Just because it’s a family car doesn’t mean it has to be a snooze to drive. Sure, it may not be a two-seater, but there are a ton of high performance SUVs, sedans, and station wagons that can seat your whole crew and provide an enjoyable ride on your daily commute as well as family vacations and weekend getaways with the spouse.
2024 Subaru WRX
With all-wheel drive and a 271-hp 2.4 liter turbocharged Subaru Boxer engine, the WRX is a sports sedan worth considering. If you were considering a Honda Civic or Volkswagen Golf, this is an alternate option to test drive. The hatchback version is no longer in production, but if you don’t mind buying used, it adds even more practicality to your ride.
2024 Ford Bronco
The newer Ford Broncos pay tribute to their ancestors while still modernizing the experience. This isn’t a ride for zipping around or quickly accelerating, but we think it’s a better option than the Jeep Wrangler. If you are interested in some light off-roading or love the idea of a soft top, the Bronco delivers.
2024 Land Rover Defender
This luxury off-roader can seat up to seven passengers, making it a serious people mover. If you want a smooth ride that can carry half of the soccer team, this may be the one for you. While the fuel economy isn’t great, there are plenty of other features to fall in love with. It features an 11.4-inch touchscreen along with a 12.3-inch digital instrument display.
2024 Honda Civic Type R
Right away, the wing makes the Civic Type R look like anything but a boring family ride. At 315-hp with a front-wheel-drive, the Civic R absolutely zips. It’s a car that achieves more than you’d expect, and for parents who enjoy driving but want some practicality, it’s one of of the best models on the market.
2024 Lucid Air
This EV is easily one of the coolest on the market. It’s zippy with fast acceleration and great handling, but doesn’t shy away from offering a family-friendly spacious and comfortable interior. The higher trims can get pricey, but all models feature a crisp 34-inch display and a slick infotainment system.
2024 Kia EV6 GT
If you’re looking for an electric vehicle, then you should consider the EV6 GT as your next zippy family ride. The EV6 model was already impressive, but the GT makes is unbelievably fun to drive. It features a 576-hp all-wheel-drive powertrain, and has been lauded as one of the best performance EVs on the market for well under $100k.
2025 Porsche Macan
While the Macan is a little tight on rear passenger and cargo space, this compact luxury SUV brings the style and performance. If you love the Porsche vibe and want a vehicle with fantastic handling, it’s hard to go wrong here. The GTS model is even more potent, and the EV model is a redesign of the platform worth looking into.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Another performance EV, the Ioniq 5 N is probably the best bang-for-buck purchase for someone looking for the most horsepower they can get for under $68k. There’s more space in the rear and cargo areas than the Porsche, making this a great choice for families who want style, performance AND some cargo capacity.
2025 Acura MDX Type S
The MDX Type S is an improvement over previous models in almost every way. And if you need a three-row SUV, then you should definitely look into this model more deeply. It’s a quiet ride than handles fantastically with its 355-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine. There’s some debate on how “luxury” this vehicle is, but it is sleek, quiet, and fun to drive.
2024 Tesla Model S Plaid
If all you are interested in is acceleration, then your search stops here. The 2024 Tesla Model S Plaid just happens to be the fastest accelerating sedan on the market thanks to 1020 horsepower provided by three electric engines. We’re talking 0-60 in 2 seconds and a max of 200 MPH (which we never recommend hitting).
2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
Try saying that three times fast. Not only is the name aggressive, but so is the tuning. This SUV is crazy fast, and unfortunately if you are interested in one, you should know the 2024 model is the end of the run. You’ll still be able to get the standard Stelvio, but the 505-hp twin-turbo 2.9 liter V-6 Quadrifoglio model will no longer be in production.
2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
If you’re looking for a big luxury sedan with a monster engine, you’ve found it. The CT5-V Blackwing features a 668-hp supercharged V-8 engine… just like the Corvette Z06. While its interior isn’t as luxury as it should be for the price tag, the impeccable handling more than makes up for it. This might be one of the last V-8 engines you’ll find in a Cadillac sports sedan.
2025 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
If your budget is over $100k, then you should be looking at Porche’s evolution of their first EV model, the Taycan sedan. The Taycan Cross Turismo is seeing a significant update for 2025, giving you sports-car-like performance along with the practicality of a wagon. There are 5 trims available, with the Turbo S featuring a blistering 938-hp engine which will cost you $213,000.
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2025 Audi RS 6 Avant
This all-wheel-drive wagon brings both performance and comfort to your family. Featuring a 621-hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8, this thing absolutely flies. The price is high and the fuel economy is not great, but it truly is a premium mix of turbocharged sports car and grocery-hauling family wagon.
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2024 Ferrari Purosangue
Hey, if we’re going to feature some rides in the $100-200k range, we might as well go all out. The 2024 Ferrari Purosangue starts at a whopping $398,000 but it is notable because it is Ferrari’s first sports car with four doors. With a 715-hp V-12 engine, Ferrari aimed to combine the best elements of a sports car with the practical needs of a family car.
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