Pulling Double Duty: The Best Cars for Work and Family

They say you shouldn’t mix business with pleasure, but when it comes to picking a car, things are never so easy. More and more, the two-car family is becoming a thing of the past — KPMG reports that only 57 percent of American households now own more than one car, and forecasts this percentage will decline to 43 percent by 2040. This means the car needs to pull double duty.

For those looking for the right vehicle to meet with clients and spend time with the family, take a look at some of the different options that might be right for your needs:

Compacts

For many commuters, a small fuel-efficient car that is capable of squeezing into the smallest of parking spaces is a dream come true. If you are the sort who goes on urban adventures with your family and works in the city, a compact car may be your best option. The Volkswagen Jetta features a keyless access, which can be handy when trying to load a stroller, diaper bag and carseat or when piling in blueprints, folders and other work documents. It also has a rearview camera, which is great for child safety and tight parking garages, and a premium interior to make your clients feel comfortable. But, if a new Jetta is out of your price range, search for financing or find a used one through a dealership like DriveTime.

Pickups

For those who need a vehicle for work that can bring the muscle but also get the kids to soccer practice, a pickup truck may be the solution. Pickups are versatile cars that can be used for commuting, hauling, towing and family events. When buying a pickup that will serve dual purposes, it is important to think about the size of the cabin. Some pickups have none to speak of, which can be a real problem if you need a place to put a car seat. However, the 2015 Dodge Ram delivers in terms of power and cabin space, with a fuel efficient V-8 engine. Available with the Uconnect system, the 2015 Dodge Ram can serve as the center of your mobile office or as an entertainment center for the kids on a long road trip. And for those who often meet with clients in rural areas with unreliable roads, a pickup is a reliable and strong vehicle that can get you there and back safely.

SUVs

Sports Utility Vehicles come in countless shapes and sizes, and picking the one that is right for your family is critical. The 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a high-performance SUV with seating for seven, a rear entertainment system, temperature-controlled seats and a drink cooler to top it off. For the family that wants to travel in comfort, it’s a hard vehicle to beat. In addition, the 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Sport boasts 550hp and 502lb-ft of torque as well as a zero to 60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. If you need power, comfort and style, this is the SUV for you and your family.