These are the best family cars in New Zealand

We ask a lot of our family cars. They have to keep us and the little ones safe. They have to be comfortable enough to handle long trips with minimal complaining from the backseat (are we there yet?). And they need to be rugged enough to withstand muddy shoes and sandy beach towels.

We reckon these vehicles tick all those boxes and more – these are four of the best family cars in NZ.

Mazda 6

Family cars don’t need to be boring – case in point, the Mazda 6. It’s available both as a sedan and a wagon, boasts sports car good looks, high tech safety features, and a grunty 2.5 litre turbo engine.

It’s also got an impressive array of smart features in the cabin, including Bose speakers (Takami line), a heads-up display, leather trim, and an 8-inch touch screen with inbuilt satnav. These touches of luxury give the cabin a premium, plush feel that you don’t usually find in vehicles at such a reasonable price point.

If you’re keen to save even more money and buy a Mazda 6 used, try and find something from 2012 onward – all models after that date have been awarded 5-star safety ratings.

Nissan X-Trail

The Nissan X-Trail is an attractive midsize SUV packed with features that make your life easier.

Hands full of groceries? No worries – just swipe your foot under the rear bumper and it’ll open for you. Don’t feel like braking and accelerating in traffic? You don’t need to – just turn on intelligent cruise control and the car will do it for you, maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

What’s more, Niccars is usually selling a few of these used so you may be able to find a bargain!

Suzuki Vitara

If you want to spend less but get more, the Suzuki Vitara is a brilliant option. This midsize SUV starts at just $27,990 brand new + ORC.

Despite that low price point, it’s still packed with features like dual sensor brake support, which will help you stop if an obstacle is detected. It’s also got a reverse camera, smartphone connectivity, a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, and a 4WD mode just in case.

You could pick one up used for extra savings, but they can be tricky to find! People tend to hang onto these little beauties when they buy them.

Kia Sorento 

Kia may not be a name you associate with premium luxury but you haven’t sat in the cabin of a Sorento large SUV yet. There are leather seats, light streaming in through a massive sunroof, and a large 10.25-inch touch screen packed with features.

There’s also a list of safety technology a couple pages long, including forward and blind-spot collision avoidance assist and impact-sensing auto door unlock. All this at about half the price of most similarly spec’d vehicles!

Whether you’ve got little ones on the way or your current family car needs an upgrade, there are so many great family cars to choose from. Drop in to your nearest Niccars dealership for expert advice and a hand choosing the right one for your family.