What is the Best Family SUV?

If you’re looking for a good family SUV, you may feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available on the market today. Make no doubt about it: SUVs continue to be a popular option for individuals and couples, and they are certainly one of the most appealing and accommodating vehicles for families.

Drivers of all ages love getting behind the wheel of an SUV because in addition to having a sporty look, they are practical, reliable, and spacious. Plus, many of the latest models from brands such as Honda, Toyota, Kia, and Hyundai are jam-packed with high-tech features that aim to prioritize your family’s comfort and safety.

When customers visit our dealership in Sanger, we are often asked, “What’s a good family SUV?” and “What’s the safest family SUV?” among other questions that make clear that families who are shopping for their next vehicle are determined to find the one that will serve them well now and into the future.

Whether you are traveling with a sleepy newborn, talkative toddler, energetic child, or social teenager, you deserve to find the best SUV for family excursions of all types and lengths. A good family SUV will excel at getting all of you where you need to go, be it school, work, sports practice, or a well-deserved vacation to the city, countryside, or shore. The smoother and safer your journey, the more confident you’ll feel in having invested in the best family SUV that your hard-earned money can buy.

Family SUV Shopping: Where to Begin

Maybe you currently own an SUV and you’re interested in upgrading, or you own a car, truck, or van and are enticed by the idea of owning or leasing a family SUV. In this case, you’re not alone: according to Statista, a global data and business intelligence platform whose mission is to “empower people with data,” the SUV segment off the automotive market has soared. They write, “The popularity of the sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment has been increasing since the early 90s of the past century, with the Toyota RAV4 remaining the first of the best-selling SUV models worldwide in 2020. In nine years, the volume of SUVs in operation worldwide increased by close to six times the 2010 volume, reaching 200 million units in 2019. SUVs represented some 29.6 million global car sales a year later, in 2020, with electric SUVs adding another 1.1 million units sold.”

So, outside of typing “recommended SUV for family” or “best SUV for family” into your search engine and perusing various lists that rank SUVs based on their comfort, fuel efficiency, safety ratings, features, and other factors, where should you begin your journey toward finding the safest family SUV that seamlessly fits into your lifestyle? At Sanger Chevrolet GMC, we encourage you to assess your family’s biggest needs and highest preferences. That said, here are seven important questions you should ask yourself while shopping for a good family SUV:

1. Should I purchase or lease a new, used, or certified pre-owned family SUV? The answer to this question will depend on your budget and individual preferences. Some people want to own a brand-new vehicle that comes with a factory warranty, while others just want to find a specific model at a good price.
2. How important is fuel efficiency to you, and are you interested in hybrid or electric SUV options? Your “best SUV for family” or “recommended SUV for family” search results likely yielded SUVs bearing four different powertrain options: gas-powered, diesel-powered, fully electric, and hybrid. If you’re concerned about your family’s environmental impact and you have access to charging infrastructure at home or work, a fully electric SUV could be a viable option. Otherwise, you might want to explore your gas-powered, diesel-powered, or hybrid options, of which there are many.
3. How many passengers do you transport regularly? This is a huge factor in finding the best family SUV. A full-size SUV seats between 7-8 seats, with three rows total. Examples of a full-size SUV include the Chevrolet Suburban, Jeep Wagoneer, and GMC Yukon. A mid-size SUV—such as the Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander, and Honda Pilot—comfortably seats between 5-7 passengers. The smallest type of SUV is called a compact SUV; these seat up to five passengers. The Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson are all fantastic examples of compact SUVs that rank among the best family SUV models on the market.
4. Will every driver be comfortable behind the wheel? You may be comfortable driving a full-size SUV, but others in your family may not feel the same way. Full-size SUVs are a bit more difficult to maneuver as compared to mid-size and compact models. If other members of your family will be driving your vehicle, have them test-drive potential family SUV options, too.
5. Are you planning to expand your family in the future? If you have more than two children and are planning to expand your family, it’d be in your best interest to consider purchasing or leasing a mid-size or full-size family SUV. The recommended SUV for family members who enjoy inviting others along for trips—such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, or cousins—would be a full-size SUV or mid-size SUV.
6. What safety features are important to you? Thanks to ongoing advancements in technology, car manufacturers continue to add and refine car safety features that are designed to keep you and your family members safe as you travel from Point A to Point B. Are there certain safety features that you want your family SUV to be equipped with—features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring? These can go a long way toward enhancing everyone’s safety and giving you added peace of mind.
7. How much cargo space do you need for groceries, sports equipment, or other everyday items? The bigger your family, the more cargo space you’ll likely need to accommodate every family member’s belongings. Whether you’re hauling strollers, hockey sticks, or this week’s grocery store purchases, you’ll be glad you have all the space you need to transport your family’s various essentials.

