Shopping for a family car? Auto expert Chris Pyle from JustAnswer breaks down what really matters when you’re hauling precious cargo — and which models deliver the most bang for your stretched-thin budget.
Read on for Pyle’s best car recommendations for families with children.
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The Minivan Champions
Pyle said the following minivans would be “good picks.:
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Kia Carnival
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Honda Odyssey
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Toyota Sienna
He said these family-haulers offer “lots of room, good features, [are] easy on the wallet and [are] dependable vehicles.” While all of these are under $42,000, Pyle’s first minivan mention — the Kia Carnival — starts at $36,500 (for the 2025 release), gets an estimated 26 miles per gallon (MPG) and features auto braking technology.
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SUV All-Stars
Looking for something less minivan? Pyle highlighted the below solid options.
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Kia Telluride
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Kia Sorento
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Toyota Highlander
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Hyundai Palisade
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Hyundai Santa Fe
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Honda Pilot
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Honda Santa Fe
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Chevy Traverse
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Ford Explorer
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Ford Edge
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Nissan Pathfinder
For instance, the 2025 Toyota Highlander starts at $39,520, gets up to 25 combined MPG and offers three rows of spacious seating. Pyle said these models “rank high, are safe models and have the room needed.” The rest of these picks range from $31,990 to $42,400 and provide the same overall safety features.
Real-Life Priorities
“Young kids normally means recently married, so income will be low,” Pyle pointed out, noting the reality of “home mortgage, a job where you have not moved up the ladder much yet and kids are expensive.” Because of this, buyers should be on the lookout for excellent value for money.
What Really Matters
Forget the fancy features — what you actually need is space and plenty of it. As Pyle explained, you need “easy entry and exit with car seats; storage for strollers, bags, toys, food and drinks. Plus, [you need] extra room for groceries.”
Skip the Luxury
“Try to steer away from the plush amenities, kids destroy cars,” Pyle added. However, he suggested keeping “the option open for electronic entertainment that comes with the vehicle or that you can plug up and add.”
Focus on practicality over prestige. As Pyle said, you want a “robust vehicle since you are carrying your most cared for loved ones.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 14 Best Cars for Families With Young Kids in 2025
