Best family cars of 2015  Image 1 of 19 |Best family cars of 2015  Compact cars: Volkswagen Golf Reviewers said the Golf's cabin is more luxurious than those in most small cars. "The redesigned 2015 Volkswagen Golf wows the automotive press with agile handling, exceptional cargo space and remarkable interior quality," U.S. News & World Report wrote. Finalists in this category include the Kia Soul and Mazda Hatchback.  Image 1 of 19 - Best family cars of 2015  Compact cars: Volkswagen Golf Reviewers said the Golf's cabin is more luxurious than those in most small cars. "The redesigned 2015 Volkswagen Golf wows the automotive press with agile handling, exceptional cargo space and remarkable interior quality," U.S. News & World Report wrote. Finalists in this category include the Kia Soul and Mazda Hatchback.  Compact cars: Volkswagen Golf Reviewers said the Golf's...cabin is more luxurious than those in most small cars. "The redesigned...2015 Volkswagen Golf wows the automotive press with agile handling,...exceptional cargo space and remarkable interior quality," U.S. News &...World Report wrote. Finalists in this category include the Kia Soul...and Mazda Hatchback.  Image 2 of 19 |Best family cars of 2015  Upscale small cars: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Reviewers praised the C-Class for its "Composed handling and a comfortable ride." "Automotive journalists say the new 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan has one of the nicest interiors in the class, with opulent materials, excellent build quality and a gorgeous design," U.S. News & World Report wrote. Finalists in this category include the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4.  Image 2 of 19 - Best family cars of 2015  Upscale small cars: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Reviewers praised the C-Class for its "Composed handling and a comfortable ride." "Automotive journalists say the new 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan has one of the nicest interiors in the class, with opulent materials, excellent build quality and a gorgeous design," U.S. News & World Report wrote. Finalists in this category include the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4.  Upscale small cars: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Reviewers...praised the C-Class for its "Composed handling and a comfortable...ride." "Automotive journalists say the new 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class...sedan has one of the nicest interiors in the class, with opulent...materials, excellent build quality and a gorgeous design," U.S. News &...World Report wrote. Finalists in this category include the BMW...3-Series and Audi A4.  Image 3 of 19 |Best family cars of 2015  Hatchbacks: Kia Soul The Soul has an upscale cabin and abundance of standard and optional features, according to U.S. News & World Report. "Reviewers are impressed with the 2015 Kia Soul's upscale cabin materials and stylish interior design," they wrote. Finalists in this category included the Ford C-Max Hybrid and Mazda Mazda3.  Image 3 of 19 - Best family cars of 2015  Hatchbacks: Kia Soul The Soul has an upscale cabin and abundance of standard and optional features, according to U.S. News & World Report. "Reviewers are impressed with the 2015 Kia Soul's upscale cabin materials and stylish interior design," they wrote. Finalists in this category included the Ford C-Max Hybrid and Mazda Mazda3.  Hatchbacks: Kia Soul The Soul has an upscale cabin and...abundance of standard and optional features, according to U.S. News &...World Report. "Reviewers are impressed with the 2015 Kia Soul's...upscale cabin materials and stylish interior design," they wrote....Finalists in this category included the Ford C-Max Hybrid and Mazda...Mazda3.  Image 4 of 19 |Best family cars of 2015  Midsize cars: Hyundai Sonata Reviewers praised the Sonata's quiet ride and upscale interior. "Some automotive writers think the Sonata offers a well-balanced driving experience with a comfortable ride, precise steering and composed handling, and most agree that it has superb braking power," U.S. News & World Report wrote. Finalists in this category include the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Honda Accord Fusion.  Image 4 of 19 - Best family cars of 2015  Midsize cars: Hyundai Sonata Reviewers praised the Sonata's quiet ride and upscale interior. "Some automotive writers think the Sonata offers a well-balanced driving experience with a comfortable ride, precise steering and composed handling, and most agree that it has superb braking power," U.S. News & World Report wrote. Finalists in this category include the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Honda Accord Fusion.  