Welcoming a new baby doesn’t just change your sleep schedule—it can overhaul your entire approach to cars. For many car enthusiasts, the birth of a child marks a rite of passage: trading in sporty coupes for practical family haulers. But as Tony Quiroga’s heartfelt editor’s letter in Car and Driver reveals, choosing the right family car is about more than just cup holders and cargo space.
This isn’t just a story about letting go of a beloved BMW for something more sensible—it’s a crash course in how priorities (and the car market) shift when a baby arrives.
Why This Matters
- The “family car” question is more relevant than ever as birth rates rise among older parents, many with established car preferences and unique needs.
- Car choices for new families are evolving: No longer just minivans, but a spectrum of SUVs, crossovers, and yes, even fast luxury wagons are on the table.
- Safety and practicality now lead the conversation, but the emotional connection to cars—and driving pleasure—still matters, even for parents.
What Most People Miss
- Fitting a rear-facing car seat is a game-changer: Many popular SUVs and sedans lose significant front passenger comfort when accommodating modern child seats. Always do a test fit before buying!
- “Family car” doesn’t mean boring: High-performance options like the Mercedes-Benz R63 AMG or Lexus LX570 can satisfy driving enthusiasts—if you’re willing to pay for maintenance and fuel.
- Features like analog gauges and CD players still matter to many parents, especially those who grew up with them. As automakers phase these out, finding the right balance of tech and tradition gets harder.
Key Takeaways from the Editor’s Search
- Kia Telluride: Practical, highly rated, and a modern staple—no wonder it’s a family favorite. But the 2026 model hiatus means some buyers will look elsewhere or wait for the 2027 redesign.
- Honda Passport: Fun to drive, comfortable, and cleverly designed for family accessories. Not the quickest, but a strong all-rounder for active parents.
- Toyota Sienna: Minivans like the Sienna offer unbeatable efficiency (30 mpg!) and room, but the “minivan stigma” still turns off some smaller families.
- Lexus LX570/Toyota Land Cruiser: Luxury, reliability, and presence—at the cost of serious fuel bills. The market’s love for Land Cruisers has driven prices above their Lexus cousins, a notable shift in resale trends.
Industry Context & Trends
- SUVs and crossovers now make up over 55% of US auto sales—up from just 36% a decade ago. The “family car” is no longer a sedan or minivan by default.
- Used car prices remain historically high for models like the Land Cruiser and LX570, fueled by reliability and scarcity.
- Automakers are phasing out CD players and analog gauges in favor of digital dashboards and streaming. For many parents, this means looking at older models or aftermarket upgrades.
Pros and Cons Analysis: Car Shopping with a Baby
- Pros:
- Forces a realistic assessment of needs vs. wants (safety, space, comfort).
- Often leads to discovering new favorites you’d never have considered pre-kid.
- Can be an opportunity to upgrade technology and reliability.
- Cons:
- May require letting go of beloved enthusiast cars.
- Sticker shock—modern family vehicles can be pricey, especially used SUVs.
- Some features you love (CD player, analog gauges) are getting harder to find.
Action Steps for New Parents Car Shopping
- Test-fit your child seat(s) before buying—don’t trust specs alone.
- Prioritize safety features: Top IIHS ratings, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise, etc.
- Balance tech with comfort—decide what’s non-negotiable (e.g., analog controls, CD player).
- Factor in long-term costs: Maintenance, insurance, fuel.
- Don’t be afraid to challenge the minivan stigma—practicality is king, but fun is still possible!
The Bottom Line
Bringing a baby home means more than just installing a car seat—it’s a chance to rethink what you need (and want) from your vehicle. As this editor’s journey shows, you don’t have to sacrifice all your driving joy for practicality. The sweet spot? Finding a family car that’s as fun for you as it is safe and comfortable for your little one.