Family vehicles look a lot different today than they did 20 years ago.
Even 5 years ago they looked radically different!
With constant innovation and competition within the industry, automobile companies have been forced to improve family vehicles year after year to stay relevant and develop their competitive advantage.
That means better technology, enhanced safety features, and more cargo room for your pets, your groceries, and your kids’ hockey and camping gear.
Let’s take a look at the top family vehicle trends for 2023.
UPGRADED MINIVANS, SUV AND CROSSOVERS
Gone are the days when you had to choose between function and fashion when it came to family vehicles. Thanks to technological upgrades and innovation, minivans, crossovers and SUVs have all become more popular on the roadways.
Take the upgraded minivan, the 2023 Toyota Sienna, for example. With the available Driver Easy Speak (using the built-in microphone so the driver’s voice can be heard straight through the rear speakers), you no longer need to shout at your kids in the back seats.
Infotainment systems have become the new norm in most family vehicles, but alongside providing entertainment, smart technology is also being increasingly used to improve the safety of vehicles (like Toyota Connected Services). Some recently added common features include built-in roadside and emergency assistance as well as blind-spot monitors.
With improvements and modernizations made to all these popular family car types, you may be having trouble deciding! If you’re stuck between a minivan, a crossover or a 3-row SUV, this article highlights some of the key differences and will help you make the right choice for your family.
KID-FRIENDLY FEATURES
Saying a vehicle is ‘kid-friendly’ no longer simply refers to having built-in DVD players in the back seats, especially if your kids are old enough to take the wheel.
Teen driving tools have become a popular addition to many family vehicles, allowing parents to set limits on their teen drivers to increase driving safety, and in some cases even monitor their children’s driving. If you’re looking for a car specifically for your teen to drive, check out this guide to buying a first new car for newer and young drivers.
Other new features for your children to enjoy include rear-seat USB ports to keep your kids’ devices charged.
TO HYBRID OR NOT TO HYBRID?
Hybrid cars lower fuel consumption and emissions by alternating between gas and electric powertrains to get your vehicle moving. For the environmentally friendly family, a hybrid vehicle may be a great investment. Plus, not only will you be helping the environment, but you’ll spend less money on fuel and maintenance as well.
According to the findings of a U.S. News study [¹], the best hybrid or electric vehicle for families is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid (a 3-row crossover designed for larger families). Of course, the Highlander comes in a non-hybrid, gas-fuelled design as well, but hybrids have many advantages over gas cars including cost reductions such as government rebates and tax deductions in Canada as well as savings on gas.
Whether you’d prefer a more classic family vehicle like a minivan or a more modern vehicle like an SUV, your family has tons of safe, stylish, and sustainable options.
Don’t just find a vehicle to take you to and from your home, find a vehicle that feels like home.