Best Family Cars & SUVs of 2022

You don’t have to skimp on the trim either. For well below the average new car selling price in Canada, you can get a well-equipped, fun-to-drive SUV or car that fits the whole family. Wondering which models fit into your budget? We’ve narrowed down the list to our 10 favourite choices in the new car market today at a reasonable price point (around $35,000) for the average family budget. 

Find out if you can get finance approved for any of these vehicles. It's free to get pre-approved online, and there's no obligation to buy. 

Hyundai Santa Fe Essential 

Safety highlights

• SmartSense camera, radar and motion detection tech
• Protective SUPERSTRUCTURE frame
• Vehicle Stability Management
• Traction Control and Brake Assist
• Rear Occupant Alert
• 6 airbags

Other features

• 2.5L GDI + MPI 4-cylinder engine
• HTRAC All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
• Heated steering wheel & front seats
• Seats: 5

Although its cousin the Tucson is a little better on fuel, the Hyundai Santa Fe squeaks past it for our list almost solely on the premise that more space is better for families. With a spacious interior and 2,041L of cargo space behind the front seats, the Santa Fe can accommodate gear, groceries, strollers, and more.

Starting at $33,699, the Hyundai Santa Fe Essential AWD trim includes an 8" touchscreen, heated steering wheel and front seats, 18" alloy wheels, and LED headlights.

Toyota Camry SE Hybrid 

Safety highlights

• Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ 
• Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert 
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control 
• Star Safety System
• 10 airbags

Other features

• 2.5L 4-cylinder engine w/ 208 hp
• Hybrid Synergy Drive 
• Combined City & Highway Rating 5.1 L/100 km (55 mpg) 
• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Seats: 5 

When you think family-friendly, Toyota has to be near the top of the list. The Camry SE Hybrid is one of the most popular packages because it combines style (18” alloys), comfort (heated Sport SofTex seats), and essential tech the whole family will enjoy (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto). No question, safety is standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ technology and the Toyota Camry has always been one of the most dependable models on the road. 

Starting at $34,590, the SE Hybrid is a few grand more than the LE but you’re guaranteed to appreciate the extra features and the fuel efficiency. 

Mazda CX-5 GX

Safety highlights

• Blind Spot Monitoring 
• Adaptive Front Lighting System 
• Smart City Brake Support
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Lane Departure Warning System 
• Mazda Radar Cruise Control

Other features

• 187-hp Skyactiv-G 2.5L 4-cylinder engine
• i-Activ All-Wheel Drive with Off-road Traction Assist 
• Quiet Cabin design 
• 10-speaker Bose Premium Sound System 
• Mazda Unlimited Mileage Warranty
• LED headlights
• Seats: 5 

Another five-seat SUV to add to the mix, the Mazda CX-5 GX is a 2021 IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Probably one of the classiest, best-looking models of the bunch, it’s also one of the best in terms of value. And if warranty equals reliability, no one holds a candle to Mazda’s three-year unlimited mileage warranty. Besides AWD being standard on all CX-5s, you get other features like 17” silver metallic alloy wheels, heated front seats, LED headlights, rearview camera, and Blind Spot Monitoring. 

The CX-5 comes standard with a 10.25” full-colour centre display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Mazda’s HMI Commander switch, all for the base MSRP of $32,281.

Chevrolet Malibu LT

Safety highlights

• LATCH System for child car seats
• StabiliTrak Electronic Stability control system w/ traction control
• Rear Seat Reminder
• Teen Driver technology
• 10 Airbags

Other features

• 1.5L Turbo 4-Cylinder Engine w/ 160 hp at 5700 RPM
• Infotainment 3 System w/ 8" colour touchscreen
• Apple Carplay & Android Auto
• 17” aluminum wheels
• Seats: 5

Sedans are not as popular as they once were, but one notable holdout is the Chevrolet Malibu. The LT trim has the 160 horsepower, 1.5L turbo engine and a silky smooth CVT transmission, so gear shifts don’t wake the baby in the backseat. Ten airbags, Chevy’s Rear Seat Reminder, and Teen Driver tech are safety gear that makes the Malibu LT a great family choice. 

Overall passenger volume is amazing at 2,914L, providing elbow room for all five passengers. The Malibu LT rings in at approximately $28,098 MSRP, so you could add on a few upgrades, or you can settle for a Malibu LS at just $25,598.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE AWD

Safety highlights

• Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 
• Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Radar Cruise Control
• Pre-Collision System 

Other features

• 2.5L, 4-Cylinder DOHC turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
• Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive and Eco-Mode Select 
• Heat Front Seats
• Dual Zone Automatic Air Conditioning 
• 17” Alloy Wheels
• Seats: 5

It’s easy to see why the Toyota RAV4 is among the best-selling SUVs in Canada year after year. It offers a great mix of safety, performance, and curbside appeal. Toyota’s vaunted reputation for reliability certainly adds to the allure. 

