The Best Used Cars for Families

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The Best Used Cars for Families

Posted on August 28, 2024

Searching for the best used cars for families? Our locations sell all kinds of used vehicles, so we've put together some common categories to help you make sense of it all. In this comprehensive guide, we explore some notably reliable and used cars that offer the perfect blend of space, comfort, and affordability.

From body style to well-regarded brands, there's more than one way to choose a used vehicle that will serve your loved ones. Read on to find out how to choose the ideal vehicle type and standout models that meet your family’s needs while keeping your wallet happy.

Highlights of Our Exploration of the Best Used Cars for Families

• Best used minivans: Honda Odyssey due to its balance between fuel efficiency, passenger and cargo volume, and price tag—and the Toyota Sienna for an effective and efficient all-wheel-drive.
• Best used SUVs: Chevrolet Tahoe for its exceptional towing capacity for families with recreational vehicles and Hyundai Tucson for its all-around safety and options.
• Best used electric vehicles: Chevrolet Bolt for its affordability and superior fuel efficiency and Kia Niro PHEV for its flexibility in gas and hassle-free at-home charging.
• Best used small cars: Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Focus for longevity (worry-free and low maintenance for years) and low repair costs well into high mileage.
• Best subcompact SUV: Honda CH-R for its reliability and car-like efficiency.
• Best used luxury vehicles: Mercedes Benz E-Class sedan and Lexus RX SUV for breathtaking design and build quality for family drives over many years.
• Best used station wagons: Subaru Outback for its power and storage—and the Volvo V60 for a balance between great looks, efficiency, and performance.
• Honourable Mention: Nissan Armada for nearly matching the Chevrolet Tahoe in towing capacity and affordability.

The Versatility of Used Minivans

Minivans, long-time staples of family transportation, provide almost (key word almost) unmatched versatility. They are an excellent choice for families requiring reliable and spacious vehicles.

One of the key advantages of minivans is their seating capacity; with 3 rows of seats, they can accommodate up to 8 people, providing plenty of space for everyone, even in a larger family. They also offer sliding doors, unique features, and lots more to love, especially for families raising children.

Honda Odyssey: A Top Choice for Families

Family cars often bring to mind the Honda Odyssey in used condition. This minivan exudes practicality, comfort, and innovation, making it a solid choice for families of all sizes.

Interior Capacity

Recent models of the Honda Odyssey, for example, boast a large and comfortable cabin that can accommodate up to 8 passengers, ensuring that everyone, from kids to grandparents, can travel in comfort.

Fuel Economy

One of the standout features of the Odyssey is its fuel economy. Although it’s a large vehicle, this vehicle demands attention with an impressive 12.4 L/100km in the city and 8.4 L/100km on the highway. Such fuel efficiency makes it not only a practical but also an economical choice for long road trips and daily commutes with the kids and your spouse alike.

Honda Odyssey Price Tags

Considering the Honda Odyssey’s various trims, it accommodates different budgets, an essential factor when shopping for a family car. The price of a recently made Odyssey model ranges from north of $38,000 to over $48,000, depending on the year, trim, and options you choose.

With its blend of space, innovative features, and fuel efficiency, the Odyssey truly stands out as one of the best used family cars on the market.

Toyota Sienna: A Family Favorite in Winter

With its combination of hybrid efficiency, spacious interior, advanced safety features, and a fuel efficient (compared to the Odyssey) all-wheel drive hybrid design yielding 6.7 L/100km combined—the Toyota Sienna is a fantastic option for families looking for a reliable and versatile used vehicle for winter driving.

Spacious and Versatile Interior

The Sienna offers a roomy and inviting interior that can comfortably seat 7 or 8 passengers. Its flexible seating configurations and ample cargo space ensure that everyone, from kids to grandparents, has plenty of room to relax and enjoy the ride.

The optional second-row captain’s chair decreases maximum passenger capacity but it adds an extra touch of comfort and luxury—not to mention 3rd-row accessibility.

Advanced Safety Features

Safety is a top priority in the Toyota Sienna. It comes equipped with a suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a comprehensive airbag system. These features provide peace of mind, knowing that your family is well-protected on the road—all part of the reason this vehicle won Top Safety Pick + in recent years of the IIHS awards.

All-Wheel Drive Capability

For families who need extra traction and stability, the Sienna offers an available all-wheel drive option. This feature enhances the vehicle’s performance in various driving conditions, making it a reliable choice for unreliable roads in Calgary's recurring snowstorms. In newer used models the Hybrid Synergy Drive complements the AWD capability and boosts fuel economy.

