15 Features Parents Want in Their Cars

The task of parenthood is one that comes with its unique set of challenges, and moving around with kids can sometimes be a herculean task. With the constant need to ensure the safety and comfort of our little ones, it becomes essential to have a car equipped with features that are family-friendly.

Hence, automobile manufacturers are now focusing more on incorporating features that are designed with the family in mind. In this blog post, we will dive into the world of automobiles and explore essential features parents would love to have in their cars.

Safety Features

Car interior with red and gray dashboard, steering wheel, manual transmission, radio controls, and safety instrumentation visible — Image Credit: Mike Bird/Pexels.

Safety is undoubtedly the topmost priority for any parent. Cars equipped with advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, and rearview cameras can provide an extra layer of protection for your family. These features can detect potential risks and prevent accidents, making every ride safer for your children.

For instance, automatic emergency braking can detect an impending forward crash, and if the driver fails to react in time, the system applies the brakes automatically. The blind-spot warning feature alerts you when a vehicle enters your blind spot, ensuring safer lane changes. No doubt, these safety features are vital for a family car.

Rear Entertainment System

Two rear-seat entertainment screens mounted on headrests in luxury car interior with black leather seats and controls — Image Credit: Modified Pov/Pexels.

Keeping children entertained during long drives can be quite a challenge. A rear entertainment system can be a lifesaver in such situations. This feature usually includes screens mounted into the back of the front seats, and can play DVDs, Blu-rays, or even stream content.

The Chrysler Pacifica, for example, offers a Uconnect Theater with dual 10.1-inch HD touchscreens, wireless streaming functionality, and built-in games and apps. This not only keeps the children occupied but also allows the parents to focus on the road.

Rear Sunshades

A mesh sunshade installed on rear car window blocks sunlight while allowing visibility of parking lot outside — Image Credit: SNAPSHADES/ebay.

Rear sunshades are particularly useful for protecting your little ones from harsh sunlight and heat. These shades can be pulled up and attached to the window when needed, and retracted when not in use.

Some cars, like the Audi Q7, offer manual or electric rear side window sunshades that ensure the comfort of passengers in the rear seats. This feature is especially useful for babies and toddlers, as it helps to maintain a comfortable temperature and prevent sun glare.

Hands-Free Liftgate

A hands-free liftgate can be extremely useful for parents, especially when their hands are full of grocery bags or holding a child. This feature allows you to open the trunk of your car by simply waving your foot under the rear bumper.

For instance, Ford’s Escape offers this feature, which proves to be quite handy for parents. It’s an excellent feature that adds convenience and ease to your daily life.

Good Storage Space

Honda Odyssey minivan interior showing spacious cargo area with folded third-row seats and gray carpet flooring from rear view — Image Credit: Honda.

Having ample storage space is crucial for parents. Whether it’s for the stroller, sports gear, or luggage for a family trip, a car with a spacious trunk can make life easier.

Take, for instance, the Honda Odyssey. It boasts a generous cargo area that can accommodate all your family’s stuff. A good tip is to always check the car’s cargo capacity before purchasing, to make sure it meets your family’s needs.

Spacious Interior

Toyota Sienna minivan interior showing gray leather third-row bench seat with cup holders, windows, and light gray cabin styling — Image Credit: Tom Asito/Pexels.

A spacious interior is a must-have for family cars. It ensures comfort during long journeys and provides enough room for car seats and booster seats.

The Toyota Sienna, for example, offers ample space with comfortable seating for up to eight people. Remember, a cramped car can make even the shortest trips uncomfortable, so always consider the interior space when choosing a car.

Easy to Clean Interiors

Mother helping child in green car seat inside Honda Odyssey minivan with gray leather seats and spacious interior — Image Credit: Honda.

Kids can be messy, and having interiors that are easy to clean can save parents a lot of time and effort. Some cars come with stain-resistant upholstery and floor mats that are easy to wipe clean.

The Honda Odyssey even offers an in-built vacuum cleaner, the HondaVAC, which makes cleaning up crumbs and dirt a breeze. Choosing a car with easy-to-clean interiors can make your life easier and keep your car looking fresh and clean.

Tri-zone Climate Control

Tri-zone climate control allows the driver, front passenger, and rear passengers to set their own temperature preferences. This feature can prevent arguments about the car being too hot or too cold.

Many cars, like the Subaru Ascent, offer this feature. It’s a great feature to have, especially for families with different climate preferences.

Multiple Charging Ports

Multi-port car charger with digital voltage display showing 12.5V, four USB ports, and two USB-C PD ports with blue lighting — Image Credit: llfetwo777/ebay.

In this digital age, having multiple charging ports is a must. It allows everyone to charge their devices on the go, keeping everyone connected and entertained.

The Chevrolet Suburban, for example, offers up to seven USB ports and a 110-volt three-prong outlet. It’s always a good idea to check the number of charging ports a car has before buying it.

Advanced Infotainment System

Car dashboard infotainment system with built-in screen displaying movie content, surrounded by control buttons, air vents, and steering wheel — Image Credit: Mike Bird/Pexels.

An advanced infotainment system can provide navigation, entertainment, and connectivity features. Parents can use it to stream music, use navigation, or even make hands-free calls.

For instance, the Ford Explorer offers the SYNC 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This feature can make every ride enjoyable and convenient.

Keyless Entry

Keyless entry allows you to unlock your car without fumbling for keys, which can be a real time-saver, especially when you’re carrying a child or groceries.

The Hyundai Santa Fe, for example, offers a Proximity Key entry system with push-button start. This feature can add convenience to your daily life and save you a few precious seconds.

Parking Sensors

Close-up of silver car's rear bumper showing circular parking sensor integrated into the vehicle's smooth metallic surface — Image Credit: Basotxerri – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

Parking sensors can make parking easier and safer by alerting you if you’re too close to an object. This can prevent minor accidents and scratches to your car.

The Volkswagen Tiguan, for instance, offers front and rear parking sensors. This feature can be especially useful in tight parking spaces or when children are around.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert

The rear cross-traffic alert is a feature that warns you of oncoming traffic when you’re backing out of a parking space. This can prevent accidents and ensure the safety of your family.

The Subaru Forester, for example, offers this feature. It’s a great safety feature to have, especially in busy parking lots.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive cruise control can maintain a set distance from the car in front of you, making highway driving safer and more comfortable. This feature can reduce driver fatigue, making it a good feature for parents who often drive long distances.

The Honda Accord, for instance, offers this feature. It’s a great feature to have, especially for those long family road trips.

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