Becoming a dad is an exciting journey — except when it comes to car buying. Practical concerns intrude upon that beautiful relationship between driver and machine. And it's time to trade in that impractical Subaru BRZ for something roomier, less responsive and a little less fun (as you also become roomier, less responsive and a little less fun).
But getting that family-friendly car does not necessitate that you go full-on Chevy Traverse or Chrysler Pacifica. There are still perfectly serviceable dad vehicles out there that manage to be cool and fun while meeting kid-porting specifications and not irreparably gouging their college funds.
Here are eight sensible dad cars for people who like cars.
Dads love value, often to the point of absurdity. The Kia Telluride is spacious, stylish and adventurous enough. Go all out with a luxury trim in the $40,000s (if you can find one for MSRP). And it will look (and feel) like you spent $60,000-plus.
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon remains perhaps the most capable off-roader out there. There's now a plug-in-hybrid version that can do EV-powered school runs. And the refreshed 2024 model now has waterproof power seats if you need to ford a river.
The Subaru Outback practical, resilient and ready for anything, just like dad. And it's more adventurous than your average school parking lot crossover, especially with the new off-road-oriented Wilderness package.
The Ford F-150 is the cushy and cavernous two-row luxury SUV of your dreams, with the utility of a truck bed. It's not ideal for urban parallel parking, but if you've got multiple kids, you've no doubt moved away from the city. Ford just refreshed the F-150 for 2024.
Owning a minivan can feel like the ultimate automotive capitulation. But if you have one, you need one — and the Toyota Sienna still feels a bit cool (maybe?). A hybrid powerplant comes standard. So does all-wheel drive. You get a little JDM-styling with the bold front grille. Toyota even has a lift kit for it.
With a smooth ride, sumptuous interior and Bentley-on-a-budget looks, the Genesis GV80 is one of the most eye-catching family SUVs on the road, with a little more space than the sedan. There's the Top Safety Pick+ rating. And you got a better deal than the BMW X5 dad.
The Cadillac Escalade and GMC Yukon, while great, have become status symbols. The Suburban delivers the same formidability and three-row functionality while sporting a humble Chevy bow tie.
