TOP 20: THE BEST VEHICLES FOR THE FAMILY IN 2020 ACCORDING TO PARENTS MAGAZINE
Once again this year, Parents magazine gets wet by naming its best choices of vehicles for the family. Unlike last year, however, the publication is expanding its list of recommended vehicles to 20 (instead of 10 in 2019). Indeed, the magazine’s list this year includes a few additional categories, with the utility segment making up the majority of the models listed, unsurprisingly.
The magazine also considered the safety assessments carried out by the American institute NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). What’s more, the ‘family’ angle of the top 20 requires a test with child seat expert Abbie Patterson. Patterson, owner of the Super Car Seat Geek company, has tested all types of child booster seats in more than 50 car models.
Finally, automotive columnist Rob Stumpf, took the wheel of the vehicles in the child seat test to evaluate braking, steering, acceleration and a host of other parameters.
Without further ado, here’s the list of the 20 best family vehicles for 2020 according to Parents magazine.
Minivans – Best Value: Kia Sedona
In the minivan segment, Kia Sedona takes home the honours with the best value for money because of its more affordable price in its basic livery. However, the magazine notes that it is not possible to secure three child seats in the second row in the least expensive model. The automatic transmission (from 6 to 8 gears since the 2019 model year) is good for smooth shifting.
Minivans – Best Green Choice: Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Chrysler’s representative in the ultra-family minivan segment is currently the only option (in the North American market) marketed with a charging cable. This rechargeable hybrid powertrain lowers average fuel consumption without penalizing performance, while the government rebate is not to be ignored here either. The Pacifica Hybrid will have to watch its back, as we already know that the next Toyota Sienna will be available with a hybrid powertrain.
Minivans – Best choice for large families: Honda Odyssey
Honda’s Odyssey is also an excellent choice, especially since the manufacturer has decided to offer its 10-speed automatic transmission on all trim levels. As reported in the magazine, the versatility of the Odyssey is unparalleled, as the minivan can accommodate up to six child seats at the same time. It’s also the most fun to drive.
Minivans – Best in all weather conditions: Toyota Sienna
Toyota’s Sienna retains its competitive edge once again this year with its optional all-wheel drive system. This increased traction is undoubtedly an asset when road conditions are more difficult, as is its powerful V6 engine, but the Sienna will have to count the Chrysler Pacifica among its direct rivals next year, the American manufacturer having already confirmed the arrival of a four-wheel drive version of its Pacifica.
Three-row SUV – Best Value: Volkswagen Atlas
When the German automaker launched the development of its three-row SUV, it clearly had North America as its target. The magazine was especially seduced by the affordable price of the SUV in its most accessible version.
Three-row SUV – Better Redesign: Toyota Highlander
The change of model for 2020 does him the greatest good, the former Highlander which had been in service since model year 2014. While the publication praises the new design, it’s also in terms of handling that the Toyota representative has improved, especially in terms of suspension. There’s also the availability of a hybrid version, which isn’t widely available in this group.
Three-row SUV – Best Choice for Large Families: Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent joined the three-row seating party for SUVs about a year ago. Here, the fact that all the vehicle’s liveries are equipped with constant-drive all-wheel drive is meant to be an advantage over the rest of the pack, while the publication pointed out that there are 19 (!) cup holders on board.
Three-row SUV – Best Quiet Ride: Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot looks almost Acura inside, not only because of its full equipment, but also because of its quiet ride. In fact, the Parents magazine article even goes so far as to compare the Pilot to the Honda Odyssey because the SUV is so comfortable. Unlike the minivan, however, the Pilot still offers the tandem of six- and nine-speed automatic transmissions. In this case, the older of the two (the six-speed one) isn’t necessarily a bad choice!
Three-row SUV – Best safety technologies: Nissan Pathfinder
Aging, the Nissan Pathfinder still seems capable of seducing a publication that mainly observes a vehicle’s family characteristics. Here, the safety systems are convincing, as is that horn blast heard after every drive where one of the rear doors has been opened before or while driving. This device reminds the driver that he or she may have a child – or even a pet – strapped to the rear.
Three-row SUV – Best Design: Mazda CX-9
Mazda is certainly not a brand with countless financial resources, but on the other hand, the design of the most recent seasons seems to appeal to the general public. In fact, despite its introduction in 2017, Mazda’s largest SUV has not aged a single wrinkle. The CX-9’s driving pleasure should not be forgotten either.
