Family car: station wagon, compact van or crossover? Cars for large families: review of the best cars Car for a family of 4 people

Spacious and comfortable. In addition, family cars should be easy to use.

Types of family cars

As a rule, most people associate the concept of “family car” with a 6-7-seater model.

  1. Station wagon. This model has 5 doors and 3 rows of seats, a cargo compartment in the cabin behind the passengers. In addition, its rear seats can be folded.
  2. Crossover. It is a station wagon with increased cross-country ability. It is slightly larger in size, with a higher ceiling and seating position. Has higher cross-country ability. This especially applies to all-wheel drive models. In such a car you can easily go to the village.
  3. SUV. It is an all-wheel drive semi-truck with a large interior and a high seating position, 5 doors, 7-9 seats. Such cars are popular among fans of fishing or trips to the forest.
  4. Minivan. It is a station wagon with increased capacity. It has seven seats in 3 rows and five doors. When you remove the rear seats, you get a truck for transporting furniture and other large items. This car can easily accommodate a family with a tent, a dog and large luggage.

Before you buy a family car, you need to decide for what purpose it will be used.

The best family cars

According to some American analysts, a large family can purchase a car worth 18-30 thousand dollars.

They identified several models that can be preferred on our roads:

  1. Mazda 5. It is distinguished by its metamorphosis (niches are installed under the cushions of separate seats in the rear, into which the central seat with a table with cup holders fits).
  2. Citroen Grand C4 Picasso. It is characterized by absolute safety and capacity, has eight airbags and a huge.
  3. Renault Scenic. It is a large car for a large company.
  4. Roomster. It has an unusual appearance and great functionality. An excellent option for a family trip to the sea.

American journalists selected the best family cars. Most of them are sold in Russia.

The choice was made between passenger cars, crossovers and minivans, most suitable for family use. All of these models are distinguished by high quality workmanship, spaciousness and other features that are important for a family car.

According to the editors, the best family car in the compact car segment is the Chevrolet Cruze. According to her, this model, despite its small size, has so much interior space that one can even compare this car with models of a higher segment.

The Toyota Prius model, which is a real bestseller with a hybrid power plant, was named the best hatchback. It is worth noting that hybrid cars have recently begun to gain great popularity in America. However, Russian consumers are frightened by the rather high cost of such cars.

The best full-size premium sedan was the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. This car is recommended for families for whom luxury and style come first in the car. In addition, the model has an entertainment system that is available to passengers in the spacious rear seat.

The best family station wagon, according to the editors, is the Subaru Outback.

With this model, families can get all the benefits of a true crossover, but the fuel economy is on par with a car. The model is quite roomy. In addition, the rear seat of the model folds perfectly, which makes it possible to provide the station wagon with a more impressive luggage compartment. In addition, this model is distinguished by its flexible configuration: the basic version of the car has all the necessary qualities and is relatively inexpensive.

In addition, the Acura TL, Ford Fusion, Buick Verano and Buick Crosse models were included in the list of the best passenger cars.

The Honda CR-V was recognized as the best compact crossover.

This car is one of the pioneers in the segment and one of its true bestsellers throughout all 4 of its generations.

The latest version of the model was subject to some criticism regarding the availability of power units and the low quality of the interior. However, thanks to its spacious interior, excellent fuel efficiency and rich basic equipment, this model is at the peak of popularity among models in its segment both in the United States and around the world.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee was named the best 5-seater crossover. This model is highly valued for its interior design, which is, among other things, one of the best in the class in terms of ergonomics and comfort. However, in terms of spaciousness, it lags a little behind other models. In addition, the Grand Cherokee, in comparison with many competitors, was able to maintain acceptable SUV capabilities during its evolution. The car is capable of more than driving along a country road.

The best compact premium crossover is the Audi Q5. Experts call great driving pleasure one of its main advantages, since the car has some of the best dynamic performance in its segment. In addition, the model has a wide range of possible engines and a luxurious interior, but it lags slightly behind its competitors in terms of free space.

This spacious eight-seat minivan can be driven like a simple car, but its performance is quite impressive, powered by a 258 hp V6 engine. Even the standard Odyssey has a five-speed automatic transmission. In addition, among other options, the car has climate control for rear passengers and a cooling compartment designed for food and drinks.

Additionally, other winners in the minivan and crossover group were named, including the Lexus RX350, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Traverse, Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln MKT.

