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The 2024 Chevrolet Malibu in Fort Smith, AR is a smart choice for drivers who want a comfortable, well-equipped sedan without overcomplicating their ride. If you're driving across town or cruising the highway, the Malibu delivers a ride that feels right at home in almost any situation. If you've been shopping for a midsize sedan that blends everyday practicality with a polished look, the 2024 Malibu is worth a closer look. Let's walk through what makes this Chevy sedan stand out. A Sleek Design Built for the Road The 2024 Chevrolet Malibu makes a first impression with its sculpted body lines, bold front fascia, and low-profile stance. It's the kind of design that looks purposeful without being flashy. The RS Trim Level adds a sportier personality to the Malibu's exterior, featuring blacked-out accents, 18-in aluminum wheels, and RS badging that gives the sedan a more assertive look. A Cabin Designed with You in Mind The cabin of the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu has a comfortable, thoughtfully arranged interior. The cabin offers seating for up to 5 passengers, generous legroom for both front and rear occupants, and quality materials throughout the cockpit. The available 8-in touchscreen makes it easy to stay connected on the road. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility are standard, letting you access maps, music, and messaging without taking your eyes off the road. Performance That Keeps Up with Your Day The 2024 Malibu comes equipped with a turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The powertrain delivers 163 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Safety and Technology Features Chevy packed the 2024 Malibu with a strong suite of available driver assistance technologies. Features like Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert help keep you aware of your surroundings during your daily drive. The available Teen Driver technology gives parents the ability to set speed alerts and review in-vehicle reports. Is the 2024 Malibu Right for You? If you're looking for a comfortable and stylish midsize sedan, the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu has a lot to offer. From the sporty appeal of the RS Trim Level to the standard safety features and intuitive technology, this Chevy sedan covers the bases most drivers care about. Drivers throughout Fort Smith, AR who are ready to explore the 2024 Malibu can stop by Rath Auto Resources to learn more, browse available inventory, and take it for a test drive. It's the easiest way to see if the Malibu is the right fit for your lifestyle.

If you are searching for a feature-packed three-row SUV that is ready to take you and your loved ones on unforgettable adventures across the country, look no further than that 2024 Honda Pilot. Now available at Rath Auto Resources, this model combines power, convenience, and a host of standard safety features. Check it out in person today! more Whether it is your daily commute to school and work, a visit to your favorite shopping mall, or an exciting cross-country adventure, the 2024 Pilot has everything you need to make every trip enjoyable for you and your passengers. Passenger and Cargo Space Boasting a 113.8-inch wheelbase and 158.4 cubic feet of passenger volume, all models of the 2024 Pilot are designed to provide the space you and your family need to travel around and stay comfortable on the longest rides. This SUV offers 41.0 inches of legroom in the front seats, 40.80 inches in the second row, and 32.5 inches in the third one. One of the key features that make the 2024 Pilot an excellent family vehicle is its versatility and practicality, offering plenty of ways to easily rearrange its interior for maximum cargo capacity. All trim levels come standard with foldable rear seat backs, providing 21.8 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the third row, 59.5 cubic feet behind the second one, and a whopping 111.8 cubic feet behind the driver and front passenger seats. Connectivity and Infotainment Featuring a seven-inch touchscreen in base models and a nine-inch unit in higher trims, the 2024 Pilot boasts a modern infotainment system and offers seamless smartphone connectivity. Some standard features that can be found in all models include Bluetooth audio streaming, speed-sensitive volume compensation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and Bluetooth HandsFreeLink. Are you ready to take this used Honda Pilot home and start planning your next family adventures in this stylish and spacious SUV? We've got you covered! Contact us today at Rath Auto Recourses in Fort Smith, AR, and schedule a test drive!

