The best practices for test driving your next family car
What you should know before you test drive your next family car
Family cars are safer and smarter than ever: Modern family cars come with advanced safety tech like autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and 360-degree cameras. These features make everyday driving, school runs and parking with kids on board far less stressful. Be sure to check your next new family car includes these features.
Designed for child seats and growing families: Most family SUVs, wagons and people movers now include ISOFIX points, multiple top tether anchors and wide-opening rear doors. This makes installing baby capsules, car seats and boosters easier — and far more practical for daily use. Make sure to find out this at your test drive.
Space and flexibility make life easier: From pram-friendly boots to sliding second rows and split-fold seats, family cars are built to adapt as your needs change. Whether it’s groceries, sports gear or weekend trips away, the right layout can genuinely improve day-to-day life. Don't be afraid to ask for an extended or 24 hour test drive to check everything fits.
Bigger doesn’t always mean more practical: Some large SUVs look spacious but fall short once you install child seats or load a pram. Poor third-row access, limited boot space with seats up, or tight second rows can quickly become frustrating.
Not all family cars suit multiple car seats: Just because a car has ISOFIX doesn’t mean it can fit three car seats across or handle larger rear-facing seats comfortably. Seat width, door angle and tether positioning can make a big difference — especially for families with more than one child.
Ongoing costs can add up quickly: Fuel consumption, servicing, insurance and tyre replacement are often higher in family-sized vehicles. Hybrid and fuel-efficient options can help, but it’s important to factor in long-term running costs, not just the purchase price.
Table of contents
The best practices for test driving your next family car What you should know before you test drive your next family car Get help with buying from Baby and Car Step 1: Do your homework before the test drive Step 2: Bring the whole family along (if you can) Step 3: Test the car seats Step 4: Assess the boot space Step 5: Drive on different roads Step 6: Test the technology Step 7: Check visibility and safety features Step 8: Evaluate comfort and space Step 9:Take your time Related blog posts Step 10: Reach out to us if in doubt Our test drive checklist Frequently asked questions
Choosing the right family car is an important decision, and the test drive is a crucial part of the process.
It’s your chance to assess how well the car fits your family’s needs, fraom comfort and space to safety and drivability. To make the most of your test drive, it’s essential to go in prepared. Here are the best practices for test driving your next family car.
Get help with buying from Baby and Car
What’s Included
- Personalised guidance based on your family’s needs and priorities
- Car recommendations tailored to budget, lifestyle, and long-term plans
- Test drive strategy and what to look for in different models
- Negotiation tips and strategies to get the best deal
- Optional follow-up summary with recommendations and next steps
- Advice on financing, warranties, and extras.
Why This Service Is For You
Ideal if you’re overwhelmed by the family car buying process
Perfect for parents who want reassurance they’re making the right choice
Great for busy families who want expert guidance without endless research
Supports confident, informed decisions and long-term satisfaction
Step 1: Do your homework before the test drive
Before heading to the dealership, research potential models that fit your family’s requirements.
Consider factors like seating capacity, boot space, fuel efficiency, and safety features. Read family-focused car reviews to narrow down your options and make a checklist of must-haves and nice-to-haves.
The overwhelm and pressure of a dealership can sway your opinion in the heat of the moment, the more confident you are with that you’re looking for the less likely you’re going to fall victim to making an emotional decision that is going to affect you in the long run.
Step 2: Bring the whole family along (if you can)
A family car needs to work for everyone, so it’s a good idea to involve your family in the test drive.
Now I know what you’re thinking that’s going to be chaos and installing all the car seats from one car to another is going to take ages BUT some dealerships will let you take a vehicle overnight or two.
This is perfect to test your specific car seats with your new family car, find its limitations in your day to life and work out are the kids going to be able to get in and out comfortably in everyday situations not just at the dealership. This ensures the car accommodates your everyday needs, from school runs to road trips.
Step 3: Test the car seats
If you have young children, test how well your car seats fit in the vehicle. Check for ISOFIX points, top tether locations, and how easy it is to install and remove car seats. Don’t forget to see if there’s enough legroom for adults in the front when the car seat is in place.
I see this so often when parents overlook the car seat configuration in their previous car to their new one. It’s important to make sure you check how is access to the third row if I have car seats installed? Do I need to remove my pram every time my child needs to access the third row? Is there enough space for my pram and bags if we are constantly using the third row.
You can find all the car reviews on Baby and Car will check for this but it’s best to ensure for you individual used case it’s right for you.
Step 4: Assess the boot space
Boot space is critical for families. During your test drive, measure how much room the boot offers for prams, groceries, sports equipment, and more. If possible, bring along a pram or other items you regularly transport to see how they fit.
What you also want to check is if you’re preparing for a newborn, that the height of the boot is going to be comfortable after giving birth. You’re going to be accessing the boot for a pram almost every time you use the car and if the boot lip is too high in the first few weeks after birth this limits what you can and can’t do unassisted.
