3 Things Your Next Family Car Needs

Having a family doesn't mean you need to drive around in a minivan -- there are lots of great cars that are perfect for transporting your family around town. If you have a growing family, head to your local certified pre-owned Kia dealer to look for a four-door vehicle that provides lots of passenger protection, and integrates technology and entertainment into its design.

#1 - Four Doors

With a family, having two doors is not really an option. You don't want to have to lean over your front seat to strap your child into their car seat. You also don't want your young children climbing over your front seats every time you are dropping them off.

A four-door vehicle is a lot more practical for a family. With a four-door vehicle, you have more space to get your child in and out of a car seat. Additionally, as your children get older, they will be able to easily get in and out of the car without someone having to move the front seat.

Four-door cars generally have more room in them as well. Two-car doors may have a back seat, but they are not really made to carry passengers on a regular basis. Four-door cars have larger backseats that provide more space for a passenger to stretch out and be comfortable.

#2 - Passenger Protection

Second, with a family car, you know you are going to be frequently carrying passengers with you, and you want to make sure you keep your passengers well-protected. Look for a vehicle that has full airbags in the back seat of the vehicle to keep your family safe.

Keep an eye out for driving features that will help you protect your family as well. For example, forward collision warning systems can help save you from rear-ending someone, and drift protection can help you stay in your lane if you get distracted while driving, which is easy to do with young kids in the car.

Make sure that any car you look at has features that will help keep you and your family as safe as possible on the road.

#3 - Technology & Entertainment

You are going to want to be able to keep in touch with your family, which may mean phone calls when you are on the road. Grabbing your cell phone with your hands endangers everyone in your vehicle; make sure your new vehicle can connect to your phone via Bluetooth, so you can speak on your phone hands-free.

Don't stop there with the technology -- look for a vehicle that has built-in screens in the back seat to entertain your kids, or a car that has chargers in the back seat so you can plug in and charge tablets to keep your kids entertained.

A vehicle that integrates technology, has lots of safety features to protect your passengers, and has four doors is the perfect setup for a family vehicle.