A quick note before the list: the phrase “best family SUV” means different things to different families. For this guide I prioritized a balanced mix of safety, interior space & flexibility (especially third-row usefulness and cargo), real-world comfort, value, and driver assistance / reliability. I read the major expert reviews for 2025 models and cross-checked real-world data so each pick is defensible for family buyers. This is a practical list — not theoretical. If you want a one-line takeaway: these are the SUVs that make family life easier on a daily basis (school runs, road trips, car-seat handling, groceries, and that occasional towing job).
At a Glance — Top 10 Family SUVs (2025)
| Rank | Model (2025) | Seating | Why it’s family-friendly (one line) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kia Telluride | 7 | Spacious third row, simple controls, high perceived quality — excellent overall value. |
| 2 | Hyundai Palisade | 7/8 | Razor-sharp package: family comfort, luxury touches on higher trims, and sensible ergonomics. |
| 3 | Toyota Grand Highlander (Hybrid option) | 7/8 | Toyota-level reliability, smart hybrid economy, roomy cabin for longer trips. |
| 4 | Mazda CX-90 | 6–7 | Driving dynamics uncommon in this class; premium interior finishes. |
| 5 | Honda Pilot | 7/8 | Practical packaging and mature utility; easy family access and cargo flexibility. |
| 6 | Subaru Ascent | 7/8 | Standard AWD, safety tech, good value for rugged climates. |
| 7 | Chevrolet Traverse | 7/8 | One of the most cavernous third rows and cargo holds in the segment. |
| 8 | Genesis GV80 | 5–7 | Luxury comfort and safety tech — great if you want an upscale family hauler. |
| 9 | Volkswagen Atlas | 7 | Straightforward, roomy, and easy to live with — practical European ergonomics. |
| 10 | Ford Explorer | 7 | Broad engine choices, usable third row, and widely available across trims. |
Note: Rankings combine editorial judgement and cross-reference of 2025 expert lists; local availability, pricing, and incentives will shift the “best buy” for you.
Compact spec table — quick comparison (key parameters)
Use this table on a product page or comparison landing page. Values are intended as accurate starting points for site publishing; verify MSRP and EPA figures against local market pages before publishing.
| Model | Typical seating | Drivetrain (common) | Typical engine(s) / power | Estimated starting MSRP (US) | Cargo behind 3rd / 2nd row (cu ft, approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Telluride (2025) | 7 | FWD / AWD | 3.8-L V6 ~291 hp | ~$37,800. Source: editorial test data. | ~21 / 87 |
| Hyundai Palisade (2025) | 7/8 | FWD / AWD | 3.8-L V6 ~291 hp | ~$36,000 (varies by trim). | ~18 / 86 |
| Toyota Grand Highlander (2025) | 7/8 | FWD / AWD; Hybrid available | 2.4-L turbo / hybrid variants | ~$42,000 (hybrid higher). | ~19 / 88 |
| Mazda CX-90 (2025) | 6–7 | AWD (standard on many trims) | Inline-6 turbo or hybrid options | ~$41,000 | ~18 / 77. |
| Honda Pilot (2025) | 7/8 | FWD / AWD | 3.5-L V6 or hybrid | ~$38,000 | ~17 / 79. |
| Subaru Ascent (2025) | 7/8 | AWD (standard) | 2.4-L turbo 4-cyl | ~$41,000 | ~17 / 74. |
| Chevrolet Traverse (2025) | 7/8 | FWD / AWD | 3.6-L V6 | ~$37,000 | ~23 / 98 |
| Genesis GV80 (2025) | 5 (optional 3rd row in some markets) | RWD / AWD | 2.5-L Turbo / 3.5-L V6 | ~$54,000 | ~10 / 36 |
| Volkswagen Atlas (2025) | 7 | FWD / AWD | 2.0-L turbo / V6 | ~$36,000 | ~20 / 96 |
| Ford Explorer (2025) | 7 | RWD-based / AWD options | 2.3-L turbo / hybrid options | ~$37,000 | ~18 / 87 |
How to use the table: display it near the top of your page for scan-reads; follow with individual model blurbs and purchase guidance.
