If buying a new car wasn’t hard enough, buying a new car for your family is even more complicated. Size, safety, gas mileage, lifestyle, and price are all factors that you have to consider. Families have extracurricular activities, vacations, large grocery trips, and other activities that mean you have grown out of your sedan. But to help you in your search, here are the best 10 SUVs for families, large and small.
Best 3-Row SUV for Families
For families with more than three children, a three-row SUV is going to be your best option. They are designed to seat up to 9 people, which leaves plenty of elbow room for most families. In addition to ample space for siblings who need distance from each other during long car rides, three-row SUV’s have more cargo room, meaning you don’t have to play Tetris every time you go grocery shopping or on a road trip.
2020 Yukon/Yukon XL
This is a beast of a car. A 5.3L EcoTec V-8 Engine with 355 horsepower means this puppy can get you where you need to go. It comes with both 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive options. The XL has an incredible amount of cargo space, which is a necessity with large families in particular. With the SLE package, you can opt for a bench front seat, which allows the Yukon to seat 9 people, which is more than any minivan on the market. Most families don’t need to carry around that many people, but for those who do, this car is an excellent alternative to a full-size van.
It’s sister model, the Chevy Suburban boasts several of the same options, including 9-seats.
Starting at $50,600
Mazda CX-9
In 2019, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety picked the smart brake supported Mazda CX-9 as it’s top safety pick. It seats 7 and boasts and impressive 28 miles per gallon on the highway. For an SUV, that is not bad. Car and Driver report that the Mazda CX-9 is a “rare example of a crossover that blends a great deal of driving fun with all the utility” of other crossover vehicles.
Starting at $32, 280
Ford Explorer
For 2020, the Ford Explorer has been completely redesigned and now offers a hybrid option. It seats 7 and has 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space. And as far as comfort is concerned, it doesn’t get much better. Wireless charging and auto high beam headlamps make it easy for you to focus on the road and your precious cargo.
Starting at $36,675
Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento is a three-row SUV with the price of a two-row. But don’t think that the lower price point means you are skimping on safety or features. You’re not. The Kia Sorento offers blind-spot collision warning, automatic braking, and a 2019 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award.
Starting at $26,290
Honda Pilot
Honda is known for several things, including quality and value. The Honda Pilot is no exception and won Kelly Blue Book’s Best Award for Midsize SUV in 2019. You have the option to seat seven or eight passengers, the Honda Sensing advanced safety suite comes standard on all models. and the one-touch seats make it easy for kids to get in and out of the Pilot.
Starting at $31,550
Subaru Ascent
Subaru is known for its design simplicity and elegance. Every car they make comes with standard all-wheel drive. With up to 153.5 cubic feet of passenger and cargo space, the Ascent is easily one of the roomiest and comfortable SUVs on the market.
Starting at $31,995
Best 2-Row SUV for Families
For smaller families or even if you are just an adverturer, a 2 row SUV will fit you without any problems.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
As far as SUVs go, Jeep has been around since the beginning. Redesigned in 2011, the fourth generation Jeep Grand Charokee is a beautiful mid-size SUV that seats 5. And it’s new performance Trackawk® and SRT® technologies make the on-and off road experience “extraordinary”.
Starting at $32,195
Honda CR-V
Like its big sister, the Honda CR-V was also voted to be a KBB.com best buy. And as far as comfort and performance is concerned, Car and Driver says the CR-V easily beats out the Toyota Rav4. And it is a better value.
Starting at $24,450
Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is the little sibling to the CS-9. It boasts many of the same features and seats up to 5, which also means it’s price point is significantly lower. The SKYACTIV engine is powerful and features an “innovative dynamic pressure turbocharger” that makes it just as fun to drive as the CX-9. If equipped with the Adaptive Front Lighting system, it is also a top IHHS safety pick.
Starting at $24,350
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback has been a family favorite since it came out in 1995 and continues to be one of the top family vehicles on the market. It seats five, and is so reliable that 98% of Outbacks continue are still on the road. Is it any wonder has the highest loyalty in its class? Once you Outback, you never go back.
Starting at $26,645