The 10 Best Family Cars 2024
From station wagons to SUVs, from gasoline engines to CO2-neutral electric drives: the range of vehicles for families has never been as wide as it is today. They all have one thing in common – space for children and cones.
Audi A4 Avant 35 TDI
Even though SUVs are currently very much in vogue, station wagons remain the classics among family cars. Audi's A4 Avant g-tron combines elegance with a lavish trunk in which an optional charging system keeps things tidy.
A comparatively large touchscreen provides the best entertainment on long journeys. If its range of functions is not enough for you, you can simply book more at any time via smartphone.
The drive of the five-seater proves that efficiency and environmental friendliness do not need electricity or batteries – especially not if you travel a lot over long distances and cannot afford to take charging breaks. A modern turbodiesel is still the optimal solution for this usage profile – thanks to low consumption and long range. And because the emission regulations have long since had to be met in everyday operation, you are also on the safe side ecologically.
- Price from CHF 53'760.-
- Diesel drive 120 kW/163 hp
- Luggage compartment 495 – 1,495 l
- Fuel consumption 4.8 l/100 km (equivalent to 5.5 l/100 km petrol)
- CO2 emissions 125 g/km
- Efficiency class C
- Total emissions (at 200,000 km) approx. 58.2 t CO2
- Costs/year (for 15,000 km) approx. CHF 12,713
Dacia Jogger
The classic van with seven seats is at the end? You might think so in view of the SUV boom. But with the XL family mobile called Jogger at a budget rate, Dacia is providing revival. Especially because the peppily styled seven-seater also stands up to design boredom. Of course, there is also a list of options. But no matter how many crosses you tick – you won't be able to break the price limit of 30,000 francs even with the hybrid top version. This means that even with full equipment, there is still enough in the family budget to be able to roll into the holidays in the Dacia easily.
Technically, Renault's Romanian subsidiary is also at the top of its game in this case. A completely new hybrid drive provides propulsion, the infotainment is up to date and the equipment is bulging with cruise control, reversing camera or LED light.
In such an everyday car, robust plastic makes perfect sense, but in the Jogger it is polished up so nicely that you hardly notice it. And even the third row of seats is also suitable for short distances when you no longer go to primary school. You won't find so much family car for the money anywhere else.
- Price from CHF 24'490.-
- Drive: Petrol, 103 kW/140 hp
- Trunk: 212 – 2,085 l
- Consumption: 5.1 l/100 km
- CO2 emissions: 114 g/km
- Efficiency class B
- Total emissions (at 200,000 km): n/a
- Costs/year (at 15,000 km): n/a
Ford Kuga Hybrid
You want to enjoy all the advantages of an SUV, but pay attention to the slim line when it comes to design? Then Ford's new Kuga generation would be ideal for your family. You keep track of things in the driver's seat, but at the same time the five-seater looks like a station wagon in profile.
Another advantage is the wide range of drives, which offer turbodiesel, mildly hybridized gasoline engines and also a plug-in hybrid drive. But if you live in a block and without charging facilities, the hybrid version is perfect for you. It covers short distances electrically and recovers energy when braking. A range of up to 1,000 km on a single tank of fuel is possible. And thanks to the optional all-wheel drive, neither ice nor snow will scare you: Using artificial intelligence, the Kuga senses and learns when to engage the rear axle.
- Price from CHF 42'750.-
- Drive: Petrol/Hybrid 140 kW/190 hp
- Trunk: 435–1534 l
- Consumption: 6.3 l/100 km
- CO2 emissions: 145 g/km
- Efficiency class: B
- Total emissions (at 200,000 km): n/a
- Costs/year (at 15,000 km): n/a
Kia Niro
Sollten dich die Preisschilder mancher Modelle mit Elektroantrieb abschrecken, könnte Kias neuer elektrischer Niro genau der richtige Einstieg in die Elektromobilität sein. Seine Karosserie zwischen Kombi und SUV bietet üppige Platzverhältnisse, ohne dass er beim Preis überreissen würde.
Während andere Marken noch die erste Stromer-Generation lancieren, kommt der Niro EV schon in der zweiten Auflage. Seine grosse Batterie 64 kWh Kapazität für 460 Kilometer Reichweite steckt im Unterboden – perfekt für tiefen Schwerpunkt und flotte Fahreigenschaften. Die Rekuperation, also die Energierückgewinnung beim Bremsen, lässt sich in mehreren Stufen regeln. Mit ein wenig Ãœbung stoppst du so punktgenau am Lichtsignal, ohne die mechanischen Bremsen abzunutzen. Das senkt auch die Servicekosten.
