4 Best SUVs for Families in 2024
John Goreham is a life-long car nut and recovering engineer. John’s focus areas are technology, safety, and green vehicles. In the 1990s, he was part of an academic team that built a solar-electric vehicle from scratch. His was the role of the battery thermal control designer. After earning his engineering degree, John also completed a marketing program at Northeastern University. For 20 years, he applied his engineering and sales talents in the worlds of semiconductor manufacturing, biopharmaceutical production, and automotive electronics supply chain. Always a writer, John has published numerous articles in technical journals such as Chemical Processing Magazine. In 2008 he retired from that career and dedicated himself to chasing his dream of being an auto writer. In addition to online publications such as Car Talk, John’s work has appeared in print in dozens of American newspapers, and he provides reviews to many vehicle shopping sites.
We start at a size that is meaningful for family use and then step up to a full-size vehicle capable of carrying eight passengers.
Here is our list of the four best family SUVs and why we feel they earn this distinction.
Are you looking for a vehicle to comfortably seat the whole family? Check out all our picks for the best family vehicles.
Check out all our picks for the best SUVs >>
Table of Contents
Let’s first explain what we consider a sport utility vehicle.
First, it must have all-wheel drive. Second, it must be able to tow a trailer. Third, it must have a spare tire. Since family is our most precious cargo, every SUV on our list has earned the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick if it has been tested.
You will also notice we did not select subcompact SUVs for this list. They are just too small for parents with children.
Best SUVs for Families Comparison
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1. Ford Bronco Sport Badlands
The Bronco Sport is a rough-and-ready SUV that can tackle any off-road challenge. The Bronco Sport is in the “RAV4 and CR-V” size segment, but it offers a unique list of off-road features that most crossover-based SUVs in this segment do not.
Our choice is the Badlands trim, which is the top of the four available trims. The Badlands features a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine making a strong 250 hp. More importantly, the Badlands has great low-end torque, a feature any off-roader will appreciate.
The Bronco Sport Badlands is unique on our list because it has Trail Control terrain management, a locking rear differential, and comes standard with all-terrain tires. Snow-rated all-terrain tires are a factory option. Also unique on our list is the Badlands’ full-size spare tire. No SUV under $40K offers the capabilities the Bronco Sport does off-road.
Families looking for an SUV that works very well in daily use but can also double as an overlander or off-roader will appreciate what the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands brings to the table.
Pros
- Full-size spare tire
- Strong turbocharged engine
- Goes over any terrain
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Crash test rating pending
Current Ford Bronco Sport Deals & Incentives
| Year | Make | Model | Cash Incentives (up to) | Best Avail. APR | Lease Offers | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Ford | Bronco Sport | ||||
| 2024 | Ford | Bronco Sport |
You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Ford deals here.
2. Mazda CX-5 Turbo Signature
Mazda’s CX-5 is the polar opposite of the Ford Bronco Sport, and we love it for that. The CX-5 is hands-down the best on-road sporty SUV available under $40K. The Signature trim features a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 277 hp and the most torque on our list at a whopping 320 lb-ft. That translates to a very quick SUV.
Interestingly, the power and torque are not why we love this crossover/SUV best. Rather, it is the handling. The CX-5 is a crossover that feels like a premium European sports crossover for half the price. That low price point includes features like a head-up display and adaptive (swiveling) headlights.
Those shoppers searching for an SUV with a satisfying driving experience, premium feel, and a surprisingly low price point will find the CX-5 Signature fits the bill.
Pros
- Outstanding performance
- Premium, upscale amenities
- Best looking small SUV
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Infotainment system is not best in class
Current Mazda CX-5 Deals & Incentives
| Year | Make | Model | Cash Incentives (up to) | Best Avail. APR | Lease Offers | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Mazda | CX-5 | $1,000 | 2.90% | $319/month for 36 months, $2,999 due at signing | 10/31/24 |
| 2025 | Mazda | CX-5 | 3.90% | $299/month for 36 months, $2,999 due at signing | 10/31/24 |
You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Mazda deals here.
3. Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum AWD
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum AWD is a unique vehicle. Despite class-competitive power and torque, it has the best fuel economy and best emissions scores of any SUV on our list. Over ten years of ownership, its fuel economy advantage will add up to a savings of more than $8,000 by comparison to the Kia Telluride. That helps bring its nearly $50K price point into perspective.
The Highlander Hybrid uses a unique all-electric real wheel drive system we have tested and found that it works extremely well. Coupled with its powerful and efficient front motors and engine, the Highlander Hybrid has the most advanced powertrain in its segment. Best of all, there is no downside. The Highlander feels just as responsive as its peers, and you never need to plug it in.
Couple the affordability and safety of the Highlander Hybrid with its rock-solid reputation for durability, and it is hard not to call the Highlander Hybrid Platinum AWD the overall winner on our list.
Pros
- Class-leading fuel economy
- Most advanced powertrain in segment
- Two years of included maintenance
Cons
- 8-passenger seating not available with Hybrid AWD
Current Toyota Highlander Deals & Incentives
| Year | Make | Model | Cash Incentives (up to) | Best Avail. APR | Lease Offers | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Toyota | Highlander | ||||
| 2024 | Toyota | Highlander | $459/month for 36 months, $4,999 due at signing | 11/4/24 |
You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Toyota deals here.
4. Kia Telluride EX AWD
The Kia Telluride landed in the full-sized SUV segment with a bang. This new model from Kia immediately became a segment favorite among testers, and Kia struggles to maintain a supply to meet demand. The Telluride is so popular because it offers many of the best attributes of a full-size SUV, without the “too-big” footprint.
Kia also upped the ante with an interior and features list that tops the class. Incredibly, Kia’s Telluride is among the lowest-cost full-size SUVs in its class as well. Combine Kia’s 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty with its low price, and it simply screams value. Note that the top trim is limited to seven passengers, which is why the EX trim is our pick.
Kia has moved up to the top quarter of every list that ranks vehicles for quality, making this an easy choice for those looking for a full-sized family SUV capable of carrying eight passengers.
Pros
- 8-passenger seating capacity
- 5,000-pound towing capability
- Upscale feel
Cons
- Top trim limited to seven passengers
- Fuel economy
Current Kia Telluride Deals & Incentives
| Year | Make | Model | Cash Incentives (up to) | Best Avail. APR | Lease Offers | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Kia | Telluride | 3.90% | $379/month for 36 months, $3,999 due at signing | 10/31/24 | |
| 2025 | Kia | Telluride | 4.49% | $389/month for 36 months, $3,999 due at signing | 10/31/24 |
You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Toyota deals here.
