One of the most important decisions a family makes is what vehicle they purchase. Not only does the vehicle need to be reliable and safe, but it also needs to be comfortable since families tend to spend a lot of time in their cars traveling to school, extracurricular activities, and family outings. With so many options available, it might be hard to determine the best vehicle for you.
When choosing a new vehicle, consider the lineup at a Lexus dealer. Lexus offers the comfort and safety you desire, plus the brand has a history of dependability and innovation that gives you the peace of mind you need when choosing a vehicle to transport you and your family. Continue reading to learn why the Lexus might be the best choice out there.
What Are Families Looking For in a Lexus?
When it comes to purchasing a vehicle, families often have a unique set of requirements and considerations. Some families are looking for entertainment options for their younger children, while others need multiple rows to help keep the peace when siblings aren’t getting along. Still, others need cargo space for athletic equipment.
Even though each family might be looking for something different when purchasing a new car, there are several features that most families agree on. Typically these features are safety, comfort, and plenty of room. Each of these, and some Lexus models that excel in each category, are discussed below.
Safety Features
Safety is often a top priority for families when choosing a vehicle. Features such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and backup cameras are all important safety equipment that families look for. The Lexus brand takes safety seriously. In fact, every model it has sold since 2020 has come standard with the Lexus Safety System+. This system includes a number of driver-assist features, ensuring that Lexus drivers have peace of mind while on the road. The latest version of this technology, the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, was recently introduced on the 2022 Lexus NX.
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
This system warns drivers if a frontal collision with another vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian is imminent. If action isn’t taken in time, the system kicks in with automatic steering and braking. This system should not be used instead of normal braking, and it might not operate to its fullest potential during bad weather, such as rain, fog, or snow. However, it provides an invaluable second set of eyes.
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
This system works much like the Pre-Collision System. If a driver strays from their lane, the system provides an audible alert and offers assisted steering. Technology that can assess white and yellow lines is utilized to help drivers stay in the middle of their lane. There are some situations, such as driving on curvy roads or in certain weather conditions, where the system might have difficulties. However, in good conditions, optional Lane Tracing Assist will reduce the steering inputs needed while cruise control is active.
Intelligent High Beams
Drivers are able to keep their attention on the road at night rather than worrying about turning their high beams on and off, thanks to Intelligent High Beams. This safety feature is designed to assist drivers by automatically turning the high beams off when oncoming traffic is detected and then turning them back on when the way ahead is clear.
High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
This system builds on regular cruise control by using radar to automatically adjust the vehicle’s speed when it senses traffic moving more slowly in front of it. Some Lexus models offer the even more advanced All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management, which can adjust speed to travel safely through curves in the road.
Designed for Safety
In addition to advanced driver-assist technologies designed to help avoid accidents, Lexus builds its vehicles to keep passengers safe in the event of a collision. Over the years, Lexus has won plenty of accolades for safety, and in 2023 it has had four models receive the prestigious Top Safety Pick+ designation from the independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The safety of any vehicle also heavily depends on how comfortable it is. In a comfortable car, the driver has less stress. The higher the quality of the vehicle, the more control there will be, and the less the driver will be impacted by road disturbances when driving.
Comfort While Driving
Comfort is another key factor to take into account because families spend a lot of time in their cars. The comfort level of a car can be greatly affected by features like movable seats, climate control, and entertainment systems.
When considering comfort, Lexus is known for building vehicles that cater to all on board, making any family road trip easier. The GX, for example, offers three-zone automatic climate control. This system provides a breath of fresh air with an interior air filter, smog sensor, and recirculation mode. Additionally, passengers will love the heated second-row captain’s chairs and power-reclining third-row seats, especially in colder climates.
Meanwhile, the Lexus LX offers semi-aniline leather-trimmed seating for up to seven passengers and a driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar support and a seat cushion extender. The LX also has a heated steering wheel for cold mornings and heated and ventilated seats for the first and second rows. For increased comfort, you can also opt for the Lexus LX Ultra Luxury, which offers rear massage seats and an ottoman for the second row.
When it comes to legroom, the back seats of Lexus vehicles offer plenty of space for passengers. This is because its models have a longer wheelbase, which tends to provide more legroom and a more comfortable ride than those with shorter wheelbases. Comfort is also determined by the amount of cargo space the vehicle has. Passengers can relax better when groceries and athletic equipment have a place to go that isn’t in their laps.
Passenger and Cargo Space
In general, families have a greater demand for space than single people and couples. When traveling with children, dogs, groceries, and other stuff, a larger vehicle with sufficient seats and storage space is often important. The Lexus GX and LX both offer third-row seating. The full-size LX is the largest model Lexus offers and has a seating capacity of up to seven passengers or a cargo capacity of up to 71 cu.ft. with the rear seats folded down.
When evaluating what the family might need as far as space, consider the long-term. As children grow, they need more space. This is especially true with busy families where the children might be involved in various sports and extracurricular activities. Thinking long-term also means paying attention to reliability and what vehicles perform the best.
Choosing a New Family Vehicle Is Easy With Lexus
Choosing the best vehicle for the family can be challenging. Besides the factors listed above, there are many things to consider, depending on each family’s needs. To simplify the process, take the time to consider which factors are most crucial to you. Lexus offers a variety of vehicles that fit a multitude of needs. All you need to do is find the one that’s right for you.
Test-driving a few options to evaluate their comfort and see how much space is really available is key. In addition, issues with blind spots or road noise can only be assessed while driving. Whatever choice you make, with the right knowledge, the purchase will be less stressful and more enjoyable.
