What are the best Family cars in 2024?
Familiy cars come in all shapes and sizes and which you choose is based on your budget as well as what your family requires in car. In this article, we list varying bodystyles and pricepoints but choose what we think the best family car of 2024 is.
Like how each family is unique, what defines a good family depends heavily on the needs of that unique family. Some families are small, others are big. Some families require a vehicle best suited for the city, while another family might want a vehicle that can conquer the rough stuff.
But before you sell your current car quickly and easily on AutoTrader and search for new or used cars on AutoTrader here. In this article, we will list a variety of vehicles in different segments, all of which we think will suit most family needs but ultimately we will choose an overall winner.
Related: What are the best family SUVs in 2024?
Hyundai Grand i10
Some families might still be small and don't require the largest car on the market for their needs to be met. Sometimes, just having a small, frugal city runaround is all you require. In the article, "What are the best budget hatchback cars in 2024?" here, we compared some of the best budget-friendly hatchbacks and came to the conclusion that the Hyundai Grand i10 is our favourite.
Safety
Airbags - 2
ABS Brakes - Yes, with electronic brake force distribution.
ISOFIX - Outer rear seats
Tech & Comfort
Infotainment - 8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
Air conditioning - Yes
Boot space - 360-litres
Performance
Power and torque: 49 kW and 94 Nm
Average claimed fuel consumption: 5.5 L / 100km
Price & Warranty
Price: from R 239 500
Warranty: 5-year / 150 000km vehicle warranty, 7-year / 200 000km drivetrain warranty
Related: Search for new or used Hyundai Grand i10 models on AutoTrader
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 Comfort
Sometimes, a little more space and more tech is what you want in a family vehicle. For this you might want to consider a crossover model. Slightly bigger and higher ground clearance than with a hatchback but, still not as big or expensive as an SUV. In our article, "What are the best Crossover vehicles in 2024?" found here, we found that the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 Comfort is the crossover to have.
Safety
Airbags - 6
ABS Brakes - Yes, with EBD and ESP
ISOFIX - Outer rear seats
Tech & Comfort
Infotainment - 10.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
Air conditioning - Automatic Climate Control
Boot space - 340-litres
Performance
Power and torque: 83 kW and 138 Nm
Average claimed fuel consumption: 7.0 L / 100km
Price & Warranty
Price: from R 279 900 (R345 900 for the 1.5 Comfort)
Warranty: 10-year / 1 000 000km warranty for the first owner
Related: Search for new or used Chery Tiggo 4 Pro models on AutoTrader
Toyota RAV4 2.0 GX-R AWD
If a crossover is not quite enough and you need a car that will both be comfortable in the city and capable on rough terrain, an SUV might just be what you are looking for. In our article, "What are the best family SUVs in 2024?" here, we concluded that we think the Toyota RAV4 still offers the best value for money and should meet most of your family's needs.
Safety
Airbags - 7
ABS Brakes - Yes, with EBD and ESP
ISOFIX - Outer rear seats
Tech & Comfort
Infotainment - 8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
Air conditioning - Automatic Climate Control
Boot space - 733-litres
Performance
Power and torque: 127 kW and 203 Nm
Average claimed fuel consumption: 6.7 L / 100km
Price & Warranty
Price: from R 705 600
Warranty: 3-year / 100 000km warranty, 8-year / 195 000km for the hybrid battery in hybrid variants.
Related: Search for new or used Toyota RAV4 models on AutoTrader
Ford Ranger 3.0 Wildtrak 4x4 Double Cab
Bakkies seems to be one of South Africa's favourite vehicle types and for good reason. Not only will the latest Ford Ranger double cabs on the market transport a family safely and comfortably, but the load bin makes it more practical for cargo, and the powerful and versatile drivetrains allow the Ranger to tackle almost any obstacle, especially in the 3.0 Wildtrak 4x4 guise. This particular model also beat out the competition in the article "What are the best Double Cab bakkies in 2024?" here.
Safety
Airbags - 7
ABS Brakes - Yes, with EBD and ESP
ISOFIX - Outer rear seats
Tech & Comfort
Infotainment - 12.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
Air conditioning - Automatic Climate Control
Load carrying capacity - 944kg
Performance
Power and torque: 184 kW and 600 Nm
Average claimed fuel consumption: 8.4 L / 100km
Price & Warranty
Price: from R 514 800 Ford Ranger 2.0 SiT single cab XL manual (Ford Ranger 3.0TD V6 double cab Wildtrak 4WD - R 1 056 100)
Warranty: 4-year / 120 000km warranty
Related: Search for new or used Ford Ranger models on AutoTrader
Mercedes-Benz EQA250 Progressive
Maybe your family is in the market for an electric vehicle. The Mercedes-Benz EQA-Class is the German automaker's most compact and most affordable EVs available locally. The higher ground clearance and proportions make this a crossover like the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. While it is not the largest of the Mercedes-Benz EV models available locally, it can service a small to medium-sized family with ease. It also beat out the competition in the article "What are the best Electric Vehicles in 2024?" here.
Safety
Airbags - 7 (optional 9)
ABS Brakes - Yes, with electronic brake force distribution.
ISOFIX - Outer rear seats
Tech & Comfort
Infotainment - 10.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
Air conditioning - Automatic climate control
Boot space - 430-litres
Performance
Power and torque: 140 kW and 385 Nm
Average claimed range: 402-429 km
Price & Warranty
Price: from R 1 176 350
Warranty: 2-year / unlimited-kilometer vehicle, 8-year / 160 000km battery
Related: Search for new or used Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 models on AutoTrader
Our 2024 Best Family Car winner is...
Considering the price, safety, size and overall cost of ownership, our winner, at the time of writing this article, for the best family car in 2024 is the Toyota RAV4. With good levels of standard specification, practical cabin and boot size, frugal powertrain and decent off-road capability, the RAV4 is a well-rounded option for small to medium-sized families.
