11 Best Family Cars In Australia 2022

In the market for a new car with the family in mind? We have compiled a list of 11 great family cars that should be at the top of your shopping list.

1. Kia Carnival

2. Kia Sorento

3. Subaru Forester

4. Isuzu D-MAX

5. Toyota RAV4

6. Mazda CX-9

7. Hyundai IONIQ 5

8. Volvo XC40 Recharge

9. Skoda Kodiaq

10. Land Rover Defender

11. Genesis GV80

1. Kia Carnival

A stylish van you say? Who knew they mastered it. This whip is perfect if you need the space but don’t want to become the soccer parents, we all dread. Loaded with tech and comfort, the Carnival is a great buy.

Pros

• 8 Seats
• 2 Tonne towing capacity
• 7 Years unlimited km warranty

Cons

• Servicing is a little pricey
• Longer than your average car, making parking less of a breeze.

Who should drive the Kia Carnival? Bigger families with room to grow. Having space between kids its always ideal, and the Carnival is the solution. Having a decent sized boot for all the items needed for a day out allows for no barriers to get out and go.

Browse Kia Carnival Listings On OnlyCars

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2. Kia Sorento

The SUV that means business; the Kia Sorento is a great choice for those who want to spend a little bit more on a whole lot more. Loaded with great teach and interior design, you’ll be stepping into luxury without the full price tag.

Pros

• Comfortable drive train
• Great interior design and comfort
• Loaded with tech
• Good range to choose from based on your budget.

Cons

• No 3^rd row vents – can cause arguments for the larger families
• Big price jump since the last model
• 7L/100km – bit thirsty!

Who should drive the Kia Sorento? The Sorento is designed for the families that want to cruise around in style and comfort. Having the option of more seats, the Sorento can cater to all walks of life. Not only being comfortable to drive but comfortable to sit in, long road trips would be a dream in this vehicle. Finished with the boot space to accommodate a weekend away.

Find Kia Sorento Listings On OnlyCars

3. Subaru Forester

The Forester is a great cruising car; you can go on road trips or just stay local and let the fun find you. Getting 7.4L/100km being average consumption, means you won’t be haemorrhaging money getting the family to the beach.

Pros

• Affordable
• AWD – Adventures unlocked.
• 5 Star ANCAP safety rating

Cons

• Only 5 seats
• Lower to ground, you can feel more road imperfections.
• Cost of service is above average.

Who should drive the Subaru Forester? The Forester is for those who crave adventures on the weekend, throwing a surfboard and all the beach gear in the boot is what this Subaru is destined for.

Check Out Subaru Forester Listings On OnlyCars

4. Isuzu D-MAX

Being award 2021 Ute of the year and being a finalist in 2022 that should be enough to add some weight to why the D-MAX would be a good addition to the family. However, the versatility of the Ute space while still fitting everyone in comfort certainly ticks the boxes for us.

Pros

• Versatile, no adventure too big for the D-MAX.
• Sleek interior.
• Great infotainment system.

Cons

• Only 5 seats.
• Tight fight on child seats.
• Industrial feeling drive, can be rather bumpy.

Who should drive the Isuzu D-MAX? The family who wants to camp and get out in nature, the D-MAX is a great option. Comfortable highway cruising allows this work horse to also cater for a fun weekend away.

See Isuzu D-MAX Listings On OnlyCars

5. Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 has been a highlight in the Toyota line up for years, but the face lift and design change has really bought it into this century and become a great option for any family.

Pros

• Very comfortable ride, great suspension.
• Enough space for rear facing car seats and a pram in the boot.
• Entry level price options.
• 7L/100km.

Cons

• Interior design is very in your face – lots of big knobs and buttons.
• Tech is dated if you don’t use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be laggy.

Who should drive the Toyota RAV4? The young family that needs a good height to load in and out babies from car seats and needs that extra room for prams and toys. The RAV4 is a comfortable car to drive, gliding over all potholes in its path – perfect for not waking baby up while having a dreamy car nap.

View Toyota RAV4 Listings On OnlyCars

6. Mazda CX-9

Mazda has led the SUV standards high for years, the design has always been sleek and perfect for cruising around the city and rolling into school pick up.

