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Car Research from AutoNation Drive

Family-friendly: best cars for families

American families go big and rarely go home these days, and it shows in their driveway. From safety to seating, hybrid cars to SUVs, there are a lot of choices to make when it comes to picking a car that's right for your family.

Keeping everyone connected, entertained, safe, and sane is a big job for today's vehicles. We train our expert eyes to curating the best research for finding your family car.


Recent Family car research


2022 Honda CR-V: Everything You Need to Know

2022 Honda CR-V: Everything You Need to Know

Let's take a deep dive into the minor changes coming to the 2022 Honda CR-V.


2022 Volkswagen Tiguan S FWD Review

2022 Volkswagen Tiguan S FWD Review

Four years later, VW has come full circle with the mid-cycle update for the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan, which brings a new look and added content to its compact SUV. 


2021 Buick Encore GX Essence Review

2021 Buick Encore GX Essence Review

The 2021 Buick Encore GX is the most affordable option in Buick's all-SUV lineup.


Side by Side: Nissan Murano vs. GMC Acadia

Side by Side: Nissan Murano vs. GMC Acadia

Discover the differences between two midsize SUVs, the Nissan Murano and the GMC Arcadia.


Differences Explained: Hyundai Elantra vs. Hyundai Sonata

Differences Explained: Hyundai Elantra vs. Hyundai Sonata

There's plenty to differentiate the traditional four-door sedans in Hyundai's lineup. Let's break down the Elantra and the Sonata.


Differences Explained: Toyota Camry vs. Toyota Corolla

Differences Explained: Toyota Camry vs Toyota Corolla

While Camrys and Corollas may blur into the American suburban landscape, there's still plenty to discover about both sedans.


2021 Ford Edge Trim Level Guide

2021 Ford Edge Trim Level Guide

The 2021 Ford Edge sports five trim levels, two powertrain options, and FWD and AWD options.


2021 Honda Accord Hybrid Review

2021 Honda Accord Hybrid Review

Now in its 10th generation, the Honda Accord carries on its legacy of being a practical sedan that is also fun to drive.


2022 Jeep Compass: First Look

2022 Jeep Compass: First Look

Jeep is ready to blow into the Windy City for the Chicago Auto Show, and all signs point to the Jeep Compass for making a big impact.


Our Favorite Off-Road SUVs for Summer Road Trips

Our Favorite Off-Road SUVs for Summer Road Trips

Summer: the season of ice cream, shorts, and road trips. Take your family-hauler to the next level with one of our favorite off-road SUVs.


Great Cars with 5-Star Safety Ratings

Great Cars with 5-Star Safety Ratings

You don't have to look too hard for a car, wagon, or hatchback with a great safety rating.


Read Great Crossovers and SUVs with 5-Star Safety Ratings

Great Crossovers and SUVs with 5-Star Safety Ratings

SUVs have evolved into some of the safest vehicles on the road today. Here are our top picks of the safest SUVs and CUVs for 2021.


Read SUVs and Crossovers with Heated & Cooled Seats

SUVs and Crossovers with Heated & Cooled Seats

Here are some of the best SUVs and crossovers with this formerly high-end only feature.


Read 2021 Nissan Kicks SR Review

2021 Nissan Kicks SR Review

The 2021 Nissan Kicks is an understated SUV that knocks it out of the park.


Read Editor's Picks: Our Favorite Compact SUVs for 2021

Editor's Picks: Our Favorite Compact SUVs for 2021

Compact SUVs represent the best combination of efficiency and affordability. But not all of them are created equal.


Read Editor's Picks: Our Favorite Car Colors for 2021

Editor's Picks: Our Favorite Car Colors for 2021

White, black, and silver may still be popular car colors. But there's a rainbow of choice out there if you know where to look.


Exterior view of the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Limited

2021 Hyundai Elantra Limited Review

A popular choice with commuters, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra is perfect for that daily drive to the office and back.


Exterior view of the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe RST 4WD

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe RST 4WD Review

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe aims to prove that big, body-on-frame SUVs can be just as stylish as anything else on the market.


Exterior view of the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer AWD Activ

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer AWD Activ Review

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer adds a more traditional SUV to Chevy's lineup of SUVs that verge on compact.


Exterior view of the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Limited

2021 Subaru Crosstrek Limited Review

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Limited takes a trip through its natural habitat of the Pacific Northwest.


