Which family cars are the best to drive?

Family transport and fun to drive don’t have to be mutually exclusive – the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore proved that.

The now-defunct homegrown family sedans and wagons always managed above-average driving manners – in some cases thoroughly exciting – in a spacious four- or five-door body.

While we’ve transitioned to family life (mostly) behind the wheel of an SUV, that doesn’t mean you have to put up with a mundane driving experience.

Below is a selection of some of the better-driving SUVs and wagons – as well as a modern affordable muscle machine – to keep the Falcodore flame flickering.

The Hyundai-owned luxury brand is starting to build momentum off the back of a broader model line-up and more convincing vehicles, the Genesis GV70 among them.

The mid-size premium SUV is targeting heavyweight luxury car-makers like Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz and comes with the sort of hardware that enthusiasts crave: a rear-wheel drive-biased chassis architecture.

There’s a trio of engines available, including a thoroughly enjoyable turbo-petrol four-cylinder driving only the rear wheels. It’s a sweet revver and backs it up with respectable torque to make it a handy companion in the GV70.

Those wanting more excitement will gravitate towards the twin-turbo V6 that is the performance hero. It delivers a heap more pull, albeit at the expense of some of the four’s finesse.

That 3.5T model is a more focused car all around, stepping up to 21-inch wheels, which in turn dilutes some of the ride comfort. Adjustable dampers help smooth things out, although somehow the lesser four-cylinder seems a nicer all-rounder.

Either way, you’re getting an SUV that rewards when you slide behind the wheel.

Around town, the Genesis GV70 pampers with a classy cabin and lashings of equipment. While it’s not nearly as fuel-efficient as rivals, sharp pricing helps offset the bowser sting.

Skoda Superb wagon

Who said the family wagon had been sent into hibernation? With a rich European heritage, Skoda loves a traditional wagon but doesn’t forget it needs to deliver on the dynamic front.

At almost 4.9m long and 1.9m wide, the Skoda Superb is loaded with space, including a cavernous 660-litre boot and large door pockets.

There’s no shortage of gear, either, including a subwoofer-infused 12-speaker sound system and digital instrument cluster.

But the Superb is a lot more than a spacious family hauler. With Volkswagen underpinnings there’s serious dynamic pedigree, ensuring a good balance between cornering prowess and everyday comfort.

Adaptive suspension and adjustable drive modes helps with fine-tuning its responses, while a relatively low centre of gravity helps with cornering prowess, too.

The top-shelf Superb Sportline model also gets all-wheel drive and a more powerful version of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine. A full 206kW makes for snappy acceleration, although around town the initial engagement with the six-speed twin-clutch auto transmission is not always seamless.

Volkswagen Arteon 206 TSI R-Line Shooting Brake

It may wear a mainstream badge, but the Volkswagen Arteon is very much dabbling in the luxury space. You get that even when it’s parked, such is the sleek shape and bold proportions of Volkswagen’s flagship passenger model.

It comes loaded with gear, including a quality Harman Kardon sound system and snazzy 20-inch wheels for the Arteon 206 TSI R-Line we’ve singled out here.

Plus, the cabin looks as upmarket as rivals with luxury badges; there’s Nappa leather throughout, quality finishes and elegant integration of technology.

Beneath the skin the Arteon shares plenty with the Passat (among other Volkswagen Group models) but has more of an emphasis on design over space.

While that won’t impact those up front much, in the rear the taller among us will have less head space, something many would consider a small compromise.

Under the bonnet, the R-Line gets an energetic 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four driving all four wheels. It’s a handy combination that ensures punchy progress.

Throw in beautifully sorted suspension with adjustable dampers and it makes for a car that’s always fun to pilot – and capable.

In wagon guise – Volkswagen calls it Shooting Brake – there’s not an abundance of space behind the back seats, but there’s enough to fulfil most family duties.

And once you start taking it easy the Arteon settles into luxury life nicely, making for a relaxed suburban runabout.

Mazda6 GT SP wagon

Mid-size family cars have largely gone the way of fidget spinners, 3D televisions and CD players. But the Mazda6 is soldiering on (for now), albeit with some years under the rubber of the current car.

While it’s the sedan that’s the most traditional – most closely competing with the Toyota Camry – it’s the Mazda6 wagon that is arguably more interesting.

Whereas the sedan was created for big bum-markets such as America, the wagon had its eyes on Europe. With a shorter wheelbase than its sedan sibling it trades some rear-seat legroom for overall trimness and a sleeker look – something that carries over to its driving manners.

The Mazda6 wagon is refreshingly competent on the open road, even relishing some flowing bends while delivering on driver enjoyment. Well-weighted steering and a tautly controlled chassis ensure there’s ample confidence if you wind up the pace.

The 2.5-litre turbo engine in the GT SP and Atenza models is loaded with thoroughly usable low-rev torque, making for easy progress.

That flexibility works nicely around town, too, making the Mazda6 a well-sorted family car option. There’s even 506 litres of boot space and a 60/40-split folding back seat for cramming all the gear in.

While overall it’s a quality vehicle with excellent finishes and attention to detail, the Mazda6 is in some areas showing its age.

There’s only an analogue instrument cluster and the 8.0-inch infotainment screen (it’s only a touch-screen when the car is stationary) looks undernourished in an era of the-more-pixels-the-better.