US News & World Report magazine, which compiled this rating, has been operating since 1933 and is considered one of the most important and authoritative publications in America. He has been reviewing new cars on the American market every year since 2007. The best family cars, photos of which are also posted in reviews, are determined in a combination of “price and quality”.

For example, the Mercedes-Benz E class for our country can most likely be classified as a premium class due to the positioning of the brand and the cost of the car.
But Ford Fusion, Subaru Outback and Honda CR-V can easily be classified as family models in Russia.

The main reason for such differences is the different income per family in different countries and the price of these cars, which differs greatly due to the peculiarities of taxes and legislation, depending on the country of production of the cars.

Video about Chevrolet Cruze

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An article about how to choose the right car for the whole family, what to focus on. Optimal models. At the end of the article there is a video about the best family car under 500 thousand rubles!

The content of the article:

The onset of spring, a long-awaited vacation, summer heat, etc. - all these are reasons for the family to have a car. Of course, these are just reasons; in fact, there are many reasons to buy a car for a family with children. However, there is a serious problem of choice, the solution of which will require knowledge of the basic criteria, nuances and subtleties. If you approach their study responsibly and involve the whole family in solving the problem, the right choice of a family car is guaranteed.

First you need to determine your goals for buying a car and try to answer the following questions:

  • what budget is provided for the purchase of a car;
  • where you plan to travel;
  • how many passengers should be regularly accommodated in the cabin;
  • what weight of cargo will have to be transported in the trunk;
  • is it intended to transport small children (questions regarding car safety).
If the goals are formulated and the budget is planned, then you can start looking for a car.

New or used?


This is the primary criterion for choosing a family car. Of course, a new car from a well-known European concern is an ideal option that has no drawbacks, except one - a high price, which not everyone can handle.

If a new car for your family is too expensive, you can give priority to a used car. The main negative aspect of this option is the high probability of purchasing a “problematic” car, which will bring a lot of disappointment and require serious financial investments.

Those who are planning to buy a used car need to understand modern diagnostic stands, be able to determine the condition of the car, identify hidden engine defects, and detect traces of straightening work on the car body.

If you don’t want to take risks, representatives of the domestic auto industry are a good alternative to expensive used cars. The main advantage of this option is budget savings.

Machine capacity


The issue of passenger capacity for a family car is fundamental. In this case, it is necessary to build on the number of family members. If there are only three of them, then perhaps a light SUV or even a regular sedan will be enough. A family of 4, 5 or more people needs more spacious transport - for example, a minivan is perfect.

If a medium or large breed dog is considered a full-fledged member of the family, it is better to give preference to a minivan with a large trunk. Naturally, the animal can be placed in the rear seat, but this will require the purchase of a special protective seat cover.

In general, there are three types of “family” cars:

  1. A station wagon is a good option for a family, which provides a spacious interior and a roomy trunk. An important advantage of such cars is their relatively low price, especially when it comes to domestic cars;
  2. Crossover. If a station wagon is a passenger car in a cargo-passenger version, then a crossover is a car with a truly spacious interior, impressive dimensions and a spacious luggage compartment. The main advantage of the crossover is considered to be high ground clearance. It is suitable for both trips around the city and for traveling outside of it;
  3. Minivan. This is by far the ultimate family car and wins on all counts. It is roomy, has a large (most often seven-seater) interior, a spacious trunk, and also wide possibilities for transforming the interior. Of course, the price of such a car is quite high, but there are several good options here.

Safety


When talking about buying a family car, one cannot help but touch on the topic of safety. This criterion is the most important and at the same time the most difficult. The car must be fully equipped with all safety systems, regardless of type, age, etc.

A car is considered the most unsafe form of transport - every parent should remember this. Therefore, it would be useful to study the crash test results of various brands. The car must also have working airbags and seat belts.


In addition, the issue of safety also includes the foresight of the driver himself, his attitude to this issue, in particular to the use of seat belts, and the technical serviceability of the car. Therefore, using “worn-out” cheap transport as a family car is strictly prohibited. Today the price range is very wide, so almost everyone can choose a good car for their family at a reasonable price.

