Family-friendly car features

Getting ready for car pooling? Editors at Cambridge-based CarGurus have helped us identify some family-friendly car features that can help make the hours spent driving the kids more pleasant for the family. If you are planning to buy a new or used family vehicle this year, here are some family-friendly features to look for.

One-touch power liftgate: Kids can easily open and close the back hatch with one touch, so they can access their sports equipment, school bags, and other items on their own. The feature is available in many SUVs including the Honda Pilot, pictured, and the Ford Escape.

Noise-cancellation technology: A car filled with kids is loud enough – who needs to add to the volume level with exterior noise? Noise-cancellation technology, available now from many car manufacturers, is designed to reduce low-frequency engine noise in the car, resulting in a quieter ride for everybody. Pictured is the 2014 Chevrolet Impala.

Rear entertainment system: You could do without listening to Justin Bieber as you drive around town, right? Give the kids their wireless sound-blocking headsets and let them plug in to their movie or music in the back while you listen to your preferred radio station in the front. The feature is available in many SUV models, including the pictured Acura MDX and Toyota Highlander.

Configurable seating: Your passenger and cargo space needs vary by the hour. Many SUVs and minivans offer third-row seating that folds flat to give you cargo space when you need it and extra passenger space when it’s your turn to drive the carpool, including the GMC Acadia and Chrysler Town & Country with “Stow ‘N Go’’ seating. The Honda Odyssey, pictured, allows you to configure second-row seats to fit three car seats across.

Cool box: Toss a few juice boxes or cheese sticks in this on-board cold storage container for the kids to nosh on after practice. It uses the car’s climate control system to keep beverage or food items cold while you drive around town. Available as an option in the pictured Ford Flex and Honda Odyssey, among others.

Bluetooth hands-free calling: This technology makes it possible to make a phone call or answer one without ever taking your hands off the wheel. It can also be used to work with voice-activated navigation. Add a Sirius XM subscription and get real-time traffic and weather data.

Conversation mirror: Available standard or as an add-on to many family vehicles, this convex overhead mirror gives you an expanded view of what’s happening in the back seat, allowing you to monitor your kids without turning around. Pictured is the 2008 rearview from Chrysler.

Park assist: Yes, you can squeeze into that one last parking space in front of the school. According to Ford Motor Company, its Active Park Assist technology uses a sensing system and electric power-assisted steering to position the vehicle for parallel parking, calculate the optimal steering angle, and steer the vehicle into a parking spot. The feature is available as an option in the Ford Escape as well as many other models from other manufacturers.

Heated second-row seats: Kids hockey practice at 5 a.m.? Heated seats in front and second rows will make that chilly, early morning drive more bearable for you and your little ones. Available in the Chevrolet Tahoe, pictured, and Acura MDX, among other models.

Keyless entry and push-button start: Whether you are holding kids’ hands in a busy parking lot or holding grocery bags, this technology saves you from fishing around for your key. Keyless entry and push-button start technology allows you to unlock and/or start your car without using your key directly, but rather just having it with you. It is available as an optional upgrade in many models.