12 Vehicles for Family of 4 (Sedan, SUV, Truck, Minivan, EV)
A family of four has many options, including hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs, and electric versions of those vehicles.
Meanwhile, minivans are an excellent option for families who desire the extra space to travel in comfort with additional seats to spare.
Best Cars for a Family of 4
Hatchbacks like the ones from Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and the now-discontinued Volkswagen Golf are versatile and affordable cars for four passengers – likewise for other compact vehicles.
Still, midsize sedans offer more interior room and greater comfort, especially when traveling long distances.
#1 Honda Accord
If you’re researching midsize sedans for your family, the Honda Accord would inevitably feature highly on your shortlist.
Alongside the Toyota Camry, the Honda Accord is one of the best-sellers in their class, with endearing qualities that have remained strong to this day.
The Accord of today boasts impressive refinement, plus many qualities that an excellent family car should have:
- Strong fuel economy – mid-20s to low-30s-mpg overall, depending on the model year, going as far back as fifteen years.
- Cavernous interior for a midsize car – one of the largest, if not the roomiest, in its class.
- Spacious trunk – again, a segment leader.
- Top-notch crash safety – the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded it a string of Top Safety Pick awards.
- Powerful engine and capable handling – feels nimbler than a Camry or a Sonata.
- Good ride comfort – not hushed, but the cabin is quiet and comfortable in most situations.
The long list of IIHS awards the Accord received includes:
| IIHS Award | |
| 2022 Honda Accord | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2021 Honda Accord | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2020 Honda Accord | Top Safety Pick |
| 2019 Honda Accord | Top Safety Pick |
| 2018 Honda Accord | Top Safety Pick |
| 2017 Honda Accord | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2016 Honda Accord | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2015 Honda Accord | Top Safety Pick |
| 2014 Honda Accord | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2013 Honda Accord | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2012 Honda Accord | – |
| 2011 Honda Accord | – |
| 2010 Honda Accord | – |
| 2009 Honda Accord | Top Safety Pick |
| 2008 Honda Accord | Top Safety Pick |
At a little over $1,000, you can get a base Honda Accord Hybrid.
You can expect to save significantly on fuel, the hybrid powertrain returning nearly 50 mpg combined, some 15 mpg more than the gas model.
Its sub-$30k price tag makes the Accord Hybrid a thoroughly inexpensive car for a family of four, considering the ample interior space and superior midsize sedan efficiency.
Further, the decades-long production and impeccable reliability make the regular Honda Accord a good used or rental car for a 4-pax household.
#2 BMW 5-Series
The BMW 5-Series is probably the best luxury car for a family of four if you’re after a midsize sedan – beating other BMW models as the more suitable daily driver.
It has traditionally been the go-to sports sedan for handling agility, but its recent models focused more on luxury and comfort, making it the ideal premium family hauler.
While the car has an engine for nearly every taste, including hybrids, the 5-Series is arguably the complete premium vehicle that meets the needs of four:
- Roomy interior that comfortably seats four – ample space up front and plenty of legroom for rear passengers.
- Outstanding cabin refinement – finely-crafted interior
- Supreme ride comfort – plush, with little wind and road noise.
- Excellent visibility – easy to see out in all directions.
- High cargo capacity – up to 18 cubic ft., depending on the model year.
- An impressive list of innovative tech features.
The base model rarely gets 30 mpg combined, regardless of the model year, which is acceptable given its primary focus on luxury; the hybrid versions aren’t more frugal either.
Still, you get a well-rounded performer and a luxurious ride for four.
Best SUVs for a Family of 4
#3 Mazda CX-5
As far as handling goes, the Mazda CX-5 is one of the sharpest among compact SUVs, negotiating turns as capably as lower-riding vehicles despite the elevated crossover ride height.
Although the CX-5 can accommodate five passengers, its interior isn’t as spacious as a Honda CR-V or Subaru Forester.
For a family of four, though, it’s the perfect fit.
The CX-5 isn’t a compact SUV for maximum space, but for three occupants and the driver, it’s a superior choice:
- Excellent ride comfort – the first-generation models (pre-2017) were reasonably easy to live with. Still, the later ones markedly improved the ride quality to make the CX-5 one of the most comfortable in its class.
- Quiet cabin – one of the best at noise isolation in the non-luxury segment.
- Upscale interior design.
- Athletic handling – an abundance of fun-to-drive character.
- Segment-average fuel economy – a CR-V or RAV4 can get you more miles per gallon.
- Available all-wheel-drive – standard from 2022. Excellent for wet-weather grip.
The CX-5 may not be a luxury SUV, but it bridges the gap between mainstream models and premium ones, so it’s a good step up from the regular small SUVs.
#4 Toyota RAV4
Regularly trading top-selling SUV positions with the Honda CR-V, the Toyota RAV4 is a compelling choice for a family car.