Installation of child seats


This criterion is a continuation of the conversation about machine safety. If there are very young passengers in the family, then the issue of securing child seats automatically becomes very important. Unfortunately, a standard mounting system for a child seat is very rarely found in cars whose price is less than 12-15 thousand dollars. Cheaper models cannot install a car seat, so you need to take care of this yourself. But there are exceptions - there are inexpensive models in which manufacturers have provided such an opportunity. They should be given preference.

Rear door locking, shelves, drawers


It is important that rear passengers have the opportunity to use a variety of cup holders, shelves, glove compartments, etc. These devices provide a certain level of comfort, which is especially important for children.

It’s also great when a separate heating zone is provided for passengers.

If a child is traveling in the back seat, the doors will need to be locked to prevent the door from being opened while the car is moving.


It should be noted that comfort-enhancing features are not mandatory, and if there is a budget deficit, they can be abandoned. This includes, in particular, climate control, cruise control, the function of cooling drinks in the glove box, etc.

Optimal options for family cars

If we talk more specifically about car brands that are perfect for the role of a family car, then we can highlight some interesting options. Listed below are the most optimal, in our opinion, models, which we recommend taking a closer look at.


Let's start with, perhaps, the best family car among domestically produced models. The car was developed on the basis of the French-Romanian station wagon Logan MCV. It has good capacity and the ability to transport a considerable amount of cargo. Many drivers appreciated the excellent traction characteristics of the 1600 cc engine. At the same time, in terms of cost, the Lada Largus significantly outperforms other cars.


This representative of the Korean automotive industry is assembled at a plant near St. Petersburg. It also falls into the budget category. In addition to its low cost, Hyundai Solaris consumes only 5–7 liters of fuel per 100 km, which is also an important factor. At the same time, the owner does not have to put up with the weak dynamics of the car - this is completely in order.


Hyundai H-1 is a roomy, large minivan, which is very popular among transfer services, hotels, etc. Its cabin can accommodate 7 passengers, but if you choose a model with the Grand prefix, then 12 at once. Of course, this is too much for family travel, but in life anything can happen. Often close friends, grandparents, etc. are chosen for family picnics. The advantage of the Hyundai H-1 is a powerful diesel engine, the performance of which is about 150 hp, and the ability to buy an all-wheel drive modification.


The Renault Duster crossover features all-wheel drive and good capacity of 500 liters. If you think that cross-country ability is not very important for a family car, you are very mistaken - given the low quality and frequent snow-covered Russian roads, high cross-country ability will not be superfluous.


According to many Russians, the best family car is the Ford Focus hatchback, which belongs to the middle price category. With a fairly large supply of space, as well as trunk capacity, this car is characterized by low fuel consumption (about 4–5 liters per 100 km). Motorists also unanimously claim that this family car has no equal in terms of driving comfort.


Volkswagen Touran is a family-friendly, roomy, very comfortable middle-class car. The advantages of the model are the rich interior equipment and excellent dynamics, which allows the car to be called a real sports car. The most powerful diesel model in this series accelerates to 100 km/h in just 7 seconds. And this is an indicator of a family car with a six-speed automatic transmission.


Jeep Grand Cherokee is a representative of elite class family cars, which was developed with the participation of Alfa Romeo specialists. Not only the large capacity of the body, powerful engines and the highest cross-country ability are noted here. This car demonstrated excellent results in crash tests, allowing us to consider this model the safest of the family series.


This is a full-size crossover that is constantly included in all ratings. Many people liked the unconventional interior layout typical of large minivans. This aspect significantly improves the ergonomics of driving and reduces the level of fatigue during long journeys, which is very important when your child is sitting behind you.

The driver also has the opportunity to use the touch screen, through which a variety of settings can be set. Women love the spacious, bright interior of the Toyota Venza, which distracts them from the drab urban routine and creates a great mood for the whole family.

Conclusion

Of course, you don’t have to choose a car from this list - these are nothing more than recommendations, the best options in our humble opinion. The main thing for the future owner is to objectively assess his financial capabilities and study the main selection criteria. In this case, he will choose a wonderful family car at a bargain price.

The best family car under 500 thousand rubles - in the video:

To choose a car for large families, you need to take into account the number of children. A family is considered large if it consists of three or more children. An ordinary passenger car seats five people. Therefore, keeping in mind that children will mostly sit in car seats, and only two can be installed in the back seat normally, such cars are inconvenient for large families.

