Finding the ideal family car often conjures images of SUVs – spacious, versatile, and seemingly built for family life. They’ve become the go-to choice, and for good reason: ample passenger room, easy access thanks to their height, generous cargo space, and even towing capabilities. Three-row SUVs offer seating configurations that many traditional cars simply can’t match.
However, SUVs aren’t the only answer for families. Some drivers find their elevated driving position less appealing or prefer a more agile driving experience. Enthusiasts often appreciate the superior handling of cars with a lower center of gravity. Others simply prefer the classic sedan or wagon silhouette with a distinct trunk. Furthermore, SUVs generally lag behind sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons in fuel efficiency due to their larger size and weight. For families seeking alternatives, the market offers a compelling range of options beyond the SUV.
Based on Edmunds’ expert ratings, we’ve curated a list of the best family cars that aren’t SUVs. This selection highlights midsize sedans – a popular and practical choice for families – alongside versatile wagons, efficient EVs, and even a minivan that redefines family transportation.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry’s transformation is remarkable. Once known for its reliable but unremarkable nature, the Camry has evolved into a stylish, engaging, and fuel-efficient sedan ideal for families. This affordable and dependable family car now boasts a sleek design and a hybrid powertrain across the lineup. Starting under $30,000, the Camry achieves up to 51 mpg combined, making it a top choice for budget-conscious families. Its 15.1-cubic-foot trunk provides ample cargo space for family needs, and all-wheel drive is available for added confidence in various weather conditions. A 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system and comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features further solidify the Camry’s position as a leading midsize family sedan.
Edmunds Rating: 8.1/10
Starting MSRP: $29,835
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Honda Accord
The Honda Accord, a cornerstone of the family sedan segment, consistently delivers a blend of practicality and driving enjoyment. Known for its engaging handling and available performance upgrades in the past, the Accord has long been a favorite for families who appreciate a car that’s both sensible and fun to drive. The latest Accord offers generous rear legroom and trunk space, exceeding the Camry in these areas. Hybrid powertrains are available, but come at a higher price point compared to the Camry’s hybrid-only lineup, and offer slightly less impressive fuel economy at 48 mpg combined. However, the standard Accord still provides a thrifty 32 mpg combined. The Honda Accord remains a top-rated family sedan, offering a compelling combination of space, efficiency, and driving dynamics.
Edmunds Rating: 8.0/10
Starting MSRP: $29,390
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Kia K5 / Hyundai Sonata
The Kia K5 and Hyundai Sonata, corporate cousins sharing a platform, offer distinct flavors in the family sedan category. The Kia K5 stands out with its bold, contemporary design, a comfortable and tech-forward cabin, and a suite of standard technology features. These include a seamless digital instrument cluster and touchscreen display, along with driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control, enhancing convenience and safety for family journeys. The Hyundai Sonata presents a more refined and elegant aesthetic, emphasizing curves over sharp angles, while offering similar features to the K5. Both sedans offer optional all-wheel drive for enhanced traction, but the Sonata uniquely provides a hybrid powertrain option for increased fuel efficiency. The Sonata also boasts a slightly lower starting price, making both the K5 and Sonata strong contenders in the mainstream family sedan segment.
Edmunds Rating: 7.9/10
Starting MSRP: $28,365 (K5); $28,095 (Sonata)
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Mercedes-Benz E-Class
For families seeking a premium experience, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class represents a top-tier luxury family sedan. This well-rounded vehicle masterfully blends a smooth, comfortable ride with a sophisticated interior and cutting-edge technology. Available as a sedan, wagon, and even a high-performance AMG plug-in hybrid, the E-Class caters to diverse needs and preferences. However, the cost of optional features can quickly escalate the price, especially considering that features like adaptive cruise control are not standard, unlike many less expensive cars. While the E-Class could offer more trunk space and rear legroom compared to some competitors, it remains a benchmark in the luxury family sedan class, delivering an exceptional blend of refinement and family-friendly attributes.
Edmunds Rating: 8.2/10
Starting MSRP: $63,600
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BMW 5 Series
If the Mercedes-Benz E-Class stretches the budget, the BMW 5 Series offers a compelling alternative in the luxury family car segment, achieving similar Edmunds ratings. Sharing comfort and performance characteristics with the E-Class, the BMW 5 Series leans towards a more athletic driving experience. For driving enthusiasts who also need a family-friendly vehicle, the 5 Series excels. It provides slightly more rear-seat room and a significantly larger trunk compared to the E-Class. The BMW 5 Series also boasts an exquisitely designed and crafted interior, making it a top choice for families who appreciate both luxury and driving dynamics.
