How we review family cars at Baby and Car

Buying a family car is a big deal. At Baby and Car, we’re here to make sure it’s a confident one.

We don’t just talk about engine sizes and boot litres — we focus on what matters to families. Whether you’re expecting your first baby or hauling gear for three kids and a dog, we test drive every vehicle to see how it stacks up in real-life parenting scenarios.

Our goal is simple: to help you find the car that fits your family.

What makes a car family friendly?

Every car we review is tested against a detailed, parent-first checklist — one we’ve developed by talking to real families and working with Australia’s leading baby brands. We use Maxi-Cosi’s range of child car seats and prams to test how cars perform with everyday family items, not theoretical measurements.

Check out our best practices for testing drive a family car in Australia

Our criteria

    • Can a full-size pram fit in the boot with the third row up or down?

    • Is the boot height easy for loading without straining your back?

    • Space for a nappy bag, school gear, groceries — all at once?

    • Is there a spare tyre or just a tyre repair kit?

    • Can you change a nappy back here if you’re caught out?

    • Can we fit three car seats across the second row?

    • How easy is it to install a rear-facing capsule or convertible car seat?

    • Are the top tether and ISOFIX points clearly marked and easy to access?

    • Is there enough room in the front when a capsule is behind the driver?

    • Do the back doors open wide enough for loading toddlers and baby capsules?

    • Can the third row be accessed with a seat already installed in the second?

    • Features like inbuilt sunshades, rear air vents, USB ports and seat storage.

    • Can an adult fit comfortably in the middle seat on a family road trip?

    • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto — is it seamless or clunky?

    • Camera quality and parking sensors — how confident do you feel parking?

    • Kick-to-open boots, sliding doors, and other small features that save time.

    • Is the tech intuitive or a distraction when wrangling kids in traffic?

    • Does it come with advanced safety features like autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert?

    • How does the car feel to drive in stop-start traffic, tight school zones, and on weekend getaways?

    • Is it a hybrid, electric, or petrol/diesel — and how does that affect real-world driving?

    • Are connected car apps (like Kia Connect or MyToyota) available — and useful?

What cars do we review?

We test drive a wide range of cars for Australian families, including:

  • Small to large SUVs

  • 7-seat people movers

  • Dual-cab utes

  • Electric and hybrid family vehicles

Every car we review is assessed using the same criteria, so you can confidently compare across body types and brands.

Download our free family car test drive checklist