For many families, the quest for the perfect vehicle often leads straight to SUVs. It’s understandable – SUVs offer generous space, a commanding view of the road, and ample cargo capacity. They’ve become synonymous with family transportation, and their practicality is undeniable. But what if an SUV isn’t the right fit for your family? Perhaps you prefer a more engaging driving experience, prioritize fuel efficiency, or simply appreciate the classic design of cars. The good news is that excellent family cars exist beyond the SUV category, offering a blend of comfort, space, and efficiency tailored to family needs.
While SUVs dominate the family car conversation, they aren’t the only answer. Some drivers find SUVs bulky and less enjoyable to drive. Enthusiasts often miss the nimbler handling of cars with a lower center of gravity. Furthermore, traditional cars – sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons – often excel in fuel economy compared to their taller, heavier SUV counterparts. For families seeking alternatives, the market offers a diverse range of vehicles that prioritize passenger comfort, practicality, and driving pleasure.
Here, we present a curated list of some of the best family cars that aren’t SUVs, drawing upon expert Edmunds Ratings. This selection highlights midsize sedans – a popular choice for families – alongside versatile wagons, efficient electric vehicles, and even a minivan that redefines family transportation. These vehicles prove that you don’t need an SUV to have a fantastic family car.
Toyota Camry: The Reliable and Efficient Family Sedan
The Toyota Camry has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a practical but somewhat bland sedan into a stylish, engaging, and highly efficient family car. This latest iteration of the Camry offers a compelling combination of affordability, reliability, and modern features. Starting at under $30,000, the Camry boasts impressive fuel economy, achieving up to 51 mpg combined in hybrid models. Its 15.1-cubic-foot trunk provides ample cargo space for family essentials, and all-wheel drive is available for enhanced traction in various weather conditions. Inside, a user-friendly 12-inch touchscreen and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features contribute to the Camry’s top ranking in the midsize sedan segment, making it a truly great family car.
Edmunds Rating: 8.1/10
Starting MSRP: $29,835
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Honda Accord: A Legacy of Family-Friendly Excellence
The Honda Accord stands as another pillar in the family sedan landscape, renowned for its blend of practicality and driving enjoyment. Historically, the Accord has distinguished itself with engaging handling and performance, setting it apart from competitors. The current Accord model offers even more rear legroom and trunk space than the Camry, ensuring passenger comfort on longer journeys. While achieving similar hybrid efficiency to the Camry comes at a slightly higher price, the Accord remains a fuel-conscious choice, especially in its non-hybrid form, which still delivers 32 mpg combined. Whether you prioritize hybrid efficiency or traditional gasoline power, the Honda Accord solidifies its position as a top-tier great family car.
Edmunds Rating: 8.0/10
Starting MSRP: $29,390
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Kia K5 & Hyundai Sonata: Stylish and Tech-Forward Family Sedans
The Kia K5 and Hyundai Sonata, corporate cousins sharing a platform, present compelling options in the mainstream family sedan category. Each model offers a distinct flavor while delivering on core family car needs. The Kia K5 makes a statement with its bold, modern design, complemented by a comfortable interior and a wealth of standard technology. Features like a seamless digital instrument cluster and touchscreen, along with adaptive cruise control, enhance the driving experience. The Hyundai Sonata adopts a more refined and elegant aesthetic, offering a similar suite of features to the K5. Both sedans provide optional all-wheel drive, but the Sonata uniquely offers a hybrid variant. With slightly lower starting prices than some competitors, both the K5 and Sonata represent value-packed great family car choices.
Edmunds Rating: 7.9/10
Starting MSRP: $28,365 (K5); $28,095 (Sonata)
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Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Luxury Family Sedan Redefined
For families seeking a premium experience, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class emerges as a top contender in the luxury sedan segment. This model masterfully blends a smooth, refined ride with an exquisitely designed interior and cutting-edge technology. Available in sedan, wagon, and high-performance AMG plug-in hybrid variants, the E-Class offers versatility to match different family needs. While the cost of optional features can elevate the price, the E-Class delivers a truly luxurious experience. Although rear-seat legroom and trunk space are adequate rather than class-leading, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class ultimately stands out as a benchmark great family car in the luxury category.
Edmunds Rating: 8.2/10
Starting MSRP: $63,600
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BMW 5 Series: The Enthusiast’s Luxury Family Car
If the Mercedes-Benz E-Class’s price point is slightly beyond your budget, the BMW 5 Series presents a compelling alternative, closely matching the E-Class in Edmunds ratings. Sharing similar comfort and performance characteristics with the Benz, the 5 Series distinguishes itself with a more athletic driving feel. For drivers who appreciate engaging handling alongside family-friendly practicality, the 5 Series delivers. It also offers a slightly roomier rear seat and a more generous trunk than the E-Class. Coupled with a beautifully crafted interior, the BMW 5 Series is a great family car that caters to both daily needs and driving enthusiasts.
