Are you currently looking to upgrade the family car? There are a few reasons why you may be in this position. Your current model could be suffering from mechanical issues that are too expensive to justify paying for. Your family could be growing, meaning you need a few more seats. Or, it could just be time for an upgrade. Let’s spend this useful article exploring a few tips for choosing the perfect family car.
How Many Seats?
The first thing you need to determine is the number of seats you need. If youโre looking into a large SUV for your next family car, for example, keep in mind that they usually come in five or seven seats. As a rule of thumb, it is good to have a spare seat for storage or for when you need to transport friends or other loved ones. Thatโs why a seven-seater is perfect. Any more than that and you probably should be looking for a people mover!
Storage Space Matters
As well as seats, you need to consider how much storage room your family SUV comes with. This is because you’re likely to be transporting cargo. Whether it is the weekly grocery shop, sports equipment, items of furniture or other bulky items, it’s awesome to be able to use the family car for all your needs. So, when you’re shopping around, take note of the various storage spaces that each model has. Consider an upgrade like roof rails or racks, which means you can put a storage pod on top of the car, significantly increasing your storage room.
Fuel Efficiency
Another thing to consider is how fuel-efficient your next SUV will be. While these types of cars usually consume more fuel than smaller models, solely because of their size and power, there are still differences in fuel economy between makes and models. As well as reading the manufacturer’s specifications, itโs worth checking out some anecdotal evidence as well. Check out internet forums like Whirlpool and Reddit and ask friends and family who may have the model youโre considering. This is because fuel efficiency differs depending on driving styles and traffic conditions, so word of mouth is worth listening to here.
Entertainment Options
A family car needs to have some entertainment options to keep the kids entertained on those long road trips. At the very least, most modern SUVs should come equipped with a Bluetooth stereo so you can stream the kids’ favorite playlists and podcasts. Your budget will determine which upgrades and entertainment options your vehicle will be equipped with, so keep this in mind when weighing up your options. A useful tip to keep the kids at bay is to mix up digital entertainment with some analog options like coloring books, eye spy and other fun games you can play in the car.ย
Safety Rating
Finally, a great kid-friendly car should have a high safety rating. You are carrying precious cargo, so opt for a make and model that comes with the highest safety rating possible. Five stars is the gold standard here, donโt opt for less.ย
A Family Car Conclusion
There are a few things to consider when choosing a large family SUV. The number of seats is important, but it depends on the size of your family. You’re also going to want ample storage space. While SUVs are not as fuel-efficient as smaller models, fuel economy should also factor into your choice. Consider the different entertainment options for the kids, and choose a model with a high safety rating.