Two-row SUV – Best Quiet Ride: Buick Envision
The three-shield division has long been associated with the silence of its interior. The Buick Envision, assembled in China, is no exception to this rule thanks to the noise reduction system.
Parents magazine mentions the excellence of the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, but this mill is reserved for the more upscale versions. In the other trim levels, the driver has to deal with a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine and a six-speed transmission only.
Two-row SUV – Best steering system: Chevrolet Equinox
It’s true that the Chevrolet Equinox comes with a reputation for being poorly assembled and less durable than average. But since its redesign for the 2018 model year, the compact SUV does much better in terms of driving experience, and even overall quality. Parents magazine found the Chevrolet’s steering to be particularly precise, while its powertrain is powerful enough.
Two-row SUV – Better space for child seats: Ford Edge
When it comes to space for child seats, the Ford Edge is second to none, according to the publication. This allows for three seats, a rarity in the two-row SUV segment. The Ford Edge is also one of the most comfortable.
Two-Row SUV – Best Redesign : GMC Terrain
Best redesign award for two-row SUVs goes… drum roll – at GMC Terrain! Oddly enough, the redesign was completed for the 2018 model year at the same time as the Chevrolet Equinox, but hey, it’s the magazine’s choice! The article also mentions the more comfortable suspension on the Denali model.
Two-Row SUV – Best Green Choice: Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
Par les temps qui courent, il faut regarder du côté des VUS purement électriques pour sauver au niveau de la consommation. Mais, fort heureusement, les modèles hybrides ne sont plus aussi rares qu’à l’époque. Subaru fait d’ailleurs le pari que son deuxième Crosstrek Hybride connaisse un peu plus de succès que le premier qui faisait appel à une motorisation hybride conventionnelle. Avec un arrangement rechargeable, il est possible de rouler sur l’énergie du bloc de batteries, mais il ne faut malheureusement pas s’attendre à de grandes distances.
Two-Row SUV – Best choice for long trips: Subaru Forester
The Subaru manufacturer is often named on this list by Parents magazine. The Forester would be the ideal vehicle for expeditions, thanks to its standard all-wheel drive, roof rack and exemplary comfort. You could even add that the Forester’s fuel consumption has been very good for the past few years, a fact made possible by the adoption of a continuously variable transmission.
Sedans – Best Value for a Hybrid: Honda Accord Hybrid
In the arguments listed by Parents magazine, the Honda Accord Hybrid sedan doesn’t cost much more than the regular model, while trunk space is no longer handicapped by a battery stowed behind the rear seat. The Accord Hybrid is also not an unpleasant car to drive.
Sedans – Best in all weather conditions: Subaru Legacy
The manufacturer has made it its hobbyhorse: four-wheel drive guarantees superior traction in winter. The Nissan Altima has joined the Legacy’s direct rivals with an AWD system, but it’s not a permanent type like Subaru’s.
The redesign for 2020 has certainly helped in this case, the sedan can now be ordered with a more energetic 4-cylinder turbocharged flatbed engine.
Sedans – Best sports car: Nissan Maxima
This was its angle of attack when it was redesigned for the 1989 model year in North America. The Four Door Sports Car still stands out from its peers today because of its relatively dynamic driving dynamics. However, Toyota’s effort is worth mentioning with its Avalon XSE, a large sedan that is surprisingly fun to drive. In the United States, there’s also a TRD livery!
Sedans – Best Hybrid Sports Car: Toyota Camry Hybrid
Still, it’s surprising to see that the hybrid versions are now the sportiest in Toyota’s lineup. Even the Camry is no exception to this rule. The manufacturer continues to offer a V6 engine for the more conservative among us, but we have to admit that the hybrid leaning of the mid-size sedan is at least worth a try.
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2020 Honda Accord: What to Expect From the Class-Leading Midsize Sedan
Fun fact: The compelling Honda Accord came close to becoming the 2018 MotorTrend Car of the Year. The three-time comparison-winning Alfa Romeo Giulia was our deserving winner, but the Accord and Kia Stinger also earned first-place votes from judges. With the 2020 Honda Accord’s arrival right around the corner, we started to wonder how the midsize sedan will fight back against a Toyota Camry that now offers Apple CarPlay as well as a newly redesigned Hyundai Sonata that looks especially promising. Although Honda wouldn’t comment for this story, here’s how we’d like Honda to update the already solid Accord and, toward the bottom, what we think Honda will actually change for the 2020 model year.