Over the decades, Kia has grown from strength to strength in popularity, especially among used-car buyers. If you're wondering which is the best pre-owned Kia to buy, consider one of these models. more Which Pre-Owned Kia Is Best? Discover the Top Performing Used Kia Models on the Market Kia Sportage This good-looking, family-oriented compact crossover is renowned for exceptional reliability, which makes it a steal on the used-car market. The Sportage handles nimbly for a five-seater SUV and is a pleasure to drive about town. The comfy, spacious, passenger-friendly interior keeps kids safe and happy on the way to school. The model has always been packed with a generous range of functional, entertainment, and driver-support features, including excellent safety tech. Kia Sorento Do you have a larger family but still need easy maneuverability in city traffic and parking lots? Then you'll love the handsome, spacious, seven-seater Sorento. Despite being a midsize crossover, the Sorento manages three comfortable rows of seating inside with plenty of cargo room to spare. These seating configurations are flexible, and the Sorento's handling, gas mileage, and in-cabin tech are all excellent as well. Kia EV9 You'll save even more on energy with the large, sophisticated, all-electric EV9, a three-row EV SUV with an incredible price tag for its segment, even when new. The standard rear-wheel drive and single electric motor grants huge power and torque for effortless acceleration, and you'll find AWD trims on the used-EV market, too. Every edition of this fantastic electric SUV has won a perfect 10/10 score with Car and Driver. If you find a used EV9, snatch it up before someone else does! Kia Forte The fashionable Kia Forte has always been an in-demand compact sedan among drivers who value high-quality driving at a low cost. The Forte handles wonderfully and has exceptionally good fuel efficiency, with highway MPG ratings of 40 and over. It's also a very tech-rich car, with an impressive range of standard features for its class and price tag. Kia Soul This small SUV has an elegantly bold, boxy demeanor that grants a great deal of legroom and headroom inside its cleverly designed cabin. As the name suggests, the Soul has a lot of character and charm, with textured inside door panels and other tasteful in-cabin touches matching the confident exterior. It's an agile, feature-rich, highly capable front-wheel drive crossover that overdelivers on value. Kia Optima As with all the Kias listed here, the Optima is a remarkably low-maintenance vehicle for its segment. This reliable, eye-catching, family-focused sedan has a great deal of cargo space and plenty of engine options, including a hybrid trim, any of which you may find when you start browsing pre-owned models. The Optima comes filled with standard driver-assist tech, and you may find additional optional features pre-installed by the first owner. If you'd like to take a used Kia for a spin, visit Rath Auto Resources Fort Smith in Fort Smith, AR.

Extracurricular activities, grocery runs, road trip vacations: your family's busy. You need a ride to fit your busy lifestyle. With a family, you're also likely on a budget. Read on to discover the best-used cars in the running to become your next and best family car. more 5 Best Family Car Picks for Used Cars 1. Chrysler Pacifica Few autos are more reliable for family hauling than the minivan. The Chrysler Pacifica ranks top of its class. Three rows of seats provide you plenty of room to pack family members in a wide and comfortable space that won't make you feel like a can of sardines. If you don't need all that extra room, you can fold down both your second and third rows of seats to stow some other precious cargo for family outings. Families can be messy, so the built-in vacuum feature may just be a godsend for you. And to keep the “are we there yet?” and “I'm bored” chants at bay, take advantage of that theatre-style rear entertainment system. Better yet, you're teaching your family eco-consciousness by taking advantage of the rising-in-popularity hybrid style of automobile. 2. Honda Accord This mid-sizer has earned accolades for being a top pick for families and a bargain buy. The safety features make this car a great option for ensuring all your loved ones' security when you're on the road. The comprehensive safety package for the Accord includes front automatic emergency braking, rear-seat alerts, and even teen driver control for that burgeoning driver in your family. Wi-fi and USB ports will keep everyone connected and entertained. And for a mid-sized car, the comfort and cargo space are unparalleled. 3. Lincoln Navigator Do you want a luxury SUV for those family outings? If so, the Navigator is calling your name. A powerful durable 450-horsepower engine is made for the long haul. Those indulgent and potentially reclining seats give you and all your passengers legroom to spare. You'll also get all the tech bells and whistles like a ten-inch entertainment display. If you want to drown out the noise, though, and plug into some serenity (what family head doesn't?), simply turn on the noise-cancelling feature. And with an 8,300-pound towing capacity, take that family boat or other luxury along for the good times. 