If you have three or more kids, you could probably get by with a mid-size sedan if all you want to do is take them from Point A to Point B. Realistically, though, having kids means music lessons, athletics, camping and more.
Rather than consider a used car, we recommend either a used SUV or minivan, and in those categories, our top picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda CR-V, Chevy Traverse, Ford Flex and Dodge Caravan.
Hyundai Santa Fe: You’ll have plenty of room for your kids, and several of their friends as well with the Hyundai Santa Fe. We are quite partial to the third row climate controls, which help to ensure that everyone is comfortable. There’s also plenty of space for groceries, gear, or whatever you need to haul along with your brood.
Honda CR-V: The CR-V is by no means the biggest SUV available, but you’ll find that it’s still quite roomy. It’s not hard on fuel, and handles nicely. The rearview camera is a nice feature, especially when you have all those kids milling about.
Chevrolet Traverse: The Traverse is very roomy, and seats eight people comfortably. The third row is even roomy enough for adults. This is a solid, dependable vehicle that will serve your entire family well.
Ford Flex: To say the least, the Flex is … well, “flexible.” You can fold down the seats to unearth extra cargo space, or if you’re not carrying a lot of gear, make do with the cargo well and take advantage of the three rows of available seating.
Dodge Caravan: The Dodge Caravan is one of the most popular minivans on the market with good reason. It’s a nice-looking rig, with plenty of space, and very reliable. We’re quite partial to the rear cup holders – a nice feature when transporting a group of kids.