Tone Down the Belt-Buckle Badge
If I bought an Accord, the first dealer-installed accessory I’d consider is a more subdued black chrome grille instead of the regular overchromed design. When we compared a base-engine Accord and Camry, we found neither front end stylish, and described the former as having a “brash, massive belt-buckle Honda badge [leaving] no question of its provenance.”
Looking even deeper into the crystal ball, we expect minor visual updates for the 2021 Honda Accord, along with a few other changes as part of a mid-cycle refresh.
Shhhh
The 2018 Accord knocked out the 2018 Camry in two comparison tests, but we still noticed more road and tire noise with the Honda than we would have liked, despite the current-gen model’s many quieting efforts including acoustic spray foam in the pillars and noise-absorbing carpet. Even though the Accord is already a refined package overall, we’d love to see Honda redouble its efforts to make the Accord quieter, but only if the required R&D won’t balloon the price.
Hold Me Tighter
Have you seen the Accord Sport? Like other midsize sedans with 19-inch wheels, it looks way flashier than some would expect from a sensible midsize sedan. And although we appreciate the Sport’s affordable curb appeal, two available engines, and even an optional manual transmission, thicker side bolstering on the seats would be a nice touch.
Get Smart
It’s tempting to ask automakers to include more features on lower trims, but as they say, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Nevertheless, we bet 2020 Accord Sport buyers would appreciate having what Honda calls “Smart Entry,” or hands-free keyless access (unlock the doors as you enter and lock the doors as you leave without having to take the key out of your pocket).
Are you ready for a 2020 Accord Convertible?
No, neither are we—just checking to see if you’re still paying attention.
What Honda Will Probably Do for the 2020 Model Year
The truth is that the 2020 Honda Accord will probably look and feel quite a lot like the 2019 model. The Accord Sport trim might actually get hands-free keyless access, as we suggest above. Higher up the price scale, the 2020 Accord EX may get a four-way power front passenger’s seat (currently standard on the EX-L and Touring), and a new exterior color option or two is always a possibility.
WHAT ABOUT US?
If your midsize sedan search includes the Honda Accord, you’re doing it right. But starting and stopping the search there shortchanges an entire segment full of possibilities:
Toyota Camry: A loaded Toyota Camry XSE V-6 doesn’t drive better than a loaded Honda Accord 2.0T Touring, but feature-loving extroverts should appreciate the Camry’s available red leather seats, surround-view camera system, and dual-panel sunroof, all options the Accord doesn’t offer at any price.
Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima: Then there’s the 2019 Hyundai Sonata and 2019 Kia Optima, two middle-of-the-road performers that can satisfy those looking for a good deal before the completely redesigned versions of both arrive soon.
Mazda6 and Volkswagen Passat: The Mazda6 will speak to those who love surprisingly sexy and entertaining four-doors, and the spacious Passat gets redesigned sheetmetal for 2020.
Nissan Altima: Aside from being one of the only four-doors to be available in orange, the new Altima has a clean interior and does its best work as a base model. There, the midsizer offers a smart package of standard equipment that competes well with base Accords and Camrys, for buyers who value features as much as how a car performs.
Subaru Legacy: That leaves the Subaru Legacy, which offers standard all-wheel drive and an enormous Tesla/Volvo-like screen in its dash for 2020.
Pictured is the current Honda Accord.
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The 2018 Honda Accord proves there’s still life in the family sedan
Enlarge (credit: Jonathan Gitlin)
Things aren't looking great for the family sedan here in the US. The car-buying public has turned against the traditional three-box silhouette, preferring the crew-cab truck, SUV, and crossover instead. Sedan sales are down for most automakers, and Ford has even taken the drastic step of abandoning it altogether in the very near future. So the 2018 Honda Accord might have a tough road ahead of it when it comes to finding buyers. That's a real shame, as Honda's engineers have done a great job. In fact, I'm not sure any new car has surprised me quite as much this year.
Mindful of my reaction to the fully loaded Toyota Camry XSE I failed to gel with earlier this year, I asked Honda to send me whichever Accord had the lowest sticker price. (I was actually most interested in trying the Accord Hybrid, but that one hasn't made it to the press fleet yet.) So I booked a week with the 2018 Accord Sport. This was the 1.5L version, yours for $25,780, not including the delivery charge. And unlike your average press fleet ride, this one didn't fall out of the options tree and hit every branch on the way down. Every feature from the infotainment system to the adaptive cruise control was standard equipment.
Jonathan Gitlin
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