New Car Recommendation for Small Family with Dogs

Frosty17 on 20/01/2025 - 22:55

We are in the position of needing a new (or used*) car for our family and wanting some recommendations for cars to check out.

Situation:
About to be family of 3 (planning to be 4), and 2 dogs (Cocker Spaniels).
We have a 2012 Mazda 2 that we plan to keep until it gives up, and am looking for something bigger and newer, safer etc.. Mostly do driving around Sydney itself (+- 1 hr from CBD), and venture out to places like Canberra and Forster a few times a year.
We love the idea of an EV and can charge at home. I can also do novate leasing and take advantage of the EV incentives, but job uncertainty is a factor for me at the moment so a bit hesitant.

So far, we have tried:
-Hyndia Sante Fe (sat in the Palisade but didn’t drive)
-Kia Carnival, Sorento
-Toyota Rav4
-Mazda CX-5
-Tesla Model Y (performance)

We have also realised that many 7 seaters (like the Sante Fe and Sorento) are not actually much bigger than a spacious 5 seater SUV – once those back seats are up, the boot space is severely limited and you are back to 5 seats needing to fold them down to fit all the cargo (and dogs!).

Not to start a Musk debate, but to our surprise (never having driven or been in one) the Tesla drove miles better than anything we tried. It also felt very spacious, and had a great view of the surroundings. Lots of other good and bad things, but it almost feels like going back in time driving ICE cars afterwards. Definitely exceeded our expectations.

Anyway- anything else to try? I know that the market will get a big shake-up this year (especially the EV space), but it’s going to be tricky for us to wait till the end for something new, and new things always come out so can’t always keep on waiting and waiting 😊

*used- open to buying used but that comes with its downsides/warranty etc.

Automotive

Comments

  • Wiadro on 20/01/2025 - 22:56
    +2

    Kia Carnival

  • boomramada on 20/01/2025 - 23:20
    +2

    Tesla Model Y (performance)

    OP already decided

    • Frosty17 on 20/01/2025 - 23:32

      Ha, it was the only model they had available for test drive when we were there and the acceleration is bonkers…

      • Euphemistic on 21/01/2025 - 06:34

        You dont need thaf much acceleration. Its a party trick thatll just get yoy to a speedong ticket faster. Vast majority of the time a 20yo corolla is fast enough.

        • boomramada on 21/01/2025 - 09:16
          +3

          I really wish Tesla drivers used their added acceleration, most of them drive like they got a flat battery.

          • Euphemistic on 21/01/2025 - 09:44
            +2

            @boomramada: Why? To get out of the way of your 20yo corolla?

            I dont know why everyone is so crazy about stupid acceleration times. You're largely just getting to the next red light to wait for longer.

            • boomramada on 21/01/2025 - 10:46

              @Euphemistic: Because they drive like grandma / Sunday driving oh wait, you drive like grandma too? Luckily, these days grandma's with their 20-year-old Toyota drive faster.

              • Euphemistic on 21/01/2025 - 13:35

                @boomramada: Grandmas that accelerate too fast for their reflexes and park in the local cafe? Sure. Its so good theyve had to install mis-acceleration controls into cars.

            • ATTS on 21/01/2025 - 20:18

              @Euphemistic: Because it feels really good like your floating above your seat somehow but still seated

        • Nugs on 21/01/2025 - 10:03
          +3

          "You dont need thaf much acceleration"
          no one does, but acceleration is fun (non EV owner)
          I'm surprised there hasn't been a repeat of the 70s supercar scare given the proliferation of 'affordable' sub 5 second 0-100 cars
          .

  • sumyungguy on 20/01/2025 - 23:45

    Kluger Hybrid if you're not in a rush

  • simplystu on 21/01/2025 - 00:18

    any reason why you are choosing brand new ???

    With 1x young child + (another baby on the way) +++ 2x dogs == soo much mess in first 6 months of owning car - by that time - it would prob look like a 2 year old car anyway.
    Just basing off my sister's EXP when she bought brand new (with 2x young ones + 1x dog).

    Personally (out of the list you suggested) … I'd be going for a 2022-2023 Mazda CX-5 - with low KM.

    OP … as hinted above (+ your own comments too) … why are you so intent on the Tesla model Y (performance model at that too !) ???
    where do you intend to put those 2x young children + 2x dogs +++ your wife (I presume as well) … Then all the day bags / gear / prams that goes with having young children ???

