by Terry Banks
There are plenty of vehicles that are large enough for parents to comfortably transport their children and/or pets. However, some family friendly vehicles are ahead of the competition in terms of overall quality.
Here are eight of the very best vehicles for parents to comfortably transport their kids and pets.
1.Honda Odyssey
The Honda Odyssey is one of the best kid carriers money can buy. The Odyssey has helped Honda secure a solid position among minivans, and there are some great reasons why.
Because the Odyssey is made by Honda, you can bank on its reliability. Its fuel economy ratings are also best-in-class. The Odyssey’s handling is crisp and it has a great interior complete with innovative seating and lots of space. The top-of-the-line 2014 model even has a built-in vacuum cleaner!
Whether you’re running errands with the kids or traveling with them, it’s hard to better than a Honda Odyssey.
2. Volvo XC60
If safety is your number one concern, you should heavily consider purchasing the Volvo XC60. The other vehicles in this article have good safety ratings as well, but Volvo has built a very solid reputation for safety.
The Volvo XC60 is more than just a vehicle with excellent safety ratings. Edmunds describes it as a well-rounded small luxury SUV. It has a strong turbocharged engine and ample interior space. The XC60 also has a decent set of tech-oriented features.
3. Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S is one of, if not the most stylish family-friendly sedans you can find. The base model’s passenger space is comparable to other vehicles in its class, but the Tesla Model S has an unusual option. For $2,500, rear-facing seats can be included in the back of the car. This boosts the vehicle’s capacity to seven.
The Tesla Model S is an expensive electric car, but it’s also one of the most advanced luxury sport sedans in the world. Its overall performance is very good, it’s sexy, and it has lots of advanced technological features.
4. Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander delivers a combination of space (holds up to seven people), general versatility, well-designed interior, and a comfortable ride. The Highlander is also powerful but fuel-efficient.
One of the Highlander’s coolest interior features is a removable seat in the second row that helps facilitate walk-through access. The Highlander is not the sexiest looking crossover vehicle, but it is made by Toyota (which means it’s a winner).
5. Chevrolet Suburban
If your top three concerns are space, space, and more space, you should take a close look at the Chevrolet Suburban. The Suburban is a gas eater, and parallel parking can sometimes be a big challenge. But the very large SUV can comfortably carry up to nine passengers plus lots of other stuff.
Suburbans have lots of cargo space and excellent towing capabilities. Although many reviewers don’t give the Suburban high marks for handling, most agree that driving one makes for an overall comfortable ride.
6. Dodge Grand Caravan
Will you use your vehicle to haul around lots of equipment in addition to people? The Dodge Grand Caravan was made with you in mind. The Grand Caravan boasts dozens of interior configurations that can be manipulated in just seconds.
Experts do not put the Grand Caravan in the same class as the Honda Odyssey, but the Caravan is the better choice for price-conscious consumers.
7. Ford Flex
Not everyone likes the look of the Ford Flex, but there’s one thing that can’t be denied: it’s a great vehicle for families. Although the Flex is not a minivan, it provides nearly the same amount of interior space as one.
According to USNews.com, the Flex is ranked in the top 10 in affordability in three areas: midsize SUVs, SUVs with three rows, and crossover SUVs. Space and affordability are not the Ford Flex’s only qualities. It also rides smoothly and has lots of other features.
8. Subaru Outback
Do you need a spacious vehicle that can perform well off-road and/or in difficult weather conditions? The Subaru Outback deserves your serious consideration. It’s one of the best vehicles in its class.
The 2013 Subaru Outback was voted Best Wagon for Families by US News. Outbacks are as spacious as conventional mid-sized SUVs, but they’re more similar to sedans in terms of fuel efficiency and driving characteristics.
There are plenty of large vehicles that you can buy for your family, but the eight in this article are some of the best in their classes.
