The Best Family Cars for Brisbane in 2025

Finding the Perfect Family Car

Choosing a family car is a big decision, and we get it – you want something safe, reliable, and practical without breaking the bank. Here's our honest recommendations for Brisbane families in 2025.

What Makes a Great Family Car?

When we help Brisbane families find their perfect car, we look at these key factors:

Safety ratings – 5-star ANCAP is the baseline. In 2025, you should expect features like:

• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Lane keep assist
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• At least 6 airbags

Boot space – You need to fit the pram, soccer gear, weekend shopping, and probably a dog. Minimum 450L for small families, 600L+ for larger families.

Fuel efficiency – With petrol prices hovering around $1.80-$2.00 per litre, fuel economy matters. Hybrids are worth considering—they're especially efficient in Brisbane's stop-start traffic.

Reliability – Nobody wants to be stranded on the M1 or Bruce Highway. Stick to brands with proven track records.

Resale value – You'll probably sell or trade in 4-5 years. Choose models that hold their value.

Our Top Family Car Picks for 2025

Best Mid-Size SUV: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The RAV4 is our most-recommended family car, and for good reason:

• Fuel economy: 4.7L/100km combined—exceptional for an SUV
• Boot space: 580L with rear seats up
• Safety: 5-star ANCAP with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5
• Reliability: It's a Toyota. Enough said.
• Resale: Holds value exceptionally well

Price range: $40,000-$55,000 new, $32,000-$45,000 for 1-2 year old

The hybrid is worth the extra cost—you'll save it back in fuel over 3-4 years, especially with Brisbane commuting.

Best Driver's Choice: Mazda CX-5

If you want something that's actually fun to drive (yes, even with kids in the back), the CX-5 delivers:

• Driving dynamics: Best-in-class handling and steering feel
• Interior quality: Feels premium without the premium price
• Boot space: 442L (slightly smaller than RAV4)
• Safety: 5-star ANCAP, strong active safety suite
• Looks: Let's be honest—it looks sharp in the school pickup line

Price range: $38,000-$52,000 new, $28,000-$42,000 for 1-2 year old

Great choice if you're not ready to give up driving enjoyment for practicality.

Best People Mover: Kia Carnival

For bigger families (3+ kids), the Carnival is hard to beat:

• Seating: Up to 8 seats in comfort
• Sliding doors: Game-changer for tight carparks
• Boot space: Massive 627L even with all seats up
• Features: Premium spec rivals luxury brands
• Warranty: 7-year unlimited km warranty

Price range: $55,000-$75,000 new, $45,000-$60,000 for 1-2 year old

The sliding doors alone are worth it when you're parked next to someone in a tight spot at Westfield.

Best Value: Hyundai Tucson

The Tucson offers a lot of car for the money:

• Design: Stunning exterior and interior
• Space: 546L boot, generous rear legroom
• Features: Loaded with tech even in base models
• Warranty: 5-year unlimited km
• Value: Often thousands less than competitors

Price range: $35,000-$55,000 new, $28,000-$42,000 for 1-2 year old

Best Budget Option: MG HS

If budget is the priority, the MG HS punches above its weight:

• Price: Significantly cheaper than Japanese/Korean rivals
• Features: Surprisingly well-equipped
• Warranty: 7-year unlimited km
• Boot space: 463L

Price range: $30,000-$40,000 new, $22,000-$32,000 for 1-2 year old

Just note that resale value and long-term reliability aren't as proven as Toyota or Mazda.

Brisbane-Specific Considerations

Air conditioning is essential. Make sure it's ice-cold. Test it before buying—A/C repairs can be expensive.

Parking size matters. Many Brisbane homes have tight garages. Measure before you buy that full-size SUV.

Road trip ready. Brisbane families love the weekend Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast run. Make sure the car is comfortable for those 1-2 hour trips.

Sun protection. Look for good tinted windows and sunshades. Queensland sun is brutal on interiors.

New vs Used: What We Recommend

For families, we typically recommend 1-3 year old vehicles:

• Biggest depreciation has already happened
• Still under warranty
• Modern safety features
• Proven reliability (any issues already known)

A 2-year-old RAV4 Hybrid might cost $38,000 vs $50,000+ new. That's $12,000 saved for school fees, holidays, or the emergency fund.

Need Help Finding Your Perfect Family Car?

That's literally what we do. We'll:

• Find options that match your budget and needs
• Search nationwide for the best deals
• Handle the negotiation (so you don't have to)
• Organise delivery to your door in Brisbane, Gold Coast, or Sunshine Coast

Give us a call and we'll find you the right car at the right price – no stress, no pressure.