At an MSRP of $33,190, the RAV4 Hybrid may seems out of your price range, but remember: you'll save money on gas in the long run. For extra peace of mind at the pump, the RAV4 Hybrid has a fuel efficiency rating of 5.8L/100km city and 6.3L/100km highway. The 2022 RAV4 is roomy too, with up to 1,977L in cargo space with the seats folded, and an impressive package of safety features with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0.  

Honda Civic Hatchback Sport

Safety highlights

• Honda Sensing driver assist tech
• New front camera 
• Forward Collision Warning 
• Advanced Airbag Design 
• Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control 
• Lane Departure Warning
• Adaptive Cruise Control

Other features

• 1.5L Direct Injection DOHC turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
• Dual-zone automatic climate control with air-filtration system
• 8-speaker audio system w/ Bluetooth, Apple Carplay, and Android Auto
• Seats: 5

For some families, efficiency takes priority to a cavernous interior. That’s probably why the Honda Civic has been so popular over the years. A winner of multiple awards, including the AJAC Best Safety Innovation Award and a 2021 IIHS Top Safety Pick, the Civic Hatchback Sport with CVT transmission comes in at under $31,500. Highlights include 18" aluminum-alloy wheels, Honda Sensing driver-assist systems, dual-zone climate control, and proximity key entry with push-button start. 

Honda cars are known for their reliability, but your family will also enjoy added perks like the quiet cabin design and one-touch power moonroof. You could also step up to the Sport Touring trim ($35,000) for added comfort: leather-trimmed seating surfaces and heated rear seats.

Kia Sportage LX FWD

Safety highlights

• Hill-assist Control
• Rearview camera
• Downhill brake control
• Projection fog lights
• 6 airbags

Other features

• 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 4-cylinder engine
• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• 17" alloy wheels
• Dual-level cargo floor
• Seats: 5

For the budget-conscious buyer, the Kia Sportage LX in front-wheel-drive deserves your consideration. Impressive highway fuel economy of 7.6L/100km in a sporty 181-hp package is only a taste of what the Sportage brings to the table. It also includes heated front seats and an 8" display audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Inside, the Sportage LX is like a wide-open space. Total interior volume adds up to 3,660 L, including 1,703 L behind the front row. Peace-of-mind comes standard with a 5-year, 100,000km comprehensive warranty on all Kia models. And we think it’s a bargain starting at $25,995.

Chevrolet Equinox LS AWD

Safety highlights

• Automatic Emergency Braking 
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning 
• Front Pedestrian Braking 
• Rear Vision Camera 
• Forward Collision Alert
• StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with traction control

Other features

• 1.5L Turbo 4-cylinder engine
• 7” diagonal colour touchscreen
• Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system 
• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Seats: 5

The Chevrolet Equinox is a dependable compact SUV that we felt worthy of inclusion. When the LS trim is paired with all-wheel drive, it comes in at $26,498 MSRP. For that price, you get more than just high-quality manufacturing; you get Chevrolet Safety Assist tech, remote engine starter, LED headlamps, auto stop/start, a 7” touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, and heated front seats. 

With cargo volume behind the front seats coming in at 1,809 L, it’s not the biggest in the pack, but it’s certainly not too small to fit a family of five either.

Mitsubishi Outlander ES S-AWC

Safety highlights

• Super All-Wheel Control w/ Drive Mode Selector
• Dual front, side-impact curtain, front seat-mounted side-impact, and driver's and passenger’s knee airbags
• Active Stability Control
• LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Child Restraint Seats)

Other features

• 2.5L DOHC MIVEC 4-cylinder engine
• 18” alloy wheels
• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Seats: 7

Finding a 7-seater SUV around the $30,000 MSRP price point is no easy task. But the Mitsubishi Outlander with ES S-AWC trim fits the bill at $31,998. And honestly, it’s a pretty great ride for what you’re paying. 

The ES package is impressive with an 7" infotainment display, Blind Spot Warning, heated front seats, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, and of course, Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control system with Drive Mode selector. Cargo area is decent at 1,792L behind the front seat, but with this trim, you’ll give up the driver-assist systems. 

Looking for the best 7-seater SUVs in Canada? We got you covered.

Subaru Forester

Safety highlights

• Next generation EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology with electric brake booster and Lane Centering
• Standard LED steering response headlights with High Beam Assist
• X-MODE technology featuring Hill Descent Control
• Rear-view camera

Other features

• 182-hp 2.5-litre 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER® engine
• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
• Heated front seats
• Raised roof rails with tie-down holes 
• Seats: 5

Built for families who dare to adventure together, the Subaru Forester includes Symmetrical AWD that comes standard on all trim levels, even the base model. Every Forester also comes standard with next gen EyeSight driver-assist technology to keep you and your family safer. It boasts epic cargo space too, with 2,101 L when the seats are folded down. The power rear tailgate will make sliding in those skis or camping gear a seamless endeavor. At $29,495 MSRP, we think the Forester is worth every penny.

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