As someone who works full time and endures a 25-minute commute each way, I rely heavily on my vehicle. And as a parent of a toddler who only naps while we’re driving, my car is indispensable for both practical and somewhat irrational reasons.
When I decided it was time to trade my tiny subcompact Mazda2 for something more suitable for a bulky car seat and a jogging stroller, I spent a lot of time researching and running numbers to determine what I could realistically afford.
One major consideration in my decision was how well the family car would retain its value over five to 10 years — eventually I’ll sell or trade it in, and the more I recoup, the better off I’ll be down the road.
Kelley Blue Book and ALG (Automotive Lease Guide) analyze concrete data on current models, market trends, competing vehicles and draw on expert knowledge to identify which cars keep their resale value the longest.
Using Kelley Blue Book and ALG’s accolades as a guide, here are several top family vehicles that offer strong long-term value.
Compact Car: Subaru Impreza (MSRP $18,495)
Both Kelley Blue Book and ALG recognized the Subaru Impreza as the top Compact Car. Offered in sedan and hatchback forms, the Impreza is a great fit for a small family with one or two children.
Like most Subarus, the Impreza includes standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which improves traction in adverse weather. Subaru also has a reputation for prioritizing safety — an essential trait when selecting a family vehicle.
Every Impreza comes equipped with a rearview camera to simplify reversing, and higher trim levels add features such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and lane-departure alerts.
Compact SUV/Crossover: Honda CR-V (MSRP $24,045)
The Honda CR-V, a familiar sight on U.S. roads since 1997, placed second in Kelley Blue Book’s Compact Crossover category, just behind the iconic Jeep Wrangler (a neat vehicle but not as family-oriented).
Standard equipment on every CR-V includes a multi-angle rearview camera, LED daytime running lights, automatic climate control and Bluetooth. The two-wheel-drive CR-V achieves an EPA-estimated 32 mpg on the highway, cutting down fuel stops and saving you money.
Full-Size Car: Toyota Avalon (MSRP $33,500)
The Avalon is Toyota’s top-tier sedan and delivers a lot of value for the price. Kelley Blue Book and ALG both ranked the Avalon as the No. 2 choice in the Full-Size Car group. Its roomy footprint makes it ideal for a larger family that prefers not to drive an SUV or crossover.
The Avalon comfortably seats five, offering 103.6 cubic feet of passenger space — comparable to some smaller crossovers and SUVs. Notably, every Avalon model includes Toyota Safety Sense P as standard, which features a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams and dynamic radar cruise control. These advanced safety systems offer extra reassurance for parents.
Full-Size SUV/Crossover: Chevrolet Tahoe (MSRP $47,215)
As the priciest vehicle listed here, the Chevy Tahoe is also the largest, making it well-suited for big families. The Tahoe topped ALG’s rankings and was the runner-up on Kelley Blue Book’s list.
The Tahoe offers three rows of seats and can accommodate up to nine passengers. Standard features include rear park assist, remote start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Fold down the second and third rows and you gain up to 94.7 cubic feet of cargo space — plenty for that massive Ikea haul.
Moreover, the Tahoe earns high safety marks: U.S. News & World Report named it the top large SUV for safety with an 8.7 out of 10, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded it 5 out of 5 stars in frontal crash testing, so you can feel confident your family is protected.
Consider Certified Pre-owned
USA Today reports that the average transaction price for a new car in 2017 rose 2.6% to $33,560, making new vehicles unaffordable for many families. Even with a good salary and modest bills, a new car payment can still amount to several hundred dollars each month.
If a brand-new vehicle is beyond your budget, don’t worry — you can still obtain a nearly new car by choosing certified pre-owned (CPO). Most manufacturers run CPO programs; these cars typically undergo a multi-point inspection, include a warranty and are reconditioned to near-new condition.
If you’re looking at used cars, purchasing CPO from a dealership offers more reassurance than buying from a private seller. You can often find a model just a couple of years old that still includes most of the modern technology found in newer vehicles.
When choosing a family car, safety, practicality and cost should be your top priorities. If these models don’t suit you, review the full listings from Kelley Blue Book and ALG to find a vehicle that matches your budget and preferences.
Karen Summers has covered automotive topics professionally for more than five years. She currently drives a large, blue Subaru Outback wagon affectionately nicknamed The Tardis.
