Looking to buy an SUV or sedan? Buying a family car used to be as simple as choosing a summer holiday. You knew you were beach bound, but it was just a matter of getting the kids to agree on whether to go north or south.

Buying a car also used to be a choice between very few options. If you wanted a family car you bought a sedan, if you were shopping for larger family cars, you bought a station wagon, which was basically a stretched version of the sedan with a bigger load space. And if you had more than three children, you had to choose a people mover as your family car.

SUVs, meanwhile, were bought by people with thick beards and even thicker socks and were as rare a sight in big cities as cows and sheep.

Today, of course, SUVs make up nearly half of all vehicles sold in Australia, as people in need of family cars have flocked to them in ever-increasing numbers.

But there are some people who still love their sedans, and not just because they’re sentimental about them. The fact is that sedans and SUVs each have their advantages, and which one you choose when buying a car is very much about which of those features appeal to you.

So, let’s have a look at the two and see what makes them different and why they might be the best family cars for you.

Why would you buy an SUV as a family car?

Considering the pure dominance of SUVs on the road these days, the advantages must be pretty obvious, and largely it comes down to one word - space.

Even smaller, city-focused SUVs, like Subaru’s stylish and robust Crosstrek, is equipped with a good amount of space, offering up to 315 litres. Step up to a bigger SUV, like the Subaru Forester, and you’re looking at up to 509 litres of load area.

As anyone with growing children will tell you, the amount of gear that little people seem to require each time you leave the house is so unimaginably large that it’s hard to believe anyone ever managed before SUVs became the popular choice for family cars.

The other obvious advantage of buying a bigger, taller car like an SUV - apart from the ability to traverse diverse terrain thanks to higher ground clearance and, in Subaru’s case, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive - is what’s known as the Command Seating Position. There’s something about sitting up high, looking down on creation, and over the roofs of smaller cars, that really appeals to people when buying a car. And not just short people.

Advantages of SUVs

Space: SUVs typically have more room for passengers and boot space thanks to their larger size compared to sedans.
Seating Position: Typically, SUVs offer a higher ride height and greater ground clearance. This makes for better performance on diverse terrain.
Off-Road Capability: Equipped to handle diverse terrains with ease, thanks to features like higher ground clearance and all-wheel drive (AWD).
Safety: SUVs come with high quality safety features, as do all new vehicles. Subaru is renowned for its safety - being the first automotive brand in Australia to achieve the maximum 5 star ANCAP safety rating across its range. All tested models since, have achieved a 5 star ANCAP safety rating.
Versatility: Suitable for a variety of lifestyles, especially for those who enjoy outdoor adventures.
Towing Capacity: Generally speaking, SUVs tend to have substantial towing capacity for hauling trailers, boats, or caravans.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD): SUVs are usually equipped with AWD or 4WD, AWD. In Subaru’s case Symmetrical AWD is standard across their AWD range offering enhanced stability and performance in diverse terrain and weather conditions.

Why would you buy a sedan as a family car?

While sitting up high is one of the big selling points of an SUV, the advantage of a sedan, like Subaru’s legendary performance machine the WRX - is how close it sits you to the ground.

If you enjoy driving, close to the road is where you want to be, because the low centre of gravity allows you to corner with more involvement and less body roll. The lower you are, the more connected you may feel with the road.

As a family car, of course, sedans still work - they have four doors, a capacious boot and you also get plenty of space for a family.

Happy passengers AND a very happy driver. That’s what a sedan is all about, and why it might be the family car you want to buy.

Advantages of Sedans

Fuel Efficiency: Better fuel efficiency can often be achieved due to their smaller size and lighter weight, which may lead to lower fuel costs. Note that this is case by case for each vehicle.
Manoeuvrability: Easier to handle and park, especially in urban settings as sedans are more compact models.
Cost: Typically have a lower purchase price when compared to SUVs.
Performance: Lower centre of gravity allows for better handling and a more connected driving experience.
Aerodynamics: Sedans are usually sleeker design, which contributes to better aerodynamics.
City Driving: Due to their smaller size and easier manoeuvrability, sedans tend to be more suited for city driving.

SUV vs Sedan: Choosing the Right One for You