So, when choosing a family car, you need to consider many different factors. These include:

  • operating conditions of the car - on what roads the car should travel, over what distances;
  • family members, their age and number;
  • availability of things to be transported with you, etc.;

The Opel Zafira is the world's first compact van with three seats. For this amount you can safely see modified versions of the design that were released after 2002. Almost 70 percent of these cars came to our market from Europe.

Another car that you will buy for $5,000 is a Peugeot 807. This car also has “twins” Fiat Ulysse and Citroen C8, which are presented on the domestic market. But the most common are Citroen and Peugeot.

The Renault Espace family is considered the pioneer of minivans. For $5,000 you can purchase both a fourth-generation model produced from 2000 to 2002, and a fifth-generation model.

On a note
Before purchasing a car, try it out, take the whole family test and make sure that this car is comfortable for everyone.

Advice

If you don’t have enough money for a good car, it’s worth buying a used car, since even old, but high-quality models can last longer than inexpensive ones.

Watch this video, it will help you make your choice:

Good luck with your choice and safe driving!

When choosing a family car with high ground clearance, it is best to turn your attention to crossovers. For a large family, the choice of crossover is one of the most optimal. A family with many people may choose a minivan or station wagon, but they are unlikely to offer as many benefits as a crossover. It can be used with equal efficiency both for driving around the city and for country trips. And when the family is large, they probably often make various trips out of town, into nature for recreation.

Modern crossovers for large families and some features of the model range

Currently, there are a large number of crossover models. There you can find budget models from some Chinese manufacturers and traditional high-quality cars from recognized masters of their craft, for example, the Germans and Japanese. This variety allows each family to make an appropriate choice, taking into account their financial situation, wishes and current needs. Some crossovers are best not used for driving on bad roads. But in this case, there is hardly any point in buying them.

– clear evidence of the excellent development of the Japanese automobile industry. You will learn more about the advantages of these cars from our material.
Renault crossovers are elegance and sophisticated design. You can view photos and get acquainted with their technical characteristics

– not the only confirmation of the high quality of Japanese crossovers. You will learn more about them in our article.

When choosing a crossover, you need to take into account many different nuances and details. For example, the size of the luggage compartment is usually measured in cubic units. Typically, the technical specifications of a vehicle indicate liters. This makes it more convenient to determine the capacity and size of the trunk. Crossovers usually have a two-volume body with no protruding trunk. Station wagons and hatchbacks also have the same body, however, they have different trunk lengths.

Initially, crossovers are produced in a five-seater version, but some models are usually equipped with a third row of seats. Thus, it is possible to increase the number of seats to seven. Seven-seat crossovers and SUVs are an almost ideal solution for a large family. Sometimes manufacturers are forced to increase the length of the vehicle so that all passengers receive a sufficient level of convenience and comfort.

If we talk about family cars of this type with seven seats, it is worth noting that the third row is not always full. It is better to choose such machines when the use of all seven places is not too frequent. Additional seats are usually installed in the luggage compartment. Also, the vast majority of models can accommodate only children in the third row. But for families it's just right. Just before choosing a specific car, you definitely need to pay attention to its dimensional characteristics. The larger the car, the higher the likelihood of each passenger being as comfortable as possible.

The most popular family crossovers

The car can be called a recognized leader in the family class. It provides a high level of comfort and safety.

An excellent competitor to the previous model is a car from another Japanese company. This machine is characterized by having excellent potential. It also boasts a very family-friendly interior.

The new generation is ready to provide plenty of space for all passengers. The manufacturer also took care to ensure comfort and softness during travel. The car is also distinguished by its incredible endurance.

If you choose from the options described above, it is easy to see that the cost of most of them goes over a million rubles. The cost is also affected by the packaging. Naturally, the richer and more functional it is, the more you will have to pay. It will be extremely difficult to find a truly functional and high-quality family crossover with the best parameters, but cheaper.

Some budget models on the modern automobile market

If there is no opportunity or desire to spend a large amount of money on buying a car for the family, then you need to conduct a very thorough market analysis. Some people prefer to buy used cars. However, it is important to understand that they may not have the same reliability as new models. In principle, you can find not the newest models, the cost of which will not exceed 700 thousand rubles. They may have a sufficient level of reliability and ease of use.

You can make a small list of crossovers that can be purchased for relatively little money.

