Every year Kelly Blue Book assembles a list of the top family cars. We analyze
road manners, safety, cargo space, child seat readiness, general usability, and of
course value to identify superior SUVs and minivans ideally suited to family
duty. Heads up, for 2018 we're once again focusing on mainstream SUVs and
minivans. But just to be clear, depending on your needs, a luxury SUV or family
sedan could be the best choice. With that out of the way here's a brief look at
this year's winners. Starting with a new face we have the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox.
A full 400 pounds lighter than the previous Equinox the latest version is a
fine driving, tastefully styled, and thoroughly
practical compact SUV. Beyond standards like push-button start and a 7-inch
touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Chevy also offers a 360
degree camera system and an engine lineup that includes a highly-efficient
1.6-liter diesel that returns 39 highway mpg and a 2-liter turbo mill delivering
a robust 252 horsepower. Well rounded and well sorted the Equinox is a great
ride for small families. In similar fashion the popular Honda CR-V joins our
list yet again, with its quick-release, flat-folding second row seats,
multi-level cargo floor, and spacious rear quarters that accommodate
rear-facing child seats without ruining legroom up front. Easy to drive, efficient,
safe, and offering outstanding resale values the Honda CR-V is an easy SUV to
recommend. Lightly updated for 2018 the Subaru Outback offers more than 73 cubic
feet of cargo space, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and standard all-wheel drive,
making it a fantastic choice for outdoorsy, adventure-seeking families. A
refined ride, good fuel economy, a freshly updated interior, and available Eyesight
active driver assist technology round out Subaru's supremely functional wagon.
Moving up to midsize SUVs we have the all-new 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. For
larger families its 8 passenger capacity, spacious cargo hold,
smart-fold second row seat and countless storage nooks are a major boon. Meanwhile
the standard Teen Driver feature allows weary parents to monitor the driving
habits of their young uns. The all-new 2018 Chevy Traverse is a welcome
addition to our family car list. Not only does the Honda Pilot grace this year's
family car list, it also scored our coveted midsize SUV Best Buy award for
2018. Driving that win is a thoughtfully crafted interior that can seat up to
eight actual adults along with plenty of cargo behind them. Efficient, roomy, safe,
and rich with value the Honda Pilot is a top choice if you need a three row SUV.
At the same time the three row Toyota Highlander remains a top seller.
Reliability and resale values figure into the Highlanders popularity but
families in particular will appreciate its 8-passenger cabin, nearly flat
folding second and third row seats, handy in-floor storage area, spacious cargo area,
and efficient optional hybrid powertrain. Smartly designed and handsome with low
long-term ownership costs Toyota's midsize-er is a smart SUV buy. A new
addition to our family car list is the all-new 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. VW might
be late to the mid-sized SUV game but the Atlas has quickly established itself as
a front-runner in the category, in large part because it's...well...large. For
instance the tallest member of our editorial staff, Rich, at six-foot-five
fits just fine in the rear most seats. Even with its maximum 7 passengers
aboard a respectable 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space remains. Size aside the Atlas
has macho style, is satisfying to drive, and features a long 6-year/72,000 mile
warranty. It might be new to the SUV game but the VW Atlas deserves a look.
What if you need room for nine people, like the tow, and occasionally venture
off road? Then the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe is a good choice with its strong
body-on-frame construction, available four-wheel drive, and 8,600
pound tow capacity. For 2018 the Tahoe lineup has expanded with a sub $45,000
Tahoe custom model and a racier RST trim rocking a 420 horsepower V8. Otherwise
the standard Tahoe marches on with a capable 355 horsepower V8, a quiet
cabin, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For big
family fun the Chevy Tahoe is a big winner. If you prefer the blue oval, have
we got an SUV for you? The 2018 Ford Expedition is roughly 300 pounds
lighter than the previous model with an independent rear suspension that
delivers superior ride quality while also improving third row roominess.
Powering the Expedition is a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 and 10-speed
automatic transmission combo producing up to 400 horsepower. The EcoBoost V6 is
powerful and yet returns up to 24 highway MPG. Smart, spacious, and richly
equipped the Ford Expedition is a seriously good full-size ride. Minivans
might seem lame but beneath their practical facade hides some of the
smartest design and coolest tech on the road. Take the Chrysler Pacifica. Its
second row Stow n' Go seats feature a cantilevered arrangement for enhanced
third row foot space and for cargo hauling they fold completely into the
floor. You can also equip the Pacifica with foot-activated sliding side doors, a
360-degree camera system, and there's even a plug-in hybrid version that can
cover more than 30 miles without using any gasoline, while also being eligible
for a $7,500 federal tax credit. Easy to live with and a pleasure to drive the
Chrysler Pacifica exemplifies smart minivan design.
Another fine minivan choice is the 2018 Toyota Sienna. It's getting on in years
but the current generation Sienna offers some nice enhancements for 2018
including lightly revised styling and a new 8-speed automatic transmission. Among
the Sienna's core strengths are flexible seating for up to 8, a wealth of child
seat latch points, and driver Easy Speak, which amplifies the driver's voice for
rear seat passengers. Boasting excellent resale values and solid reliability the
Sienna is also the only minivan offered with all-wheel drive. Fear not, winter
drivers. The Sienna has your back
Rounding out our family car list is the all-new 2018 Honda Odyssey, a vehicle
we've described as maybe the best family car in the world.
That bold statement is backed up by effortless driving dynamics, top-tier
roominess and functionality, and advanced safety tech. Speaking of, aside from the
lowest LX trim all Odyssey's come standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of
active driver aids that bundles adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and
collision mitigation braking. Primo reliability and resale values further
bolster the Odyssey's stellar reputation. Blending robust safety, handy
technologies, and a cleverly arranged cabin the Honda Odyssey represents the
pinnacle of family car greatness. And with those lofty words let's conclude
our best family cars of 2018. For a deeper dive into what made these
vehicles so superbly family-worthy check out our complete coverage on
kbb.com. And if you're looking to buy a car for your family or otherwise Kelly
Blue Book is here to help
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