RAV4 qualities that small families can count on include:
- Spacious interior – above-average, behind its Honda and Subaru competitors.
- High cargo capacity – consistently near the top of the class. Only the CR-V boasts more storage space.
- Smooth ride – although newer models ride firmer, the suspension absorbs bumps and surface imperfections reasonably well. Overall, RAV4s are comfortable vehicles.
- Optional all-wheel-drive – handy for enhanced grip.
- Excellent fuel economy – around 30 mpg combined. Used RAV4s are typically efficient.
- Impeccable crash safety – top marks by NHTSA and IIHS.
IIHS awards the RAV4 received include:
| IIHS Award | |
| 2022 Toyota RAV4 | Top Safety Pick |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 | Top Safety Pick |
| 2020 Toyota RAV4 | Top Safety Pick |
| 2019 Toyota RAV4 | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2018 Toyota RAV4 | Top Safety Pick |
| 2017 Toyota RAV4 | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2016 Toyota RAV4 | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2015 Toyota RAV4 | Top Safety Pick |
| 2014 Toyota RAV4 | – |
| 2013 Toyota RAV4 | Top Safety Pick |
| 2012 Toyota RAV4 | – |
| 2011 Toyota RAV4 | – |
| 2010 Toyota RAV4 | – |
| 2009 Toyota RAV4 | Top Safety Pick |
If you desire high fuel efficiency, the RAV4 Prime plug-in-hybrid has been available since 2021, with a near-40-mpg average.
Due to its affordable pricing and pioneering presence since the mid-1990s, the Toyota RAV4 is also an excellent used car for a four-member family if a lower-riding sedan doesn’t appeal.
RAV4’s arch rival, the Honda CR-V, suits a family of five better as it tops the class in interior and storage room, although a smaller family will appreciate the extra space.
#5 Subaru Forester
Subaru was the only manufacturer with an all-AWD lineup (except for the RWD BRZ coupe). Still, recent years have seen rival carmakers offering the AWD drivetrain in their vehicles, either as an option or standard.
Still, the Forester is a good small SUV for small families with the added appeal of enhanced off-roading ability, resulting from a higher-than-rivals ground clearance.
Reasons to opt for a Subaru Forester include:
- Above-average ride height – one of the best compact SUVs for light off-roading.
- Roomy interior – can seat five, but four is plenty comfortable. Plus, the tall doors aid ease of entry and exit.
- Lower cargo capacity than the competition – however, the tallish roof makes the space more large-item-friendly.
- Class-average fuel economy – the Honda and Toyota are marginally more frugal.
- Excellent visibility – some of the best, regardless of vehicle size.
- Standard all-wheel-drive.
- Peerless crash safety record – arguably the most impressive among small SUVs; a serial winner of the IIHS Top Safety Pick award.
The extensive list of safety awards the Forester collected:
| IIHS Award | |
| 2022 Subaru Forester | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2021 Subaru Forester | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2020 Subaru Forester | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2019 Subaru Forester | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2018 Subaru Forester | Top Safety Pick |
| 2017 Subaru Forester | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2016 Subaru Forester | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2015 Subaru Forester | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2014 Subaru Forester | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2013 Subaru Forester | Top Safety Pick |
| 2012 Subaru Forester | Top Safety Pick |
| 2011 Subaru Forester | Top Safety Pick |
| 2010 Subaru Forester | Top Safety Pick |
| 2009 Subaru Forester | Top Safety Pick |
| 2008 Subaru Forester | Top Safety Pick |
| 2007 Subaru Forester | Top Safety Pick |
The Forester is a competent all-rounder with specific qualities that an adventurous family would appreciate.
#6 Porsche Macan
For bigger budgets, a premium car offers a luxurious ride and, in the case of the Macan, a healthy dose of thrills behind the wheel.
The Porsche Macan rates as one of the best luxury SUVs for a family of four, delivering solid performances and refinement in a compelling package.
These Macan qualities will appeal, although some drawbacks are worth noting:
- Superior handling characteristics – unlike most SUVs, the Macan’s athleticism seeks to excite.
- Composed ride – firm but not uncomfortable. The cabin remains quiet at higher speeds.
- Impeccably finished interior.
- Standard all-wheel-drive.
- Mediocre fuel efficiency – roughly 20 mpg combined; more for the base model and slightly less for the sportier trims.
- Below-par cabin size – adequate for four average-sized adults, but two kids will fit the back seats without drama.
Porsches were once strictly speed seekers’ domain, but the Macan SUV has made the brand more accessible to a broader range of drivers, including those needing one for family chores.
Best Trucks for a Family of 4
#7 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Best Cab Size for four: Crew Cab (the solely available size)
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a small pickup truck that suits a small family who won’t need the vehicle to do any heavy lifting.
It’s perfect if you’re after a stylish vehicle with car-like handling and maneuverability but need a short, open truck bed for added cargo carrying ability.
