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Technology has made car shopping simpler in many ways. There are a wealth of car comparison sites on the web, allowing prospective buyers exact information and data on every vehicle manufactured.

By Jim Baumer

Choosing a

VehicleFamily Friendly

go.TOGETHER.

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Comparisons between safety features and cabin sizes, as well as other family-friendly features are great—but you also want to enjoy driving your new vehicle for at least the next two to four years.

A decade ago, shopping for a family vehicle probably meant going directly to the crowded minivan section of the auto dealership. Minivans are still out there and a good choice for some, but they aren’t the ubiquitous family vehicle they used to be. Plus, buying a vehicle that meets the needs of a family doesn’t have to be about settling, either.

“The best car for your family depends on the type and category of vehicle you are looking to purchase,” said Chris Humes, owner and president of Carmanchris Auto Consulting. “Are you looking for an SUV? Maybe you’d prefer a crossover or a sedan, instead.”

As Humes pointed out, there are no longer simply one or two vehicle categories germane to the needs of a family. So what are families looking for when shopping for a new vehicle?

One feature that’s front and center for families is safety. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), understanding vehicle safety features is critical when purchasing a car. For more than 30 years, the NHTSA has been driving automobile safety innovations.

This helps consumers buy safer cars by providing a 5-Star Safety Ratings System. As technology has advanced, it’s allowed more rigorous testing, and as a result, cars are safer than ever before.

Some of the latest safety technologies being recommended by the NHTSA to consumers when comparing new vehicles, are things like rear video systems/backup cameras, lane departure warnings and forward collision warning indicators.

Troy Green, public affairs advisor for the NHTSA, recommended consumers look for 5-Star features when shopping for new vehicles.

Humes, with more than two decades following the industry, has seen many safety features that were only available in a few models in the past, become standard in all automobiles.

“It used to be certain models were known specifically for their safety features—these were your high-end manufacturers, like Mercedes, Audi, Lexus, Volvo—and also Japanese manufacturers like Subaru. Now, advancements in automotive design have allowed them to become standard even on the lower-tier models,” he said.

At the same time, facts can become overwhelming for families, especially those with children. What factors and features best inform your decision in choosing a new vehicle?

car for your family depends on the type and category of vehicle you are looking to purchase.

The bestChris Humes; Owner & President of

Carmanchris Auto Consulting

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Safety will always be a key factor for families when purchasing a new car. But it’s not just safety that makes a vehicle attractive in meeting their particular needs and requirements. Space considerations like roomy cabins matter. So do state-of-the-art infotainment systems that sync with smartphones and the prominent technology devices that are central in every family. Even utilitarian elements like trash bag holders and in-vehicle vacuum systems are being marketed as features car buyers should be looking for in their new vehicles. Don’t overlook durability and reliability, either—no one wants a car that’s in the shop more than on the road.

Kelley Blue Book (KBB), based in Irvine, California, has been helping people compare vehicles since 1918. They are a trusted resource for both consumers and those in the auto industry. Their website—www.kbb.com— is a great place for families looking for information to do side-by-side feature comparisons and also get pricing information.

In fact, every year the editorial team at the company gathers up a host of what they consider family cars and compares them to compile a ranking of their best family vehicles. Some of the categories Kelly Blue Book looks at are safety, cargo space, rear-seat entertainment and even how well a child seat fits into the new vehicle.

Let’s take a look at a few of KBB’s choices in 2015-16 for families in the market for a new vehicle.

In the sedan category, both the Chevrolet Impala and the Toyota Camry impressed KBB’s staff of analysts. The Impala offered ample cabin space for passengers and also provided an outstanding ride. The Camry continues to be a leader in durability, which translates into resale value, always a strong point for the Toyota brand.

Jack Nerad, vice president, executive editorial director, and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and their website, unpacked a few of their family-centered recommendations.

“Both the Chevy Impala as a full-size sedan and the Camry in the mid-size category are great choices,” Nerad said. “The Hyundai Sonata is a great family car, and it’s one we consider a choice for families that might be more price-conscious.”

Two vehicles Nerad thinks are strong choices for consideration in the family-friendly category are both the Ford Explorer and the Honda Pilot.

“The Explorer may change the dynamic a bit in the SUV category. The same thing with the (redesigned) Honda Pilot, which is maybe a stronger consideration in 2016 than it was in 2015,” Nerad said.

Nerad touched on the ongoing innovations in safety as key considerations in today’s cars, SUVs, crossovers and even minivans. Given the push for safer vehicles, all makes and models have incorporated these standard features into their designs. Back-up cameras are one of them, as well as parking-assist functions.

When asked about the growing popularity of crossover SUVs, or compact crossovers, Nerad indicated they are now the go-to vehicle type for many families. In fact, crossovers have surpassed mid-sized sedans and are now the most popular body style. They represented 16 percent of retail auto sales

in 2015, edging out the trusty sedan by a hair (15 percent), according to market data firm IHS Automotive.

“Once people get into a taller (higher) vehicle, they really like the visibility and ease of getting in and out,” Nerad said. “There’s also the versatility of the vehicle, especially if you want to haul something or go down to the home improvement store. Sedans are roomy, but even with larger trunks, the trunk openings make it difficult to get larger objects into and out of the sedan, compared to crossovers.”

Nerad agreed there are now more and more technological and electronic elements that are performing functions

that were once the sole domain of drivers. Lane maintenance, forward sensors, as well as the previously mentioned backing cameras, allow the new vehicles that have them to virtually park themselves; they are lessening the human element in driving.

What about the future of automobiles? Will we be looking for a self-driving car in the near future? Nerad thinks we’re still a few years away from being able to purchase autonomous vehicles.

“I think we’re moving in that direction,” Nerad said. “As drivers give up more and more of the things they used to have to do, they might eventually say, ‘why not have the car do it all?’”

That could become the family-friendliest vehicle feature of all. gd

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give up more and more of the things they used to have to do, they might eventually say, ‘why not have the car do it all?’.

As drivers

Jack Nerad; Vice President, Executive Director & Executive Market Analysis for Kelley Blue Book

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