As an experienced automotive enthusiast, I know how tough it can be to find the perfect vehicle when you’ve got a growing family and a tight budget. These days, with the cost of living going up all the time, being able to get a spacious, reliable, and affordable car is a top priority for a lot of parents. In this article, I’m going to dive into the three vehicles that I think are the absolute best options for a family of six who’s trying to get the most bang for their buck – and they’re all under $20,000!
1. 2019 Honda Odyssey: The Minivan That Does It All
When it comes to finding a family-friendly used car on a budget, the 2019 Honda Odyssey is pretty hard to beat. You can typically find these things for between $15,000 and $18,000, which is an incredible value considering everything you get.
One of the things that really sets the Odyssey apart is how versatile the seating is. According to the folks at Edmunds, this minivan can fit up to eight passengers, and the second-row seats can be configured in all kinds of different ways to suit your needs. And when you need maximum cargo space, the third-row seats fold flat into the floor, giving you a massive 144.9 cubic feet to work with.
Under the hood, the 2019 Odyssey packs a 3.5-liter V6 engine that puts out 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. That’s more than enough power for merging, passing, and even towing a small trailer. And the fuel economy is pretty decent too, with an EPA rating of 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Safety is always a big priority for families, and the Odyssey definitely delivers. It comes standard with a ton of advanced driver-assist features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. And the NHTSA gave it a full 5-star safety rating, so you can have peace of mind when you’re out on the road.
But one of the Odyssey’s biggest selling points is its reputation for reliability. Honda is known for building vehicles that can really stand the test of time, and according to the experts at Kelley Blue Book, the Odyssey is “one of the most reliable minivans on the market.” That makes it a great choice if you’re planning on keeping your car for the long haul.
2. 2018 Kia Sorento: The Spacious and Feature-Packed SUV
If you’re in the market for a used SUV that can handle a family of six without breaking the bank, the 2018 Kia Sorento is definitely worth a look. You can typically find these for between $15,000 and $18,000, which is a pretty sweet deal considering everything you get.
One of the things that really stands out about the Sorento is how much room it has inside. According to the experts at Kelley Blue Book, this SUV can seat up to seven people, with plenty of legroom and headroom for everyone. The third-row seats are especially impressive – they’re actually spacious enough for adults to sit comfortably, which isn’t always the case with three-row SUVs. And with 73 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down, you’ve got more than enough room for all your family’s stuff.
Under the hood, the 2018 Sorento is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. That might not be the most powerful option out there, but it’s more than enough to handle everyday driving and light towing. And the fuel economy is pretty decent too, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
When it comes to safety, the Sorento comes loaded with advanced driver-assist features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The NHTSA also gave it a full 5-star safety rating, so you can feel confident that your family will be well-protected.
But the Sorento isn’t just practical – Kia has given it a really modern and sophisticated look, both inside and out. The interior is super nice, with high-quality materials and a user-friendly infotainment system that keeps everyone connected and entertained.
3. 2017 Toyota Sienna: The Reliable and Versatile Minivan
The 2017 Toyota Sienna is another great option for families of six on a budget. You can typically find these used for between $15,000 and $18,000, which is an awesome deal considering everything you get.
One of the things that really stands out about the Sienna is how much cargo space it has. According to Toyota, you get a whopping 150 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down – that’s more than enough room for all your family’s gear and luggage. And the seating is super versatile too, with the ability to accommodate up to eight passengers.
Under the hood, the 2017 Sienna packs a 3.5-liter V6 engine that puts out 296 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. That gives you plenty of power for merging, passing, and even towing a small trailer. And the fuel economy is pretty decent, with an EPA rating of 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
When it comes to safety, the Sienna comes loaded with advanced driver-assist features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The NHTSA also gave it a full 5-star safety rating, so you can have peace of mind when you’re out on the road with your family.
But one of the Sienna’s biggest selling points is its reputation for reliability. Toyota is known for building vehicles that can really go the distance, and according to the experts at Kelley Blue Book, the Sienna is “one of the most reliable minivans on the market.” That makes it a great choice if you’re planning on keeping your car for a while.
Finding the Perfect Family Hauler on a Budget isn’t Easy
At the end of the day, the 2019 Honda Odyssey, 2018 Kia Sorento, and 2017 Toyota Sienna are my top three cars for a family of six who are on a tight budget. Each one of these vehicles offers something unique – whether it’s the Odyssey’s impressive cargo space and safety features, the Sorento’s sophisticated style and high-tech amenities, or the Sienna’s legendary reliability and versatility.
Ultimately, the choice is going to come down to your family’s specific needs and preferences. Do you need the ultimate in passenger and cargo space? The Odyssey might be the way to go. Looking for a bit more style and sophistication? The Sorento could be the perfect fit. Or maybe reliability and longevity are your top priorities – in that case, the Sienna is tough to beat.
So if you’re wondering what are the top three vehicles for a family of six on a budget this year, no matter which one you choose from my suggestions, you can rest assured that you’re getting an incredible value. Be sure to add these top-notch options to your list as you search for the ultimate vehicle to meet your needs.
These three vehicles prove that you don’t have to break the bank to find the perfect family hauler.