  • The Renault Duster is a good choice that combines affordable cost and a high level of quality. The cost of this car starts at approximately half a million rubles. But its quality fully meets European standards.
  • The Nissan Terrano has a rather attractive appearance and excellent technical characteristics. Its cost also varies within average limits. If your budget is not too large, you can pay attention to this model.

A family car that will save on fuel

Modern manufacturers can offer a considerable number of truly economical crossover models designed for large families. The relatively large size of the car does not always mean that you will have to spend too much on refueling it. Some cars can be quite economical. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to a crossover that has a moderately technologically advanced engine, but not an overly powerful engine. A very important factor is the presence of good returns. Among these models we can highlight the Skoda Yeti, Mitsubishi Outlander, and the BMW X1. Of course, they are not so convenient for a really large family. However, if there are small children in the family, then all these options will be very suitable.

The most expensive of the proposed options can be called the Bavarian crossover. Its cost is more than one and a half million rubles. But at the same time, it is equipped with a technologically advanced diesel engine, the volume of which is 2 liters, and the consumption is only 5 liters per 100 km of distance traveled. The most affordable option is a Swedish car. Its cost is about 800 thousand rubles. You can choose the best option using a test drive. It is important that the future owner of the car can first experience all its delights.

Crossovers with the best balance between quality and cost

The most practical proposals of the modern automobile market can be attributed to this class. It presents a lot of cars, each of which has its own characteristics, specifics and positive characteristics.

There are several main price classes and practical offers. For this purpose, many ratings are created that allow you to make an adequate choice. For example, a Volkswagen Tiguan crossover can be purchased for about a million rubles. But this car has not only excellent design, but also power, efficiency and comfort. In general, for a family with small children this car will be a godsend. Its advantages include safety, which the German concern pays special attention to.

A good family option could be the KIA Sportage with a diesel power plant, because this model consumes relatively little fuel, but still provides confidence on the road.

The Hyundai ix35 was officially recognized as the optimal urban crossover. Therefore, you can use this car to transport the whole family. There is plenty of space in it, and all other parameters are also at the proper level. At the same time, the cost of the car is quite reasonable, and as a family car it is excellent for long trips.

Seven-seat crossovers for large families

For a really large family, in which there are several children in addition to parents, it is unlikely that it will be possible to find something better than a seven-seat crossover. You can certainly fit every family member in such a car comfortably, after which you can go on a long trip without any problems. But city trips will also be very convenient.

Crossover Nissan Qashqai

This model is the true embodiment of a family crossover. This modification is not as popular as the version with five seats. But still the car is of very high quality. Its interior is the same as in the regular version. The seats are very comfortable, everything on the dashboard is clear and understandable. Visibility does not raise any questions.

Extra seats can be used for children. It is unlikely that it will be possible to fit seven adults in the car. The dimensions of the car are not very large, which is why additional seats are not ready to guarantee adequate comfort. Therefore, we need to put the children back. But in other places adults can feel very comfortable. The cost depends on the modification. Prices start at 800 thousand rubles and exceed a million for the most complete set. But it is worth noting that each modification has decent equipment. The basic configuration includes seven seats, air conditioning, acoustics and much more.

Subaru Tribeca

This Japanese car is another worthy family option. The interior of the car is very original. The center console almost immediately attracts the attention of all those who enter the cabin. In general, everything in the car is thought out to the smallest detail, which ensures comfort while driving.

Initially, the car is sold in a version with five seats. There is enough space inside for every passenger. For those with a large family, there is an option to order a seven-seater cabin. This service is not the cheapest. You will have to pay more than one hundred thousand rubles for it. However, in the end it will be possible to get comfortable additional passenger seats.

This model is sold by dealers in two trim levels, which have almost the same number of options. Both have airbags, electric windows, climate control and much more. For such a crossover for a large family you will have to pay more than one and a half million rubles.

Chevrolet Captiva

This crossover is one of the most striking and popular today. This family model has been produced since 2006. The interior is very good. Black plastic is used inside. The dashboard is simple but informative. The steering wheel provides comfortable handling.

A salon with seven seats is not available in every version of the crossover. It should be noted that the additional row of seats is quite cramped. But it is not intended for adults. It is usually customary to place children there. The second row is at the same time very spacious, so even tall passengers can fit there.

