Why SUVs are the perfect family car

When I first became a parent I drove a 1970's Austin mini, which I loved and cherished but it really wasn't a practical car for a young family, especially as it didn't have airbags and I couldn't safely fit a car seat due to such old seatbelts. Once the radiator gave way I knew it was time to let go and find a more practical solution (although I do hope to have an old mini again in the future at some point). 

Adapting to family life does requires changes in a number of areas, one of the biggest of which is usually the vehicle you drive. Whether you’re welcoming the first addition or adding another, having the right car can make going about family life that little bit easier. Having gone through a range of cars over the past decade including compact car to a bongo van, I have found that SUVs are the most in terms of safety and practicality and here is why

Spacious and comfortable interiors

Perhaps the main draw to SUVs is the space you can benefit from inside. If you’re used to driving hatchbacks and other smaller cars, the metaphorical and literal step up to an SUV will make quite the difference.

Spacious interiors mean the driver, front passenger and back passengers can all enjoy longer journeys in comfort. Even shorter journeys and cruising around town will feel more premium. Options with 5 and even 7 seats are available for added practicality.

More space in the car will be useful if you’re already taking on taxi duties for your kids or if you’re planning on expanding the family down the line.

Extra boot space

Family life comes with lots of ‘things’ such as pushchairs, car seats, carrycots, nappies and emergency supplies – you need a vehicle that can accommodate everything. Even as kids get older, you’ll still need room for holiday luggage, activity equipment and lots more.

Unless you’re willing to upgrade to a van (which has many pro's but also con's), SUVs have the most boot space on offer. For example, the Skoda Kodiaq boasts a whopping 835 litres if you’re using five seats. Smaller crossover SUVs like the new DS3 offer around 350 litres with a standard model.

If you’re tired of playing Tetris with your boot space, upgrade to an SUV.

Advanced safety features

Safety is likely high on your priority list when looking for a family car, and modern SUVs excel in this department. The elevated driving position in these cars provides improved visibility, allowing you to anticipate road hazards sooner.

Innovative airbag systems, advanced braking systems, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control are other features often integrated into modern SUVs. These all help you to avoid collisions and accidents on the road.

Bigger, more solid builds can also prove more durable in crash tests. But we hope it will never need to be tested in a real-life scenario.

Versatility and practicality

Finally, SUVs provide excellent versatility and practicality. They can handle the varied demands of family life, from tackling the school run in an urban environment to heading out into the countryside for a quick getaway.

Four-wheel drive options are particularly useful in the UK’s unpredictable weather. Added grip and stability can make all the difference in ice, rain and heavy wind, keeping you and your family safe.

 

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