Something for the whole family!

The Australian family car is a multi-role workhorse that needs to manage all facets of our lives. From functionality and practicality, to affordability and reliability, a new family car has to manage many responsibilities.

The key family car categories of Drive Car of the Year 2025 put usability at the forefront, paired with a heavy focus on long-term ownership value. If you are looking for a new family car this year, these are the best of what is on offer.

As the most popular new car sales segment in Australia, judges prioritised young families and active urbanites with a keen eye on value, to select the category winner.

To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.

As another strong buyer segment, judges maintained a focus on functionality but considered families looking for a little more in terms of refinement and equipment in this category.

To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.

In this category, judges considered buyers who place practicality and usability at the top of the list, closely followed by safe and comfortable seating for at least six passengers.

To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.

Buyers looking for a car that provides tough, roomy and practical transport for a growing and active family were the focus for judges in this category. Here, function and value are paramount.

To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.

In this category, judges took practicality and usability into account for families wanting to make a considered step toward electric transportation.

To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.