Car comparison: Fun family cars

John Aaron | @JohnAaronWTOP

October 29, 2019, 4:35 AM

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If you’re looking for a family-friendly car that packs a punch but won’t break your budget, WTOP has you covered.

<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>

1/6

Buick Regal GS AWD
$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>

2/6

Buick Regal GS AWD
$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>

3/6

Volkswagen Jetta GLI 35th Anniversary Edition
$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>

4/6

Volkswagen Jetta GLI 35th Anniversary Edition
$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>

5/6

Mazda6 Signature
$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.