For decades, Holden vehicles were a staple of Australian family life. From sedans to wagons and utes, they offered space, reliability, and comfort for households across the country. But in 2026, family buyers often gravitate toward SUVs, leaving many to question: Are Holdens still practical for families today?
SUVs: The Go-To Family Choice
It’s no secret that Australian families love SUVs:
- Higher seating positions give better visibility and safety perception
- Flexible cargo space accommodates shopping, prams, sports gear, and luggage
- Many SUVs offer three rows of seating and all-wheel-drive capability
This shift has seen vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, and Mazda CX-5 dominate family sales. Sedans and station wagons, once the backbone of family transport, are now less common — but that doesn’t mean they’re impractical.
Holden’s Family Credentials
Holden sedans and wagons, particularly the VF Commodore, still offer ample interior space:
- Rear legroom: 1,010 mm (Commodore VF wagon) vs 1,000 mm (Mazda CX-5)
- Rear headroom: 985 mm (VF wagon) vs 995 mm (Toyota RAV4)
- Cargo space: 1,586 L with rear seats folded (VF wagon) vs 1,598 L (Hyundai Tucson)
This shows that, dimensionally, a Holden wagon can rival many popular mid-size SUVs, offering room for kids, pets, and luggage without compromise.
Practical Features for Families
Holden vehicles were built for everyday practicality:
- Wide rear doors for easy child seat access
- Low step-in height compared to many SUVs, making it safer for toddlers
- Generous boot space, especially in wagons, perfect for groceries, sports equipment, or holiday luggage
- Smooth ride quality for long highway trips and suburban driving
While SUVs may offer higher ride height, the Commodore wagon balances comfort, visibility, and space for families without the bulk of a large SUV.
Cost and Maintenance Considerations
For families, the practicality of a Holden isn’t just about space:
- Running costs for older Holdens can be lower than some SUVs, especially for V6 models
- Maintenance is straightforward, thanks to decades of local knowledge and parts availability
- Fuel economy may be slightly worse than modern hybrid SUVs, but V6 models still offer acceptable efficiency for daily use
When an SUV Might Be Better
While Holdens remain practical, some families will still prefer an SUV because:
- They need AWD for wet or rural conditions
- Three-row seating is required for larger families
- High ride height and ground clearance are priorities for off-road or flood-prone areas
In these cases, the Commodore wagons may fall short.
Final Thoughts
Are Holdens still practical for families? Absolutely — especially wagons like the VF Commodore. They provide:
- Spacious interiors comparable to mid-size SUVs
- Generous cargo space for everyday and recreational use
- Comfort, reliability, and easy maintenance for daily life
However, family buyers increasingly choose SUVs for AWD, three-row seating, and modern features. While Holdens may not always be the trendiest option today, they remain a practical, roomy, and comfortable choice for families who value space, comfort, and a smooth ride.
For families looking for Australian engineering, proven durability, and roomy interiors, a well-maintained Holden is still more than capable of meeting modern family needs.