Honda Accord, HR-V, Passport, and Odyssey Named Best Cars for Families by Parents.com
Cars are depicted in many ways in our society. They are seen as thrilling partners in enjoying the open road, a display of financial success, a way to get away from it all, and a means for the protagonist to escape the bad guys. But the fact is, the role for most cars is simply to take people to and from work, carry out daily activities, take the kids to school and other activities, and occasionally take the family on vacation. Half, if not more, of those tasks involve family. Honda has long had the American family in mind when it designs its cars. Thus, Michael Hohl Honda is proud to announce that Parents.com has named four of Honda’s models the best cars for families in five categories.
Throughout the year, Parents.com evaluates over 150 cars, trucks, and SUVs and compares their rear seats, third rows (where applicable), safety features, technology, and family-friendly amenities. They also review car safety seat compatibility and convenience.
“Parents and caregivers want what is best for their families, and that extends to their vehicle. But choosing the right car can be a challenge. Our annual Family Cars Awards aims to take some of the guesswork out of the process by highlighting the safest and most reliable vehicles for families.” – Kimberly Zapata, Parents.com Editor.
As mentioned, these 2026 model-year Honda models were named the best in five categories. They include:
- Best Family Sedan for Families: Accord
- Best Compact SUV for Families: HR-V
- Best Value SUV for Families: HR-V
- Best Mid-Size 5-Passenger SUV for Families: Passport
- Best 3-Row Minivan for Families: Odyssey
Accord
Best Family Sedan for Families
Parents.com points out that, “Sedans still offer the smartest way to get premium features at a bargain price, and the Honda Accord exemplifies this nicely.” They appreciated that features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, a 9-inch touchscreen, and rear air vents and USB ports were all standard on all models. They went on to say that “The engine delivers a fun and confident drive experience” and that the top four of the Accord’s six trim levels are hybrid models, improving fuel economy by 12 mpg.*
HR-V
Best Compact SUV for Families
Best Value SUV for Families
The third-generation HR-V was lauded for its spacious cabin in its class, as well as tech such as wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Google Built-in, a wireless phone charger, and a 9-inch color center touchscreen. The low $1,500 step for all-wheel drive was also mentioned. “For a combination of value and features, the HR-V is hard to beat.”
On the value side, the HR-V was noted for having a larger rear seat than competitors like the Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota Corolla Cross, which also made installation of child seats easier. The level and quality of tech features were also cited as being below that of the category. “With thoughtful packaging and strong standard features, the Honda HR-V offers superb value without feeling like a compromise.”
Passport
Best Mid-Size 5-Passenger SUV for Families
The newly redesigned Passport was lauded not just for being a shortened, 2-row Pilot, but also for being a unique offering with its own rugged personality. The vehicle stood out for its wide, spacious second row and large cargo area. Its large list of standard features was also noted, including all-wheel drive with convenient off-road settings, leather-trimmed heated seats, and wireless phone charging. “The Passport is EVERYTHING! Families can look no further; it offers space, style, and off-roading capabilities.”
Honda Odyssey
Best 3-Row Minivan for Families
The Odyssey has been named to this position before, and with no real minivan news for 2026, it takes the award again. Parents.com appreciated several of the Odyssey’s family-focused features, including its versatile second row. “This allows families to add captain’s chairs or keep the bench as needed, move the third row passthrough to one side or the other, and best of all, the middle seat can be stowed in the under-floor storage space behind the third row.” The standard Cabin Talk and lock liftgate were also specifically mentioned. One editor summed up the model this way: “The Honda Odyssey brings the functionality and comfort that families crave.”
Noteworthy is that Honda models earned runner-up status in several categories, such as:
- Best Mid-Size 3-Row SUV: Pilot
- Best Hybrid SUV: CR-V Hybrid
- Best Adventure SUV: Passport
- Best Vehicle for a Teen Driver: Civic
- Best Rear Seat Entertainment: Odyssey
It is worth noting that U.S. News & World Report also named its “Best Cars for Families,” with winners including the Accord, Accord Hybrid, Passport, and Ridgeline. If you are looking for a vehicle that has been well thought out for families, Honda is the brand you want to turn to, and if you live anywhere near the Carson City, NV area, you will want to shop them at Michael Hohl Honda.
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