As parents, we do more than just drive our kids around. Our cars are on-the-go eateries, curbside retreats, entertainment stations, and sometimes even offices. Finding the perfect vehicle that fits all of the needs of your family is so important.
That’s why we’ve tracked down this year’s most popular cars for moms and dads. Check them out, all listed here in alphabetical order.
2022 Ford Expedition (Large SUV)
Starting at $51,000
If you can afford the price tag, the Ford Expedition is highly ranked by Edmunds for its space and power. You can fit up to 8 with ample room for your gear. With the premium package, you get a massive 15.5-inch high-definition touch display and the option for massaging front seats! The rear-seat entertainment systems let kids stream videos and play games on Amazon Fire TV.
There also are power-folding running boards which serve as a step-stool for kids.
2022 Honda Odyssey (Minivan)
Starting at $33,040
The Odyssey has been the top pick in past years for Kelley Blue Book’s “Minivan Best Buy” and a top safety pick for 2021-22 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It seats up to 8, including 5 car seats. The third row splits and folds with plenty of room for a stroller. The Cabin Watch feature lets you keep tabs on the kids in the back and a Cabin Talk option lets you chat with passengers through the speakers, including through DVD headphones. There’s a wireless charging pad in the front seat and front and rear USB ports. (Unfortunately, the popular vacuum cleaner is no longer included, as that company went out of business during the pandemic.)
2022 Hyundai Palisade (Midsize SUV)
Starting at $34,375
The Hyundai Palisade was a top safety pick in 2021 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It’s also one of Car and Driver’s favorite three-row family SUVs. There’s room for up to 8 passengers, and the second seat has a one-touch button that moves it forward to easily get to the back row. There are up to 7 USB ports and the ability to connect two Bluetooth devices at the same time. There’s also a touchscreen infotainment display. With seats folded down, there’s plenty of cargo room. Testers fit 33 carry-on suitcases!
2022 Kia Carnival (Minivan)
Starting at $33,555
The Kia Carnival is a minivan that looks like an SUV. They call it an MPV—multi-purpose vehicle. It seats up to 8 with plenty of legroom. Parents will love the optional in-cabin camera system with a zoom function and night vision that allows you to keep an eye on the backseat day or night. A VIP lounge option offers second-row captain’s chairs with kick-out leg rests. The third row can fold flat to the floor for extra storage. The vehicle’s Safe Exit Assist warns passengers not to exit if it’s unsafe. The car also texts you if movement is detected in your car 24 hours after you’ve exited, in case you’ve forgotten a child or a pet in the car.
2022 Kia Telluride (SUV)
Starting at $34,345
The Kia Telluride ranks in Car and Driver’s Top 10 Best Cars and Trucks for 2022 for its combination of comfort, safety, and affordability. It has luxury features like a 12-way power driver’s seat, a 10.3-inch touchscreen, and robust infotainment system, and heated and ventilated rear seats. Yet it will tug a 5,000-pound trailer with ease. Its quiet mode shuts off rear speakers and lowers the volume in front for nappers. There’s room for 8 unless you choose the option for second-row captain’s chairs, and then you’ve got 7.
2022 Subaru Forester (Small SUV)
Starting at $26,320
With safety and driver-assist features as standard, it’s no wonder that the Forester was a top safety pick for 2021 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. There’s roomy seating for 5, and the Forester scores well on fuel economy (26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway). There’s a touchscreen infotainment system and up to four USB ports, including two for the backseat passengers.
2022 Toyota Highlander (Midsize SUV)
Starting at $36,420
Available as a hybrid, this popular family vehicle is a top safety pick for 2021-22 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It seats 8, with options for heated seats in the front and second rows. Infotainment and driver assistance features come standard. Choose a higher trim level and you’ll get a 12.3-inch display. Fuel economy is good, with up to 29 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive.
2022 Toyota Sienna (Hybrid Minivan)
Starting at $36,000
Kelley Blue Book named the Toyota Sienna the best buy of 2022. As a hybrid, it delivers fuel economy – 36 mpg on the highway. It also is a top safety pick for 2021-22 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Three rows of seats are fully equipped with headphone jacks, charge ports, and the ability to recline back. Stow the third row for extra cargo space. The 9-inch infotainment system and a Wi-Fi hot spot makes it easy to connect.
2022 Volvo XC90 (Midsize SUV)
Starting at $51,995
Volvo is known for safety so it’s no surprise that the XC90 is a top safety pick for 2021-22 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. If you can get past the price tag, it also has some nice features. Navigation is standard. You can choose a Climate Control package with a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats. The third row is not roomy enough for adults but works for kids. You can get this vehicle as a plug-in hybrid too.
2022 Volkswagen Atlas (SUV)
Starting at $35,095
With its large cargo capacity and comfortable three-row seating, the Atlas is made for family transport. Families will enjoy the multiple storage nooks and plenty of cupholders, as well as USB ports, including in the back seat. Testers fit an impressive 38 carry-on suitcases with the seats folded down, and four could fit behind the third row with the seats up.
Of course, you don’t have to buy a brand-new car. There are a lot of good options for used cars, too. Whatever you drive, make sure to protect your car with the right auto insurance.
For parents of teens, you can also check out the most popular vehicles for teenagers here!
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
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