The cost of this family crossover starts at a million rubles. There are several configurations. For some you will have to pay another two or three hundred thousand. But they are all equipped with very high quality. For a family crossover, safety is of particular importance. This model has it. For example, there are ESP, EBD, ABS systems, as well as many airbags. The car is equipped with a diesel or gasoline engine of sufficient power.

Bottom line

Among crossovers for large families, there are a sufficient number of interesting models that are offered at different prices and have different parameters. This allows you to choose the best option in almost any case. For some, an economical crossover for a relatively small amount will be more suitable, while others will be able to afford a large and powerful car. But almost all of the crossovers described above can guarantee comfort and ease of movement for all members of a large family.

Minivans (translated from English as “small vans”, “minivans”) are a class of passenger cars for large families. Used for active urban use and long-distance travel. Larger and more spacious than sedans and hatchbacks. They have a lower ground clearance and a smaller arsenal of off-road technologies compared to SUV-class cars. The main distinguishing features are a single-volume body, a spacious interior, and no more than 8 seats for passengers.

Differences between a compact van and a minivan

A compact van is a smaller, lighter and more economical city car. It is produced on the basis of passenger car platforms, most often belonging to the C+ segment. It comes with 6 and 7 seats, but 4 passengers + 1 driver is the optimal number of people in the cabin. The third row of seats is designed for small children.

Main advantages

  1. Spacious salon. Minivan interiors are distinguished not only by a large amount of free space, but also by many additional shelves and niches for things. Easily transforms from 5 to 7 or 8 seats and back. The cars have a spacious trunk, the volume of which can always be increased by folding the rear seats. The minivan is suitable for traveling, as well as for transporting large and long cargo.
  2. Availability of security systems. Most of the best minivans for families meet high safety standards. They have many electronic aids and assistants, for example: adaptive cruise control, a blind spot monitoring system and maximum speed sign recognition system, etc. They come with a set of airbags, including additional side ones.
  3. Lots of options. Almost every minivan offers a huge selection of accessories. This applies to additional amenities for the driver and passengers of the second and third row of seats. These include: heating and massage systems, climate control with adjustments for several zones, etc.

About the disadvantages

  1. Large size and weight. Vans are larger in size and heavier in weight than conventional passenger cars. This negatively affects fuel consumption and overall maneuverability of the vehicle. Makes it difficult to park, drive around in a cramped yard, etc.
  2. High price. Family cars are more expensive than platform station wagons with similar engines and gearboxes. They have less attractive price tags compared to budget sedans with spacious interiors and spacious trunks, for example: Chevrolet Cobalt,.


Features of choice

When choosing a family car in the body of a minivan, you need to pay attention to the following defining points:

  • availability of security systems;
  • free space in the cabin and trunk volume;
  • quality of materials used in the interior;
  • the presence of additional pockets, drawers, niches for various things;
  • ease of folding and unfolding seats;
  • minivans with automatic transmission are preferred
  • efficiency, sufficient power and torque of the engine.

Reviews models of the best minivans

A 7-seater car of the French brand with a 2840 mm wheelbase. It has an impressive 645-liter trunk. When the rear row of seats is folded, this figure increases to 704 liters. Overall dimensions – 4602 by 2117 by 1638 mm.

The car has a high level of equipment. It is equipped with a 7-inch multimedia complex with a built-in 3D navigation system.

On the Russian market, the French manufacturer Citroen offers 3 engines and 2 gearboxes to choose from. The top option is the THP150 petrol turbo engine with direct injection technology. Working volume – 1.6 l. Maximum power is 150 hp. This 16-valve engine is paired with an adaptive automatic transmission.

Video: C4 Grand Picasso - Citroen test drive from InfoCar.ua (C4 Grand Picasso)

The Grand C4 Picasso was named "Car of the Year 2017" in the compact van category. Its starting price tag reflects the amount of 1.5 million rubles.

Excellent price-quality ratio.

Wide range of options.

Economical engines.

Harmonious exterior.

— Low dynamic characteristics.

Toyota Alphard

Status family car of the minivan class. It has many positive features of premium sedans and SUVs. Suitable for the role of a family vehicle and a representative car for frequent trips to business meetings and other events.

The interior of Alphard is made of expensive materials. The base is perforated leather. Individual elements are decorated with wooden inserts. The most expensive configuration includes OTTOMAN seats with ventilation and a large number of electrical adjustments. The seats are equipped with a heating system.