Edmunds Rating: 8.1/10
Starting MSRP: $59,875
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Hyundai Ioniq 6: The Electric Family Sedan of the Future
For families ready to embrace electric mobility, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 stands out as an exceptional electric family sedan. With its distinctive, futuristic styling reminiscent of a stretched Volkswagen Beetle, the Ioniq 6 is both eye-catching and highly functional. The spacious interior provides ample rear legroom, rivaling larger sedans. Offering a range of up to 342 miles with the larger battery option (and performing even better in real-world Edmunds testing), range anxiety becomes a thing of the past. Rapid charging capabilities further enhance its practicality, charging from 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes. While rear headroom is slightly compromised by the sleek roofline, the Ioniq 6 delivers a comfortable ride and positions itself as a forward-thinking great family car.
Edmunds Rating: 8.1/10
Starting MSRP: $39,045
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Honda Civic Hybrid Hatchback: Compact Size, Big Family Value
Do you truly need a midsize sedan for comfortable family transport? For many families, especially those just starting out or with younger children, the answer is no. The Honda Civic hatchback proves that a compact car can be a remarkably versatile and efficient great family car. Shorter than the Accord by about 15 inches, the Civic hatchback boasts class-leading cargo space and only slightly less rear legroom than larger sedans (even surpassing the BMW 5 Series). While a sedan version is available, the hatchback configuration maximizes utility. Opting for the hybrid version enhances fuel economy (up to 48 mpg combined) and provides more torque, making the Civic Hybrid Hatchback a smart and practical family choice.
Edmunds Rating: 8.2/10
Starting MSRP: $28,545
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Subaru Outback: The Wagon That Blurs the Lines
The Subaru Outback occupies a unique space, straddling the line between wagon and SUV. Its long, low profile aligns with wagon aesthetics, while its elevated ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive echo SUV capabilities. This wagon-SUV crossover design translates to excellent family utility. The Outback provides substantial cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding significantly when folded. Ample legroom for both rows of passengers and reclining rear seats further enhance passenger comfort and cargo versatility. With Jeep-like ground clearance and available towing capacity, the Outback is ready for adventure. While the base engine is adequate, the optional turbo-four engine delivers more spirited performance. Regardless of engine choice, the Subaru Outback offers a compelling blend of practicality and capability, making it a distinctive great family car.
Edmunds Rating: 7.9/10
Starting MSRP: $29,010
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Audi RS 6 Avant: The High-Performance Family Wagon
The Audi RS 6 Avant resides in the realm of aspirational family cars, with a price tag reflecting its exclusivity and performance. However, it presents a unique proposition: two cars in one. In everyday driving, the RS 6 Avant functions as a comfortable, refined, and spacious wagon, boasting a meticulously crafted interior and advanced technology. Rear legroom and cargo capacity are generous for family needs. Yet, at the push of the “RS” button, the RS 6 Avant transforms into a thrilling performance machine, capable of breathtaking acceleration thanks to its twin-turbo V8 engine. Despite its performance focus and large wheels, the ride remains composed. The Audi RS 6 Avant is a great family car for those who desire both practicality and exhilarating performance without compromise.
Edmunds Rating: 8.6/10
Starting MSRP: $129,195
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Volkswagen ID. Buzz: Reimagining the Family Minivan for the Electric Age
Minivans, often associated with suburban practicality, are being redefined by the Volkswagen ID. Buzz. This all-electric minivan challenges conventional perceptions, offering a blend of retro charm and modern innovation. The ID. Buzz provides seating for up to seven passengers and an electric range of up to 234 miles. Its retro-inspired design pays homage to classic VW buses, while the interior is thoroughly modern, featuring a large touchscreen, ample USB ports, and a ventilated phone charger. With a potent electric powertrain, the ID. Buzz delivers ample performance for everyday driving. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is not just a minivan; it’s a great family car that embraces electric power and reimagines family transportation for the future.
Edmunds Rating: 8.3/10
Starting MSRP: $61,545
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Choosing the right family car is a significant decision. While SUVs remain a popular choice, a diverse range of excellent alternatives exists. From efficient sedans and versatile hatchbacks to spacious wagons and innovative electric vehicles like the ID. Buzz, the market offers Great Family Cars to suit various needs and preferences. Explore these options and discover the perfect non-SUV family car for your lifestyle.