Family SUV Options: Full-Size, Mid-Size, and Compact

Full-size, mid-size, and compact SUVs are designed to be comfortable, spacious, and versatile. Many major car brands have added an SUV to the market, with a significant number offering options in multiple sizes. Toyota, for example, has the full-size Sequoia, the mid-size Highlander, and the compact RAV4. User-friendly infotainment systems, well-designed cabins, suites of advanced safety features, and other family-friendly features such as cupholders, built-in sunshades for rear passengers, and cargo management systems can further enhance the overall driving experience for your family.

Let’s take a closer look at some good family SUV options so you can gain a better understanding of which would be the best SUV for family commutes, pre-planned excursions, and so much more.

Full-size SUV:

The full-size SUV is the largest family SUV you can buy. In addition to seating between 7-8 passengers across a total of three rows, this type of SUV will give you maximum cargo space for luggage, outdoor gear, bulk groceries, and more. Their towing capacity is also excellent; these SUVs often boast the highest towing capacity among SUVs, making them ideal for hauling trailers, boats, and other heavy equipment. One of the most popular full-sized SUVs that we sell at Chevrolet GMC of Sanger is the Chevrolet Traverse, which appeals to families requiring ample cargo space without compromising style.

Due to its size and powerful engine, the full-size SUV has the lowest fuel efficiency as compared to mid-size and compact SUVs. The average fuel economy for a full-size family SUV is approximately 17-20 mpg, but we do want to note that you can opt to purchase a full-size family SUV with a diesel engine. Carfax writes of the 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe Diesel, “The Chevrolet Tahoe is one of the largest SUVs on the market. It is also one of the most fuel-efficient, thanks to its 6-cylinder diesel engine, an inexpensive option on the base Tahoe. Like most diesel vehicles, it delivers excellent fuel economy without sacrificing towing power. The gasoline Tahoe gets poor fuel economy (17 mpg with the base V8 and 16 mpg with the more powerful V8), so buyers will need to stick with the diesel to get good mpg.”

What about the safest family SUV? In terms of full-size SUVs, the 2024 Toyota Sequoia, 2024 GMC Yukon, and 2024 Nissan Armada are examples of family SUVs that have received top safety ratings from both the IIHS (as Top Safety Pick+) and NHTSA (5-star overall rating). These SUVs offer a compelling combination of family-friendly features, spacious interiors, and top safety accolades, making them strong contenders for safety-conscious families who need the most space a family SUV can provide.

Price-wise, a full-size family SUV will be the most expensive option due to its larger size and various features. When it comes to maneuverability, keep in mind that a full-size family SUV will be more challenging to maneuver in tight spaces such as parking lots and city streets.

The full-size SUV might be the best family SUV for you if you have a large or growing family; if you frequently transport bulky items; if you prioritize towing capability; and if fuel efficiency is not a major factor in your best family SUV choice.

Mid-size SUV:

The mid-size SUV strikes the perfect balance between size and maneuverability. You can transport up to 5 family members in a mid-size SUV, and they’ll be pleased with all the ample headroom and legroom they’re afforded. Should you need 7 seats, most mid-size SUVs offer optional third-row seating. The Kia Telluride, for example, has seating for 7 with the optional captain’s chairs, and seating for 8 with a second-row bench seat.