Midsize cars: Hyundai Sonata Reviewers praised the...Sonata's quiet ride and upscale interior. "Some automotive writers...think the Sonata offers a well-balanced driving experience with a...comfortable ride, precise steering and composed handling, and most...agree that it has superb braking power," U.S. News & World Report...wrote. Finalists in this category include the Ford Fusion Hybrid and...Honda Accord Fusion.  Image 5 of 19 |Best family cars of 2015  Upscale midsize cars: Cadillac CTS Reviewers praised the attractive interior in the CTS. "The 2015 Cadillac CTS wows critics with a striking interior design, athletic handling and strong engine options," U.S. News & World Report wrote. Finalists in this category included the Hyundai Genesis and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.  Image 5 of 19 - Best family cars of 2015  Upscale midsize cars: Cadillac CTS Reviewers praised the attractive interior in the CTS. "The 2015 Cadillac CTS wows critics with a striking interior design, athletic handling and strong engine options," U.S. News & World Report wrote. Finalists in this category included the Hyundai Genesis and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.  Upscale midsize cars: Cadillac CTS Reviewers praised the...attractive interior in the CTS. "The 2015 Cadillac CTS wows critics...with a striking interior design, athletic handling and strong engine...options," U.S. News & World Report wrote. Finalists in this category...included the Hyundai Genesis and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.  Image 6 of 19 |Best family cars of 2015  Large cars: Chevrolet Impala The Impala received praise for its "potent" available V6 engine and upscale interior. Finalists in this category include the Toyota Avalon and Kia Cadenza.  Image 6 of 19 - Best family cars of 2015  Large cars: Chevrolet Impala The Impala received praise for its "potent" available V6 engine and upscale interior. Finalists in this category include the Toyota Avalon and Kia Cadenza.  Large cars: Chevrolet Impala The Impala received praise...for its "potent" available V6 engine and upscale interior. Finalists...in this category include the Toyota Avalon and Kia Cadenza.  Image 7 of 19 |Best family cars of 2015  Luxury large cars: Kia K900 "Critics agree that the Kia brand may give some luxury car shoppers pause, but they think the 2015 K900 delivers a smooth ride, a powerful V8 and lots of features at a good price," U.S. News & World Report wrote. Finalists in this category included the Audi A7 and Cadillac XTS.  Image 7 of 19 - Best family cars of 2015  Luxury large cars: Kia K900 "Critics agree that the Kia brand may give some luxury car shoppers pause, but they think the 2015 K900 delivers a smooth ride, a powerful V8 and lots of features at a good price," U.S. News & World Report wrote. Finalists in this category included the Audi A7 and Cadillac XTS.  Luxury large cars: Kia K900 "Critics agree that the Kia...brand may give some luxury car shoppers pause, but they think the 2015...K900 delivers a smooth ride, a powerful V8 and lots of features at a...good price," U.S. News & World Report wrote. Finalists in this...category included the Audi A7 and Cadillac XTS.  Image 8 of 19 |Best family cars of 2015  Hybrid cars: Ford Fusion Hybrid The Ford Fusion Hybrid was praised for its attractive interior and smooth transitions between gas and electric power. "Test drivers say that the Fusion Hybrid has a comfortable ride, and some write that it’s fairly agile for a hybrid car," U.S. News & World Report wrote. Finalists included the Lexus GS Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrid.  Image 8 of 19 - Best family cars of 2015  Hybrid cars: Ford Fusion Hybrid The Ford Fusion Hybrid was praised for its attractive interior and smooth transitions between gas and electric power. "Test drivers say that the Fusion Hybrid has a comfortable ride, and some write that it’s fairly agile for a hybrid car," U.S. News & World Report wrote. Finalists included the Lexus GS Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrid.  Hybrid cars: Ford Fusion Hybrid The Ford Fusion Hybrid was...praised for its attractive interior and smooth transitions between gas...and electric power. "Test drivers say that the Fusion Hybrid has a...comfortable ride, and some write that it’s fairly agile for a hybrid...car," U.S. News & World Report wrote. Finalists included the Lexus GS...Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrid.  Image 9 of 19 |Best family cars of 2015  Wagons: Subaru Outback "Automotive experts agree that the redesigned 2015 Subaru Outback is a one-of-a-kind vehicle with generous passenger and cargo space, as well as superb all-wheel drive traction," U.S. News & World Report wrote. Finalists in this category include the Volvo V60 and Toyota Prius V.  