Gear

The 2021 Family Car Awards

Including well-appointed electric SUVs, crossovers fit for weekend adventures, minivans that still drive like a dream, and family wagons that don’t skimp on the fun.

by Michael Frank
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
three of the best family cars of the year arrayed against a turquoise background with a light gold s...

Is it safe? Does it have enough storage? Is it on budget?

Family Car Awardshereelectric SUVs

2022 Honda Civic Hatchback EX

Price:EPA:Capacity:Max Cargo Space:

Ford Mustang Mach-e California Route 1 RWD

Price:RangeCapacity:Max Cargo Space:familywill give you a $7,500 tax credit

Volvo C40 Recharge

Price:Range:Capacity:Max Cargo Space:Volvo’s XC40 Recharge

Toyota Corolla Cross

Price:EPA:Capacity:Max Cargo Space:nine

Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend Edition

Price:EPA:Capacity:Max Cargo Space:Cool Family Feature: A split tailgate (a hatch door lifts up, and a lower door drops, like with a pickup truck) creates a super handy table for impromptu diaper changes — and also for actual tailgating.

VW Taos

Price:EPA:Capacity:Max Cargo Space:Cool Family Feature: A “guardian” function lets you geo-fence your teen-driver, as well as know when they’ve gone somewhere other than Billy’s house. If they know and you know, they won’t, right?

Audi Q4 Sportback 50 e-tron

Price:Range:Capacity:Max Cargo Space:Cool Family Feature: There’s no center transmission tunnel in the second row, which means the center seat is far less of a “penalty” spot for a fifth passenger.

Subaru Outback Wilderness Edition

Price:EPA:Capacity:Max Cargo Space:Cool Family Feature: A 700-pound load limit on the roof rack means roof-top tents will be stable for you and your kid — or you can carry two tandem kayaks safely.

Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB

Price:EPA:Capacity:Max Cargo Space:Can’t wait that long? We had the GLB 250

KIA Sorento Hybrid

Price:EPA:CapacityMax Cargo Space:Cool Family Feature: Eight USB charging ports, so the fighting can cease…largestandard

Mercedes-Benz AMG E-63 S Wagon

Price:EPA:Capacity:Max Cargo Space:Cool Family Feature: Optional rear seat heaters ensure that riding in the second row doesn’t feel like sitting in “coach.”

Toyota Sienna Hybrid XSE

Price:EPA:Capacity:Max Cargo Space:Cool Family Feature: Driver easy speak lets you talk via the hands-free phone microphone to whoever’s in the second and third rows. No more craning your neck (or taking your eyes off the road). good, rather than exceptional, marks

Kia Carnival LXS

Price:EPA:Capacity:Max Cargo Space:Cool Family Feature: Even once you’ve parked, cameras “read” the road and prevent a child from hopping out of the sliding doors by keeping them locked if a car is approaching.

Genesis GV80 2.5 AWD

Price:EPA:Capacity:Max Cargo Space:Cool Family Feature: Second-row passengers get integrated sun shades, so your teenage kids can act like rock stars hiding from the paparazzi.

Volvo XC90 Recharge

Price:EPA:Capacity:Max Cargo Space:Cool Family Feature:design its own line of child seats

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