Some families take a rather sedate pace to life, but others much prefer to go seeking adventure. If your family is always looking for something new to do and exploring outdoor pursuits, having the right car can make a big difference to your enjoyment. You need to be able to get around easily and to carry anything you might want to take with you, from camping equipment to skis and bicycles. That means you need to consider your choice of vehicle carefully so it’s suitable for your whole family and any adventures you want to take. Here are some things you’ll want to consider.
Safety First
Safety is obviously a must for any family car. The most important thing is that you know your family will be safe, whether you’re on-road or off-road. SUVs are great for adventuring and have a lot of safety features to keep your family safe, no matter what. The best thing to do is to look at safety ratings and the different features that a car has to determine if it’s right for you. The NHTSA is the organization that rates the safety of vehicles in the US, so take a look at their website to find some of the safest cars available.
Plenty of Storage Space
When you’re traveling with your family, you need to have plenty of space for everyone’s stuff. As well as getting the kids in the car (plus, maybe a dog), you need to be able to pack any belongings or gear you might need, from suitcases to sports equipment. Check the amount of space available for you to use, and measure some of the things you might typically take on a trip. Of course, there’s the option for external storage too, such as roof boxes and bicycle racks, which can give you more space.
Hauling Capabilities
If you’re taking camping or sports equipment on your adventures, it can be helpful to haul what you need behind your vehicle. When you browse your options at Edmunds, check the weight that different cars are capable of hauling. You need to ensure it can take the weight of whatever it is you want to haul, whether it’s a trailer, a boat, or anything else you might want to take with you. When you’re checking how much pulling power the car has, make sure you know how much you need to pull behind it.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is another important factor for any family car when you want to go on adventures. You often need to be able to drive long distances, with perhaps not too many chances to stop and fill up. You also don’t want to spend too much money on fueling your car, so you need something that doesn’t guzzle gas. When you’re considering fuel economy, remember that you’re going to need more fuel if your vehicle is more weighed down.
Before you start looking for the right car for your family, define what your wants and needs are to make your search easier.
