Top 10 Cars for New York Families

Owning a car in the city offers its challenges. Congestion and population density mean that car ownership costs in an urban area is typically much higher than in a suburban or rural setting. And at the same time congestion and population density often render a car less useful than in outlying districts where they have things like trees and free parking. But that doesn’t stop many intrepid New Yorkers from owning a vehicle anyway.

In an exclusive roundup for New York Family, the editors of Kelley Blue Book have picked their top 10 cars for New York City families! So just which vehicles do the KBB editors think are most suited to the New York state of mind? Here they are:

Lexus RX 450h
The RX SUV offers Manhattan-friendly size and safety with hybrid credentials and fuel economy. At the same time, it's not cramped for five, and it comes with some very comfortable interior goods. If you've got weekend-getaway aspirations or winter fears, the available all-wheel drive will help. Not bad for well under $50,000.
BMW i3
This pure EV (zero-emissions) is a perfect city car, if you can figure out where to plug it in. It also offers the option of a gasoline-powered generator, which will make the hatchback practical for weekend jaunts outside the city when you might otherwise run out of juice. It could make looking for an open gas station a thing of the past. In EV-only form it starts at $39,000.
Subaru Outback
With standard all-wheel drive, the Subaru Outback offers confidence in any weather, while its unmistakable exterior shape translates to impressive room inside for busy families and their gear. Redesigned for 2015, the latest Outback also offers impressive fuel efficiency and advanced safety systems. The Subaru Outback starts just under $26,000.
Honda CR-V
Stylish, comfortable and well-connected, the redesigned Honda CR-V is more fuel efficient than previously thanks to its new direct-injected engine and CVT automatic transmission. The available Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assists makes it safer as well. With room for five and an all-wheel drive option, the CR-V starts around $24,000 and tops out just over $33,500.
2015 Kia Sedona
Big enough to take the kids upstate for whatever the heck it is New Yorkers do up there, it remains slightly smaller than other minivans. That compact size plus an all-around-view camera make it easy to handle in the city, and the SUV-like styling and high-end features help you forget you're driving a minivan. It starts at around $27,000 and well-equipped it comes in at $33,000 or so.
Honda Fit
For starting families, the 2015 Honda Fit is an excellent choice. It easily slips in and out of tight city situations and is better on the open road than ever before. With a low price, fuel-sipping powertrain and a super-flexible interior it is tough to beat as a city dweller. Prices start in the low teens.
Toyota Prius V
Roomy enough for five people and a surprising amount of cargo at once, the Prius V also returns city/highway combined fuel economy of 42 mpg. Tidy dimensions make it easy to park, and its hybrid powerplant makes you feel good about yourself. Prius V sticker prices start around $27,000 and top out close to $38,000.
Buick Enclave
If you want an upscale people-mover that can comfortably seat up to eight and boasts a quiet, comfortable ride, the 2015 Buick Enclave should be on your shopping list. It offers good road manners, and its 3.6-liter V6 boasting 288 horsepower delivers good acceleration and passing power. Big inside but not massive outside, it’s a good value starting at around $40,000.
Ford Fiesta
The 2015 Ford Fiesta offers up great fuel economy, modern build quality and a stylish interior that belies its bargain price. Unlike many small cars its exterior looks are leading edge while not appearing weird, and its small footprint is made for urban parking spaces. Plus, there's the available 1.0-liter 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine, which Ford says gives the Fiesta the best non-hybrid fuel economy in its class. Pricing begins well under $15,000.
BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
Graced with coupe-like styling yet blessed with four doors and a wide-opening tailgate, the newest member of BMW’s 4 Series family has elegant looks and family-ferrying practicality. A compact footprint and an available multi-camera system make parking the new 4 Series Gran Coupe drama-free, while available all-wheel drive provides extra traction in New York’s snowy winter months. It starts just over $41,000.