New Cars for 2019 | Best family cars

Hands up if your family is normal? Didn’t think so. Every family is unique, right? And every family has specific needs when it comes to getting around during the week, and on weekends. That’s why there are dozens of different family cars on sale in Australia, each tailored to meet the unique needs of the typical Australian family.

Some aspects are non-negotiable, though. Like safety. We all want to keep our loved ones as safe as possible every time we’re on the road. Comfort, that’s big too, otherwise the kids will scream blue murder at the mere thought of a road trip. Practicality is high on the agenda; after all, life comes with a lot of accessories. And connectivity, that’s crucial for Mum and Dad’s sanity, and to keep back seat passengers entertained.

Here’s WhichCar’s list of the top-five new cars coming in 2019 that meet the needs of the average Australian family.

MG HS

6

MG hopes to boost sales in Australia with its premium-equipped new-generation medium SUV.

Price range: $27,000 - $37,000 (estimated)

Due date: Late 2019

Rivals: Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV-4, Hyundai Tucson

Based on the X-Motion concept revealed at the 2018 Beijing Motor Show, the MG HS’s attractive lines appear to have been penned to directly take on the Mazda CX-5, with state-of-the-art driver assistance tech and German-rivalling upmarket cabin appointments to sweeten the deal. The latter includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.1-inch infotainment screen, soft-touch surfaces and eight-speaker Bose sound system. A gutsy 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine will be one of the engine options, with all-wheel-drive also available.

Mitsubishi Triton

6

Significance: A major update and facelift of the fifth-generation ute.

Price range: $25,000 to $50,000 (estimated)
Rivals: Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara, Isuzu D-Max, Ford Ranger, Holden Colorado, Mazda BT-50
Due date: January

One of the most popular dual-cab utes for private buyers, the Triton has undergone a significant facelift making it even more family friendly than before, with more than 2400 changes from its predecessor including new sheet metal, updated six-speed auto, more cabin equipment and safety tech. A new flagship is also expected at a later date bringing a tough truck rival to the Ford Ranger Wildtrak and HSV Sportscat.

Peugeot 508

6

Significance: Ooh la la! Who knew a mid-size sedan could look this good?

Price range: $40K+

Rivals: Volkswagen Passat, Toyota Camry, Mazda 6

Due Date: June 2019

After a couple of generations of extraordinarily soporific 508s, Peugeot has shaken off whatever ailment afflicted its design department and released a stunning mid-size pair in the form of the 2019 Peugeot 508 sedan and wagon.

Strong visual links with the Peugeot 3008 and 5008 are in evidence both inside and out (a very good thing), and the new 508 looks modern, dignified and flaunts a far more premium aura than most would expect of the French brand. Lightweight engineering also promises more than a skerrick of dynamic aptitude as well. Translation: it’ll drive like a dream when it gets here in mid-2019.

Toyota RAV4

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Significance: Toyota’s mainstay medium SUV has been totally redesigned and offers more comfort and technology than ever before

Price range: $30,000 - $55,000 (estimated)

Due date: April 2019

Rivals: Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, Jeep Cherokee

One of the most significant new cars for 2019, the all-new Toyota RAV4 promises to shake up the highly competitive medium SUV market by setting new benchmarks in terms of standard features and modern powertrains, including a petrol/electric hybrid. It will have the option of torque-vectoring AWD and multi-terrain drive modes to help it grip all roads, and spawn a more off-road focused version called the ‘RAV4 Adventure’. The new RAV4’s bigger exterior dimensions will result in significantly more interior space and comfort, while the interior design will be more upscale than the current model.

Volkswagen Touareg

6

Significance: VW’s large SUV is now a truly premium offering that’s dripping with comfort and technology that rivals its Audi Q7 cousin

Price range: $83,000 - $120,000 (estimated)

Due date: May 2019

Rivals: Audi Q7, BMW X5, Lexus RX

The first all-new Touareg since 2010 is the most luxurious and technologically advanced Volkswagen SUV yet and is built on the same platform as some of the world’s fanciest high-riders including the Bentley Bentayga, Porsche Cayenne and Lamborghini Urus. Featuring interior trim levels that range from lounge-like to the sporty R-line, creature comforts will include VW’s biggest panoramic sunroof yet, 18-way electronically adjustable seats with high-quality leather detailing for families that appreciate, and can afford, the finer things.