The modern automotive market has so many appealing products that picking the right one for a particular purpose can be a daunting task. Every automaker is doing their best to make cars that serve more than a single market need. It’s from this idea that we’ve seen an increase in more spacious SUVs with amazing off-road handling. Many more are getting sportier.
Such vehicles have become the preferred choice for families, especially when they offer economically viable mobility solutions. The family car market segment of the market has seen automakers get more dedicated to building cars that combine several talents to serve their owners in the best way possible.
What exactly do you look for when buying a family car? Among the topmost considerations are price, space, safety reliability, and general economic suitability. This means that, besides the initial cost of the cars, families put in mind the cost of insurance and maintenance.
Perhaps the most important factor to weigh in on is safety. For a family vehicle, safety on the road cannot be compromised. It also has to be evaluated inside-out. Modern cars are heavily enhanced through technological components that enhance their operations. In recent rankings, Dodge has performed considerably well, becoming the most reliable American automaker in 2019. With this background, we evaluate a few Dodge and Chevrolet cars that make good family choices.
102015-2020 Dodge Durango
The Durango is huge and abrasive with its matching engine and looks. Dodge actually describes it as "a muscle car people with families." From the onset, the beefy Durango spells extravagance and largesse.
The Durango is available in a number of powerful engines, starting with a V6 that gives 295 ponies. This engine makes works well with an eight-speed automatic transmission. You can spruce things up by picking the V8 engine, which helps the Durango to shoot to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds down from the 7.4 provided by the V6.
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92021 Durango SRT Hellcat
This is a version of the Durango that’s more outstanding and incredibly sporty. You won’t find any SUV that can rival the Dodge SRT Hellcat in raw power, thanks to its 710 horsepower.
The performance-oriented Hellcat relies on a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 that helps it to move from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. With all seats upright, the Durango still has 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, which you can increase to 43.3 with the third-row seats lowered.
82011-2020 Dodge Journey
Sadly discontinued in 2020, the Journey was a great all-rounder family car, affordably combining power and practicality.
The Dodge Journey leaves behind good memories such as the CVP and Crossroad trims of 2020. They both carry a V6 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. This facilitates the engine to crank up 172 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque. The Dodge Journey is an equally spacious car for cargo and human transport.
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72008 Dodge Magnum
The Magnum is long discontinued, with the last ones rolling off the production line in 2008. Dodge cited poor sales for this decision. However, if you come across a well-maintained unit, pick it up and preserve it with pride. Not every day do you come across a muscle wagon like the Magnum.
A major premise that retained the Magnum on the move was its branding as a muscle car with power and a high cargo capacity. Although the wagon class is being replaced by crossovers, cars such as the Magnum demonstrate that they still have a special calling in serving families.
6Dodge Grand Caravan
The exit of the Dodge Grand Caravan in 2020 marks the end of a minivan that has served families diligently since 1984. The focus of the Grand Caravan has been to simply give families more space for cargo without sacrificing any of the other benefits of a great family car such as seating and affordability. Right from the introduction, it became a popular hit and remained a top performer in sales.
Even for the exit model, the powertrain remained a 3.6 naturally aspirated V6 engine that generates 283 hp. The infotainment system is simple and practical, featuring a 6.5-inch screen and other amenities such as a rearview camera as standard.
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52010-2020 Chevy Tahoe
Chevrolet has made a routine of curving crossovers and full-size SUVs from the chassis of pickup trucks. The Tahoe has the DNA of the Chevrolet Silverado, which explains its highly acclaimed performance within the Large SUVs For Families category. U.S. News Best gives it a commendable fourth position, scoring 7.9 out of 10.
The 2021 version increases legroom, especially in the third row, making it an absolutely attractive people hauler. Space increases from 94.7 cubic feet last year to 122.9 cubic feet once you fold the second and third row, translating into a large room for nearly anything. The rear suspension is now independent for the first time, giving the Tahoe an overall smooth ride off-road and on-road.
Related:Dodge Magnum SRT8: Costs, Facts, And Figures
42011-2020 Chevy Equinox
The Chevy Equinox falls in the highly competitive class of compact crossover SUVs. There are so many competitors therein and picking the perfect one can be an uphill task. The Equinox makes things easier.
The 2021 version carries over the attributes from 2020 nearly unchanged. However, it’s the upcoming 2022 model that promises incredible improvements. Engine options include a turbocharged and diesel engine, which generally provide better fuel economy. Safety features such as pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assistance, among others, are now standard. The five-seater is a good drive offering 40.9 and 39.9 inches of legroom in the first and second rows, respectively.
32009-2021 Chevy Malibu
The Malibu is the only surviving sedan from Chevrolet. The mid-size car is not only a head-turner but also an economical vehicle that makes a great option for modern families. As one of the longest-running nameplates of Chevrolet's genealogy, the Malibu carries over a covetable heritage worth being part of.
Among its greatest developments is evolving from a rear-drive car to a front-drive model available with several powertrain options, starting off with the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The interior, though not very elegant in material choices, is adequately spacious and ergonomically friendly. The dashboard amenities which include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, are all very alluring.
22019 Chevrolet Suburban
You cannot list down great Chevrolet models and leave out the Chevrolet Suburban. The nameplate that has been around since 1935 commands respect across the industry, even among competitors. With enormous seating space, lots of cargo space, and smooth engines, the Suburban remains one of the top choices for families.
The Suburban continues to grow bigger over the years, and the 2021 model pushes this agenda further. The standard engine is a 5.3-liter V8 that cranks 355 hp, but a few more engine options exist, all of which mate to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The greatest gift of the Suburban has to be its space that can conveniently serve any family.
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1Chevy Traverse
After evaluating 28 research elements, the U.S News Best gave the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse an 8.4 out of 10 score, placing it in the second position in the class of midsize SUVs. It’s highly regarded for fuel efficiency a balanced and smooth ride, especially over rough roads. The available space further makes it very accommodating, and not many competitors offer a similar package. It can seat up to eight passengers.
The three-row crossover that utilizes a 3.6-liter V6 engine is also very good for towing and handles difficult roads gracefully. The availability of USB ports across the cabin and a simplified infotainment system make it very friendly, too.
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Mark Lakewood is an automobile fanatic constantly scouring the internet for the latest news, reviews and opinions on anything that rides on two or four wheels. He is also an advocate of eco-friendly energy sources and has interests in electric motoring. A digital nomad, Mark is a successful copywriter working with brands in technology, fintech, SEO, social media placement among others. He is a contributor for Hotcars.com crafting articles on collectibles, innovative technology, supercars and a whole lot more.
