Top 5-child-friendly cars in the Philippines

When you're on the road with kids, every aspect of your car matters. You need a vehicle that not only protects them in case of an accident but also keeps them cool, comfortable, and entertained. From the necessary safety features like high safety ratings and ISOFIX anchors for easy child seat installation to convenient extras like rear air vents and USB charging points, almost all aspects should be considered. Take a look at our top 5 child-friendly cars that you may consider buying!

Starting off the list with the car that earned an impressive 93% ANCAP score for child occupant protection, the 2023 Ford Everest definitely shines in child safety. The high rating of the Ford Everest is a result of full points scored in both frontal offset crash and side impact tests, which speaks volumes about the vehicle's safety structure. The Everest is provided with airbag systems, including dual frontal, side chest-protecting, and side head-protecting airbags for all three seating rows, as well as additional driver and passenger knee airbags - giving you maximum protection for all occupants, especially children.

For families, Ford Everest's interior is made with both safety and comfort in mind, offering lower ISOFIX anchorages in the second-row seats and top tether anchorages across all rear seats, making the installation of child seats convenient and secure. The vehicle's advanced safety technologies, like ABS, AEB, blind spot monitor, and lane-keeping assist, add an extra layer of protection. In terms of comfort, the rear air conditioning vents and USB charging points make long journeys more pleasant for children, keeping them cool and their devices charged.

The Mitsubishi Outlander is another top choice for families, scoring 92% in child occupant protection. The Outlander provides excellent protection in crash tests, with full points in frontal offset and side-impact tests. The Outlander's child seat installation scores highly as well, meaning the ease with which child seats can be secured. The vehicle also includes ISOFIX anchorages on the second-row outboard seats and top tether anchorages for all second-row positions.

On top of these, the Outlander contains eight standard airbags, including a driver knee airbag and a center airbag. The vehicle's pretensioner seatbelts in the first and second-row outer seats are useful for children transitioning from harnessed child seats. For in-car entertainment and comfort, the Outlander features rear air-con vents and a media system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keeping children entertained and comfortable throughout the ride.

Wait, are you all fully charged? The next car on the list is the full-electric vehicle that boasts a 5-star safety rating from the Euro NCAP -the BYD Dolphin. The EV passes in both adult and child occupant protection with flying colors, which clearly shows how serious  BYD is when it comes to safety. The Dolphin's high scores in various safety categories, including an 87% in Child Occupant Protection, can be linked to its strong build quality and technology. The vehicle features BYD's e-Platform 3.0, which includes an ultra-safe Blade Battery and a 'multi-load path' structure for optimal energy absorption during collisions.

Inside, the BYD Dolphin stands out with its 12.8-inch touchscreen, offering a special rotating feature for various functions, where the interactive display adds a fun element to the driving experience and can keep children entertained on long trips. Additionally, the Dolphin's Vehicle-to-load charging capability allows for powering electrical appliances, adding practicality for family outings. So, if you ever get stuck somewhere during your trip with the kids (which we hope not), the BYD Dolphin can save you!

We've talked about this before! So, it's no surprise that the Honda City has consistently achieved a 5-star safety rating across multiple generations. The 5th generation model particularly shines in adult and child occupant protection. It includes dual front, side, and curtain airbags alongside ABS, EBD, and ESP, ensuring a safe environment for all passengers. The City's interior is also made for family comfort, with smartphone integration capabilities and rear parking cameras. Its compact size does not compromise cabin space, offering a kind of all-in-one deal - safety, technology, and practicality for everyday family use.

Last but definitely not least, as you see almost everywhere on the Philippine road - the unofficial pickup of Filipinos, the Toyota Hilux. The Philippines' beloved pickup ranks high in safety with a 5-star rating in adult and child occupant protection and is also equipped with airbags, traction control, ESC, hill assist, and ISOFIX seating, making it a strong and reliable vehicle for families. The Hilux's cabin includes features like air conditioning vents and an advanced media system. Despite its rugged exterior, the Hilux offers a comfortable and secure environment, suitable for families who need a 'universal' vehicle for various driving conditions while keeping child-friendliness in mind.