Renting a car for a trip or vacation is a convenient and practical solution that allows you to relax in comfort and take with you everything you need on the road and at the destination where you are going to spend a weekend or vacation. If you have two or more children, renting a family car would be an ideal option. To help you decide on the right brand and model, we will tell you about the requirements that such cars must meet, and provide the top best family cars according to NarsCars experts.
Basic requirements for family cars
A family car is considered to be a wheeled vehicle designed for the simultaneous transportation of all family members, including children. Considering that each family has different needs, a large number of models with different body types and characteristics can fit the status of a family car. The main thing is that it meets certain criteria. We would like to draw special attention to the basic requirements for a family car.
Capacity and comfort
The capacity of the car is an important criterion, especially if you are choosing a car for a large family of 5 or 6 people. And so that each passenger is comfortable and cozy in the cabin, the car should have:
- ergonomic driver's seat with easy access to controls and free space around the driver;
- wide passenger seats, which can accommodate all family members without crowding each other;
- high ceiling and sufficient space between the legs and the backs of the front row seats. This will ensure comfort on long trips, for example, when you use the car for traveling with your family;
- open doorways, allowing a passenger of any build to easily get into the car, load and unload a child car seat;
- convenient organization of the interior space, with shelves and pockets for placing things that may be useful on the road;
- climate control system, providing a comfortable temperature in the car.
Safety
Considering that the family car will also carry small passengers – your children, it should be equipped with all modern safety systems:
- belts and airbags. The Airbag system should include at least 6 airbags (side and front), as well as knee protection and inflatable curtains;
- reliable Isofix mounts for a child seat. A car for a family with 2 small children should be able to install two such seats with additional fixation with seat belts;
- effective brakes and electronic safety systems: ABS and ASR, preventing wheel locking and slippage during braking, and motion stabilization (ESP).
Large luggage space
The trunk in a family car should be capacious enough to accommodate not only all the suitcases and bags with personal belongings, but also a folded baby stroller, a bicycle and other large items that may be useful on a long trip: on a trip or on vacation. The optimal volume of the luggage compartment is at least 400 liters, and it would be nice to have the ability to increase it at the expense of the rear row seats.
Efficiency
Regardless of whether you choose a car for a young family or with 3 children, it is important that it is reliable and does not require high operating costs. A significant part of them is fuel costs, and when renting a car, this is the only expense item that you may encounter during a short period of using the vehicle. Therefore, when choosing a suitable model, you should give preference to:
- a car with low fuel consumption;
- a car with a hybrid power plant;
- an electric car - when choosing such a car for rent, make sure in advance that along the way you will find a place to recharge the traction battery.
Overview of the TOP-5 family cars for rent and purchase
In our review of the best cars for a family, we included cars with a large capacity, in a minivan body (passenger van), which are suitable for family trips with children and parents or friends.
1. Fiat Scudo Ulysse - a spacious minivan with soft suspension
The front-wheel drive Scudo Ulysse car from the Italian brand Fiat is a new 2024 model, equipped with:
- an economical 2-liter diesel engine, consuming 6.8-7.8 l/100 km in a combined driving cycle;
- an automatic 8-speed gearbox – it simplifies driving;
- climate control, additional air conditioning for passengers and heated front seats, which ensures comfort in the cabin;
- cruise control and rear parking sensors;
- keyless access.
Fiat Scudo Ulysse is an ideal budget car for a large family. In addition to the driver's seat, it has 8 more seats for passengers, a sliding and hinged door on the right and left sides. The safety of the driver and passengers is ensured by front and side airbags, front row side airbags and curtain airbags. Folding rear seats can significantly increase the volume of the luggage compartment.
2. Hyundai Staria - futuristic design and safety
The South Korean minivan Hyundai Staria has been produced since 2021 and is, in our opinion, one of the best 9-seater cars for a family. A spacious interior, comfortable passenger seats with extended legroom, large windows and a panoramic roof make it convenient for traveling. In the interior of this car, you will feel like passengers on a cruise liner. The Hyundai Staria model is equipped with:
- a 2.2 liter diesel engine, which, depending on the modification, has a fuel consumption of 7.8-8.0 to 8.5-8.9 l / 100 km in a combined cycle and can operate in economical, normal and sport modes;
- an automatic transmission (AT);
- best-in-class safety features with blind spot video monitoring, RCCA and FCA assistants to prevent cross-collision when reversing and collisions with a car in front, a cyclist and a pedestrian;
- 6 airbags, three-point seat belts and a headrest on each seat;
- climate control and heated seats.
3. Peugeot Traveller – comfort and technology
5-door L-class minivan, Peugeot Traveller is a new product of 2016 from PSA and the Japanese company Toyota. This 8-seater car is suitable for family trips and long trips, thanks to the presence of comfortable seats with plenty of space between the rows. The second-row seats can be rotated 180 degrees, and the storage boxes between them can easily be transformed into tables. The Traveller's features include:
- a powerful and economical diesel engine that consumes 5.2-7.3 l/100 km of fuel in the combined cycle and 5.6 when driving on the highway;
- 6-speed automatic transmission;
- dual-zone climate control;
- anti-lock braking system;
- a roomy trunk with a volume of 550-4200 liters, depending on the position of the rear seats. But even with the rear seats folded down, this car is perfect for a family with three children;
- rear camera and parking sensors.