Exterior view of the 2021 Genesis GV80 3.5T AWD Advanced+

2021 Genesis GV80 3.5T AWD Advanced+ Review

Genesis continues to gain footing with its first luxury SUV: the 2021 Genesis GV80 3.5T Advanced +.


Exterior view of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Review

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Review

An entry-level crossover for Mercedes-Benz, the GLA 250 seeks to bring new customers into the fold.


Exterior view of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Limited AWD

2021 Chrysler Pacifica Limited AWD Review

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Limited AWD challenges the seemingly ubiquitous three-row crossover market.


Exterior view of the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Limited

2021 Hyundai Elantra Limited Review

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra Limited proves that the days of the boring compact car are over.


Exterior view of the 2021 Honda Ridgeline Sport Review

2021 Honda Ridgeline Sport Review

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline Sport makes for a compelling option for buyers looking for a midsize truck.


Exterior view of the 2022 Acura MDX SH-AWD Advance

2022 Acura MDX SH-AWD Advance Review

The 2022 Acura MDX SH-AWD is another prime example of Acura engineering, giving the brand a competitive crossover.


Exterior view of the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas SE

2021 Volkswagen Atlas SE Review

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received a facelift that gave Volkswagen's largest SUV an even bigger footprint.  


Exterior view of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SE R-Line

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SE R-Line Review

There's no denying that crossovers and SUVs are all the rage, but the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan is proof that you don't need a large, bulky vehicle to haul your family comfortably.  


Exterior view of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime

2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime Review

The Toyota RAV4 is credited with starting the crossover craze when it was launched in 1994, and this small family hauler continues to innovate almost 30 years later.


Exterior view of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle Hybrid

2021 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle Hybrid Review

The fully redesigned Chrysler Pacifica in the Pinnacle Hybrid trim offers a premium experience even for those newly initiated into van life.


A vehicle featured in Best SUVs with Rear Entertainment Systems

Best SUVs with Rear Entertainment Systems

It's always a good time in one of these SUVs with rear entertainment systems.


Exterior view of the 2021 Nissan Titan Pro-4X

2021 Nissan Titan Pro-4X Review

There's a growing segment of trucks designed with an extra dose of off-road ruggedness, and for Nissan, that's the 2021 Titan Pro-4X.


Exterior view of the 2021 Hyundai Venue Denim Edition

2021 Hyundai Venue Denim Edition Review

The Hyundai Venue and Kona both have a similar size and competitive set of subcompact rivals, but it's the Venue that toes the line between a hatchback and a crossover.


Exterior view of the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD AT4

2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD AT4 Review

Heavy-duty trucks may have been born to haul, but a growing segment - including the AT4 - shows just how capable these trucks can be in rugged terrain.


Exterior view of the 2021 Cadillac XT5 Premium Luxury

2021 Cadillac XT5 Premium Luxury Review

Positioned in the heart of Cadillac's SUV lineup is the 2021 Cadillac XT5, which is tasked with competing against mid-size luxury vehicles like the Lexus RX and BMW X5.


Exterior view of the 2021 GMC Canyon AT4

2021 GMC Canyon AT4 Review

The small(er) truck segment is flourishing in the U.S. The redesigned 2021 GMC Canyon looks to make its mark.


Exterior view of a modern car

Auto 101: Types of Cars Explained

There's more to cars than just your grandpa's sedan. Dig into the different types of cars, sedans, coupes, and more.Aut


Exterior view of a modern SUV

Auto 101: Types of SUVs Explained

SUVs are popular for a reason: the variety available to the modern consumer. From crossovers to 4x4s, discover the types of SUVs.


Exterior view of the Porsche Taycan

EVs Coming to AutoNation Dealerships in 2021 and 2022

If you're looking for an eco-friendly vehicle, check out our roundup of all the electric vehicles coming in 2021 and 2022 to an AutoNation dealership near you.


Exterior view of the 2021 Nissan Sentra

Best Cars for New Drivers

With today's distractions, you want to know that your new driver is safe as humanly possible in their new car. Find the safest cars and SUVs for new drivers on the market today.


Exterior view of the 2021 Nissan Rogue SV exterior view

2021 Nissan Rogue SV Review

The all-new 2021 Nissan Rogue features bolder exterior styling and a completely redesigned interior available with an array of safety and infotainment technologies.


