Choosing the Best Family Car in 2018

Each year affordable family cars come with better safety technology and features that make travelling with your children easier.

In 2018, we've noticed that most cars now come with AEB as standard. Other things to look for are full-length curtain airbags to protect backseat passengers, and sensors to warn you of anything in your path when reversing.

This article will focus on family SUVs. Here's where you can read about family sedans and people movers.

Each of the cars on this list is chosen for:

• Safety
• Comfort, convenience, and space
• Child seats
• Technology - audiovisual as well as engine and drivetrain.

Here's our list to help you choose the best family car for you.

6 Cars for young families under $50,000

Small SUV's

1. Audi Q2 2.0 TFSI Quattro (2018)

This car tops the list as a fun, performance-focused, petrol, AWD urban SUV. With 18-inch alloy wheels and leather seat trim, it looks posh and boasts a low fuel consumption of just 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres. With excellent grip and traction, AEB with pedestrian detection up to 65 kilometres an hour, this sporty SUV is perfect for a family of four.

Audi Q2 2.0 TFSI Quattro, image courtesy of Cars Guide

It has 355 litres of boot-space, two ISOFIX and three top-tether hooks for child seats, and rear air vents with dual-zone climate control, plus an automatic tailgate for easy luggage loading. A 7.0-inch dash-top touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also displays the reversing camera.

2. Toyota CH-R (2018)

Launched in 2017, this uniquely shaped small SUV appears sporty and distinctive. It's one of the best cars for young families of four, compact but still with enough room in the back, and you can fit a pram in the boot - no need to go straight to a family bus.

Toyota CH-R 2018 - image courtesy of What Car.

Safety is excellent with AEB and seven airbags. The 1.2-litre turbo is built for suburban driving and has very low fuel consumption at 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres. The only negative is the lack of phone mirroring, though it does have Bluetooth connectivity and a rearview camera through the 6.1-inch touchscreen and a very affordable price.

New to Australia in 2018

3. Ford Endura (2018)

Available in Australia for the first time in 2018, this UK-sourced, classically styled SUV slips under our budget in the base model, runs a 2.0 litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel (235kW/475Nm) and can tow up to 2,000 kilograms braked. An 8-inch infotainment screen displays Sync 3 with Apple CarPlay, AUX-input and DAB+ radio piped through a 12-speaker sound system.

Brand New Ford Endura 2018 - image courtesy of Cars Guide

The technology is excellent, with four 12V and two USB charge ports, a 240V power outlet, and plenty of convenient internal storage. The engine is really gutsy and the car suits a family who traverses fire trails and gravel roads.

4. Infiniti QX50 (late 2018)

Expected to arrive in Australia late in 2018, this SUV's notable feature is the huge luggage space of 895 litres behind the second row of seats, you'll fit a pram and three golf bags lengthways with space to spare.

Infiniti QX50 available late this year - image courtesy of Car & Driver.

It will have the latest variable-compression 2.9-litre turbo-engine, the technology that claims to have the torque and efficiency of a four-cylinder diesel. Fuel economy is 8.7 litres per 100 kilometres. Safety technology includes AEB as well as Nissan's semi-autonomous 'Pro-Pilot Assist' to aid braking and steering on the freeway.

Medium SUV's

5. Mazda CX-5 (2018)

The ten-speaker Bose sound system with digital radio is one reason to buy this small SUV, but it's let down by a lower resolution 7.5-inch touchscreen and has no phone mirroring. You can option leather seats, including a non-kid-friendly white, and there's reasonable internal storage. Boot space is a little small at 442 litres.

Newest technology in the CX-5 2018, image courtesy of Top Gear.

The 2.2-litre turbo-diesel can tow 1,800 kilograms braked, using around 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres. It's an excellent engine, sporty to drive, and the full safety kit with AEB and six airbags are standard on all specs. There are ISOFIX and tether hooks for two child seats.

6. Subaru Outback 2.5i (2018)

This wagon-style SUV is one of the best cars for young families who are active and may venture off-road. The premium model comes with twelve Harmon Kardon speakers and an 8.0-inch touchscreen and still fits under $50,000. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.

A much-needed tech update - image courtesy of Express.co.uk

It's practical for weekends with roof rails allowing roof racks to be easily attached, and 512 litres of boot space. You can fit a cargo barrier for comfort too. The 2.5-litre four-cylinder 'boxer' engine uses 7.3 litres per 100 kilometres. It's the most off-road capable SUV here and the only one with a full-size spare.

Which family car is best?

Reading this list may have sealed the deal on which is the best family car for you, or you might decide to hold your purchase as new models reach Australia later in the year.

Once you're ready to find your new family car, you can arrange competitive family car finance with a caring customer team at Positive Lending Solutions.