A mid-size SUV, such as the impressive Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, or all-wheel-drive Subaru Ascent, will give you an impressive amount of cargo space for everyday essentials. While they offer lower towing capacity compared to full-size SUVs, Forbes writes of the mid-size SUV: “Midsize SUVs are multi-purpose: Some are serious off-roaders, others more family-friendly crossovers while others luxury liners or even performance machines. But while midsize SUV buyers may have a broad usage, many still want the ‘Utility’ promise of SUVs that delivers serious towing capacity. Though they can’t haul as much as their bigger brothers, there are some surprisingly brawny midsize models, with towing capacities of up to 8,700 pounds and well over the 5,000-pound expected standard.”

The size and capabilities of the mid-size SUV allow them to fall in the middle price range, offering a good value proposition. Regarding fuel efficiency, different models are equipped with various engine options (V6, turbocharged 4-cylinder, hybrid) and drivetrains (front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive) that significantly impact how many miles per gallon you will get in the city and on the highway. Kelley Blue Book ranks the 2024 Toyota Venza as most fuel-efficient SUV, writing, “The Venza returns impressive fuel economy of 39 mpg in mixed city-highway driving. This easily beats non-hybrid midsize SUV rivals like the Ford Edge and Nissan Murano, which earn 23 mpg.”

The mid-size SUV isn’t so large that some drivers will feel intimidated while driving it, and its maneuverability allows for easier handling and navigation in tight spaces compared to larger SUVs.
Looking for the safest family SUV that’s classified as a mid-size SUV? According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), you might want to consider the 2024 Kia Telluride, 2024 Volvo XC90, or 2023 Subaru Outback. All are IIHS Top Safety Pick+ winners and have also been NHTSA 5-star safety rated.

The mid-size SUV could be a strong contender for your next family SUV, especially if you want to strike that balance between passenger space, cargo capacity, and fuel efficiency. It’d also be a good family SUV if you’re seeking a versatile and easily maneuverable vehicle that will accommodate all the activities on your itinerary and keep up with your family’s on-the-go lifestyle.

Compact SUV:

The most fuel-efficient option due to its smaller size and lighter weight, the compact SUV might be your ideal family SUV, especially if you want an affordable and budget-friendly vehicle that still provides a decent amount of cargo space.

Compact SUVs are known for their maneuverability, which can be a desirable feature for drivers of all ages, especially if you’re anticipating teaching your teenager how to drive!

Best suited for lighter loads, compact SUVs typically have a towing capacity between 1,500 and 4,000 pounds, depending on the specific model and its configuration.

So what is the safest family SUV that’s classified as a compact SUV? According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), you should look into the 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid or the 2024 Mazda CX-5.

A compact SUV might be your best bet for a good family SUV if you value maneuverability and navigate tight spaces frequently; if you prioritize fuel efficiency; and if you have a smaller family with minimal cargo needs.

Make Your Way to Chevrolet GMC of Sanger to Find Your Best Family SUV

Chevrolet GMC of Sanger is proud to offer a wide range of new, used, and certified pre-owned SUVs. Each family SUV in our inventory showcases different capabilities, performance features, and size options. We invite you to peruse our inventory online, visit our dealership at 1028 Academy Avenue, or call us at 559-875-2578 so we can answer your questions, arrange a test drive, and help you find the family-friendly SUV that’s right for you.

Maybe you’ll fall in love with the Toyota Highlander, a continuous top choice for families. Or maybe you’ll lean toward the Honda Pilot due to its undeniably smooth ride and family-oriented design. Let’s also not count out the Chevrolet Traverse (lots of space, lots of style!), the Ford Explorer (which comes complete with cutting-edge technology) or the Subaru Ascent (which performs impressively well in challenging weather conditions).

Our friendly team will work with you and your family to ensure that you pick a good family SUV that addresses your family’s size, needs, and priorities. When you come to us and ask, “What is the best family SUV?” or “What is the safest family SUV?” we will answer these and other questions in a way that feels empowering and informative. We won’t tell you that there’s one perfect choice; rather, we’ll expertly guide you through exploring the many different options you have based on your needs and preferences, and we’ll make the shopping experience an exciting and pleasant one for you and your family!