Cars with no alternative V6 are supplied to the Russian Federation. This engine with the 2GR-FE index develops 275 hp. with a 3.5-liter volume. Works together with a 6-band automatic transmission.

Video: Toyota Alphard - review by Mikhail Petrovsky

The basic cost of the machine is 3.6 million rubles, which is almost 1.5 million more expensive than advanced ones. The price of the luxury version of the Alphard Executive lounge reaches 4,500 thousand rubles.

Luxurious and comfortable car.

Comfortable and beautiful interior, this is one of the largest minivans.

Powerful and economical naturally aspirated engine.

Many amenities and additional accessories for the driver and passengers.

— Conflicting design.

— High cost compared to competitors.

Peugeot family utility vehicle. A competitor for station wagons and compact vans rather than minivans. Compared to Citroen and Toyota, it is sold at a more affordable price. The basic price tag, taking into account promotions and special offers, is 1 million rubles. The actual initial cost is about 1.2 million rubles. The price is comparable to.

The standard Active package includes 2 front airbags + 2 on the sides, AFU and ABS systems, a multimedia complex with 4 speakers, heated front seats, air conditioning, etc.

A more expensive version of the car called Outdoor is supplemented with the following options:

  1. Climate system for 2 zones.
  2. Front armrest.
  3. Leather-trimmed steering wheel.
  4. Changed design of the front bumper, etc.

One of the main features of the more expensive Peugeots is the availability of the All-terrain package. It includes: increased ground clearance, reinforced suspension, all-wheel drive, different 16-inch wheels.

Partner Tepee is equipped with a 120-horsepower 1.6 engine. The motor operates with a 5-speed manual transmission. There are no other options for Russians.

Reasonable price.

Good adaptability to Russian operating conditions.

Sufficient level of comfort.

— Poor equipment.

— Low-power engine.

— Modest interior.

Mercedes VClass

A large minivan from the German automaker, suitable for both business trips and family trips with a high level of comfort. Developed in accordance with a new design concept. It has a signature “Mercedes” radiator grille and beautiful headlights. It looks the most stylish and harmonious compared to other minivans on the Russian market.

Sold in several versions: short, long and extra long. The cost of the car depends on the wheelbase, engine power, and level of equipment. The starting price is 2.97 million rubles. A special version of the cargo-passenger vehicle called VIP costs about 16 million rubles.

A 211-horsepower V4 with a maximum torque of 350 Nm is available. The engine has a single-stage turbocharging and direct injection system. Also for the Mercedes V-Class there are several options for diesel engines with a capacity of 136 hp, 163 hp. and 190 hp The engines are combined with 2 gearboxes to choose from – a 6-speed manual transmission and a 7-speed automatic transmission 7G-Tronic Plus.

Video: Mercedes-Benz V-class V250 Bluetec – Test drive of a family van via ATDrive

A large number of modifications and configurations to choose from.

Beautiful, recognizable design from Mercedes.

Luxurious interior.

High build quality.

- High price.

— High cost of maintenance.

Chrysler Grand Voyager

The only model sold under the Chrysler brand on the Russian market. It is a full-size minivan with an increased level of comfort. Grand Voyager is a strong, imposing and heavy “American” with a 283-horsepower V6 and a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The car is well equipped. It has a huge 7-seater saloon with many niches, shelves, pockets and drawers. The car is great for family purposes and travel. Of all the new minivans in Russia, the Chrysler Grand Voyager stands out with its 934-liter trunk with all seats installed.

The initial cost of the North American minivan is 3.3 million rubles. The basic configuration of the car includes 3-zone climate control, a rearview camera, heated seats and much more.

A practical and comfortable car.

Spacious interior and huge trunk.

Powerful V6.

- Inconspicuous appearance.

— Suspension with low energy intensity.

— High fuel consumption.

- Delayed "automatic machine".

About choosing a good minivan

The Grand C4 Picasso is best suited as an everyday car for a large family. This is a convenient, practical and moderately expensive car with several engines to choose from. Peugeot competes with the Citroen model, but the second “French” is more tailored for cargo transportation. It has the weakest engine among other models.

The V-Class is a luxury minivan with high dynamic performance, which is more interesting than offerings from Toyota and Chrysler. It is ahead of its competitors due to its stylish exterior, wide engine range and rich level of equipment. However, for a Mercedes in good configuration you will have to pay a tidy sum.