SUVs That Offer Space and Comfort

If a bit more ruggedness and all-conditions' capability are what your family needs, SUVs are an excellent choice. These vehicles combine the space and comfort needed for family life with the power and durability to handle a variety of terrains.

Chevrolet Tahoe: A Great SUV for Family Camping

Take recent models of a Chevrolet Tahoe in used condition. Recent models of this SUV offer seating for up to 8 passengers and comes with a V8 engine capable of towing up to 8,600 lb, making it perfect for families who love outdoor activities in the mountains.

When it comes to balancing space, comfort, and performance, SUVs, even subcompacts like the Chevrolet Trax, truly stand out. They offer the versatility needed to accommodate large families and their diverse needs, making them a top choice for those seeking the best used family cars.

Hyundai Tucson

The used Hyundai Tucson is another great vehicle to buy used. As a model Hyundai promotes heavily, it has a strong reliability rating of 87/100 for models from last decade. This model has also been awarded the Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in recent years.

As a winner in good company with other models on this list, it excels in crash tests and offers advanced safety technologies like forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and pedestrian detection—all so your family feels that much safer.

Used Electric Vehicles: Worth the Investment

Electric vehicles, often boasting significant improvements over their predecessors, can be a rewarding investment for families.

Buying electric often depends on the make, so it's worth looking into the best used car brands, since some electric models have been around for a long time, and some are just starting out in the electric vehicle arena. Putting your money into one of these used family cars could be a wise decision based on what's long-lasting, money-saving, and affordable to buy!

Chevrolet Bolt

If your family is getting into the electric revolution, these small cars demand attention from urban families looking for a family car that is both practical and hyper efficient. The newer used Chevrolet Bolt is another excellent option, achieving an impressive 1.8 L/100km in the city and only 2.2 L/100km (equivalent) on the highway. It's also a longstanding model that's proven a success for Chevrolet!

Kia Niro PHEV

The 2015-2020 used Kia Niro PHEV is another decently reliable second-generation vehicle at 76/100 on J.D. Power. With only 5% of cars reporting issues, mainly related to air conditioning, engine, and interior trim, it stands out as a dependable choice for families. These minor issues are far outweighed by the overall performance and reliability these vehicles offer.

Small Cars for Newlywed Urban Families

For families living in the city, small cars like these offer the perfect blend of efficiency, handling, and comfort. They make navigating busy streets and tight parking spots a breeze, all while providing the space and features needed for daily family life.

Our Favourite Sedans and Hatchbacks for Family Life

Urban families often face unique challenges when it comes to finding the perfect family car. Small cars, with their easy handling and excellent fuel efficiency, are a practical solution for city driving with fewer passengers in the back. Some top choices for young urban families include:

• Newer used Hyundai Elantra: Provides outstanding fuel economy
• Used Honda Civic: Known for its reliability and fuel efficiency
• Used Toyota Corolla: Offers a comfortable ride and good fuel economy
• Used Ford Focus: Compact and agile, perfect for navigating city streets

Subcompact SUVs: Toyota CH-R

Similarly, the Toyota C-HR stands out with a reliability rating of 80/100 most recently, smaller cars can still offer excellent performance and dependability for use as family vehicles; if your vehicle has a high reliability score, it won't stretch your family budget as much as a less reliable one—and its price tag often reflects Honda's recognizable affordability.

Luxury Used Family Cars

Luxury used family cars are an excellent choice for those desiring a hint of luxury without the new car price tag. These vehicles offer high-end features and unparalleled comfort, making them ideal for families seeking a more premium experience.

Opting for a luxury division of a larger brand, like Lexus or Cadillac, ensures a combination of top-tier performance, safety, and comfort—offering a superior driving experience for you and your loved ones.

Used Cadillac Escalade

The Cadillac Escalade is a great choice for families seeking luxury, space, and performance in a used vehicle. Known for a downright iconic presence and many upscale features, the Escalade offers seating for up to 8 passengers, making it ideal for larger families on any length of journey. It makes comfort and style look easy.

Under the hood, you’ll find a robust 6.2L V8 engine that delivers 420 horsepower and 460 lb ft of torque. This kind of power ensures a smooth and responsive driving experience in any conditions.

The Escalade also delivers a refined interior with high-quality materials, advanced technology, and ample cargo space. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend adventure or just running daily errands, this vehicle delivers on everything.

Used Lexus RX and ES

The used Lexus models of yesteryear are another standout, known for their refined handling, powerful engine lineup, and spacious interiors for midsize to larger families. Notable models include the Lexus RX, known for its luxurious feel and reliability, and or a used Lexus ES, which our sales advisors note for its smooth ride and comfort.

