you want to maximize the benefits, make sure to take enough time and research before picking any vehicle. It can be an overwhelming task given the wide selection of cars in the market. 

While choosing the perfect family vehicle depends on your unique needs, here are the factors you must consider:

Safety 

Safety is a critical element for every vehicle. While family cars are generally safe, some have more features than others. Look out for safety features like reverse cameras, fatigue detection, and autonomous emergency braking. Of course, don't forget to check the vehicle's safety rating. A higher rating means the car provides greater safety and reassurance in case of collision. 

Entertainment Options

Most modern family cars, like sport utility vehicles, have built-in entertainment systems. You might want to consider a feature with built-in interactive games for your children. The key here is to choose something that your family will enjoy while you're going on a long-distance trip. 

Fuel Efficiency

Oil prices are increasing these days. Driving a fuel-efficient car would be a practical option. Since it requires less gas to go a certain distance, you can save fuel expenses. It can also help reduce your carbon footprint. 

Seating Capacity

Comfortable seating is a crucial factor in selecting a family car. Having an uncomfortable seat on a long road trip would be awful. Ensure it can accommodate everyone in the family and has plenty of room to install a full-size car seat or reverse-facing child safety seat. 

Cost

Although it's nice to have all the special and high-tech features in a family car, they can be more expensive. Every family has different needs, preferences, and budgets. Thus, stick to what you can only comfortably afford as long as it doesn't compromise your family's safety. 

Best Family-Friendly Cars in Canada

Buying a car can be overwhelming, whether it's your first time or not. To help you narrow down your choices, we compiled a list of the best family-friendly cars in Canada. 

Mazda CX-5 GX 

This five-seater small crossover is a great choice not only for daily routines like going to work or school. This Mazda model is a perfect family vehicle for road trips with its outstanding fuel efficiency and updated safety features. Plus, the history of reliability in Mazda cars makes it a more attractive option. It's the reason why used Mazdas hold up even after several years of use. 

Chevrolet Malibu LT 

With its active engine option and good fuel economy, this midsize family car offers a smooth riding experience. It also has a user-friendly infotainment system to keep your family entertained while on the road. 

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE AWD

This sport utility vehicle is one of the best options for families. It has two rows of seats, which can accommodate five people. But the interiors are spacious, with a cargo length of 40.0 inches at the back of the car. It also has terrific fuel economy and great curbside appeal. However, this is often out of their price range for many people. 

Honda Civic Hatchback Sport

This five-seater hatchback may not be ideal for a large family. Although it offers more interior, the roofline is very low. There's not enough headroom, especially for your taller family members. But still, it's popular because of its performance and efficiency. 

Mitsubishi Outlander ES S-AWC 

This seven-seater SUV is an excellent choice if you're looking for a more spacious family car yet costs a bit less than its counterparts. It has Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control system and other intuitive features. Note that this is not the right car for you if you're looking for a zippy acceleration. 

Subaru Forester

This suburban SUV is also perfect for families since its size is neither too large nor too small. There's a large cargo space and ample headroom for taller drivers and passengers. Even if it's not as accommodating as a minivan, it's sufficient for meeting the daily tasks of the regular small family. 

Click here if you want to experience more dependability in your next family vehicle. 

Explore Our New Lineup at Yorkdale Dufferin Mazda

Family cars are beneficial in several ways. But besides safety, entertainment systems, and other features, it's also best to think about Insurance terms. Suppose you want to search for other criteria when selecting the best vehicle for your family. In that case, Mazda has a variety of article sources for you. 

We also have a new lineup of new and used Mazda for sale this year. Get in touch with us today to learn more about your options and the different Mazda warranties.

Buying your first family car? Explore our new lineup at Yorkdale Dufferin Mazda today!

FAQs on Why Choose a Family-Friendly Car  

Which car is best for a middle-class family in Canada?

The best car for a middle-class family in Canada depends on your family’s needs and wants. But in terms of style, comfort and safety measures, the Mazda models are a great place to get started. 

What is considered a family vehicle?

Sedans, SUVS, minivans, and station wagons are typical examples of family vehicles. You can call it a family car if it's used to transport multiple passengers and meet the needs of a typical family. 

Is a pickup a good family car?

A pickup isn't fully equipped to be a family car. However, it can be a great alternative if you need more cargo area and don't frequently transport tons of people.