Und auch beim Interieur hat Kias Familienstromer einen grossen Schritt nach vorne gemacht, indem er das coole Interieur der grösseren Kia-E-Modelle übernommen hat mit zwei riesigen Touchscreens und mehr Platz.
- Preis ab CHF 44’650.-
- Antrieb: Elektro 150 kW/204 PS
- Kofferraum: 475–1’392 l
- Verbrauch: 16,2 kWh/100 km (entspricht 1,8 l/100 km Benzin)
- CO2-Ausstoss: 0 g/km
- Effizienzklasse: A
- Gesamtemissionen (bei 200’000 km): ca. 29,6 t CO2
- Kosten/Jahr (bei 15’000 km) ca. CHF 10’098.-
Mercedes GLB
Here, a full-blown family van was disguised as an SUV: It's hard to believe that Mercedes accommodates three complete rows of seats in the GLB on a length of only 4.65 meters. Only the offspring sits really comfortably at the very back. But if you often have to chauffeur half a youth football team to the match on Saturdays, the GLB becomes a nice alternative to boxy seven-seaters.
Diesels are only profitable for frequent drivers. That's why the 163 hp petrol engine is a perfect fit. Especially since it consumes exactly as much as the base engine with only 136 hp.Also
on board: the MBUX infotainment system with integrated voice control, which listens to the word: "Hey, Mercedes!" And if you and your children get bored on long distances, it has jokes in store. Or knows the answer to almost every child's question.
- Price from CHF 51'200.-
- Drive: Petrol 120 kW/163 hp
- Luggage compartment: 575–1,800 l
- Consumption: 7.9 l/100 km
- CO2 emissions: 180 g/km
- Efficiency class: E
- Total emissions (at 200,000 km): approx. 67.4 t CO2
- Costs/year (for 15,000 km) approx. CHF 12,560
Opel Grandland GSe
Opel's SUV flagship with its commanding appearance will soon also be available in a sports version. The Grandland GSe is being polished up with a sporty look and a new front including a black mask, which is called "Vizor", i.e. visor. Behind this cover are the radar sensor for emergency brake assist and cruise control and a night vision device that will provide even more visibility in the future.
New headlights, each with 84 individual LEDs, will also be installed. So you can always drive with high beam – and the electronics switch off individual LEDs depending on the situation so that no one is dazzled.
The all-wheel drive also returns in the 300 hp version with plug-in hybrid. Two electric motors – one per axle – propel the SUV up to 63 kilometers purely electrically. Or they can be switched on to the gasoline engine if necessary.
The cockpit is also fresh with two large monitors and only a few buttons.
- Price from CHF 59'900.-
- Drive: Petrol/plug-in hybrid 220 kW/300 hp
- Luggage compartment: 390–1,228 l
- Consumption: 1.2 l/100 km
- CO2 emissions: 28 g/km
- Efficiency class: B
- Total emissions (at 200,000 km): n/a
- Costs/year (at 15,000 km) n/a
Peugeot 5008
Du suchst ein hochklassiges Interieur mit Wohlfühl-Atmosphäre zum vernünftigen Preis? Dann solltest du einmal einen Blick in Peugeots grösstes SUV namens 5008 werfen. Denn der französische Autobauer hat in den letzten Jahren vor allem innen mächtig zugelegt mit edlen Oberflächen, coolen Kipptastern und mehrstöckiger Mittelkonsole. Und optional abgesteppten Lederbezügen, die sich sogar besser reinigen lassen als die Stoffsitze der Basisausstattung.
Drei Sitzreihen mit sieben Plätzen stecken ausserdem im grossen Bruder des 3008. Und den üppigen Laderaum von beinahe zwei Kubikmetern Volumen würde man ihm von aussen auch nicht zutrauen.
Bei den Antrieben setzt Peugeot auf Preisvernunft und effiziente Benziner und Diesel mit 130 oder 180 PS. Ohne Elektrifizierung, aber mit vernünftiger Leistung und kleinem Verbrauch. Gut so – damit wird Noblesse für einmal geradezu erschwinglich.