Step 5: Drive on different roads
Make sure to test the car on a variety of roads, including city streets, highways, and winding roads.
This will give you a sense of how the car handles different driving conditions. Pay attention to how smooth the ride is, how quiet the cabin feels, and whether it’s easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces.
Step 6: Test the technology
Modern family cars come with advanced technology to make life easier.
During the test drive, try out features like the infotainment system, navigation, parking sensors, and rearview cameras. If the car has smartphone connectivity, such as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, ensure it works seamlessly with your devices.
Step 7: Check visibility and safety features
Good visibility is crucial for safe driving, especially when parking or navigating busy streets.
Make sure the car provides a clear view from the driver’s seat. Test features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control to see how they enhance your driving experience.
If you’re looking for additional safety tips, it might be worth considering a vehicle with a 360-degree view camera and parking sensors at the front and back.
It’s also good to check out the ANCAP safety rating.
Step 8: Evaluate comfort and space
Family cars need to be comfortable for both short trips and long drives.
Pay attention to the quality of the seats, the legroom in each row, and whether the cabin has sufficient storage options for your belongings. If the car has a third row, check how easy it is to access and how much space it provides.
Things like a cooler box in the centre console, additional USB ports are also nice to haves.
Step 9:Take your time
Don’t rush the test drive. Spend enough time exploring all aspects of the car, from its handling to its interior features.
Ask the salesperson questions about the car’s maintenance, warranty, and fuel economy to get a complete picture of its suitability for your family.
If you need more time with the car, ask for one extended test drive where you may be able to have the vehicle for longer than the standard 30-minute route.
Related blog posts
Step 10: Reach out to us if in doubt
We're here to help! We offer one-on-one car buying consults that remove the overwhelm and stress.
Our test drive checklist
Before You Arrive
- Define your non-negotiables such as car seats, boot size and safety tech
Know how many car seats you need now and in the future - Check running costs including fuel type, servicing and insurance
Bring your car seats, pram and everyday items - Note your garage height and length if space is tight
Car Seat & Kid Practicality
- Check ISOFIX points and top tether anchor locations
- Install your rear-facing and forward-facing car seats
- Confirm front seats are still usable with car seats installed
- Test whether three car seats across is possible if relevant
- Check rear door opening angle for easy lifting
- Look for window shades, rear air vents and USB ports
- Assess seat height for lifting babies and toddlers in and out
Boot & Storage
- Fit your pram without removing wheels if possible
- Check boot space with the third row up and down if applicable
- Test space for groceries, nappy bags and school bags
- Look for under-floor storage or side cubbies
- Confirm whether there is a spare tyre or repair kit
On the Road
- Drive on local roads, highways and rougher surfaces
- Check ride comfort for sleeping babies
Assess engine noise and cabin quietness - Test acceleration with a full load
Check steering feel and overall visibility
Safety & Technology
- Test autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and lane assist behaviour
- Check camera quality including 360-degree cameras if fitted
- Test parking sensors in tight spaces
Confirm which safety features are standard and which are optional
Everyday Usability
- Connect Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Test climate control for the second and third rows - Check cup holders, door storage and centre console space
- Try keyless entry, tailgate opening and hands-free features
Final Checks Before You Leave
- Ask about warranty, servicing plans and wait times
- Clarify real-world fuel consumption
- Compare trim levels for family value
- Take notes instead of relying on memory
- Book a second or extended test drive if unsure
Frequently asked questions
What is the safest baby car seat for a newborn baby?
The safest car seat for a newborn is a rear-facing baby car seat or capsule that meets Australian safety standards (AS/NZS 1754). Rear-facing seats provide the best protection for a baby’s head, neck and spine, especially in a crash. For maximum safety, babies should remain rear-facing for as long as possible, not just until the minimum legal requirement.
Do all baby car seats fit in every car?
No — not all baby car seats fit every car properly. While all approved seats meet safety standards, factors like your car’s rear seat shape, available space, tether anchor locations and door opening angles can affect compatibility. This is especially important if you’re trying to fit multiple car seats or have a smaller vehicle.
Is ISOFIX safer than a seatbelt installation?
ISOFIX is not safer than a seatbelt when both are installed correctly — they are equally safe. ISOFIX can reduce the chance of installation errors and is often quicker, while seatbelt installs can offer more flexibility for fitting three across or using different vehicles. The safest option is the one that’s installed correctly every time.
Do I need a professional car seat installation?
While it’s not legally required, a professional car seat installation is strongly recommended, especially for first-time parents. Incorrect installation is one of the most common safety issues, and small mistakes can reduce protection in a crash. A professional installer ensures the seat is fitted correctly and helps you understand how to use it safely every day. You can book yours with Baby and Car.
