Children often influence the car-buying decision, with most parents looking for vehicles that will keep their kids safe, comfortable, and happy. Also, you want a car that your kids are proud to show to their friends when you drop them off at school. There are many car features that appeal to kids and adults.
From modern entertainment options that will keep your kids dancing to their favorite tunes to options that transform the back seats into a movie theater on wheels, manufacturers are producing cars with kids’ comfort in mind. These options will transform a typical road trip with the kids into a fun experience that everyone will enjoy.
Built-In Wi-Fi Hot Spot
Having a Wi-Fi hot spot in your car is like having Wi-Fi in your home, and your kids will love it. Kids can log in with your password, tap into the car’s wireless connection, and watch their favorite cartoons or Netflix shows. An antenna on top of the vehicle boosts the network’s signal, and it is fast enough in many regions. It may seem like a relatively simple idea, but it enables kids to have their content with them for a fun ride.
Wireless Charging for Your Devices
A wireless charging or an inductive charging feature in your car enables the kids to recharge their phone batteries without a plug. This fun feature will earn your kids some extra cool points from their friends. To recharge a phone, simply place the Qi-compatible phone on the tray and turn on the switch. There are aftermarket products that can be used for phones that are not set up for wireless charging. This technology is vital in this day and age, where kids are constantly on Instagram or TikTok since it allows them to enjoy using their phones without hassling with cords or worrying about their phone batteries dying.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow kids to easily share their own media while they are on the go. These features encourage kids to connect with the rest of the people in the car and still play their favorite tunes. With these features, you can switch seamlessly between everyone’s devices. Children can switch from their parents’ playlists to their own by plugging their phone in the system where it automatically integrates with the car.
Onboard Screens With Blu-ray
Some onboard screens are as large as 16.4 inches. These flip-down screens can display one movie or show two separate shows concurrently. You can also plug in a video game console or a DVD player with some screens.
Other Features
Other fun vehicle options that your kids will love include a built-in tailgate party, side window shades, lounge seats, a cool box for beverages, a folding running board, and rear heated seats. Many vehicles incorporate all or some of these cool features.
The following are four vehicles that have loads of kid-friendly options.
2015 Toyota Sienna
The 2015 Toyota Sienna is roomy, functional, and filled with fun features like the Blu-ray capable rear-seat entertainment system that will allow your kids to play two movies side by side. The Sienna also comes with Toyota Entune Interface which provides SiriusXM radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and the Entune App suite that offers endless entertainment for your kids.
The Sienna also has an excellent resale value and a strong, reliable record, making it one of the most likable minivans. The interior of the Toyota Sienna includes a redesigned instrument cluster with an LCD information display. It also has four child-safety-seat LATCH points and ample cargo room at 150 cubic feet.
Under the hood of the 2015 Toyota Sienna is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 266 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of torque. In terms of fuel economy, it delivers up to 25 mpg using a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission. It has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds with a standard front-wheel drive and an optional AWD optional.
Second-row lounge seating is available in the XLE and Limited versions. They have a long-slide option complete with footrests that feel like a living-room recliner. Other features include a 6.1-inch touch-screen Entune infotainment system that comes with a USB input, integrated backup camera, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, keyless entry, six cup holders, and 3-zone air conditioning.
The 2015 Toyota Sienna is ideal for a family with kids, and its kid-friendly features will make your family rides more fun.
2016 Hyundai Sonata
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata offers an upscale interior, a comfortable ride, and user-friendly features. It comes with good fuel economy and a spacious interior. The interior is nicely laid out with comfortable front seats and an intermittent-wiper speed shown on the 4.2-inch color display.
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata comes with a standard 2.4-liter inline-4 engine that produces 185 horsepower and 178lb-ft of torque. It has an EPA city/highway fuel economy of 25/37 mpg with a 6-speed automatic transmission. There are also four other available engine options, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 that puts out 245 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque and a 1.6-liter turbo with 177 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The others consists of two hybrid models that produce 154 horsepower with a 2.0-liter engine 4-cylinder but use different electric motors.
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata’s standard features include automatic headlights, a rearview camera, air conditioning, power windows with pinch protection, stability and traction control, power locks, and cloth seats. Optional features include Android Auto, 10-speaker Infinity sound system, ventilated front seats, and a hands-free trunk release.
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata has excellent value and the optional Android Auto feature and 10-speaker Infinity sound system allow your kids to connect their phones and jam out to their favorite tunes.
2016 Toyota Camry
The 2016 Toyota Camry has impressive reliability with excellent crash-test scores. It also has a roomy interior and plenty of cargo space. The power-adjustable driver’s seat and the telescoping wheel make it comfortable to ride, aided with the armrest and door panels’ elbow-friendly padding. Standard features include power heated side mirrors, power door locks, power windows, and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.
The 2016 Toyota Camry comes with a standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that puts out 178 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. It has a fuel efficiency of 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg combined. There are two more available options, including a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 268 horsepower and a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas-electric hybrid with 200 horsepower.
Optional features include wireless charging, dual-zone automatic climate control, safety connect service, Entune Audio Plus infotainment system with Scout GPS-connected navigation, satellite radio and HD Radio, and a 7-inch touch-screen display. These features are available on the higher-end trims.
Kids will love being able to search for their favorite tunes on the Sirius XM radio that comes with the Entune Audio Plus infotainment system.
The wireless charging feature in the 2016 Toyota Camry allows kiddos to keep their phones charged, keeping them entertained and connected to friends even on long road trips.
2015 Chevrolet Impala
This big, comfortable, 5-passenger family sedan offers style, technology, and excellent value. It has an eye-catching design and ample space for passengers and cargo. Standard features include a power driver’s seat, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, 6-speaker AM/FM/CD system, and 4.2-inch color display. The optional Bluetooth audio streaming and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot features will allow kids to jam to their favorite bands and stay connected to the internet so they can watch their favorite YouTube videos and check their social media.
A 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 196 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque powers the 2015 Chevrolet Impala. It has a fuel economy of 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. There are two more engine choices, including a robust 3.6-liter V6 that puts out 305 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. The other option is a modified version of the V6 engine that uses either unleaded gasoline or compressed gas.
The 2015 Chevrolet Impala offers a quiet and roomy cabin with fun options for everyone on board, including kids.
Most of these fun features are available on the higher end trims of these models. This may cost you a little more, but it will be worth your while, as your kids will enjoy these options. However, many manufacturers are now incorporating these features on their base trim models.