Ford Escape

There’s no shortage of mid-size SUVs, some of them great to drive (we’d stick the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Tiguan in that basket too). But the Ford Escape is a lesser-known surprise package that delivers on driving enjoyment.

It all starts under the bonnet, where a feisty 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder is among the more powerful in its class. It’s hooked up to an intelligent eight-speed auto that means you’re never short on grunt. Around town it at times borders on hot hatch enthusiasm.

Its torquey nature means it’s better suited to the optional all-wheel drive system to save the front wheels scrabbling for traction on their own.

But the Ford Escape backs it up with a driver-friendly agility that’s rare in the mainstream mid-size SUV segment. Crisp steering is backed up by good driver feedback and excellent body control.

That it manages a decent level of comfort around the suburbs makes the Escape all the more enjoyable once you dial up the pace.

Less impressive is the interior presentation. There’s an assortment of drab plastics that lack the wow factor some rivals nail.

At least pricing and equipment levels are sharp, helping make the Escape a tempting mid-size SUV for those who enjoy the drive as much as the destination.

Peugeot 5008

Don’t be scared off by the diminutive 1.6-litre petrol engine beneath the bonnet of Peugeot’s seven-seat SUV.

Sure, it’s not as powerful as some, but the addition of a turbocharger means the 5008 has ample thrust through the suburbs, with the sort of usability that makes it an easy thing to live with.

It also cruises fine on the open road and reinforces that relaxed nature when you want to up the tempo.

If you’re chasing more grunt, then the GT model gets a 2.0-litre diesel with a heap more mid-range pulling power. Just don’t expect aural excitement.

But it’s the dynamic ability that secures the Peugeot 5008 a place in this list.

Despite being able to carry seven people – the ones in the third row will need to be smaller-statured or flexible – the 5008 brings some French flair to the way it deals with corners.

It’s surprisingly playful yet reassuring, largely unflustered by bumps but obedient to driver inputs.

There’s also some cleverness to the seat folding, with removable third-row seats and individual middle row pews, and no shortage of storage throughout the cabin, which is finished in quality materials that give it an edge over mainstream rivals.

We’re not sold on the compact steering wheel and having to look over it (rather than through it) to see the digital instrument cluster, but it’s at least a point of difference, reinforcing a Peugeot brand staple.

Audi SQ5

The Audi Q5 is offered in a vast range that includes petrol and diesel engines and two body styles, including a sleeker coupe-inspired five-door marketed as the Sportback.

It’s the SQ5 we’ve plucked here as the driver’s choice. While it’s not as fast as more potent models from Mercedes-Benz and BMW, it sits in a sweet spot between the garden-variety models and provides enough punch for all but the most ferocious take-offs. The price tag is more palatable, too.

Whereas most brand turn to premium unleaded propulsion for their go-fast models, Audi dishes up diesel for the SQ5. There’s a whopping 700Nm on offer and the peak 251kW of power is thoroughly respectable too.

It makes for effortless pull that’s complemented by a purposefully husky exhaust note.

Choose the air suspension system and you can even adjust the ride height, while adding compliance to the sporty set-up. Cornering is flat and nicely controlled in a car that consistently keeps the driver informed as to what’s happening at ground level.

That it also manages to be acceptably frugal adds to the SQ5’s talents as an accomplished all-rounder.

BMW iX3

If it’s choice you want, then look no further than the BMW X3.

The mid-size luxury SUV is available in two- and all-wheel drive configurations and a dizzying selection of drivetrain offerings that incorporates four-cylinder petrol and diesel variants, six-cylinder petrol and diesels, a plug-in hybrid and a fully-fledged BMW M version.

Sandwiched in the middle is a new EV variant known as the iX3.

It’s one of the most powerful single-motor electric cars on the market with an e-motor designed and manufactured in-house (many brands buy their motors from suppliers).

Housed under the boot, it drives the rear wheels – in keeping with the German brand’s heritage.

It also has terrific flexibility across its rev range – BMW claims the motor revs to 17,000rpm – providing some of that trademark BMW elasticity.

A claimed range of 461km makes it useful on longer journeys, too, and you can dial up a futuristic artificial engine sound that was crafted by Oscar winner Hans Zimmer.

The BMW iX3 also relishes corners and benefits from having weight down low in the car. Sure, the additional kilos challenge the tyres – those on the rear are 275mm wide – but the low centre of gravity adds to the excellent control and mid-corner poise.

Kia Stinger

OK, so it’s not a wagon or an SUV, but the Kia Stinger does have five seats and a sizeable body.

Besides, it’s the closest thing we’ve got to a spiritual replacement for the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore that once dominated Aussie driveways, especially for those wanting affordable rear-drive big-car performance.

No, it’s not quite as large as the two retired local heroes and it’s missing the V8 engine that some will see as mandatory in a sports sedan.

But the Stinger is arguably more stylish and comes packed with tech that didn’t exist when the local heroes ruled the suburbs.

Under the bonnet is a muscly 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 that’s not short on shove and has the sort of thrust low in the rev range that makes for an addictive surge.

Crucially, the Kia Stinger sends its substantial grunt to the rear wheels, so it’s adjustable on the throttle and brisk through flowing bends.

Those into their performance would do better choosing the GT model with wider rear tyres to better utilise the grunt.

In any guise, though, you’ll be getting a well-equipped five-seat sports sedan that also offers plenty of comfort to deliver that all-important split personality. The icing on the cake is a seven-year warranty that adds peace of mind.