4. Ram 1500 Pickup trucks are made for hauling, but this reliable and powerful beauty can haul your family without sacrificing their comfort. That coil-spring rear suspension exclusive to the Ram makes the ride just as comfy and secure as that luxurious interior full of room to spare. With nearly 12,000 pounds of towing capacity, you can literally hitch your second home to the back of this gentle beast. And navigate the roadways and even packed parking spots with confidence via handy features like a rear backup camera and blind-spot monitoring. 5. Kia Sorento Optional captain's chairs and multiple rows of seating will help you keep the smallest members of your family safe and secure. You can fit up to three booster seats in this pick that's also packed with safety must-haves such as automatic high beams and lane assist. Plus, the price can't be beat for its class. Make your next big family investment matter. Visit Rath Auto Resources of Fort Smith and check out our inventory of affordable, family-friendly used automobiles. Image via Pixabay

Are you looking for a great new family vehicle but don't want to spend what a new car often costs? We've got you covered. These are a few of the many great used-car options to consider when buying your next family vehicle. Toyota Venza The Toyota Venza is a great midsize SUV that will keep your family safe and comfortable. The 2015 Venza model is your best option and offers a wide platform and five-seat configuration for passenger roominess and comfort. Its wagon-like appearance is a nice change from your typical crossover or minivan and keeps you looking stylish on the road. more The 2015 Venza has several competitive features you can enjoy, including the 6.1-inch touchscreen with enhanced infotainment options and a rearview camera to assist you when backing up. It's also equipped with a six-speaker sound system with voice controls, a navigation system, and smartphone compatibility. Honda CR-V The Honda CR-V has been a family favorite for years due to its efficiency, practicality, and high level of comfort. For this compact SUV, stick to models that were built in 2015 or later, if your budget allows, to ensure you get the most up-to-date features. Each new model sees new interior and exterior upgrades that make driving this SUV truly enjoyable. Great features of the Honda CR-V in 2015 models and later include LED daytime running lamps, projector-beam headlamps, a sunroof, and a push-button start. Other features of the CR-V include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and Honda LaneWatch, which is a passenger-side blind spot camera to prevent you from colliding with vehicles in your blind spot. The 2015 Honda CR-V and its predecessors are designed to earn top-level collision safety ratings and received a five-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Toyota Highlander The Toyota Highlander has long been loved by drivers for years thanks to its reliability and roominess. A great used Highlander is the 2012 model that boasts several storage spaces, a three-passenger second row, and upgraded interior compared to previous models. It gets great fuel economy with the standard base engine and has excellent maneuverability to make everything from sharp turns and to parallel parking a breeze. The 2012 Toyota Highlander can comfortably seat seven passengers with room to boot, so you won't have to worry about making two trips when you have extra cargo to transport. There are three different trim levels available for this model including the base Highlander, the SE, and the Limited. The SE tends to be the best bang for your buck and comes equipped with heated front seats, a multi-information display, leather upholstery, and satellite radio. Some 2012 Highlander models also include a rearview camera for added safety when backing up. These used vehicles are as reliable as they are comfortable and can easily accommodate both large and small families. From soccer games to cross-country excursions, these used cars can meet all of you and your family's automobile needs. Image via RathAuto.com

