It’s no easy feat to determine the best family cars available on the market today, given each family and their vehicle needs are different. From small to large SUVs, hatchbacks to utes, wagons to people movers, vehicle manufacturers have evolved their offerings over the years to help cater for families of all sizes.

Australians however love flexibility in their lifestyles and if the past few years have taught us anything, more families than ever before are willing to pack their bags and hit the road to experience their own backyard. This means vehicles that cater for the hustle and bustle of suburbia, yet provide enough comfort and rigour to withstand long-road trips - and tackle the odd light camping trail - are currently leading the charge in Australia.

Analysing recent ‘VFACTS’ data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, below you’ll find a list of the top five family cars in Australia.

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In the market for a new car? The table below features car loans with some of the lowest interest rates on the market.

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LenderCar LoanInterest Rate Comparison Rate* Monthly Repayment Interest Type Vehicle Type Maximum Vehicle Age Ongoing Fee Upfront Fee Total Repayment Early Repayment Instant Approval Online Application TagsFeaturesLinkComparePromoted ProductDisclosure
6.24% p.a.
7.36% p.a.
$583
Variable
New
No Max
$8
$400
$35,000
  • Available for purchasing new and demo vehicles
  • $5,000 to $150,000 loan amount
  • Redraw facility available up to $5000/day
  • Required: Good credit history, stable employment history. Aus citizenship or PR.
 Disclosure
6.34% p.a.
7.46% p.a.
$585
Variable
New
No Max
$8
$400
$35,084
6.57% p.a.
7.19% p.a.
$588
Fixed
New
No Max
$0
$250
$35,278
  • No vehicle age limit
  • No ongoing or early exit fees
  • 1-7 years loan terms. Pay monthly, fortnightly, or weekly
 Disclosure
6.52% p.a.
6.95% p.a.
$587
Fixed
New
No Max
$0
$0
$35,236
Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

All products with a link to a product provider’s website have a commercial marketing relationship between us and these providers. These products may appear prominently and first within the search tables regardless of their attributes and may include products marked as promoted, featured or sponsored. The link to a product provider’s website will allow you to get more information or apply for the product. By de-selecting “Show online partners only” additional non-commercialised products may be displayed and re-sorted at the top of the table. For more information on how we’ve selected these “Sponsored”, “Featured” and “Promoted” products, the products we compare, how we make money, and other important information about our service, please click here.

The comparison rates in this table are based on a loan of $30,000 and a term of 5 years unless indicated otherwise. The comparison rates for car loans and secured personal loans for the relevant amounts and terms are for secured loans unless indicated otherwise. The comparison rates for unsecured personal loans are applicable for unsecured loans only. WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. Comparison rates are not calculated for revolving credit products.

Monthly repayment figures are estimates only, exclude fees and are based on the advertised rate for the term and for the loan amount entered. Actual repayments will depend on your individual circumstances and interest rate changes. Rates correct as of . View disclaimer.

Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

1. Toyota RAV4

One of the most well-known models of the Toyota lineup is the RAV4, considered by many manufacturers as the measuring stick for mid-sized SUVs. In recent years, the RAV4 has faced some stiff competition, threatening to dethrone the RAV4 from atop its perch, yet VFACTS data continues to show that you cannot keep a good thing down. Since February, the RAV4 has sat consistently in the top three vehicles sold in Australia and currently sits ahead of heavyweight Ford Ranger in the number of vehicles sold to date in 2022.

Starting price: From $34,400.

Key Features:

  • Five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.

  • Hybrid options available across all trim levels.

  • Five star ANCAP safety rating.

  • 4.7L per 100km fuel economy for hybrid variants; 7.5L per 100km for all-wheel drive petrol.

  • 580L of boot capacity. 

2. Mazda CX-5

Selling like hotcakes in Australia, the Mazda CX-5 remains one of the most popular cars for families across the nation. Dubbed the most popular medium sized SUV for seven consecutive years from 2013 to 2019, the Mazda CX-5 has built a reputation as a semi-premium offering in a segment where functional motoring goes hand-in-hand with affordability. The Mazda CX-5 currently sits behind the RAV4 according to the latest VFACTS data, yet remains in the top five for vehicle sales throughout the month.

Starting price: From $32,000

Key Features

  • Five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.

  • Five star ANCAP safety rating.

  • 8.1L per 100km fuel economy.

  • 438L of boot capacity.

3. MG ZS

With affordability being its primary drawcard for Australian families, the MG ZS is a popular model for families looking to take a step up into the SUV segment. Although classified as a small SUV as opposed to the RAV4 and CX-5, sales remain strong with the ZS lying within VFACTS' top 10 for April - ahead of some significant players in Mazda CX-30, Kia Sportage and Mitsubishi ASX. It’s also one of the cheapest electric cars on sale in Australia.

Starting price: From $22,990

Key features

  • Seven-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.

  • Four-star ANCAP rating. The ZS did not achieve five-stars because its head-on crash performance was sub-par.

  • 6.7L - 7.1L per 100km fuel economy.

  • 359L of boot capacity.

4. Toyota Prado

A cornerstone to Toyota’s Australian lineup, for decades the Prado has been a go-to option for families looking to strike the balance between transporting families, off-road aspirations and the ability to tow anything come time for a holiday. The Toyota Prado remains the market leader in the large SUV segment according to VFACTS' April data with nearly 10,000 sold in the year to date.

Starting price: From $60,830

Key features

  • Five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.

  • Five star ANCAP safety rating.

  • 7.2L per 100km fuel economy.

  • 640L of boot capacity.

5. Kia Sportage

Having recently undergone a facelift, the fifth-generation Kia Sportage is a medium-sized SUV competing with the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5. The Kia Sportage stands out on looks alone, yet its combination of safety, practicality, presentation and overall value means it remains in VFACTS' top-three for sales in the medium-sized SUV segment.

Starting price: From $32,445

Key features

  • Seven-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.  

  • No official ANCAP safety rating yet, previous models were rated with five stars.

  • 8.1L per 100km fuel economy for petrol, 6.3 litres per 100km fuel economy for diesel.

  • 543L of boot space.

Image by Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash