Got a new family member on the way and need a bigger car? Or maybe the old runabout is showing its age and it’s due for an upgrade. Either way, you need a new family vehicle. But with so many to choose from, how do you narrow it down? We’ve done the hard work for you with this countdown of the 5 best family cars in New Zealand right now.

Best SUV: Mazda CX-5

SUVs have quickly replaced the station wagon as the most popular family car in New Zealand. They’re big, they’re stylish, they have that wonderful ‘command position’ – perfect for a family that needs a little bit of everything.

The Mazda CX-5 has everything you’d want from an SUV but just does it ‘better’. Sleek looks, first-rate materials on the interior, modern infotainment systems, and a solid amount of grunt in the trunk – especially if you splash out on the premium model. Even if you don’t, every Mazda CX-5 ensures a smooth, comfortable drive no matter where you’re headed. And the kids won’t be embarrassed to get picked up in one. Always a bonus!

Best people mover: Honda Odyssey

If you ask someone to imagine a family car, a lot of them will be thinking of the Honda Odyssey. It’s a classic 7-seater minivan, big and roomy with plenty of leg space for the kids or cargo space for shopping.

The 2009 model features a 2.4L, four-cylinder engine that won’t be winning any races, but ensures that unlike a lot of other minivans, the Odyssey offers a smooth, quiet and comfortable ride. The 2020 model also comes with a night-vision camera for the cabin, so you can keep an eye on the kids – cool stuff!

Best all-rounder: Mazda 6

Family cars need to do a lot. The school runs, grocery shopping, getting to work, maybe even acting as a practice car for the learners in the household. And it needs to be safe too! The 2018 Mazda 6 ticks all of those boxes, featuring a 5-star safety rating and heaps of features like blind-spot monitoring, smart city brake support and lane keep assist.

It’s adaptable, it’s safe, and 2018 models have a revamped petrol engine that keeps fuel costs down too.

Most reliable: Nissan Leaf

A 2019 Consumer NZ survey rated the Nissan Leaf as NZ’s most reliable car. Being a purely electric vehicle, it has fewer moving parts than its petrol or diesel equivalents (20 compared to 2,000), making mechanical issues few and far between. In fact, over the 12 months of the survey, the Leaf had exactly 0 problems.

While it may not be suitable for long road trips, it’s an excellent choice for a family car. Don’t let the fact it’s a hatchback fool you, it’s still a five-seater with plenty of room to spare, and it’s packed with modern safety features to keep you and the fam secure.

Best budget choice: Suzuki Swift

The Suzuki Swift was (and is) one of the most popular cars ever. Thousands of them are sold every year, and you’d be hard-pressed to take a drive and not be able to spot one, somewhere. It’s a handsome little car with a surprising amount of room, runs cheaply and fun to drive. Family cars don’t have to be boring, after all.

So why is it a great budget choice in particular? Being such a popular car, you regularly find them available as used vehicles, and for only a fraction of the price. Some older models even come under $10,000!

Check out what cars we have available right now online, or get in touch with us to find out more.