Pros

• Great safety features.
• Beautiful design.
• Comfortable ride.

Cons

• Tech is yesteryear.
• Struggle to have a rear facing car seat and passenger in the car at one.
• On the pricey side.

Who should drive the Mazda CX-9? The family that loves a weekend getaway to the city, rolling in comfort and style is what the Mazda brings, perfect for a family with older kids with no car seat in sight.

Browse Mazda CX-9 Listings On OnlyCars

7. Hyundai IONIQ 5

This is the way of the future, whether you want to deny it or not. It’s good to see some more options in the electric space and do well. The IONIQ is one that excited us upon its release, and electric car that is a full overhaul and not just a electrified petrol car. The design alone is really eye catching, and the tech inside is enough to have any preteen comfortable and have those devices charged up for a road trip with the family.

Pros

• Loads of tech.. everywhere!
• Great second row seating space.
• A real head turner style wise.

Cons

• Not ideal for long road trips – range anxiety!
• A bit small for car seats and all that comes with them.
• Not a very refined driving experience, some body roll at high speeds.

Who should drive the Hyundai IONIQ? Families with older kids will thrive in this vehicle, the torque alone is enough to create some family memories in this zippy little number, but the tech and comfort will have everyone impressed and keen to ride in style.

Check Out The Best Electric Cars To Buy In Australia

8. Volvo XC40 Recharge

Volvo is known for safety which screams family friendly to us, and the XC40 recharge is no exception. Designed with style and comfort, paired with the silent motor and drive; this vehicle is certainly one to consider.

Pros

• Free Servicing for 3 years.
• Low running cost.
• Packed with safety.

Cons

• Tricky to get rear facing child seats in and have room for a front passenger.
• On the pricey side.
• Not the most efficient EV on the market.
• Range anxiety.

Who should drive the Volvo XC40 recharge? The family that doesn’t care for long road trips and stay within their neck of the woods mainly. Perfect car to have to run to and from school and sports on the weekend.

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9. Skoda Kodiaq

This sporty SUV flies under the radar most of the time, but we are here to sign a light on this great family option. Sporty drive and styling will get the family to soccer trials in a flash.

Pros

• Great interior styling.
• Sporty drive.
• Spacious when using as a 5-seater.

Cons

• Not a lot of room in the third row when used.
• Can get expensive when you add extras.
• Not enough people are buying them.

Who should drive the Skoda Kodiaq? The family that may spend a bit of time in the car, having fold out arm rests, head rest and blinds, makes travelling more than comfortable. There is the option for 7 seats, however it does get a bit squishy; more so designed for families with 4 members.

10. Land Rover Defender

Being crowned world car design of the year in 2021, all eyes should be on the defender. Being on the higher end of the price scale and wearing the weight of that prestigious award, the defender has some big shoes to fill. However, we think it’s up for the challenge.

Pros

• Cabin room.
• All terrain ability.
• Comfortable suspension.

Cons

• Pricey, really adds up when adding extras.
• High service cost.
• You can’t hide from the sheer size, not easy squeeze into car spots – tricky to get young children in and out while trying to avoid a love tap to the car next to you.

Who should drive the Land Rover Defender? The family that seeks adventures with some added luxury, the defender is for you. This vehicle will get you into the rocky terrain with ease and style.

11. Genesis GV80

Known as the poor man’s Bentayga, however there is nothing lacking in the GV80. Pure class and style, paired with one of the most comfortable driving experiences we have ever had. There is nothing poor about this Genesis.

Pros

• Comfortable ride
• Full of tech
• Lavish luxury styling
• Loads of space

Cons

• Higher on the price scale – almost matching established dealers
• Hard to find – Not many dealerships around
• Bit of a guzzler – 9.8L/100km

Who should drive the Genesis GV80 – The family that wants luxury and isn’t afraid of spending a little bit extra on a whole lot more style. The GV80 is an exceptionally comfy car to drive and full of safety including handy blind spot cameras that pop up on the dash, making road trips a breeze.

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