- Preis ab CHF 41’630.-
- Antrieb: Benzin 96 kW/130 PS
- Kofferraum: 780–1940 l
- Verbrauch: 7,1 l/100 km
- CO2-Ausstoss 161 g/km
- Effizienzklasse D
- Gesamtemissionen (bei 200’000 km) ca. 54,1 t CO2
- Kosten/Jahr (bei 15’000 km) ca. CHF 10’440.-
Renault Kangoo
Am Anfang liebten Päcklidienste und Pöstler den pfiffigen Hochdach-Kombi zum kleinen Preis. Doch längst haben auch Familien den Renault Kangoo als vernünftige und vor allem geräumige Alternative zum klassischen Familienvan entdeckt.
Der Lieferwagen-Charakter hat die frisch lancierte neue Generation längst abgelegt: Mit 14 Assistenzsystemen unterstützt er dich wie manch teurerer PW. Ein Touchscreen statt Tasten übernimmt die Bedienung.
Beim Ladevolumen steckt der Kangoo selbst längere Autos locker in die Tasche. Pfiffig sind die ausklappbaren Dachträger oder das Leiterfach unterm Dach. Bis zu 2,70 Meter lange Bücherregale passen locker in den Fünfplätzer.
Sparsamster Antrieb für Vielfahrer ist der kleine Turbodiesel mit 95 PS, aber bärigem Drehmoment. Und der Kangoo stromert auch wieder – bis zu 265 Kilometer weit mit einer Batterieladung.
- Preis ab CHF 30’400.-
- Antrieb: Diesel 70 kW/95 PS
- Kofferraum: 775–3’500 l
- Verbrauch: 5,3 l/100 km (entspricht 6,0 l/100 km Benzin)
- CO2-Ausstoss: 138 g/km
- Effizienzklasse: D
- Gesamtemissionen (bei 200’000 km): ca. 58,1 t CO2
- Kosten/Jahr (bei 15’000 km): ca. CHF 9’963.-
Skoda Octavia mHEV
Who made the Skoda Octavia Combi the best-selling car in Switzerland? Certainly many families too. Because the VW subsidiary's bestseller towers over all its station wagon competitors in length. And it offers more cargo space than some higher-class models.
With the current generation, the five-seater is also technically ahead: VW provides the mature basis, but Skoda makes something of its own out of it, for example in the interior. Or the clever details from the umbrellas in the doors to the ice scraper in the fuel filler cap.
In addition, no other model in this class offers so many drive versions: gasoline, diesel, natural gas, plug-in hybrids, optional all-wheel drive. And a mild hybrid with a small electric motor as a booster and for recuperation. This is electrification "light", so to speak, which nevertheless noticeably reduces consumption at a reasonable price.
- Price from CHF 36'070.-
- Drive: petrol/mild hybrid, 81 kW/110 hp
- Trunk: 640–1700 l
- Consumption: 5.5 l/100 km
- CO2 emissions: 125 g/km
- Efficiency class B
- Total emissions (at 200,000 km) approx. 48.5 t CO2
- Costs/year (for 15,000 km) approx. CHF 9322.-
VW T7 Multivan
He took Büezer to the construction site, the scouts to the holiday camp and hippies to the demonstration: The VW bus is a car legend and, along with the Beetle, the VW brand icon. The fresh seventh generation called T7 has long since rolled in – and is turning everything upside down.
Because the XL van has been completely redesigned technically and now comes to the start in a more luxurious way: With automatic, head-up display and new infotainment, it plays technically like the Volkswagen PWs. The drive will be electrified for the first time for the top version. The plug-in hybrid is supposed to be able to cover up to 50 kilometers purely electrically - that's easily enough for children's taxi rides in everyday life. On long-distance holiday journeys, the petrol engine then provides range.
However, the greatest progress can literally be felt in the interior. The seven individual seats in the passenger compartment are a quarter lighter and can therefore be removed more easily. They can also be rotated and moved. The parents chauffeur, the offspring play in the back – so every family trip loses its terror.
- Price from CHF 66'340.-
- Drive: petrol/plug-in hybrid, 160 kW/218 hp
- Luggage compartment: 469 – 4,053 l
- Consumption: 1.6 l/100 km
- CO2 emissions: 37 g/km
- Efficiency class n/a
- Total emissions (at 200,000 km): approx. 46.0 t CO2
- Cost/year (for 15,000 km): approx. CHF 13,734