Best Family Cars

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Something for the whole family!

The Australian family car is a multi-role workhorse that needs to manage all facets of our lives. Here are five of the best!

From functionality and practicality, to affordability and reliability, a new family car has to manage a lot of responsibilities.

The key family car categories of Drive Car of the Year 2024 all put usability at the forefront, paired with a heavy focus on long-term value.

If you are looking for a new family car this year, these are the best of what is on offer.

Drive Car Of The Year

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Best Family Cars in 2024 - Drive Car of the Year

Model
Category
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Honda CR-V

2023 Honda CR-V VTi L 1.5L SUV FWD

Best Medium SUV under $50K

Best Medium SUV under $50K

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Category

Best Medium SUV under $50K

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Lexus NX

2023 Lexus NX NX350h Luxury 2.5L SUV 4WD Hybrid

Best Medium SUV under $80K

Best Medium SUV under $80K

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Category

Best Medium SUV under $80K

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Kia Carnival

2023 Kia Carnival SLi 2.2L Diesel People Mover FWD

Best Family Car under $80K

Best Family Car under $80K

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Category

Best Family Car under $80K

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Toyota Kluger

2023 Toyota Kluger GXL 2.5L SUV 4WD Hybrid

Best Large SUV under $80K

Best Large SUV under $80K

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Category

Best Large SUV under $80K

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Kia EV9

2023 Kia EV9 Air SUV RWD

Best Family Electric Vehicle under $100K

Best Family Electric Vehicle under $100K

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Category

Best Family Electric Vehicle under $100K


Best Medium SUV under $50K

As the most popular new car sales segment in Australia, judges prioritised young families and active urbanites with a keen eye on value, to select the category winner.

To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.

Winner: Honda CR-V

Winner: Honda CR-V

1 / 3

It was a close battle for the win, but the new Honda CR-V is a return to form for the Japanese car maker, and moves the medium SUV game forward. With the new car, buyers are getting a larger family SUV with more space, technology, comfort and safety than its predecessor.
 
Three of the seven CR-V variants slide under the $50,000 mark, and as with all new Honda cars sold in Australia since mid-2021, the prices are drive-away and non-negotiable.

Read more about why the Honda CR-V won

Finalist: Nissan X-Trail

Finalist: Nissan X-Trail

2 / 3

The Nissan X-Trail might not have been able to hold onto its title, but don’t be mistaken: it is still an excellent mid-size family SUV.
Read more about the Nissan X-Trail

Finalist: Honda ZR-V

Finalist: Honda ZR-V

3 / 3

The five-seat, mid-size Honda ZR-V is a new name in the Honda family, and slots between the compact HR-V and larger CR-V in the company’s SUV line-up – with dimensions within millimetres of a Mazda CX-5.
Read more about the Honda ZR-V

Explore our Best Medium SUVs under $50K

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Best Medium SUV under $80K

As another strong buyer segment, judges maintained a focus on functionality but considered families looking for a little more in terms of refinement and equipment in this category.

To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.

Winner: Lexus NX

Winner: Lexus NX

1 / 3

This category was created to serve both young families and active urbanites seeking practicality with a premium touch – and the Lexus NX nails that brief and then some.

The new-generation NX landed in 2022, improving upon an already impressive offering by enhancing the driver experience, boosting the cabin space, overhauling the infotainment system and packing the car full of seriously impressive technology.

Read more about why the Lexus NX won

Finalist: Tesla Model Y

Finalist: Tesla Model Y

2 / 3

If this category was a popularity contest, the Tesla Model Y would claim top prize. The electric car maker’s medium SUV has become a common sight on Australian streets and soared up the sales charts to become Australia’s best-selling electric vehicle in 2023.
Read more about the Tesla Model Y

Finalist: Nissan X-Trail e-Power

Finalist: Nissan X-Trail e-Power

3 / 3

Last year’s Best Medium SUV victor still punches above its weight (and price point), particularly thanks to the addition of its RAV4-rivalling hybrid e-Power variant.
Read more about the Nissan X-Trail

Explore our Best Medium SUVs under $80K

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Best Family Car under $80K

In this category, judges considered buyers who place practicality and usability at the top of the list, closely followed by safe and comfortable seating for at least six passengers.

To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.

Winner: Kia Carnival

Winner: Kia Carnival

1 / 3

Kia’s Carnival has set the benchmark for ultimate family motoring once again in 2024, backing up its 2023 win.

While the evolution of the Drive Car of the Year awards has seen this category expand from ‘best people mover’ to a broader ‘best car for families’ title over the years, the fundamentals haven't changed, and the Carnival meets the needs of Australian families in a way no rival can match.

Read more about why the Kia Carnival won

Finalist: Mazda CX-90

Finalist: Mazda CX-90

2 / 3

Mazda’s bold move to larger, more luxurious flagship models pays dividends with the new CX-90, offering up space and versatility not before seen in the brand’s SUV range.
Read more about the Mazda CX-90

Finalist: LDV Mifa

Finalist: LDV Mifa

3 / 3

LDV’s step away from its more typical commercial vehicle fare saw the new Mifa people mover reset the meter for the brand when it arrived in Australia.
Read more about the LDV Mifa

Explore our Best Family Cars under $80K

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Best Large SUV under $80K

Buyers looking for a car that provides tough, roomy and practical transport for a growing and active family were the focus for judges in this category. Here, function and value are paramount.

To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.

Winner: Toyota Kluger

Winner: Toyota Kluger

1 / 3

Securing the Drive Car of the Year Best Large SUV Under $80K title for the third time is no small feat, and Toyota's Kluger has not only defended its crown but has done so in the face of fresh competition and updates across the field.

Toyota's Kluger is renowned for being one of the most cost-effective and practical large SUVs on the market, a crucial attribute as petrol prices spiral ever upwards. Its economical profile seamlessly aligns with a comfortable and pragmatic design, ticking all the right boxes for everyday use.

Read more about why the Toyota Kluger won

Finalist: Mazda CX-90

Finalist: Mazda CX-90

2 / 3

The Mazda CX-90 is the successor to the CX-9, representing a significant shift towards luxury and refinement. It’s also the biggest, most powerful, heaviest and most luxurious vehicle Mazda has ever offered for sale in Australia.
Read more about the Mazda CX-90

Finalist: GWM Tank

Finalist: GWM Tank

3 / 3

The Tank 300 draws attention with its retro, rugged appearance, and then hooks buyers with a killer price. The range includes non-hybrid and hybrid options starting at $46,990 drive away and topping out at $60,990 drive away for the Ultra Hybrid.
Read more about the GWM Tank 300

Explore our Best Large SUVs under $80K

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Best Family Electric Vehicle under $100K

In this category, judges took practicality and usability into account for families wanting to make a considered step toward electric transportation.

To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.

Winner: Kia EV9

Winner: Kia EV9

1 / 3

It’s not often we ascribe game-changer status to a car, but the Kia EV9 is a vehicle that warrants the moniker.

Seven seats, a properly family-friendly interior, clever packaging, an impressive standard equipment list and a surprisingly large towing capacity – with an efficient, punchy, all-electric powertrain.

Read more about why the Kia EV9 won

Finalist: Kia EV6

Finalist: Kia EV6

2 / 3

Landing in Australia in early 2022, the EV6 was quickly identified as offering an astounding amount of interior space and surprisingly practical packaging inside its streamlined, sporty exterior.
Read more about the Kia EV6

Finalist: Tesla Model Y

Finalist: Tesla Model Y

3 / 3

Since hitting local shores, families, empty nesters and DINKs alike have snapped up this swoopy SUV in droves, swiftly rocketing the Model Y up the list of the top 10 best-selling cars in Australia for 2023.
Read more about the Tesla Model Y

Explore our Best Family Electric Vehicles under $100K

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Family Car Finder

Family Car Finder

With so many good options, do you need some help finding your family's next new car? Try our Family Car Finder.

Family Car Finder

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See our winners across 18 different categories in the following groups

Best Family Cars

Best Family Cars

Best Electric Cars

Best Electric Cars

Best Off-Road Cars

Best Off-Road Cars

Best Small Cars

Best Small Cars

Best Affordable Cars

Best Affordable Cars

Best Luxury Cars

Best Luxury Cars