Exterior view of the 2020 Hyundai Venue

2020 Hyundai Venue Review

Where the new Venue really looks the most promising is in its market versatility, where it further blurs the lines between hatchbacks like the Kia Soul and crossovers like the Nissan Kicks. 


See the body of the 2020 Toyota Prius XLE AWD-e

2020 Toyota Prius XLE AWD-e Review

The 2020 model year brought infotainment and interior adjustments to the popular Toyota Prius line.


See the exterior of the 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Review

Toyota rolled out yet another fuel-efficient vehicle, and its latest addition to the party is the all-new 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid.


Exterior view of the 2020 Lexus ES 300h

2020 Lexus ES 300h Review

If you're missing the days of a good, old-fashioned highway cruiser, then the 2020 Lexus ES 300h is the car for you.


Exterior view of the 2020 Hyundai Elantra GT N Line

2020 Hyundai Elantra GT N Line Review

Cars like the 2020 Hyundai Elantra GT N Line exist to show that life isn't always better with added ground clearance.


Exterior view of the 2020 Honda Accord 2.0T Touring

2020 Honda Accord 2.0T Touring Review

The 2020 Honda Accord 2.0T Touring is a popular sedan winning over the crossover crowd.


See the body of the 2020 Nissan Altima

2020 Nissan Altima Review

The 2020 Nissan Altima takes design cues from the Vmotion 2.0 concept car shown at the 2017 North American International Auto Show.


See the body of the 2020 Nissan Maxima

2020 Nissan Maxima Review

Nissan's storied flagship sedan, also known as the "4-Door Sports Car," leaps into the 2020 model year with more performance and more safety features for all five grade levels: S, SV, SL, SR and Platinum.


See the body of the 2019 Nissan Maxima SL

2019 Nissan Maxima SL Review

The fact is the Nissan Maxima is an outstanding vehicle that delivers performance, comfort, and economy at a price that's pretty easy to live with.


See the exterior of the 2019 Nissan Rogue SL FWD

2019 Nissan Rogue SL FWD Review

The current Nissan Rogue continues to keep pace with the best of the compact crossover segment such as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V


See the body of the 2017 Nissan Maxima SR Midnight Edition

2017 Nissan Maxima SR Midnight Edition Review

After a complete redesign in 2016, the Nissan Maxima roared into the 2017 model year with more visual enhancements and standard technology like Apple CarPlay.


Exterior view of the 2021 Nissan Rogue SV exterior view

2021 Nissan Rogue SV Review

The all-new 2021 Nissan Rogue features bolder exterior styling and a completely redesigned interior available with an array of safety and infotainment technologies.


See the exterior of the  2020 Hyundai Palisade Limited

2020 Hyundai Palisade Limited Review

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade Limited offers 3rd row seating and luxurious interiors to compete with the biggest names on the market.


See the body of the 2020 Buick Enclave Avenir

2020 Buick Enclave Avenir Review

Honoring the Buick lines of the past while pointing toward the future of luxury SUVs, Buick unveiled the 2020 Buick Enclave Avenir.


See the body of the 2020 Acura RDX

2020 Acura RDX Review

The 2020 Acura RDX carries over unchanged for the 2020 model year. To get a closer look at Acura's compact CUV, we spent a week with the 2020 Acura RDX decked out with the stylish and sporty A-Spec package.


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Our automotive experts at AutoNation Drive weigh in on price, safety, and performance of popular cars, trucks, and SUVs.


Find great cars, trucks, and SUVs with AutoNation Drive research

Car Buying Advice

If you're buying a car, truck, or SUV, the chances are - you need help. Don't worry. Our automotive experts are here to help.



What's the best SUV for families?

According to the automotive press, you would do a lot worse than choosing one of the following for your family car:

Whether you need 2nd-row or 3rd-row seating, these SUVs pack a lot of features for the price. Other top contenders for families among the SUV segment include the Chevrolet Traverse, the Toyota Rav4, and the Subaru Forester.

How to pick a family-friendly car

It's more than just a matter of safety, these days. Picking a family car has, in many ways, never been easier. Modern safety technology, from lane keeping assist to keyless entry, offers parents a piece of mind so that they can focus on the road. But what's top of mind for families is technology - keeping everyone connected.

Check out our round-up of best infotainment systems to see which vehicles offer the best plug and play options for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Or, read our guide to heated and cooled seats so that you know you're tackling those early-morning school drop-offs without a shiver in sight.

Shop Hyundai Palisade Inventory

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