If you’re looking for a family-friendly car that packs a punch but won’t break your budget, WTOP has you covered.
Car comparison: Fun family cars
![<p>The Buick packs the desirable combination of a V6 and winter-ready all-wheel drive. Add a hidden rear hatchback into the mix, and it’s a great all-around vehicle.</p>](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_0654-1672x1254.jpg)
$44,110 as driven (WTOP/John Aaron)
The Buick packs the desirable combination of a V6 and winter-ready all-wheel drive. Add a hidden rear hatchback into the mix, and it’s a great all-around vehicle.
![<p>The V6 provides the instant low-end grunt that four-cylinder turbos lack, and has a throaty exhaust note to boot. But the ride may be too firm for some, and the car itself is on the pricey side.</p>](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_0662-1672x1254.jpg)
$44,110 as driven (WTOP/John Aaron)
The V6 provides the instant low-end grunt that four-cylinder turbos lack, and has a throaty exhaust note to boot. But the ride may be too firm for some, and the car itself is on the pricey side.
![<p>“A sedan with gusto” is how our Mike Parris described the Jetta GLI in August.</p>](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_1319-1672x1254.jpg)
$27,890 as driven (WTOP/John Aaron)
“A sedan with gusto” is how our Mike Parris described the Jetta GLI in August.
![<p>The smooth manual transmission adds to the fun factor. The black and red exterior touches lend a meanness to the otherwise sedate car.</p>](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_1321-1672x1254.jpg)
$27,890 as driven (WTOP/John Aaron)
The smooth manual transmission adds to the fun factor. The black and red exterior touches lend a meanness to the otherwise sedate car.
![<p>Mazda has upped its game with the Mazda6 signature. The Mazda6 now has the power it’s been lacking, but its healthy 250 horsepower is achieved with top-shelf, 93 octane fuel. Horsepower drops to 227 with regular, 87 octane. The ride is sporty, without beating you up.</p>](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_1806-1672x1254.jpg)
$36,520 as driven (WTOP/John Aaron)
Mazda has upped its game with the Mazda6 signature. The Mazda6 now has the power it’s been lacking, but its healthy 250 horsepower is achieved with top-shelf, 93 octane fuel. Horsepower drops to 227 with regular, 87 octane. The ride is sporty, without beating you up.
![<p>To drive home its luxury message, our car came equipped with a white leather interior (just don’t spill anything, ever).</p>
<p><em>Mike Parris contributed to this report.</em></p>](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_1820-1672x1254.jpg)
$36,520 as driven (WTOP/John Aaron)
To drive home its luxury message, our car came equipped with a white leather interior (just don’t spill anything, ever).
Mike Parris contributed to this report.