15 Family Vehicles That Go Way Beyond Your Standard Minivan

Searching for a new family car can be an exhausting process. Do you want luxurious seat warmers up front or a kid-pleasing TV for the backseats? Should you spring for leather seats that might end up with marker doodles on them, or settle for fabric interiors that will undoubtedly become stained by sticky hands and muddy cleats? Will you need room for seven passengers, or are you sure you'll be stopping at two kids? These considerations are just the tip of the iceberg when considering a new vehicle, and it can become so overwhelming that you might consider settling for the first decent one you see on the lot.

Thanks to Kelley Blue Book's 2015 family-car rankings, though, the process just got a whole lot easier for families in the automobile market. Based on comfort, safety, child seats, cargo space, rear-seat entertainment, general driving performance, and extra features, the trusted car specialist's list of the best new family vehicles makes your research a whole lot easier. Check out the 15 best family cars of 2015, and don't worry . . . only two are minivans!

01
Honda Accord
Honda

Honda Accord

Good on gas and free of blind spots, the Accord is ideal for teaching your teenagers how to drive safely. There's a reason why it's consistently one of the top-selling family cars!

02
Chevrolet Tahoe
Chevrolet

Chevrolet Tahoe

Able to tow RVs, boats, and trailers, the Tahoe is perfectly equipped for outdoorsy families — but it's got perks for urban dwellers, too! With Blu-ray players in the back seats and the ability to wirelessly charge smartphones, this new ride would be perfect for your teenagers and tech-savvy kids.

03
Kia Soul
Kia

Kia Soul

"With the Soul, Kia has done something brilliant: it has made the practical family car cool. Hatchbacks aren't the typical model of choice when people are shopping for a new car, yet the Soul has bucked that trend and is hugely popular," Kelley Blue Book's best vehicle list says.

04
Honda Civic
Honda

Honda Civic

Starting under $20K, this model is an affordable option for many young families who want a safe and reliable family vehicle without breaking the bank. The Civic also comes standard with a rear-view camera to help navigate school parking lots and tight fits.

05
Nissan Pathfinder
Nissan

Nissan Pathfinder

"Mom and Dad are treated to the good view out that the Pathfinder provides, and easy-to-use controls for audio, climate settings and more. Higher-end trims offer even more to enjoy, such as climate-controlled seats, a heated steering wheel, and a steering wheel that automatically moves in and out to allow easier access upon exit and entry, and the snazzy Around View monitor that creates a virtual bird's-eye view when backing up," KBB says in its review of the SUV.

06
Honda Odyssey
Honda

Honda Odyssey

The Honda Odyssey boasts eight comfortable, roomy seats, sliding doors, and a widescreen entertainment system for passengers. Parents of large families will rejoice when they find out that the second row can fit three booster seats!

07
Toyota Highlander
Toyota

Toyota Highlander

"It's easy for the driver to see what's taking place in back thanks to the Highlander's 'conversation mirror.' Tucked beneath the rearview mirror, this smaller one pops out to give Mom or Dad a discreet way to see what the kids are up to," states KBB's review of the Toyota crossover.

08
Toyota Sienna
Toyota

Toyota Sienna

Whether you need bench seating for eight or captain's seats for seven, the Sienna offers a seating configuration that works for your family. There's also a new feature called "Easy Speak," which enables third-row passengers to clearly hear conversations up front!

09
Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai

Hyundai Sonata

Kelley Blue Book raves about the Sonata's standard perks, like a "driver's blind spot monitor, a 60/40-split fold-down rear seatback, iPod and USB ports, and Bluetooth" as well as optional ones such as "navigation seen through an 8-inch touchscreen, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, and a panoramic tilt/slide sunroof." But the kicker is the car's wide seats, which make carseat installation a breeze!

10
Toyota Camry
Toyota

Toyota Camry

The Camry has been the number one bestselling vehicle in the US for more than a decade, which means high resale value! You can opt for wireless charging and entertainment packages that really take the car to another level for techies and teens, too.

11
Subaru Outback
Subaru

Subaru Outback

KBB states that "Subaru's popular wagon continues on with stout off-road capabilities that go along nicely with an active family's lifestyle and especially ones that enjoy the outdoors," so if your family fits the bill you should definitely give it a test drive!

12
Ford F-150 Supercrew
Ford

Ford F-150 Supercrew

While your idea of pickup trucks may not be a family-friendly one, the F-150 Supercrew is spacious and ideal for family outings. The floor of the truck is totally flat, allowing for comfortable rides even if you're stuck in the middle seat! No more aching knees or awkward passengers.

13
Honda CR-V
Honda

Honda CR-V

Complete with a totally remodeled navigation system, foldable seats for maximum storage, and a quiet transmission, the CR-V is perfect for long trips and carseat naps.

14
Chevrolet Impala
Chevrolet

Chevrolet Impala

A roomy interior, huge trunk, quiet ride, and road-trip-ready seats are just a few of the features that inspired KBB to add the Impala to its list. However, the standout feature is definitely that the car itself can act as a mobile WiFi hotspot!

15
Ram 1500
Dodge

Ram 1500

Families that enjoy football or dirt-biking will love the Ram, which offers a spacious cab and a huge bed for holding gear. It's not just suited for active families, though — the truck boasts a modern interior that matches the roominess of a midsize sedan!