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Top 5 Safest Family Cars to Buy in Indianapolis

safest family cars

A family car is more than just a means of transportation; it is the center of family adventures, trips, and special moments. That's why choosing the safest family car is a top priority for many Indianapolis drivers.

We offer the top five family cars that combine space, practicality, and advanced safety technologies.

  1. Honda CR-V;
  2. Volkswagen Tiguan;
  3. Ford Explorer;
  4. Subaru Outback;
  5. Volvo XC70.

Honda CR-V

Honda CR-V for a family | safest car for sale in Indiana

The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover with a spacious and cozy interior. A high level of comfort, good visibility, and modern entertainment systems make the CR-V an attractive option for family adventures. In addition, for camping enthusiasts, the car is equipped with a large table hidden under the boot floor.

The CR-V also deserves praise for its top 5-star NCAP crash test score. In a frontal impact, the sixth-generation CR-V provides reliable protection for the driver and front passenger, especially their head, neck, chest, hips, and feet. In a side collision with an obstacle, this safest family car can save the lives and health of not only adults but also children.

The Honda CR-V is also available in a hybrid version for those who care for the environment and want to save on fuel.

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan one of the safest cars for a family | buy used in Indiana

The Volkswagen Tiguan combines style, functionality, and technological innovation. A spacious interior, high level of trim, and modern driver assistance and safety systems make it a great choice for families.

Independent studies in the US and Europe have confirmed the high efficiency of the Tiguan's passive safety systems. The Tiguan received the maximum 5-star rating in the NCAP crash test. During the tests conducted by NHTSA, the safety level is assessed in three types of accidents: frontal impact, side impact, and rollover. In frontal and side impacts, the Tiguan received 5 stars for driver and front passenger protection. In the rollover test, the most popular European crossover received 4 stars. The risk of injury was assessed as minimal in all cases.

Ford Explorer

Ford Explorer | safest family cars for sale in Indiana

The Ford Explorer is a large SUV that offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo. Thoughtful control and safety systems, as well as many options for customizing the interior, will allow you to adapt the car to your family's needs. 

The Ford Explorer is one of the safest cars in 2024.  Ford engineers equipped the SUV with a high-strength body, advanced electronic assistants, and a set of airbags, including front and side ones, curtains for each row of seats, and a knee airbag for the front passenger. The number of smart assistants includes a trajectory control system on turns, which ensures stability on turns and winding roads, the AdvanceTrac traction control system, and the RSC system, which prevents the car from overturning (available in the basic configuration). Another notable electronic assistant is blind spot monitoring (BLIS). Starting with the fifth generation, the Ford Explorer has a unique rear passenger protection system - inflatable seat belts, which significantly reduce the risk of injuries in an accident.

Subaru Outback

safest family car Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback combines the advantages of an SUV and a station wagon. It behaves well on the road thanks to its advanced transmission. The well-thought-out Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system makes the Outback your confident partner in various conditions.

It is a family car with a large luggage compartment and a spacious, soundproof cabin, which leaves pleasant memories of family trips.

The Outback model includes a full range of active and passive safety features, including the EyeSight system, which gives the car an extra pair of eyes and a high reaction time to possible threats. This SUV was the only one to receive the maximum score in the IIHS's updated crash test for a collision with a large vehicle.

Volvo XC70

volvo xc70 family car

The Volvo XC70 is last on the list but not the least frequently chosen family car. The XC70 stands out for the level of safety offered, neat design, and dynamics. The luggage compartment has enough space for everything a family might need during a trip.

The car received the highest rating of 5 stars in crash tests and is equipped with the ISOFIX child seat mounting system. The Volvo SUV will be very comfortable for family trips because the all-wheel drive and high suspension give it an off-road character.

In addition, the XC70 is equipped with a ventilation system that cleans the air from allergens for children and adults suffering from allergies or asthma.

How to choose the best family car

Regardless of the make and model, it is worth analyzing the following issues when choosing a family car:

  • Safety. A safe car for a family not only has ISOFIX mounts, airbags, and other active systems to ensure the safety of the driver and passengers but also shows a high rating in crash tests.
  • Luggage and load capacity.  A car interior filled with things that don't fit in the trunk significantly reduces the overall car safety while traveling. So, load capacity is one of the most crucial aspects for a family that needs to pack bulky purchases or suitcases and a baby stroller into the luggage compartment.   
  • Spaciousness. The safety of a family trip directly depends on the passengers' comfort, so the amount of free space in the cabin is decisive, especially for families with small children and pets.
  • Ease of maintenance. The car's safety largely depends on its technical condition. The ideal family car must be reliable and does not require additional costs associated with breakdowns and malfunctions. This is why it is worth choosing durable cars that will serve you for many years.

Visit Indy Auto Man with your whole family to choose your safe, comfortable, and attractive vehicle for daily commutes and unforgettable trips. Or browse our used car inventory right now and schedule a test drive around Indianapolis!