We look at a number of factors such as space, safety and design to discover the best cars for families.
Toyota Kluger
What we like
This seven-seater car is great in terms of space and design with a 24-litre centre console - perfect for an extra bag of camping gear or hiding lollies and chocolate on long car trips. Interior boot space starts around 195 litres, expanding to over 500 litres with the rear seats folded and if you're pushing it, a max of around 1900 litres. It has seven airbags, ABS, reversing camera and parking sensors.
Mazda CX-9
What we like
The sleek design makes it feel less like a clunky people mover, despite having seven seats, and more like a sophisticated car you can drive even when the kids aren't around. It's 2.5-litre direct injection turbocharged engine responds quickly when accelerating so there's no lag when you hit the freeway. It offers the latest in connectivity so you can plug in your music or let the kids watch an iPad in the back. It also offers a number of safety features to assist drivers in emergency situations.
Honda CR-V
What we like
With a choice between five or seven seats, it's great for a growing family or one that needs a lot of storage space as it has around a 153-litre boot. The rear seat is a standout in terms of space with a flat floor and broad bench offering plenty of room, even for adults.
Kia Carnival
What we like:
With eight seats and plenty of room, the Carnival offers a great ride for large families. The standard model comes with six airbags - a great safety feature however the Platinum models seem to have the better safety features such as AEB. It offers three USB charging points and 10 cup holders, ideal for older kids or adults in the back.
Subaru Outback
What we like
With a long and wide body, there is plenty of boot space and rear seat hip room, offering even adults a comfy ride. The rear seats can be folded flat, increasing the boot space from around 500 litres to 1800 litres. Thanks to door seals and noise-reducing materials you can expect a relatively quiet ride. Models also come with a touch-screen infotainment system.
Safety is an incredibly important part of choosing a car. Here's what you need to know about
car safety.
18 Apr