Image 9 of 19 - Best family cars of 2015  Wagons: Subaru Outback "Automotive experts agree that the redesigned 2015 Subaru Outback is a one-of-a-kind vehicle with generous passenger and cargo space, as well as superb all-wheel drive traction," U.S. News & World Report wrote. Finalists in this category include the Volvo V60 and Toyota Prius V.  Wagons: Subaru Outback "Automotive experts agree that the...redesigned 2015 Subaru Outback is a one-of-a-kind vehicle with...generous passenger and cargo space, as well as superb all-wheel drive...traction," U.S. News & World Report wrote. Finalists in this category...include the Volvo V60 and Toyota Prius V.  Image 10 of 19 |Best family cars of 2015  Compact SUVs: Honda CR-V "Reviewers praise the 2015 Honda CR-V for its abundance of standard features and spacious cabin, and it gets excellent fuel economy," U.S. News & World Report wrote. The engine has sufficient power, but is not as powerful as some rivals. Finalists in this category included the GMC Terrain and Ford Escape.  Image 10 of 19 - Best family cars of 2015  Compact SUVs: Honda CR-V "Reviewers praise the 2015 Honda CR-V for its abundance of standard features and spacious cabin, and it gets excellent fuel economy," U.S. News & World Report wrote. The engine has sufficient power, but is not as powerful as some rivals. Finalists in this category included the GMC Terrain and Ford Escape.  Compact SUVs: Honda CR-V "Reviewers praise the 2015 Honda...CR-V for its abundance of standard features and spacious cabin, and it...gets excellent fuel economy," U.S. News & World Report wrote. The...engine has sufficient power, but is not as powerful as some rivals....Finalists in this category included the GMC Terrain and Ford Escape.  Image 11 of 19 |Best family cars of 2015  Luxury Compact SUV: Volvo XC60 U.S. News & World Report praised the Volvo XC60's cabin and cargo space, powerful base engine and handling. "The 2015 Volvo XC60 is our Best Luxury Compact SUV for Families because it has the best combination of interior space, safety and reliability ratings and available family-friendly features in its class," they wrote. Finalists in this category include the BMW X3 and Lexus NX.  Image 11 of 19 - Best family cars of 2015  Luxury Compact SUV: Volvo XC60 U.S. News & World Report praised the Volvo XC60's cabin and cargo space, powerful base engine and handling. "The 2015 Volvo XC60 is our Best Luxury Compact SUV for Families because it has the best combination of interior space, safety and reliability ratings and available family-friendly features in its class," they wrote. Finalists in this category include the BMW X3 and Lexus NX.  Luxury Compact SUV: Volvo XC60 U.S. News & World Report...praised the Volvo XC60's cabin and cargo space, powerful base engine...and handling. "The 2015 Volvo XC60 is our Best Luxury Compact SUV for...Families because it has the best combination of interior space, safety...and reliability ratings and available family-friendly features in its...class," they wrote. Finalists in this category include the BMW X3 and...Lexus NX.  Image 12 of 19 |Best family cars of 2015  Two-row SUVs: Nissan Murano The Murano has enough power but does not feel fast, especially on the highway, according to reviewers. "Reviewers agree that the 2015 Nissan Murano has exemplary cabin quality, with an attractive design and soft-touch materials that wouldn't look out of place in an Infiniti luxury vehicle," U.S. News & World Report wrote. The finalist in this category was the Jeep Grand Cherokee.  Image 12 of 19 - Best family cars of 2015  Two-row SUVs: Nissan Murano The Murano has enough power but does not feel fast, especially on the highway, according to reviewers. "Reviewers agree that the 2015 Nissan Murano has exemplary cabin quality, with an attractive design and soft-touch materials that wouldn't look out of place in an Infiniti luxury vehicle," U.S. News & World Report wrote. The finalist in this category was the Jeep Grand Cherokee.  Two-row SUVs: Nissan Murano The Murano has enough power...but does not feel fast, especially on the highway, according to...reviewers. "Reviewers agree that the 2015 Nissan Murano has exemplary...cabin quality, with an attractive design and soft-touch materials that...wouldn't look out of place in an Infiniti luxury vehicle," U.S. News &...World Report wrote. The finalist in this category was the Jeep Grand...Cherokee.  