Family Cars Archives

Volvo XC60 balances performance, economy and comfort

The Volvo XC60 is Volvo’s entry in the mid-sized SUV field

But it needs improvements to its information system

All-electric Genesis G80 is a safe, quiet, luxurious drive

The Genesis G80 provides and quiet and luxurious ride

The luxury, handling, and safety features make the G80 a great ride

Lexus NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid offers luxurious, economical ride

Lexus NX 450h+ offers a smooth and luxurious ride in the very popular compact crossover market

Ford Explorer Timberline as much limo as SUV

There's all kinds of elbow room in this vehicle, and it has massive proportions. If you want to pop the hood, you better be a basketball player because the Explorer stands so tall that you literally can't reach inside the engine bay.

This is a people-carrier par excellence and is amazingly quiet on the highway

Buying used: 2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring holds up well

Depending on the model, the Touring comes with a reasonably high complement of standard equipment. Air conditioning, tilt/telescoping steering, one-touch driver’s side window and power door locks all come with the popular GL, as do heated front seats and a cooled glovebox

The hatchback body configuration is just about as versatile as you can get in this market

Buying used: Kia Sportage revived in 2012 to mixed results

For a base price of just under $22,000 in 2012, you got a reasonably well turned out vehicle, with most of the bases covered

The Sportage sits five adults in relative comfort. If you fold down the seat, you get a reasonably flat floor

Mazda CX-30 for 2022 is familiar and functional

in terms of design, purpose and overall flavour, this subcompact SUV is very much like the Mazda CX-5. Similar wheelbase, drivetrain, driving experience and is aimed at roughly the same group of buyers

Mazda has mastered the art of building innocuous, practical family transport, and CX-30 is right on target

Buying used: Toyota Camry from 2010 to 2012 won’t disappoint

Unsurprisingly, this iteration of the Camry has held its value. The 2012 edition will run you anywhere from around $10,000 to the high teens, depending on trim level and drivetrain

Available with either a four-cylinder or V6 engine, this generation was offered in a variety of trim levels

Nissan Sentra proves the sedan is still very much alive in 2022

The Sentra won’t burn up the pavement. It’s moderately powerful, handles reasonably well and has decent braking. Despite its sleek racer styling, it’s not a sports car and the emphasis is on usability, not thrills. And that suits most people in this market just fine

First introduced to the market in 1982, it’s now in its eighth generation and has never been better

Plenty right with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 – if you can wait

Offered in four varieties, the Ioniq 5 is powered by an “interior permanent magnet synchronous electric motor” that develops 168 to 320 horsepower, depending on the model

But if you really want one, be prepared to shell out the cash