By Dave Bean, FMW Associate Editor
May 3, 2023
Choosing a car that will suit the requirements of each family member can be a daunting task. Parents are, of course, concerned primarily with safety features and driving experience, while the kids want to be entertained. To assist in this crucial decision-making process, Kelley Blue Book (KBB) has come up with its list of Best Family Cars of 2023.
The following key factors were taken into consideration when making their recommendations:
- Budget and value
- Comfort and convenience
- Driving experience
- Lifestyle
- Reliability and durability
- Safety
The objective of the list is to provide new car shoppers who are in the market for a more family-oriented vehicle with criteria that can guide them in making the most educated decision possible. Included in Kelley Blue Book’s selections are two-row SUVs and three-row vehicles that include a variety of features that make each desirable to a wide swath of lifestyles.
Further, to make certain that the cars all had top safety ratings, KBB utilized data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
“When it comes to a family car, it’s crucial to carefully consider things like safety and tech features, seating and cargo capacity, the ease with which you can install a child safety seat, and more to meet the ever-changing needs of a growing family,” said Brian Moody, executive editor for Kelley Blue Book. “The Kelley Blue Book team diligently evaluates the latest vehicles in the market, prioritizing safety and reliability while providing comprehensive information to empower new-car shoppers with options that cater to varying lifestyles.”
Knowing that presenting a list of cars can make for less than scintillating reading, KBB has opted for a more entertaining way to inform readers of their vehicle options. They have partnered with comedic actress and singer Ana Gasteyer, best known for her years on Saturday Night Live, and a panel of kids to offer practical opinions on the everyday functionality of the 2023 Best Family Car winners. This group revealed that other features that make a family car desirable include generous trunk space, big windows and various nooks in which the kids can stow their stuff.
Kelley Blue Book’s 2023 Best Family Cars (by segment, in alphabetical order)
Best Two-Row SUVs for Families
- 2023 Honda CR-V
- 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5
- 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2023 Subaru Outback
- 2023 Toyota RAV4
Best Three-Row Vehicles
- 2023 Ford Expedition
- 2023 Honda Odyssey
- 2023 Honda Pilot
- 2023 Hyundai Palisade
- 2023 Kia Telluride
- 2023 Toyota Highlander
- 2023 Toyota Sienna
For more information about Kelley Blue Book’s Best Family Cars of 2023 and click here.