    • Frosty17 on 21/01/2025 - 21:56

      Did include in the post that we're open to used, but would prefer the peace of mind and warranty of buying new. Yes true, car will be messy no doubt. Dogs barely shed but with baby/young kids no doubt will get messy, but so will any car….

      CX-5 is nice but it's actually not very big, at least from what we could see. Driver area is good, but the passenger seat area isn't very spacious and boot isn't as big as we'd thought. No doubt a pretty nice car though.

      Re the Model Y - purely because the novated lease (with EV benefits) is a possibility for us, and also because it was a really good driving experience. Performance because it was the one model that was available to test drive when we went. Space wise- it's pretty spacious, front boot space as well and can also get roof racks (but I guess that applies to most cars). By no means set on it at all though…

      • klaw81 on 22/01/2025 - 00:00

        Model Y dual motor is almost as quick but a fair bit cheaper. There are good discounts available due to the Juniper update coming soon.

        The Juniper model will have a nicer interior but will be considerably more expensive.

  • Benoffie on 21/01/2025 - 00:22
    +1

    A RAV4 will have comfortable boot space for two Cockers when factoring in cargo barrier and gear. It will get squeezey depending on how you anticipate loading the dogs. Our dog used to be on a mat, but then she was older. On longer journeys you may prefer this but youll subsequently limit luggage space.

    Remember - dogs should not travel unrestrained in the main cabin.

    If the plan is beyond simple day trips and hotel stays, then I would go a Fortuner (or similar). Klugers have ineffectual boot space compared to RAVs

    • Euphemistic on 21/01/2025 - 06:35
      +1

      Fortuner is diesel, not great for mostly city driving.

      • Benoffie on 21/01/2025 - 07:24

        Yeah its the one downside. But that cabin/boot combo is perfect for 2 dogs. Perhaps similar from another brand?

        • Euphemistic on 21/01/2025 - 10:01

          Have they put the 3rd row inder the floor yet? We test drive a fortuner and bought an MUX.

    • brad1-8tsi on 21/01/2025 - 08:51
      +2

      As the owner of a Pajero Sport I don't recommend any of the ute based wagons (Fortuner, everest, etc) unless you intend to do some proper off-roading or heavy towing.

      Maintenance costs are much higher, fuel economy somewhat average, handling somewhat average. They are just a light truck with a station wagon body.

      • Benoffie on 21/01/2025 - 12:14

        Its that literage of boot space with 2 dogs plus babies thats the issue.

        RAVs are 542L
        Kluger 552L with 3rd row seats down
        Fortuner approx 716L with 3rd row down

        Not saying it has to be that car, just they need to think more thoroughly about the space 2 dogs plus 2 kids worth of gear occupies safely in a cargo space.

        • brad1-8tsi on 21/01/2025 - 15:57
          +2

          Kia Carnival is 620l with all seats up.
          Honda Odyssey is 1725l with the 3rd row down.

          They'd be my pick for a family with no off-road or towing intentions

          • Frosty17 on 21/01/2025 - 22:10

            @brad1-8tsi: Shame Honda stopped producing the Odyssey, never driven one but might look on the 2nd hand market, cheers.

            • brad1-8tsi on 22/01/2025 - 09:00
              +1

              @Frosty17: I wasn't aware of that. I haven't kept up with Honda's decline.

              We had the first of the sliding door Odyssey and it was a great family car (2A, 2C and a Standard Poodle). Slightly under-powered but the engine was very good and it handled well. We took it on camping trips, it handled un-maintained dirt roads quite well. A good all-rounder.

              We also had a Toyota Avensis Verso and they were pretty good. V6 Tarago was also awesome.

              Our SUV style vehicles (Captiva, Outlander and something else) weren't nearly as versatile for load carrying and 3rd row access.

              • klaw81 on 22/01/2025 - 09:18

                @brad1-8tsi: Agree that the Carnival is an amazingly versatile and practical vehicle. I've managed to fit a whole lounge suite in the back (3 seater + 2 single recliners) with 3rd row removed and 2nd row folded down - it's better than a ute for a lot of tasks. It's surprisingly nice to drive considering the size. It's no go-kart, but the turning circle and visibility is excellent. It's also quite comfortable with 7 adults on board, which is not something you can say about many (any) of the SUV-style 7 seaters.