Image 13 of 19 |Best family cars of 2015  Luxury two-row SUVs: Lexus RX 350 It's not very entertaining to drive, according to U.S. News, but the RX 350 does provide value, safety and space. "Test drivers say that the Fusion Hybrid has a comfortable ride, and some write that it’s fairly agile for a hybrid car," U.S. News & World Report wrote. Finalists in this category included the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and Lexus RX Hybrid.  Image 13 of 19 - Best family cars of 2015  Luxury two-row SUVs: Lexus RX 350 It's not very entertaining to drive, according to U.S. News, but the RX 350 does provide value, safety and space. "Test drivers say that the Fusion Hybrid has a comfortable ride, and some write that it’s fairly agile for a hybrid car," U.S. News & World Report wrote. Finalists in this category included the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and Lexus RX Hybrid.  Luxury two-row SUVs: Lexus RX 350 It's not very...entertaining to drive, according to U.S. News, but the RX 350 does...provide value, safety and space. "Test drivers say that the Fusion...Hybrid has a comfortable ride, and some write that it’s fairly agile...for a hybrid car," U.S. News & World Report wrote. Finalists in this...category included the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and Lexus RX Hybrid.  Image 14 of 19 |Best family cars of 2015  Three-row SUVs: Toyota Highlander The Highlander has the comfort, space and storage ideal for a family vehicle, according to U.S. News & World Report. "Though it may not be fun to drive, the Highlander is an excellent family SUV," they wrote. Finalists in this category include the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento.  Image 14 of 19 - Best family cars of 2015  Three-row SUVs: Toyota Highlander The Highlander has the comfort, space and storage ideal for a family vehicle, according to U.S. News & World Report. "Though it may not be fun to drive, the Highlander is an excellent family SUV," they wrote. Finalists in this category include the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento.  Three-row SUVs: Toyota Highlander The Highlander has the...comfort, space and storage ideal for a family vehicle, according to...U.S. News & World Report. "Though it may not be fun to drive, the...Highlander is an excellent family SUV," they wrote. Finalists in this...category include the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento.  Image 15 of 19 |Best family cars of 2015  Luxury three-row SUVs: Land Rover Range Rover Sport The Range Rover Sport is as comfortable with the family as it is the off-road, according to U.S. News & World Report. "The 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Sport has a lavish interior, a smooth ride, powerful engines and great off-road capabilities, reviewers agree," they wrote. Finalists in this category include the Infiniti QX60 and Acura MDX.  Image 15 of 19 - Best family cars of 2015  Luxury three-row SUVs: Land Rover Range Rover Sport The Range Rover Sport is as comfortable with the family as it is the off-road, according to U.S. News & World Report. "The 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Sport has a lavish interior, a smooth ride, powerful engines and great off-road capabilities, reviewers agree," they wrote. Finalists in this category include the Infiniti QX60 and Acura MDX.  Luxury three-row SUVs: Land Rover Range Rover Sport The...Range Rover Sport is as comfortable with the family as it is the...off-road, according to U.S. News & World Report. "The 2015 Land Rover...Range Rover Sport has a lavish interior, a smooth ride, powerful...engines and great off-road capabilities, reviewers agree," they wrote....Finalists in this category include the Infiniti QX60 and Acura MDX.  Image 16 of 19 |Best family cars of 2015  Large SUVs: Chevrolet Suburban The Suburban also ranked high on U.S. News & World Report's "Affordable Large SUVs" and "Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows" lists. It has "easy maneuverability, composed, quiet ride and roomy, upscale cabin," they wrote. Finalists in this category include Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon.  Image 16 of 19 - Best family cars of 2015  Large SUVs: Chevrolet Suburban The Suburban also ranked high on U.S. News & World Report's "Affordable Large SUVs" and "Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows" lists. It has "easy maneuverability, composed, quiet ride and roomy, upscale cabin," they wrote. Finalists in this category include Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon.  Large SUVs: Chevrolet Suburban The Suburban also ranked...high on U.S. News & World Report's "Affordable Large SUVs" and..."Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows" lists. It has "easy maneuverability,...composed, quiet ride and roomy, upscale cabin," they wrote. Finalists...in this category include Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon.  Image 17 of 19 |Best family cars of 2015  Luxury large SUVs: Cadillac Escalade "Test drivers say the redesigned Cadillac Escalade's luxurious interior, sharp handling and supremely powerful engine are unmatched by most rivals," U.S. News & World Report wrote. Finalists include the Mercedes-Bez GL-Class and Infiniti QX80.  Image 17 of 19 - Best family cars of 2015  Luxury large SUVs: Cadillac Escalade "Test drivers say the redesigned Cadillac Escalade's luxurious interior, sharp handling and supremely powerful engine are unmatched by most rivals," U.S. News & World Report wrote. Finalists include the Mercedes-Bez GL-Class and Infiniti QX80.  Luxury large SUVs: Cadillac Escalade "Test drivers say the...redesigned Cadillac Escalade's luxurious interior, sharp handling and...supremely powerful engine are unmatched by most rivals," U.S. News &...World Report wrote. Finalists include the Mercedes-Bez GL-Class and...Infiniti QX80.  Image 18 of 19 |Best family cars of 2015  Hybrid SUVs: Toyota Highlander Hybrid The Highlander Hybrid was criticized for its price -- about $18,000 more than the non-hybrid model -- but praised for its cabin, quiet ride and fuel economy. "The Highlander Hybrid isn't just a great value, it's also one of the best family SUVs you can buy," U.S. News & World Report wrote. Finalists in this category include the Lexus RX Hybrid and Lexus NX Hybrid.  Image 18 of 19 - Best family cars of 2015  Hybrid SUVs: Toyota Highlander Hybrid The Highlander Hybrid was criticized for its price -- about $18,000 more than the non-hybrid model -- but praised for its cabin, quiet ride and fuel economy. "The Highlander Hybrid isn't just a great value, it's also one of the best family SUVs you can buy," U.S. News & World Report wrote. Finalists in this category include the Lexus RX Hybrid and Lexus NX Hybrid.  Hybrid SUVs: Toyota Highlander Hybrid The Highlander...Hybrid was criticized for its price -- about $18,000 more than the...non-hybrid model -- but praised for its cabin, quiet ride and fuel...economy. "The Highlander Hybrid isn't just a great value, it's also...one of the best family SUVs you can buy," U.S. News & World Report...wrote. Finalists in this category include the Lexus RX Hybrid and...Lexus NX Hybrid.  Image 19 of 19 |Best family cars of 2015  Minivans: Honda Odyssey The Odyssey is comfortable and agile, according to U.S. News & World Report. "The 2015 Honda Odyssey impresses reviewers with its comfortable ride, remarkable agility and feature-filled cabin," they wrote. Finalists in this category included the Kia Sedona and Toyota Sienna.  Image 19 of 19 - Best family cars of 2015  Minivans: Honda Odyssey The Odyssey is comfortable and agile, according to U.S. News & World Report. "The 2015 Honda Odyssey impresses reviewers with its comfortable ride, remarkable agility and feature-filled cabin," they wrote. Finalists in this category included the Kia Sedona and Toyota Sienna.  Minivans: Honda Odyssey The Odyssey is comfortable and...agile, according to U.S. News & World Report. "The 2015 Honda Odyssey...impresses reviewers with its comfortable ride, remarkable agility and...feature-filled cabin," they wrote. Finalists in this category included...the Kia Sedona and Toyota Sienna.
The best cars, SUVs and minivans for families have "perfected the art of balance," according to U.S. News & World Report.
 
 The magazine took safety, reliability and space as well as comfort, performance and features into consideration when naming 19 vehicles for its "2015 Best Cars for Families" list. They cover a range of segments, from compact cars and hatchbacks to hybrid SUVs and wagons. And, of course, there's also a minivan on the list.
 
 "No matter the stage of family life you’re in, there’s a Best Cars for Families award winner that will work for you," U.S. News & World Report wrote.
 
 U.S. News & World Report considered 259 vehicles for its list. It reviewed professional automotive reviews, safety and reliability ratings, seating and cargo volume and the availability of family-friendly features to come up with the top vehicle within 19 categories. Review all 19 vehicles above. U.S. News & World Report named one or two finalists for each category, in addition to the winner.
 
 You'll see several similarities between this list and the 2015 family picks from Kelley Blue Book, which were released in February. There's also some overlap with the 2014 list from U.S. News & World Report, where the Honda Odyssey was top minivan, the Ford Fusion Hybrid won for Hybrid Car and the Subaru Outback was the winning wagon.