A trip to any distance in the Peugeot Traveller will be as convenient and comfortable as possible.
4. Peugeot Rifter – versatility for the city and nature
The Peugeot Rifter compact van has been produced since 2018 in a regular and extended version by the French concern PSA. It is included in our TOP family cars due to its good capacity, reliability and safety. Both versions can be equipped with a third row of seats up to 7 seats (6 + 1), while having a fairly spacious interior, which will be comfortable for people of any build. Even the basic configuration of the Peugeot Rifter has:
- front and side airbags;
- climate control, which will make the longest trip comfortable in any weather;
- a whole set of electronic safety systems: ABS, EBD, ESP and others;
- multimedia center with an 8-inch touch screen - a guarantee against boredom on a long journey;
- Rifter is equipped with an economical 1.2 liter gasoline engine or a 1.5 liter diesel engine, and the minimum luggage compartment volume is 775 liters.
5. Citroen SpaceTourer – the best option for a large family
Our TOP of the best family cars is completed by the French five-door L-class car, equipped with a diesel engine with very economical fuel consumption: 5.4 l/100 km in the combined cycle and 5 l on the highway. Ease of control is provided by an 8-speed automatic transmission, a multifunctional steering wheel and rear parking sensors. In addition, it is worth noting the presence in this car:
- a roomy trunk, with a capacity of 603-3968 liters;
- a modern multimedia system with a 7-inch LCD screen;
- anti-lock braking system in front-wheel drive models;
- dual-zone climate control;
- side and front airbags for the driver and passengers, and window airbags-curtains;
- Isofix mounts for a child seat in the rear seats.
Why renting a car is the perfect test drive before buying
Our company offers affordable car rental conditions in Ukraine. When going on vacation or traveling with the whole family, you can order a family car without a driver from us for rent at an affordable price and make this trip as comfortable as possible for you and your children. Car rental for a family of 4 or more is a great chance to try such a car in action if you are going to buy a family car, but have not yet made your choice. We offer for rent only new cars in excellent technical condition, so you can fully appreciate all their advantages.
Rent without a driver for several days: what does it mean
You want to travel with your family easily, freely, without restrictions. Everything is important here: the pace, routes, stops along the way. Therefore, renting a car without a driver for several days is one of the most convenient options for traveling around Ukraine and abroad.
At NarsCars, this process is very simple: you book a car for a certain period, choose the date and time of receipt, and then - freedom of movement without being tied to the schedule of transport or taxi.
Such rent is perfect if:
- you are planning a short trip out of town or a short vacation;
- you need to go to relatives in another region;
- you want to test the car before buying in real conditions.
It is convenient when you can rent a car for any period - for a couple of days or weeks. The longer - the more favorable the rate. Prices are flexible and clear, without hidden payments or unpleasant surprises.
An opportunity to test a car in real conditions: how it works
If you have decided to buy a car, but you are overcome by doubts, you can try it out. A true understanding of the car comes when you begin to live in the same rhythm with it. After all, even the best test drive is just a short formality that will not show how the car behaves in real life.
Renting gives you the opportunity to use the car not according to a scenario, but at your own discretion, and in 2-3 days you will feel the features of the car. Only in everyday situations does the true character of the car appear: how the gearbox works, how responsive the steering wheel is, is it comfortable to put a child in a seat, is the engine noise annoying, what is the fuel consumption in the "city-highway" mode, is there enough space in the trunk, is it convenient to park. Then the purchase of a family car will become more conscious and confident.
The NarsCars fleet contains only serviceable and proven vehicles. There are station wagons, minivans, crossovers, economy and business class - you will definitely find something that suits your driving style and family needs. All cars undergo regular maintenance, the interior is clean and tidy.
Advantages of renting from NarsCars
Why do thousands of customers all over Ukraine choose NarsCars? Because the cars are in excellent technical condition, the rental process is transparent and fast, and the team is always in touch. You can choose a car at your own discretion from a large fleet. The company has a single daily mileage limit of 300 km per day, which is summed up for the entire rental period. If you are planning long trips, you can activate the "Unlimited mileage" option and calmly cover any distance.
Advantages that are especially important for family trips:
- online booking - no calls or visits: you choose the car model, date, city - and get the car at the right place;
- flexible rental terms - the conditions are suitable for weekend trips and longer trips;
- transparent deposit requirements: the amount is blocked on the card and automatically returned after the end of the rental, provided that the car is returned intact;
- insurance is included in the base price - this reduces risks and saves on additional payments;
- comfortable options for your needs - a child seat or an additional driver under the contract.
You can freely move around Ukraine (except for temporarily occupied territories), and if necessary - arrange for travel abroad (to EU countries).
In addition, the car fleet is regularly updated - here you can take a car of the latest years of production. These are comfortable, safe and modern models that are suitable for family travel with children. If plans have changed - no problem: the reservation can be canceled or changed free of charge.
Foreigners can also rent a car. To do this, you need a passport and an international driver's license (or a document with Latin characters).
If you are planning a family trip, you do not necessarily have to invest in buying a car right away. Renting from NarsCars is a real way to test a car, choose a convenient format, save time and get maximum freedom. Your family deserves to be comfortable on the road, and you deserve to decide for yourself what your route will look like.