                It's a total shame the fashion is for SUV designs, which are a much worse package overall.

    • Frosty17 on 21/01/2025 - 22:00

      Thanks - yes probably in the boot, even thinking some sort of big carry cage or something. They travel in the passenger seats currently (restrained) but obviously can't once baby gear is in.

      • Nucleus Acumbens on 22/01/2025 - 00:33

        We use these straps that are like seatbelts that will tether dog to seatbelt hole when in passenger seat or attatch to similar in back area. Combine with transporting them in secured crates.

        • brad1-8tsi on 22/01/2025 - 09:02

          We've started using a dog seatbelt that attaches to the headrest. Very versatile. Admittedly our 2 pooches only weigh 5kg each so not a lot of momentum to stop

  • altomic on 21/01/2025 - 08:56
    +1

    7 seater Mitsubishi Outlander (preferably diesel). I've had mine for 10 years. Heaps of space , economical, and the turbo makes its acceleration quite reasonable .

    • Frosty17 on 21/01/2025 - 22:10

      Thanks, they look nice, might give one a squiz

  • McSquintus on 21/01/2025 - 09:07
    +1

    Love how you just casually throw in a Model Y Performance in that list. Just keep in mind there is a new Model Y with deliveries expected for May, but there isn't a Performance version announced yet.

    • Frosty17 on 21/01/2025 - 22:12

      Ha yes! It was the only model available at our test driving slot. Yeap, not sure how I feel about the new model's design though (like the front, not the back).

      • CrazyBargainCatcher on 22/01/2025 - 09:34
        +1

        Inventory RWD? Can be had for the same or less than everything else you have on the list. A long range pre juniper may also cost around the same as the others once you add novated leasing.

        • klaw81 on 22/01/2025 - 10:00

          This is a great way to get an excellent deal, and the Model Y by far the nicest of all these vehicles as far as driving experience goes. I'd go for the Long Range rather than the Performance, since it's considerably cheaper and only a little less performance.

          Also consider a relatively new used model and find some impressive savings. They're still eligible for novated lease under a certain age.

          Totally agree with OP - once you've driven an EV for a couple of hours, going back to ICE feels like a giant leap backwards.

  • dtc on 21/01/2025 - 09:52

    Subaru Forestor (smaller boot) or Outback (larger boot) would be perfect. RAV4 is also pretty good and obviously the hybrid has good fuel efficiency especially vs the Subarus which are not leading edge on that point (the issue with the RAV4 is actually being able to get one in a decent time). The CX-5 has a lot smaller boot and a lot smaller overall

    I would definitely add the Outback into the mix, its a great car. Not 'the best' at anything in particular but very good at pretty much everything. Fuel use is highish but it can take 91RON so cost wise it is still competitive with most others (except hybrids and EVs of course). There are those who dont like CVTs but few of them have driven a Subaru CVT so ignore them. Plus you can almost certainly find a current or previous model Outback second hand that is in good condition. If you want new, go for the Touring version (with leather seats, very good for kids - or the Premium version in the previous model) and if you can spring for it, the XT engine. However the standard engine is completely fine - very marginally slower to 100km/h than that RAV4 (if you care about that, which you shouldnt).

    • Frosty17 on 21/01/2025 - 22:14

      Thanks for the info, will give it a look.

  • RR88 on 21/01/2025 - 10:58

    as someone who just had their first kid and bought a midsize SUV (XC60) if you can swing the $$ for the next size up its probably worth it to go bigger

    • Frosty17 on 21/01/2025 - 22:13

      XC90's very nice but they are not cheap :(

      • RR88 on 21/01/2025 - 22:49

        Used diesel's from like 2018/19 have come down a lot recently! kinda kicking myself for not getting one over the used xc60 we got tbh

      • brad1-8tsi on 22/01/2025 - 09:04

        I would suggest you look into the reliability of modern volvos as they range from woeful to good. The YT channel "redriven" is a good source of used car reviews

  • tenpercent on 21/01/2025 - 13:23
    -1

    I don't know what model it is but this looks good for a little family
    https://imgur.com/KboxFWN
    or this
    https://imgur.com/little-car-big-guy-aq9dfT2

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