When you buy a used car, you want one that will be worth the money you put into it. iSeeCars conducted a study where they analyzed 13.8 million cars sold in 2018 and calculated how many of those vehicles made it to 200,000 miles. Here are some of our favorites that made the top 10 lists. Toyota Tacoma If you're looking for a truck that's going to last you, the Toyota Tacoma should be near the top of your list. According to the study, around 2.6% of Tacoma trucks reach 200,000 miles. It's no small coincidence that the Tacoma has become one of the most popular trucks in the United States, with the trustworthiness and flexible options it offers to truck drivers. The Tacoma was the second-longest-lasting truck, following the Honda Ridgeline's 3.0%. more Toyota Prius For a commute-ready passenger car, check out the Toyota Prius. According to the study, around 1.7% of Prius cars sold had over 200,000 miles. The Prius has made its mark in the personal car world with the technological advancements that make it stand out from the crowd. The Prius has been known for its amazing mpg ratings for years. Toyota also built them to last, which saves you even more money in the long run. Upgrading your daily travels with a Prius is always a smart move for your comfort and your wallet. Ford Expedition One of the most notable takeaways from the study was that SUVs by far lasted longer than other body types. Tied for second on the list of all cars, SUVs and otherwise, is the Ford Expedition, with 5.0% of them lasting past 200,000 miles. It's a confident performer and it gives you enough power to take on any road with ease. If you're looking for an America vehicle that can handle everything you and your family's busy lives can throw at it, the Ford Expedition can handle the miles. Toyota Sequoia Want to know what the longest-lasting vehicle in all categories was? It's another Toyota, and another SUV; the Sequoia. This three-row SUV is one of the largest options on the market, which makes its durability that much more impressive. With more space to pack who and what you need to make the best out of your adventures and enough power to get there, the Toyota Sequoia is one of the best options if you're looking for longevity in a vehicle. Chevrolet Silverado Truck drivers who want to drive their haulers for miles and miles need to take a look at the Chevrolet Silverado. In the truck segment of the study, it came in fourth place at 1.9% of units reaching 200,000. The Silverado's popularity in the American market is in large part due to this lifespan, as well as the many performance features and useful power it brings to drivers. When you're ready to find your next used car that will last you for years to come, give our team a visit at Rath Auto Resources in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Let us help you find the perfect vehicle for your busy lifestyle. Image via Toyota.com

An SUV is a powerful automobile with four-wheel drive that can be driven over bumpy roads. It combines the features of passenger vehicles with the features of off-road vehicles. You can always find a used SUV with plenty of life still in it. The following examples of used SUV cars have top dependability scores from J.D. Power. J.D. Power's Dependability score is a mixture of quality and dependability scores.  It is a score out of 100 given to each model per year, and is determined by consumer insights, resale, dealership, experience, and performance ratings. more 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan The 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan is a small SUV with a J.D. Power Dependability score of 81 out of 100. SUV owners who dwell in the city will enjoy its accurate steering and compact design that makes it a good car to move through traffic and also to squeeze into close-fitting parking spots. 2015 Hyundai Tucson The 2015 Hyundai Tucson is diminutive and is another small SUV with a high J.D. Power Dependability score. This one received an 80 out of 100. Its small size and car-like handling make it easy to drive around town. It is very reliable and also very affordable. 2015 Audi Q3 The 2015 Audi Q3 is a small premium SUV with a J.D. Power Dependability score of 87 out of 100. The interior layout and the driving dynamics are all excellent are a great reason to single it out as a noteworthy option. 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser The 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser is a very compact SUV with J.D. Power Dependability score of 84 out of 100. It has a very rugged body that contributes to an overall blocky look which has a resemblance to the 1960s Toyota J40 Land Cruiser. Its off-road capability is also very good, and coupled with its high dependability score, this vehicle will appeal to SUV-lovers looking for a used SUV they can off-road in. 2015 Chevrolet Equinox The 2015 Chevrolet Equinox is another compact SUV with J.D. Power Dependability score of 82 out of 100. There are many models of this SUV on the road today because of the obvious merit of the vehicle. It has good fuel economy and lots of interior room. 2014 and 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK Both the 2014 and 2015 models of the Mercedes-Benz GLK are compact premium SUVs. The 2014 model has J.D. Power Dependability score of 89 out of 100 while that of 2015 has J.D. Power Dependability score of 87 out of 100. These models of SUV cars have managed to hold on to the top dependability spot in the past two dependability ratings. You should understand that for used vehicles, maintenance history, repair history, and other factors can greatly affect the value and dependability of a particular vehicle, even a high-rated one, and turn it into an undesirable car. You should still follow the best practices to make a good choice when you shop for a used SUV. Image via Pixabay.com

