Gone are the days of settling for a boring old minivan. Today, the world of dad-friendly cars is more exciting than ever. Imagine cruising down the road in a sleek SUV, with enough room for the whole family plus all their gear. Or maybe you’re more of an off-road enthusiast, in which case a rugged truck is calling your name. Whatever your style or adventure, there’s a car out there with your name on it.
Best Cars For Dads 2024
#1 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: $40,620
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid proudly claimed the title of 2024 Best Hybrid SUV for Families, making it an outstanding choice for those seeking a reliable, efficient, and spacious family vehicle. This hybrid SUV stands out with its peppy acceleration and competitive gas mileage, ensuring that family road trips are both energetic and eco-friendly.
Spacious and Safe
The Highlander Hybrid excels in offering ample space, especially in the first two rows, making it comfortable for both parents and children. The third row is handy for larger families, providing necessary additional seating. For those living in colder regions, the available all-wheel drive option adds a layer of security for slippery roads, making it a versatile choice for year-round safety and confidence.
Family-Oriented Features
Safety is paramount in any family vehicle, and the Highlander Hybrid delivers with great crash-test scores and a user-friendly LATCH system that simplifies the installation of child seats. The standard 8-inch touchscreen, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhances connectivity, ensuring entertainment and navigation are easily accessible.
Subtle Updates for 2024
While the 2024 model year brings only a minor reshuffle in trim options, the Highlander Hybrid maintains its commitment to quality and performance. The introduction of the Grand Highlander provides families with even more options for space and comfort, allowing the regular Highlander to focus more on its mid-sized SUV mission.
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#2 2024 Kia Forte: $19,990
For dads who prefer their family car to blend practicality with a pinch of style, the Kia Forte is a compelling choice. Gone are the days when families relied solely on bulky vehicles; today, a well-designed sedan like the Forte can handle daily duties with ease.
Spacious and Stylish Interiors
Inside the Forte, there’s ample room for everyone, even in the backseat, which is great for dads ferrying kids and sports gear. The interior doesn’t just boast space; it’s crafted with high-quality materials and an attractive layout, making it a pleasant environment for any drive, whether it’s dropping off the kids at school or heading out for a weekend trip.
Tech-Friendly and Safe
With an easy-to-use 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, the Forte keeps technology at your fingertips, ideal for dads who appreciate connectivity and entertainment on the move. Safety features like driver-attention monitoring offer added peace of mind, crucial for protecting precious cargo.
Economical and Fun to Drive
Under the hood, the standard 2.0-liter engine offers sufficient zip for city driving, while the GT model’s turbocharged 1.6-liter engine introduces an extra thrill without sacrificing the Forte’s inherent practicality. This blend of efficiency and enjoyment is particularly appealing for dads who enjoy a spirited drive but don’t want to compromise on economy.
Unbeatable Value
What truly sets the Forte apart for budget-conscious dads is its exceptional value. Offering a host of features and solid performance at competitive prices, the Forte also comes with a powertrain warranty that outshines those from luxury brands, highlighting its worth as a prudent choice for families.
Also Check: Best Cars For Seniors(2024)
#3 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid: $36,210
For dads looking for a vehicle that blends security, efficiency, and style, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid stands out as an exemplary choice. It’s not just safe, with excellent scores and a robust suite of safety tech to ease the minds of parents with newly licensed drivers—it’s also incredibly fuel-efficient, making it a smart pick for families looking to save at the pump. The standard all-wheel drive ensures reliable performance, crucial for keeping the family safe in various weather conditions.
Surprising Luxury at a Competitive Price
Despite its friendly price tag, the Santa Fe Hybrid doesn’t hold back on luxury. The interior features an elegant design and superior build quality that might surprise those who equate hybrids with minimalism. Standard amenities like a large 10.25-inch touchscreen and wireless device charging offer the modern conveniences that tech-savvy dads appreciate, making it one of the cool family cars for dads who don’t want to compromise on technology.
