Yahoo Finance 6 Reliable Cars for First-Time Parents on a Budget
Having a baby is a major life change, which might include buying a new car. When you have precious cargo on board, it’s important to have a safe car you can rely on.
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Whether you’re searching for something bigger, newer or safer — or all of the above — for your family, there’s plenty of options to choose from. If you’re feeling discouraged by high sticker prices when researching online or cruising car lots, relax in knowing there’s great cars to choose from at a variety of price points.
Choosing the first car that will ferry your little one around to appointments, play dates and eventually preschool is a huge decision. Here’s a look at six budget-friendly, reliable cars to consider for your growing family.
Toyota Sienna Hybrid
2024 Toyota Sienna starting MSRP: $37,685
Alan Gelfand, owner at German Car Depot in Hollywood, Florida, said the 2024 Toyota Sienna Hybrid is a fantastic choice for new parents.
“It has a roomy and well-designed cabin, perfect for fitting two car seats and all the baby gear you need to carry,” he said. “The sliding doors make it easy to get your little ones in and out.”
According to him, this hybrid minivan is also equipped with top-notch safety features through Toyota Safety Sense — a number one priority for the family car.
“This includes alerts if you’re about to collide and automatic braking, pedestrian detection and lane departure warnings with steering help,” he said. “These features are especially helpful for parents who might have divided attention due to their children in the back seat.”
Subaru Ascent
2024 Subaru Ascent starting MSRP: $34,395
If you’re in the market for a mid-sized SUV, Gelfand said the Subaru Ascent is a great option.
“It has three rows of seats, accommodating up to eight passengers, making it great for families,” he said. “The second-row seats can recline and slide, giving extra room for rear-facing child seats.”
This SUV even makes it easy to parent on the go.
“Large windows and minimal blind spots improve visibility, helping parents keep an eye on their kids in the back,” Gelfand continued. “Known for its reliability, the Subaru Ascent is a vehicle that can grow with your family through different stages of life.”
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Honda CR-V
2024 Honda CR-V starting MSRP: $29,500
“The Honda CR-V is a standout with its top safety ratings, spacious interior and easy car seat installation,” explained Geoff Cudd, a consumer advocate and the founder of FindTheBestCarPrice.com. “It’s known for its reliability and low maintenance costs.”
This hybrid SUV can be outfitted with a host of helpful add-ons, including roof rails and a hands-free access power tailgate. Named one of the 10 Best Trucks and SUVs by Car and Driver in 2023 and 2024, you’ll also get complimentary maintenance for two years or 24,000 miles with Honda Service Pass.
Toyota RAV4
2024 Toyota RAV4 starting MSRP: $28,675
Another great option Cudd recommends is the Toya RAV4 which offers a comfortable ride, excellent fuel efficiency and advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
Ideal for adventure-seeking families, the RAV4 is equipped with a TRD-tuned suspension with enhanced rebound control and red coil springs with revised spring rates, as well as a skid plate that protects its underside on gravel roads.
It also features a hands-free power liftgate, accessory power outlet, roof rail cross bars and more than eight inches of ground clearance.
Subaru Forester
2024 Honda CR-V starting MSRP: $26,895
“The Subaru Forester, with its standard all-wheel drive and high safety scores, provides confidence in various driving conditions, making it ideal for new parents,” Cudd said.
Featuring standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Active Torque Vectoring and Vehicle Dynamics Control, this compact SUV has 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Additionally, it comes with 60/40 split flat-folding seats, a towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds and Trailer Stability Assist.
Mazda CX-5
2024 Honda CR-V starting MSRP: $29,300
Cudd also likes the Mazda CX-5 which “combines stylish design with strong safety ratings and user-friendly technology, offering great value without sacrificing quality or features.”
One less thing to think about, the CX-5 is equipped with Mazda Intelligent Drive Select Technology — Mi Drive — allowing you to customize your drive for a variety of roads and surfaces.
It also has standard i-Activ all-wheel drive and Mazda Connected Services — complimentary for three years — through the MyMazda App offers convenient features, such as the ability to remotely start the engine, check vehicle status reports and more.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Reliable Cars for First-Time Parents on a Budget
