‘Best Family Cars of 2021’ offers an adventurous take – Parents magazine

Vehicle shoppers can find a lot of “best of 2021” lists to inform their choices.

Trust us, we see most of them.

But one list that stands out for its take on new vehicles is Parents magazine’s Best Family Cars of 2021. For example, you probably won’t find another list with a “Best for Adventure” category. And probably not for “Best for Road Trips” or “Best All-Weather” vehicles, either.

Well, you will on Parents magazine’s list of best family cars.

2021 Chrysler Pacifica
Photo credit: Chrysler via Newspress USA.
The Chrysler Pacifica was named best handling vehicle of 2021 by Parents magazine.

“The way we think about, shop for, and use cars has drastically changed in the past year,” said Julia Edelstein, Parents magazine editor-in-chief, in announcing the winners in 24 categories recently. “Our cars have become multifunctional safe spaces and sanctuaries that act as a home away from home, a retreat, a curbside pickup companion, and sometimes even an office.”

Parents experts “thoroughly tested” more than 50 vehicles from a field of new models that aced industry safety tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the magazine said in making the announcement.



The Parents experts narrowed the original list of 50 vehicles to 35 semifinalists, which were taken for test drives before the final 24 were selected.

Following are the 24 winners and their categories:

Minivans

Best Eco Pick: Toyota Sienna Hybrid
Best Handling: Chrysler Pacifica
Best Value: Kia Sedona
Best Versatility: Honda Odyssey

Three-row SUVs

Best Braking: Mazda CX-9
Best for Adventures: Nissan Pathfinder
Best for Road Trips: Subaru Ascent
Best Redesign: Kia Sorento
Best Luxury Redesign: Acura MDX
Best Luxury Tech: Volvo XC90
Best Quiet Ride: Honda Pilot
Best Value: Volkswagen Atlas

Two-row SUVs

Best Eco Tech: Toyota Venza
Best Electric: Ford Mustang Mach-E
Best Hybrid: Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
Best Redesign: Nissan Rogue
Best for Road Trips: Subaru Forester
Best Steering System: Chevrolet Equinox
Best Quiet Ride: Buick Envision

Family sedans

Best All-Weather: Subaru Legacy
Best Luxury Car: Lexus ES350
Best Sporty Car: Nissan Maxima
Best Sports Hybrid: Toyota Camry Hybrid
Best Value Hybrid: Honda Accord Hybrid

The magazine acknowledged that many consumers “may be itching to upgrade after this past year,” especially as summer road trips, vacations and other adventures come over the horizon.

For more details on the 24 winners, visit Parents magazine online or look for the May issue. Then you’re ready to shop for what the magazine calls your “second home.”

More Like This

Orange Toyota GR86 Special Edition
October 21, 2024

Scream-worthy orange cars to light up Halloween

Orange is apparently not the new black. At least when it comes to vehicle paint schemes. While both may seem appropriate as we ready for Halloween 2024, black is by far more popular, with about 20% of car shoppers choosing it, according…

How to calculate the gas cost of a trip
October 10, 2024

How to calculate the gas cost of a trip

It’s easy to jump in the car and just drive, but when you’re taking a road trip or even starting a new commute, a little planning goes a long way. Calculating the gas cost of your trip is a smart…

Illustration of the front end of a car with a signed piece of paper with pen behind it.
September 26, 2024

What’s the minimum credit score to get a car loan?

You’ve probably heard that next to buying a home, getting a new or pre-owned vehicle is one of the largest purchases one can make. You may also be aware that factors to get financing in both homes and cars rely…

Group of 鶹ֱ Consumer USA volunteers making sandwiches for nonprofit organizations.
September 5, 2024

National Sales Meeting Provides Opportunities to Give Back

The annual 鶹ֱ Consumer USA National Sales Meeting (NSM) is always a rewarding experience. The weeklong event gives employees the chance to learn from each other, grow their skill sets and hear directly from leadership. In addition to sharing insights…

Illustration of two football fans tailgating out of the back of a truck.
August 29, 2024

10 Ultimate Tailgating Tips for a Successful Football Season

When it comes to American traditions, it doesn’t get much better than game day. Some of the best parts about the fall season and its arrival are cooler weather, the leaves changing colors and the return of football. Whether you…

Illustration of side of a school bus
August 8, 2024

Back-to-school driving habits and transportation

As summer slowly starts to wind down, parents and students are readying their households earlier and earlier for the back-to-school season. According to industry experts, parents will cover billions of miles taking their kids to and from school, and 69%…