Traveling with your family is the perfect time to make memories. Before you leave on your next adventure, consider the vehicle you are driving. If you like the idea of a minivan, the 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan is perfect for your next trip. Buying a  used van saves money that you can use during your vacation. Seating There is no reason to leave anyone home from the road trip. The 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan has plenty of space for seven people to ride comfortably. The seats are spread out over three rows. The back row is a bench seat that helps with cargo space when it is not needed. You have your choice between either cloth or leather seats. If you're planning a road trip during colder months, enjoy the heated front seats. more Cargo Space All four trim levels of the Grand Caravan have plenty of cargo space for anything you need on your trip. With all seven seats occupied, 33 cubic feet of space is available. If you don't need seating for seven, the third row folds flat into the floor. You can use the extra space for a cooler, more bags, or anything else you need for your trip. If you are only traveling with one other person, the second row also folds down for a maximum cargo capacity of 143.8 cubic feet of space. Technology for the Driver The van is full of plenty of technology to help you enjoy your road trip. It starts with a heated steering wheel to keep you comfortable in colder months. Take advantage of the remote start system during lousy weather so the van is ready to go as soon as you step inside. It also includes cruise control standard for open roads that allow you to take your foot off the gas. Many of the trims also feature a power liftgate, making it easier to load and unload all of your gear. Use the rearview camera to get a good look at your surroundings before leaving a parking space. The Bluetooth audio connection means you can make hands-free phone calls and keep you eyes on the road. Keep Everybody Entertained One of the most important aspects of planning family travel is entertainment. Luckily, the van takes care of everyone's entertainment needs on the road for you. Use your steering wheel-mounted controls to find the perfect radio station to fit the mood, whether you want something fun during the day or slower for an overnight drive. All of the trims except for the SE include satellite radio. Ask the kids to bring a movie or two to watch along the way. A DVD player and video monitor are standard equipment in the GT and SXT trims. USB connections for charging or playing music from your MP3 player are standard in all four trims. All of the vans also include an auxiliary audio plug. Stop by Rath Auto in Fort Smith today to explore our 2018 Grand Caravans in person. We'll help you find the perfect minivan before you start making memories on the road. Image via Flickr by nybuspics

If it's time for you to purchase a vehicle, you might be wondering if you should buy a new car or a used car. While a shiny new "fresh off the factory floor" car is appealing at first, in the long run, it's much better to buy used. Let's discuss the benefits of buying a used vehicle. Depreciation It's an unfortunate fact of life that all cars depreciate in value. If you purchase a new car, it will have decreased in value by at least 20 percent by the time you've driven away from the dealership. In other words, if you purchase a new vehicle for $25,000, you end up throwing away $5,000 by the time you get home with your new purchase. If you can buy a used car that is one to three years old, its depreciation rates will have stabilized. This makes it a much better value than a brand new vehicle. more Of course, if you plan on driving your new car until it falls apart, depreciation might not be a concern. However, if you buy a used car and then decide it's not for you, the stabilized depreciation rates will ensure that you can resell the car and get most of your money back. Lower Fees Depending on the state where you live, you may have to pay a higher sales tax rate and higher registration fees if you purchase a new car. If you buy a used vehicle, the base price will be lower, meaning that taxes and fees will also be lower. If you're financing your purchase through a lender, buying used could also mean that interest rates on your loan are lower. A lower sticker price, in addition to lower fees, allows you to stretch your dollar even further. You can buy the luxury car of your dreams if you opt for a slightly older model. Insurance In most instances, your insurance company will charge you higher rates to insure a new vehicle. If you choose to purchase a used car, not only will your company offer you lower rates, but