When it comes to buying a used family car, the first type of vehicle that comes to mind is likely a minivan or an SUV, depending on how big your family is and how young your children are. However, if your family enjoys outdoor activities, needs to tow a camper, or needs additional utility space, a family-friendly truck might actually be the best option. That might seem odd as trucks haven’t historically been all that family-friendly, but the truth is that many automotive manufacturers have focused on making their trucks more well-rounded in the last few years, which means you can find a number of used trucks for sale in our inventory at Future Ford of Sacramento to consider.
Our team has helped countless families find the right vehicles for their needs over the last 60 years, and we’d be honored to help you find a great used truck. You’ll find that we take the time to answer any questions you have as well as ask a few of our own to ensure we have all the details we need to narrow our selection, providing you with a stress- and hassle-free shopping experience. If you’ve not considered a truck before, keep reading to see what today’s models offer you and your family.
The “Why” Behind Choosing a Used Truck for Your Family
As mentioned, trucks have not traditionally been associated with family vehicles, but today’s pickups provide a balance of comfort, safety, and practicality. They also offer spacious interiors, which is something a family can never have enough of. In fact, you’ll find that most of today’s trucks can comfortably seat five or six passengers, making them ideal for families. Additionally, if you choose a crew cab version, you’ll get four full-size doors for easy entry and exit, as well as plenty of legroom for all.
Also mentioned is the versatility a truck offers, particularly if your family enjoys the great outdoors. Trucks give you the power you need to tow boats, campers, ATV trailers, and more. Plus, the beds of many of today’s trucks are designed to make things easier, from transporting bikes and camping equipment to loading and unloading supplies for a picnic at the park and everything in between. You’ll also find that the advanced towing technology in today’s trucks gives you increased confidence on the road—and in trying to navigate your truck and trailer into a tight parking space.
Truck manufacturers have also put a significant emphasis on driver assistance safety technology, adding features like lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, emergency braking systems, and much more. Finally, just because you’re buying a truck doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort. There are many models in our inventory that offer just as many comfort features as the leading SUV and minivan options. You and your family can enjoy amenities like heated seats, intuitive infotainment systems that offer a seamless connection to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and plenty of USB ports to keep everyone’s digital devices charged and ready to go. Knowing these things, it’s easy to see the “why” behind choosing a used truck for your family. Now the question is, what one do you choose?
The Best Family-Friendly Used Trucks to Consider
There are a lot of options when it comes to shopping for a used truck, but the ones below tend to check quite a few “must-have” boxes, including cab and bed size, functionality, power and performance, comfort, and connectivity. We can help you sort through the various trim levels of the options below to ensure you find the best match for your family.
Ford F-150
The Ford F-Series of trucks has been the best-selling truck for over 4 decades, and for good reason. The F-150, in particular, is an excellent all-around choice for families, providing ample capacity, comfort, and safety features. With a wide range of trims and engine options, you can easily find an F-150 that meets your family’s needs, from the base model to more sophisticated versions. Plus, the F-150 also has one of the most impressive towing capacities in its class. Along with that, you’ll find advanced towing software, as mentioned above, that gives even novice drivers the confidence they need to hitch up a trailer and go. Another note for the F-150 is that it has a hands-free driving system, which has been ranked as the top active driving system by Consumer Reports for multiple years. This system, called BlueCruise, can be found on 2021 models and higher.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Chevy Silverado is another full-size truck with numerous family-friendly features, as well as enough room for up to six people when choosing the crew cab option. Additionally, you’ll gain peace of mind knowing you’re relying on a truck engineered by one of the oldest running brands in the nation, which is a testament to its ability to deliver dependable vehicles time and again. Like the Ford F-150, you’ll find a number of advanced technology and safety features, as well as enough power to tow whatever comes its way. Also, like the F-150, the Silverado has a hands-free driving system called Super Cruise. This system is compatible with over 700,000 miles of roadway in the United States and Canada and is also available when towing. Additionally, you and your passengers will enjoy a smooth, comfortable ride, even on rockier terrain.
Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 is another strong contender when shopping for a used truck for your family. It offers the perfect blend of comfort, safety, and practicality while also giving you plenty of room on the inside. Additionally, its well-planned interior ensures that everyone has plenty of space, which is good when planning a road trip with kids. Also, available advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera provide peace of mind, while the coil-spring rear suspension provides a smooth ride. With plenty of cargo capacity in the bed and storage options inside, it can hold everything from sports equipment to groceries, making it ideal for everyday family needs. Finally, its infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keeps your passengers occupied even when the destination is more than a few blocks away.
Honda Ridgeline
While you’ve likely heard a lot prior to this blog about the three trucks already mentioned, you might not know much about the Honda Ridgeline. The truth is that it offers just as much as the others, as well as a strong and durable unibody frame. This frame delivers better space utilization, improved handling, and a smooth ride. It should be noted that it is smaller than the three trucks already listed, but that might not necessarily be a deal-breaker. With its size, you can easily navigate through tight city streets and work your way into even tighter parking spaces. Plus, you’ll love the waterproof, lockable “trunk” space in the bed and the dual-action tailgate that lets you open it the traditional way or swing it to the left like a door. Both of these features can be found in Ridgeline models from the previous years.
Stop by and Check Out Our Used Truck Inventory Today
Finding the ideal family-friendly used truck is made simpler with our team at Future Ford of Sacramento by your side. We’ll work with you to determine your family’s space, safety, and utility requirements—along with your budget—to narrow our selection and provide you with the best matches to consider. As mentioned, we’ll also take the time to answer any questions you might have to ensure you have the information you need to make the right choice for your family.
You’ll also be happy to know that our support doesn’t stop when you drive off the lot. Rather, we’re here for you throughout your ownership, offering preventative maintenance and more through our state-of-the-art service center. Plus, our service team can help you find accessories to customize your used truck so that it works best for you and your family.
Whether you need a dependable vehicle for daily errands or an adventure-ready truck for weekend trips, a used truck can provide the adaptability and durability your family requires. Stop by today and talk with a member of our team to see what truck is the right one for your family.