Designed with Families in Mind
The Santa Fe Hybrid is designed thoughtfully with family needs at its core. Features like the rear-seat alert are perfect for busy dads, ensuring that children and pets are never accidentally left in the back seat. This thoughtful feature is just one example of how Hyundai tailors its vehicles to enhance family safety and convenience.
#4 2024 Honda CR-V: $29,500 – The Best Car for Dad Who Values Practicality and Style
The Honda CR-V stands out as a top choice for dads who need a vehicle that combines functionality with a touch of style. Not only does it rank highly within the compact SUV category, but its appealing design, solid performance, and excellent fuel economy make it a practical yet stylish choice for any dad looking to balance family responsibilities with personal enjoyment.
Spacious and Well-Equipped
Inside the CR-V, dads will find plenty of room to accommodate family life, with seating for five and more cargo space than many of its competitors. The latest model has stepped up its game, now featuring a 7-inch touchscreen and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allowing for seamless integration of mobile devices. This update ensures dads can stay connected, whether managing family logistics or navigating to the next weekend adventure.
Performance that Meets Family Needs
Under the hood, the CR-V is equipped with a 190-hp turbocharged engine that provides a reliable and efficient drive. Although it may exhibit a bit of noise when pushed, this slight drawback is overshadowed by its overall capability and fuel efficiency. For dads interested in even greater efficiency and performance, the CR-V also offers a 204-hp hybrid model, which delivers all the benefits of a hybrid without sacrificing power.
Critically Acclaimed
The CR-V isn’t just a hit among families; it’s also a critical darling. Having secured a place on the 10Best Trucks and SUVs list and winning a 2024 Editors’ Choice award, the CR-V is recognized not only for its features and performance but also as a leader in its class. This reputation sets it apart from competitors like the Mazda CX-50, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Kia Sportage, making it the best car for dads who demand excellence and value from their family vehicle.
The Perfect Choice for Today’s Dad
With its combination of modern technology, ample space, and dependable performance, the Honda CR-V is the ideal choice for dads looking for a car that supports their lifestyle and caters to their family’s needs. Whether it’s the daily commute, a road trip, or running errands, the CR-V offers the versatility, safety, and style that modern dads appreciate, truly making it the best car for dad.
#5 2024 Rivian R1S: $74,900
The Rivian R1S is setting a new standard for families seeking both space and sustainability in a vehicle. With seating for seven, this all-electric SUV is ideal for larger families or those who often find themselves carting around friends and extended family. The R1S doesn’t just offer seats; it features innovative cargo management solutions that make it versatile for everything from grocery runs to gear-heavy camping trips.
Luxury Meets Off-Road Prowess
On the road, the Rivian R1S shines with its elegant design and luxurious feel, but it’s not just a pretty face. This SUV is impressively capable off-road, thanks to its standard air suspension which can raise and lower the vehicle. This feature not only enhances off-road ability but also simplifies loading and unloading—perfect for family outings where ease and convenience are paramount.
Impressive Performance and Range
Performance-wise, the R1S is a powerhouse. As a stylish, powerful, and spacious vehicle, it challenges the traditional perceptions of what a practical family vehicle can be. The driving range is equally impressive; with the Large battery pack, the R1S can travel more than 300 miles on a full charge, ensuring that even long family road trips are within reach without the need for frequent stops to recharge.
Head-Turning Style and Sustainability
Rivian’s unique styling ensures that the R1S turns heads wherever it goes, making it a fun choice for families who want to stand out. It’s not only about aesthetics—the R1S is an environmentally conscious choice that aligns well with families looking to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing comfort or performance.
#6 2024 Ford Bronco Sport: $31,230
The Ford Bronco Sport emerges as a highly appealing option for adventurous moms and dads who also value safety and practicality in a family vehicle. Its rugged styling and capability to hit the trails set it apart in the compact SUV category, offering a unique blend of adventure-readiness and everyday usability.
Safety First for Family Peace of Mind
With excellent safety scores to its name, the Bronco Sport ensures that family outings are as safe as they are fun. It comes loaded with advanced safety features including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The addition of lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist further enhances its safety credentials, making it a trustworthy companion for both highway drives and off-road escapades.