you may also be able to drop some components of your coverage. Many used-car drivers choose to opt out of collision and theft coverage, meaning they save even more money. Vehicle History Before the Internet Age, it was risky to buy a used car. Buyers could never be sure if the previous owner had kept the vehicle properly maintained. However, there are now services available to potential car buyers that let them know about a used vehicle's history. You can learn everything from the vehicle's maintenance regimen to whether the car has ever been involved in an accident. Taking advantage of these reports will give you peace of mind and also some leverage at the dealership. These are just some of the benefits of buying a used car. By doing a little bit of research, you can buy a car that you'll love without breaking the bank. Image via Flickr by 401(K) 2013

Whether you need a break from work, the kids, school, or life in general, a road trip is a good way to refresh. The best vehicles for an enjoyable long drive offer space, comfort, entertainment, and performance. Here are five of the best pre-owned models that do just that. 1. Mazda CX-5 The 2016 Mazda CX-5 got some updates from previous model years that you're sure to enjoy during a long trip. A new infotainment system with standard Bluetooth capability allows for quick and easy connectivity to keep you and your passengers entertained. Updated safety features, like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning, will keep you safe on the highway. You can even opt for an all-wheel drive model if you're looking to take some road trips off the road. more 2. Honda Odyssey Drivers with families will love the 2016 Honda Odyssey. This minivan seats up to eight people comfortably and will keep everyone entertained from the front seats to the third row. An updated infotainment system offers connectivity and easy access to music and apps for the driver while an available backseat entertainment system features a 16.2-inch screen with HDMI ports. The 2016 Odyssey is the first minivan to offer an on-board vacuum cleaner so those road-trip snacks won't cause stress. 3. Chevrolet Traverse For all the space of a minivan with the SUV look, the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse is a three-row SUV with capability and style. This vehicle can also seat up to eight passengers while offering power with a V-6 engine that pumps out 288 horsepower. When paired with the available all-wheel drive system, the Traverse will take you anywhere you want to go, even in rough driving conditions. Folding down the second and third rows opens up a shocking 116.3 cubic-feet of cargo space, so you can take friends, family, or adventure toys along for your next trip. 4. Toyota Camry The Toyota Camry is one of the most reliable vehicles on the market year after year. No matter which model year you choose, you're getting a quality car. This may seem a small choice for a road trip vehicle, but if you only need space for a few friends and a little cargo, the Camry works well. This sedan offers impressive fuel efficiency in every model so you can drive more and stop less. More recent models like the 2016 Camry feature a sleek exterior appearance and plenty of updated technology inside. 5. Subaru Outback Adventure lovers understand the value of a Subaru. The 2011 Subaru Outback was a new version of this capable wagon model ideal for drivers looking for a practical alternative to the SUV. You'll be able to seat five comfortably and still have space for additional cargo in the rear. All trim levels come standard with a roof rack and a rear seat with a 60/40 split that folds to give 71.3 cubic-feet of space.  Stop by Rath Auto Resources for a look at our pre-owned vehicles. Take a few options out for a test drive and find your perfect road trip companion. Image via Flickr by Jack Snell

2015 Ford focus ST 5-Dr Hatchback2015 Ford Focus ST 5-DR Hatchback A lot of work goes into planning a summer adventure. If you're planning a longer road trip, you'll need to decide if you want to put that many miles on your daily driver. For trips like these, or when your daily driver isn't the best, you may want to consider purchasing a used car for road trips. They typically aren't too expensive and provide flexibility in regards to your timeline and destination. Check out these top used models for your next road trip. 2016 Toyota Camry The Toyota Camry is just the right mix of efficiency and comfort, perfect for long road trips across the country. This fuel-sipping sedan can take you wherever you need to go this summer. Toyota has a long-standing reputation for being dependable and safe, letting you worry about where the road will take you next, not whether your car will survive the journey. more This year's model has plenty of trims to choose from; there are also 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder configurations for those looking for more power. When you hit the road, you'll want to know there are plenty of great entertainment features to keep all of your passengers happy. The 2016 Camry is packed with plenty of in-demand options. Entune internet access with smart device integration helps you stay connected on long drives. Features such as satellite radio, voice-activated radio, and MP3 player connectivity are all available on the 2016 Camry. 