The RX especially has good reviews from customers for its build quality. If aesthetics, design, and standing out on the road are important to your family, the RX's C-pillar is one of the most unique and well-received features by Lexus fans and our staff alike! Its performance also won't leave your family wanting with its 2.4L turbocharged inline-4 engine.

Station Wagons: The Perfect Blend of Space and Efficiency

Although wagons are often overshadowed by SUVs and minivans, their unique blend of space and efficiency makes them ideal for families. One of the key advantages of wagons is their lower cargo floor, which makes loading and unloading easier and contributes to their spacious interiors. Wagons have several advantages over crossovers:

• They are more fuel-efficient due to their lighter weight and sleeker design.
• They offer the spaciousness of an SUV without sacrificing fuel economy.
• They provide a more car-like driving experience compared to crossovers.

Subaru Outback

For families looking for a practical and efficient vehicle, station wagons are still a worthwhile choice, and you may want to check out the Subaru Outback in case you're sold on a station wagon. They provide the space needed for family life while delivering the fuel efficiency and driving comfort that make daily commutes and long road trips more enjoyable.

Used models of the Subaru Outback, offer up to 2,144 L of cargo space, ensuring you have plenty of room for all your family’s gear. Additionally, the Outback’s versatile design and comfortable seating make it an excellent choice for families seeking both practicality and comfort.

Volvo V60

And if you’re in the market for a premium station wagon, the Volvo V60 from our used Volvo inventory should be at the top of your list. Renowned for its elegant design, advanced safety features, and smooth ride, the V60 is perfect for families.

With ample seating and cargo space for a midsize family, it’s ideal for road trips and daily commutes alike. Our sales advisors note it for its responsive turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 engine for highway driving and running errands in busy parts of town.

Safety Inspections as a Part of Service

When you buy a used car from one of Kaizen Auto's locations, you can rest assured that there's been a vehicle inspection including for the brakes for responsiveness to ensure there are no unusual noises or vibrations; experts also checking all dashboard indicators and gauges to make sure they are functioning properly.

Ensuring these safety features are in place will provide peace of mind and keep your family safe on the road.

Browse Through and Buy Kaizen Auto's Best Used Family Cars Today

Finding the perfect used family car is all about balancing reliability with affordability, and the features that matter most to your family. From the versatile Honda Odyssey to the luxurious Cadillac Escalade, there are numerous options available to suit different needs and budgets.

Remember, the key to making a smart purchase is thorough research and careful consideration of each vehicle’s features and performance.

Experience peace of mind by scheduling a test drive for your next used family car today, ensuring it meets your comfort and safety standards. Don’t miss the chance to feel the difference firsthand—book your test drive now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most economical family car?

Balancing price and mileage goes a long way when buying a family car, as it ensures affordability while minimizing long-term fuel costs. Considering higher mileage cars can be a smart economic choice if they are well-maintained and come with a detailed service history, offering reliability at a lower upfront cost.

The Honda Odyssey is a top choice for families due to its cabin size, top-quality features, and excellent fuel economy for something of its size, making it a practical and economical option.

What is the best age for a used car to buy?

The best age for a used car to buy is typically between 3 to 5 years old. At this age, cars have already depreciated significantly but still offer modern features and reliable performance. Check out our used car buying guide for more details on the process after you've decided on the ideal age or car generation.

Which is the best secondhand car for family?

The Honda Odyssey is often considered the best secondhand car for families due to its spacious interior, fuel efficiency, and practical family features. Its various trims accommodate different budgets, making it a versatile and reliable choice. But it faces competition from multiple other vehicles; ultimately it depends whether you value affordability, cargo or passenger space, fuel economy, or safety most.

The trims you find in used car inventory are usually very useful, and another family has already made great use of available features. We always looking for trade-ins so we can get another family into your valuable used vehicle.

Are older model family cars reliable?

Yes, older models like the Lexus NX and Hyundai Tucson from last decade are reliable and affordable choices for families.

If price is a factor, you might want to check out our inventory of used cars under $15,000. These vehicles offer great value without compromising on quality or reliability. Start your search today and discover some of the best deals available, including models like the Honda CR-V, Toyota Highlander, and Subaru Outback

What safety features should I look for in a used family car?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) safety ratings are crucial when selecting a used family car, as they provide an independent assessment of a vehicle's crashworthiness and crash avoidance capabilities. Look for models with Top Safety and Top Safety + picks over multiple years.

The dizzying array of safety features are hard to track across several makes and models, but IIHS ratings including the Top Safety Picks and Top Safety Pick + give you a real-world test. In 2022, a great year for many models, some of the notable safety winners not mentioned before were:

• Acura Integra
• Nissan Sentra
• Ford Bronco Sport
• Hyundai Palisade