When it comes to building safe and practical cars, Toyota is one of the leading car brands in South Africa. With a massive dealer footprint and the fact that there is never a shortage of parts, you won't be sorry for investing in a Toyota. And apart from owning a car from an established car brand, you'll be glad you bought a Toyota when you're trading in or selling your car. Toyotas hang on to their value exceedingly well, especially if you opt for a Fortuner, RAV4, Land Cruiser or Hilux bakkie.
While these above-mentioned vehicles may not be within your immediate price range, let's examine other models that may work very well, depending on the size of your family and the size of your budget, of course. The models we mention are new, so if you do have your heart set on one of these vehicles, but your budget is limited, remember to also look in our used section for lightly-used models or demos.
Toyota Agya
While the Toyota Agya is a great little car, it lacks certain safety features that the more recent Toyota Aygo models had, such as stability control and six airbags. While the Aygo's boot is tiny, the Agya has more room, as well as more legroom for rear passengers. Pricing for a new Agya starts at R184 900. We examine the Agya's talent for shuttling families in this review. From R184 900.
Toyota Starlet
The Toyota Starlet hatchback is a great little car if you need considerably more space and features, at the right price. The Starlet is based on the Suzuki Baleno and offers a peppy engine, sufficient safety features, a sizeable boot, space on the rear seat, and excellent fuel economy. Find out why we think it's a good option for you and your loved ones, here. From R220 800.
Toyota Urban Cruiser
The product of yet another collaboration with Suzuki, the Urban Cruiser is basically a rebranded Suzuki Vitara Brezza. The Urban Cruiser is a practical, sub-compact SUV that is very easy to live with on a daily basis. It's also priced right. Find out why it's a good buy for family-orientated consumers. From R259 100.
Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross is one of SA's most hotly anticipated new models of 2021, and we're sure that families will go mad for it. Watch this space, it only launches to the media in November 2021! You can reserve one in the meantime on the Toyota SA website; pricing starts at R349 900. (Pictured is the US model, local models' styling and specification may differ slightly.)
The Toyota RAV4
"The RAV4 passes the family-friendliness test with flying colours, being roomy and comfortable inside as well as functional, and fun."
Find out why think it's a good SUV for families, here. From R489 600. For environmentally-conscious consumers, a hybrid model has also been added to the range.
Toyota Fortuner
It almost goes without saying that the Fortuner is good for families — in fact, it's probably one of the first Toyota SUVs that springs to mind. With four children in tow over last December, I think I am qualified to answer whether the Fortuner is spot-on for families, or not. Read my holiday car review on the top-spec Fortuner, here.
Land Cruiser Prado
This off-road beast seats seven with room to spare for the family's luggage.
"If you want an off-road capable luxury SUV that majors on comfort and effortless all-round ability, look no further." - Martin Pretorius, AutoTrader.
You can read his review of the Prado 2.8 GD VX-L (2021) here.
Land Cruiser 300
This newly launched model has not undergone the seven-day family test yet, but our reviewer reckons it's one of the best new family SUVs that your money can buy. You can read our 2021 Land Cruiser 300 launch report here.
Toyota Hilux Double Cab
Can a double-cab bakkie replace the ever-popular SUV as a family vehicle? Well, that depends, but we think it certainly could, depending on what you and your family get up to during the week and on weekends. Read our latest Toyota Hilux reviews here. Also, read Is the Toyota Hilux good for families?
Also consider ...
The Toyota Corolla Quest, Toyota Avanza, Toyota Corolla Hatch and sedan, Toyota C-HR, Land Cruiser 76 and 79, Land Cruiser 200.
For larger families, the new Toyota Quantum bus cannot be ignored, either.
Verdict
Whatever your budget, there's a Toyota that will fulfil the needs of your family.