Parent-Friendly Technology
Ford’s thoughtful integration of the MyKey system is a boon for parents of teen drivers, allowing them to set parameters that encourage safe driving habits. The technology suite is robust, featuring an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside voice recognition. This makes staying connected and entertained on the go effortless and intuitive.
Capable and Efficient Performance
While it may not conquer the most challenging trails like its larger sibling, the Bronco Sport still stands out with its off-road capability. The top-tier Badlands model, equipped with a 245-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, offers serious performance that adventurous families will appreciate. Even the standard 181-hp turbocharged three-cylinder engine impresses, especially with its fuel efficiency—returning an impressive 33 mpg on the highway in real-world testing.
Comfort and Style
The interior of the Bronco Sport, while practical, showcases a blend of style and function. Despite some areas featuring less-premium materials and a somewhat tight backseat, the overall layout is well thought out with numerous clever features that enhance its utility and ease of use.
#7 2024 Volvo V60: $50,300
For dads who want to steer clear of the typical SUV but still desire a vehicle with ample space, style, and superior driving performance, the Volvo V60 station wagon is an excellent choice. This model stands out in the 2024 rankings not only for its class but also as one of the best dad vehicles 2024 available, combining sleek design with practical features.
Versatility for Every Family Outing
Whether it’s handling the daily commute or setting off on a family camping adventure, the V60 is perfectly equipped to meet diverse needs. Its ability to handle city streets and unpaved paths alike makes it uniquely versatile. The sophisticated cabin ensures comfort on both short drives and longer journeys, making it ideal for any family trip.
Ample Space and Cutting-Edge Safety
The Volvo V60 doesn’t compromise on space or safety, key considerations for any family vehicle. With plenty of room for cargo and top-notch safety scores, the V60 provides peace of mind for parents. It also boasts the latest in automotive technology, including advanced driver-assistance features that help safeguard the family on every trip.
Model Variants to Suit Any Taste
Volvo offers the V60 in several appealing variants. The Cross Country model features an elevated ride height and robust styling, suitable for dads who might venture off-road. For those interested in performance, the Polestar Engineered plug-in hybrid provides a dynamic driving experience without sacrificing efficiency.
#8 2024 Subaru Outback: $28,895
The Subaru Outback stands out as a robust wagon that competes head-on with more rugged small crossovers. With its standard all-wheel drive and spacious cabin, the Outback offers a practical solution for families who need reliable utility but prefer the car-like handling and comfort of a wagon. Although it ranks in the middle of the wagon category, its appeal is underscored by its affordability compared to its luxury European competitors.
Comfortable, User-Friendly Features
The 2023 model year brought a refresh to the Outback’s exterior styling, enhancing its appeal without sacrificing the character that longtime fans love. Inside, the Outback continues to shine with its user-friendly tech and a suite of safety features that make it an ideal family vehicle. The interior is logical in layout, offering above-average upholstery quality, and the higher trims provide a touch of luxury without being ostentatious.
Engine Options to Suit Your Style
While the base 182-horsepower engine may feel lackluster, the optional 260-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder is worth considering for those who desire more pep on their drives. This engine upgrade ensures that the Outback can handle more demanding driving conditions, enhancing its versatility as a daily driver that’s also capable of weekend adventures.
A Unique Blend of Car and Crossover
Unlike typical crossovers, the Outback retains a distinct station wagon identity, which gives it a unique place in the market. This wagon format not only ensures a car-like ride and superior handling compared to many crossovers but also provides ample cargo space. Accommodating up to five passengers comfortably, the Outback is perfect for families who enjoy outdoor activities.
Affordable Yet Capable Alternative
For buyers accustomed to the luxury of brands like Audi and Volvo but who are wary of their prices, the Subaru Outback presents a compelling alternative. It may not fully match the luxury finish of an Audi A4 Allroad or a Volvo V60 Cross Country, but it offers considerable value with its lower price point, making it accessible to a broader range of families.
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