The four-cylinder engine may seem out of place in a truck, but it’s apt for a small family transporter with low payload and towing capacity (up to 5,000 lbs, depending on the trim).
Its low to mid-20s-mpg overall is about average for its class.
All Santa Cruz trim levels seat five, although two (rather than three) will fit more comfortably in the slightly-cramped rear seats.
#8 Jeep Gladiator
Best Cab Size for four: Crew Cab (the solely available size)
The midsize Jeep Gladiator is for you if you want a distinctive-looking truck with exceptional off-road prowess.
The Gladiator can go places many of its peers cannot, and it’s the only convertible truck you can buy.
Plus, the Gladiator will appeal if you like the idea of a truck-version Jeep Wrangler – sharing the latter’s off-road strengths and, unfortunately, its flaws as well, such as poor ride quality and underwhelming fuel economy.
All Jeep Gladiator trims can accommodate five passengers comfortably, so two occupants in the back are plenty spacious.
#9 Ford F-150
Min. Cab Size for 2 Adults + 2 Pre-Teen Kids: SuperCab
Best Cab Size for 2 Adults + 2 Teenagers: SuperCrew
Suppose you want a full-size truck with healthy payload and tow capacities; the Ford F-150 will suit your needs perfectly, surpassing its peers in the heavy-lifting aspects when properly equipped.
As with other trucks, you get endless varieties of body styles, bed lengths, and powertrain options.
Crucially, the F-150 is remarkably comfortable for a truck, with minimal road and wind noise.
Except for the regular cab, the SuperCab and SuperCrew can sit five or six, depending on the seat design.
Still, the SuperCrew will provide more legroom if you have near-adult-size rear passengers.
Best Minivan for a Family of 4
#10 Chrysler Pacifica
Most minivans can accommodate up to eight passengers, so all makes and models will suit a small family, size-wise.
However, the Chrysler Pacifica is the best minivan for a family of four because the model comes with a hybrid version that gets 30 mpg overall, a good fuel economy considering its heft.
Although the over $10k price difference is pretty substantial, the Pacifica plug-in-hybrid is worth the investment as you can travel 32 miles solely on electricity.
This range means you may not need to visit the pump if you travel short distances daily.
If opting for the less pricey gas model fits your budget, the front-wheel-drive Pacifica returns 21-22 mpg overall, the all-wheel-drive version a couple of mpg less.
Potentially as significant is Pacifica’s safety ratings. It’s a solid vehicle with several IIHS safety awards.
The list of IIHS awards the Pacifica received:
| IIHS Award | |
| 2022 Chrysler Pacifica | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2021 Chrysler Pacifica | Top Safety Pick + |
| 2020 Chrysler Pacifica | Top Safety Pick |
| 2019 Chrysler Pacifica | Top Safety Pick |
| 2018 Chrysler Pacifica | Top Safety Pick |
| 2017 Chrysler Pacifica | Top Safety Pick + |
As minivans are people haulers capable of significantly higher seating capacity, more minivans options are available as vehicles for larger families.
Best EVs for a Family of 4
#11 Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is one of the cheapest EVs and the best electric car for a family of four on a modest budget.
Its under-$30k starting price is thoroughly affordable for an EV without sacrificing range.
The latest-generation Nissan Leaf can travel upwards of 200 miles on a single charge, an average range for the mainstream EV segment but excellent value considering its beginner-friendly price tag.
The Leaf travels quietly and smoothly for five with plenty of headroom and legroom in both rows, so two passengers in the back will have room to spare.
This Nissan EV was the first realistically priced mainstream electric car when it debuted in 2011; you can find the first-generation Leaf for under $10k, so an inexpensive EV has now become highly accessible.
#12 Hyundai Kona Electric
The Hyundai Kona Electric is ideal for small families desiring an electric SUV for four.
It is one of the more affordable electrified sports utility vehicles (starts below $35k) – although it drives more like a hatchback than an SUV, thanks to its quick acceleration and sharp handling.
EPA estimated the Kona to deliver over 250 miles, an impressive range matching more expensive models.
Although it can seat a maximum of five, four occupants will fit more comfortably as the back seat is slightly short on legroom – the headroom is more accommodating, however.
Opting for a Kona EV nets you Hyundai’s industry-leading warranty coverage and low running costs.
Sedan vs. SUV vs. Minivan for a Family of 4
A smaller family has the luxury of choices as practically all vehicle types are an option, which can complicate the decision given the seemingly infinite makes and models available.
The decision ultimately rests with your needs.
However, a crossover or an SUV is arguably the better type of vehicle for a 4-person family than a sedan or minivan, thanks to its cargo-carrying versatility without sacrificing car-like driving dynamics. An SUV is essentially a raised hatchback.
A minivan may feel somewhat oversized for a small family. Still, the extra seats and space are handy when the need arises.
References:
https://www.carsforsale.com/used-cars-for-sale