In an automotive world that’s slowly being dominated by crossovers, choices are narrowing for families now that sedans, wagons, and minivans are starting to go out of style. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t have much choice when you refuse to jump onto the crossover bandwagon. A wide array of cars are available for those who want all-weather traction but don’t need the extra ground clearance. From sedans and hatchbacks to wagons and minivans, there’s something out there to fulfill a range of tastes and needs in a family-friendly package.
Subaru Impreza
With standard all-wheel drive, the Subaru Impreza—especially in hatchback guise—is an ideal car for small families living in four-season states. With up to 52.4 cubic feet of cargo volume, the Impreza hatchback offers plenty of space in a compact package. And the EPA fuel economy rating of up to 28/37 mpg city/highway means you can go far between fill-ups, whatever the weather.
BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo
Think of the 5 Series Gran Turismo as a hatchback that’s slightly lifted and has a fastback profile to make it look more like a sedan. It can’t hide its practicality because, with the split-folding rear seats down, the 5 Series Gran Turismo has 63.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Need to make a quick getaway with your family? The 550i xDrive Gran Turismo comes standard with all-wheel drive and a 445-hp, 4.4-liter V-8, so your family car can double as an autobahn cruise missile.
Ford Fusion
As one of few family cars available with all-wheel drive, the Ford Fusion offers space for your brood, four-season traction, and driving dynamics that make it entertaining to drive. With up to 16 cubic feet of cargo space, you’ll be able to carry everything your family needs. And if 240 hp isn’t enough for you, Ford is readying the 2017 Fusion Sport, a 325-hp, all-wheel-drive midsize sedan that’ll surely get your adrenaline going.
Toyota Sienna
If there’s one feature that sets the Toyota Sienna apart from the rest of the minivan class, it’s that it can be had with all-wheel drive for better traction on poor road conditions. The Sienna also offers seating for up to eight and a maximum cargo capacity of 150 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. You can mix and match the setup to suit whatever combination of gear and people for your road trips.
Hyundai Genesis
When equipped with the standard 311-hp, 3.8-liter V-6, the Hyundai Genesis is available with all-wheel drive, so you can confidently drive through rough weather in the comfort of a luxurious cabin. For family duty, the Genesis will easily accommodate you and your clan and keep everyone comfortable. The 15.3-cubic-foot trunk can eat up your all of your belongings without you breaking a sweat.
Subaru Legacy
Currently the only midsize sedan that comes standard with all-wheel drive, the Subaru Legacy is ready to tackle whatever Mother Nature throws at it head-on. Choose between a 175-hp, 2.5-liter flat-four that can get up to 26/36 mpg or a 256-hp, 3.6-liter flat-six for quicker getaways. The Legacy’s 15-cubic-foot trunk will be able to swallow all of your family’s gear with ease, while the spacious interior will keep the little ones safe and comfortable.
Acura TLX SH-AWD
The midsize Acura TLX offers Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) when equipped with the 290-hp, 3.5-liter V-6. With a 14.3-cubic-foot trunk and 60/40 split-folding rear seats, there’s plenty of flexibility for hauling people and cargo. It’s a great car for small families looking for something upscale and with all-weather traction but who aren’t interested in a crossover.
Chrysler 200
One of three midsize sedans available with all-wheel drive, the Chrysler 200 offers great passenger space for carrying your clan around and has a 16-cubic-foot trunk for storage. When you opt for all-wheel drive in the 200, you also add the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, which makes 295 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, for effortless acceleration regardless of rain or snow.
Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic Wagon
No car is better at balancing family duties and great driving dynamics than a wagon, and the Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic is available in that wagon body style and comes with all-weather traction. With jump seats for two kids in the back and up to 57.4 cubic feet of available cargo space, the E350 4Matic wagon will coddle you and your clan in luxury during your adventures.
Audi A7
For families who want a practical car with plenty of panache that can also rocket on the highway, look no further than the Audi A7. With up to 49.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row folded and seating for up to five passengers, the A7 doesn’t sacrifice practicality in the name of style. And the standard Quattro all-wheel drive system ensures maximum traction in all weather conditions.
BMW 3 Series Sport Wagon
Small families that also love driving will be best served by the BMW 3 Series Sport Wagon, which offers up to 53 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. All 3 Series Sport Wagons come standard with all-wheel drive and the same exciting driving dynamics its sibling possesses. Need to go the distance? Consider the diesel-powered 328d xDrive, which is rated at 30/40 mpg, so you can travel farther between fill-ups.
Subaru WRX/WRX STI
Need a sports car that you can pitch as a family car and tackle any weather condition? Look no further than the Subaru WRX and WRX STI. Even though, the WRX and WRX STI are no longer available as hatchbacks, the sedans still offer plenty of room for family duty and the 12-cubic-foot trunk has plenty of usable space thanks to hinges that don’t intrude. As for power, pick your choice between two turbocharged engines, a 268-hp, 2.0-liter or a 305-hp, 2.5-liter flat-four; both are paired to a six-speed manual as standard.
Volvo V60 T6 R-Design
For 2016, Volvo has ditched the 3.0-liter turbo-six in the V60 R-Design in favor of the new super- and turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 from its Drive-E family. In this application, this little monster packs 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque and sends it to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Need to haul the family? Not to worry because the V60 has space for small families and maximum cargo space of 43.8 cubic feet.
Mini Clubman
Larger and more practical than ever, the Mini Clubman is now the family car of the range and it can now be had with the brand’s ALL4 all-wheel drive system for the first time. Engine choices include a 134-hp, 1.5-liter turbo-three in the base model or a 189-hp, 2.0-liter turbo-four in the S. For all of your gear, there’s up to 47.9 cubic feet of cargo space and an available 40/20/40 split-folding second row that replaces that standard 60/40 setup for improved flexibility.
Volkswagen Golf R
When you look for an unassuming hot hatch, no other car fits the bill as well as the Volkswagen Golf R with its 292-hp, 2.0-liter turbo-four. The Golf R comes standard with all-wheel drive and up to 52.7 cubic feet of cargo space, so you can easily pitch it as a family car to your significant other. And you won’t need a second car to be your fun toy because the Golf R can do double duty as family hauler and excitement generator.
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