2015 Ford Focus Stepping back a few model years will help you save a bit of money when you are considering a second car for summer adventures. You can find the 2015 Focus in a traditional four-door sedan or a five-door hatchback. While there are only three trims for this year's release, you'll find each one suitable for road tripping. The 160-horsepower four-cylinder engine is not only efficient but also powerful enough to give this small sedan plenty of punch when you hit the gas. Similar to the 2016 Camry, the 2015 Focus has plenty of exciting entertainment features. Ford SYNC allows for internet connectivity and the entertainment console includes MP3 connectivity, speed-sensitive volume, and satellite radio connectivity. You'll also love the safety features on this year's Focus. They include ventilated disc brakes for better braking efficiency, knee air bags, braking assistance, and side-impact air bags. 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan If you're heading out on a summer adventure that requires you to stow a bit more gear, the 2015 Grand Caravan is an excellent choice. It has extra seating for larger families, tons of excellent entertainment features, and good safety features. The ability to stow the rear seats to allow for more cargo room gives you plenty of flexibility. Anyone interested in purchasing a used vehicle to use on summer adventures or road trips should check out one of these models. They offer the right mix of value and dependability. Image via Flickr by Michel Curi

When looking for a new car best suited for a family, the two classes that enter the discussion most are SUVs and minivans. While there are many similarities between the two, choosing what's right for you and your family can be a tough choice. After all, you'll be driving this vehicle for the next five to 10 years or more. Here's how to decide whether SUVs or minivans are better for your family. Overall Value If economics end up playing a big role in your decision, minivans are a step ahead. Not only do minivans tend to have lower MSRPs for similar feature sets and trim levels, but they don't vary wildly in upkeep costs compared to SUVs. Minicans get roughly the same gas mileage on average when compared to SUVs, and they have similarly sized tires. more Entertainment Most new models today come with plenty of music connectivity, be it Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, or all three. However, what do you do for entertainment when not everyone can agree on what to listen to on the radio? A car full of five or six people means there are bound to be some differences of opinion on what to listen to. This is where the minivan earns extra props. Many minivans have optional or standard DVD entertainment systems in the second-row seating, which opens up more entertainment possibilities on long drives. Performance Capabilities When it comes to performance and capability, the SUV usually comes out on top. SUVs are more regularly equipped with all-wheel drive, a feature that's great to have in wintery or slick road conditions. If your family enjoys outdoor adventures, such as camping in the wilderness, you'll definitely want the extra power found in SUVs. Capacity While most SUVs have ample cargo capacity, minivans tend to offer a bit more. Third-row seating is usually a standard inclusion on minivans, while usually only full-size SUVs and a small selection of compact SUVs have third-row seating. This extra row of seating translates to better cargo capacity overall thanks to folding rear seats. For two-row SUVs, having extra cargo room means sacrificing room for all but two passengers. Towing If you find yourself needing to do towing of any kind, you'll want to consider a mid-size or full-size SUV over a minivan. While compared to trucks, both SUVs and minivans are lacking in the towing department; however, SUVs have a clear edge over minivans. Full-size SUVs are generally capable of pulling small campers and trailers, and minivans typically only tow under 2,000 pounds. This is enough for a small moving trailer, but very limited otherwise. If you're still having trouble deciding whether an SUV or minivan is the right fit for your family, make a list of the features most important to your family. Whichever category earns more points should be where you look first. However, don't forget to test drive at least a few minivans and SUVs, since how the car feels to drive can be the most important factor of all. Check out our Monthly Specials for even more savings on all Rath Road Ready used cars in Fort Smith, AR. Photo by MIKI Yoshihito | Licensed under cc by 2.0