Edmunds Rating: 8.1/10
Starting MSRP: $59,875
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Hyundai Ioniq 6
For families ready to embrace electric vehicles, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 stands out as a top family electric sedan. With a striking, futuristic design reminiscent of a stretched Volkswagen Beetle, the Ioniq 6 is both unique and highly functional. It offers generous rear passenger space, comparable to the larger Volvo S90, and impressive electric range. Entry-level models achieve up to 240 miles of range, while larger battery options extend that to 342 miles. Edmunds’ real-world testing has even shown it exceeding EPA-rated range. The Ioniq 6 also boasts rapid charging capabilities, going from 10% to 80% charge in under 20 minutes. While rear headroom is somewhat limited due to the sloping roofline, and front seats could be more comfortable for long drives, the Ioniq 6 delivers a smooth and relaxed ride, making it an excellent electric family car choice.
Edmunds Rating: 8.1/10
Starting MSRP: $39,045
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Honda Civic Hybrid Hatchback
Do families always need a midsize sedan? Not necessarily. While taller families might prefer the extra space, for smaller families or those just starting out, a compact car like the Honda Civic hatchback can be an ideal and versatile option. Shorter than the Accord by about 15 inches, the Civic hatchback still offers class-leading cargo space of nearly 25 cubic feet and comparable rear legroom to larger sedans, even surpassing the BMW 5 Series in this measure. While a standard sedan version is available, the hatchback configuration maximizes utility for families. Opting for the hybrid version further enhances its appeal, offering up to 48 mpg combined and increased torque compared to the sporty Si trim. The Honda Civic Hybrid Hatchback is a smart and efficient choice for smaller families.
Edmunds Rating: 8.2/10
Starting MSRP: $28,545
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Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback blurs the lines between wagon and SUV, offering a unique blend of car-like handling and SUV-like capability, making it a versatile family vehicle. Its wagon profile provides ample length and a lower stance than typical SUVs, while its raised ground clearance and standard all-wheel-drive system deliver SUV-inspired confidence. The Outback boasts impressive utility with nearly 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to double that with seats folded. Passenger space is generous, with ample legroom and reclining rear seats that enhance comfort and accommodate car seats or bulky items. With almost 9 inches of ground clearance and a towing capacity of up to 2,700 pounds, the Outback is surprisingly rugged. The base four-cylinder engine is adequate but not powerful; however, some trims offer a turbocharged four-cylinder for more spirited performance. The standard engine excels in fuel economy, achieving up to 28 mpg combined. The Subaru Outback provides a compelling alternative for families seeking a capable and practical vehicle that’s not a traditional SUV.
Edmunds Rating: 7.9/10
Starting MSRP: $29,010
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Audi RS 6
The Audi RS 6 sits at the premium end of the spectrum, offering a unique proposition as both a high-performance sports car and a practical family wagon. Its six-figure price reflects its dual nature. In everyday driving, the RS 6 is a comfortable, quiet, and spacious wagon with a meticulously crafted interior and advanced technology. Rear legroom is plentiful, and cargo space is a respectable 30 cubic feet. However, engaging “RS” mode transforms the RS 6 into a thrilling performance machine, accelerating to 60 mph in a mere 3.3 seconds thanks to its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine. Despite its large 22-inch wheels, the ride remains composed and comfortable. The Audi RS 6 is a unique choice for families who desire both exhilarating performance and wagon practicality, albeit at a luxury price point.
Edmunds Rating: 8.6/10
Starting MSRP: $129,195
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Volkswagen ID. Buzz
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz reimagines the minivan, transforming it from a suburban stereotype into a desirable and innovative family vehicle. As an all-electric minivan with a range of up to 234 miles, the ID. Buzz combines practicality with modern electric technology. Its retro-inspired design, reminiscent of classic VW Buses, is both charming and functional. Built on a dedicated electric platform, the ID. Buzz offers a remarkably spacious interior with seating for up to seven passengers. It’s packed with modern technology, including a 13-inch touchscreen, multiple USB ports, and a ventilated phone charger. With 282 horsepower (and an optional 335 hp upgrade), the ID. Buzz delivers confident performance. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is redefining the minivan for modern families, offering a blend of space, style, and electric efficiency.
Edmunds Rating: 8.3/10
Starting MSRP: $61,545
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