Short expert takes — one paragraph per model (useful for readers deciding quickly)
1. Kia Telluride — the practical superstar
The Telluride remains the easiest family recommendation in 2025: honest packaging, third-row adults can sit for short trips, and interior controls are quick to learn. It doesn’t try to be flash; it aims to be useful — and it succeeds. For families that want a near-luxury feel without luxury price tags, it’s probably the single easiest “yes” on this list.
2. Hyundai Palisade — comfort, with a luxury tilt
If the Telluride is the steady family sedan of the SUV world, the Palisade leans more toward cabin polish and refinement. Higher trims add features that keep long trips quiet and comfortable: third-row USB-C ports, soft seats, and tidy climate controls. It’s a long-haul friendly choice.
3. Toyota Grand Highlander — reliability and hybrid sensibility
Beyond Toyota’s reliability halo, the Grand Highlander’s hybrid versions deliver measurable fuel savings on extended family travel. The overall packaging favors rear-seat comfort and easy ingress/egress — a subtle but decisive factor for daily school-run life.
4. Mazda CX-90 — driving matters, even for families
Mazda made a conscious choice to make a family SUV that still enjoys a twisty road. The CX-90 offers a premium interior and driver-centric chassis tuning — ideal for parents who value dynamics alongside family practicality.
5. Honda Pilot — sensible, mature, and pragmatic
The Pilot is pure utility: well-thought bin and cupholder placement, easy seat folding, and predictable ergonomics. If your priority is uncomplicated family usefulness rather than fashion, this is one of the best engineered answers.
6. Subaru Ascent — safe, AWD, ready for bad weather
Standard AWD and Subaru’s safety suite make the Ascent attractive for families in snowy or rural areas. It’s not the sportiest ride, but it’s one of the most confidence-inspiring in poor conditions.
7. Chevrolet Traverse — cargo king for big hauls
If you frequently haul bulky cargo (kid sport gear, strollers, camping kit), the Traverse’s cargo volume is hard to beat. The interior is straightforward and practical — lots of storage cubbies where you need them.
8. Genesis GV80 — when you want family luxury
The GV80 blends higher-end interior materials and active safety technology with family suitability. If the budget permits, you get automatic parking assists, high-grade leather, and a very quiet cabin — a fine pick for family executives.
9. Volkswagen Atlas — straightforward, room-forward design
The Atlas is engineered around space and utility rather than flash. Seats fold flat, doors open wide, and the third row is useable — the kind of car that solves logistics problems without drama.
10. Ford Explorer — broad choice and broad dealer network
Multiple powertrains, a wide dealer network, and sensible third-row packaging make the Explorer a safe mainstream bet. Trim breadth also means it’s easy to find a model that matches a specific budget or spec list.
Buying guidance — pick the right one for your family
- Urban families who park in tight city garages: prioritize overall length and turning circle — consider the Kia Telluride (shorter trims) or Volkswagen Atlas for better sightlines.
- Cold / snowy climates: standard AWD on Subaru Ascent is a major real-world advantage.
- Frequent long trips: comfort, NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) and adaptive cruise matter more than horsepower — Hyundai Palisade and Genesis GV80 excel here.
- Value-minded buyers: Telluride and Traverse offer a lot of usable space per dollar.
- Drivers who still want to enjoy the road: Mazda CX-90 provides engagement without sacrificing family needs.
Safety, reliability, and resale — what the data shows
Safety testing and driver assists should be non-negotiable: look for IIHS Top Safety Pick or strong NHTSA scores, but also pay attention to the real-world presence of adaptive cruise and lane-centering systems that make long drives less fatiguing. Toyota and Honda still lead on long-term reliability; expect stronger resale on those nameplates. For 2025 model specifics, consult IIHS and the manufacturers’ spec pages when you’re ready to buy. (I cross-checked our top picks with editorial tests and rankings when compiling this list.)
Final verdict
There’s no single “perfect” family SUV in 2025, but for most buyers the Kia Telluride or Hyundai Palisade will hit the sweet spot of space, practicality, and value. If you want economy and dependability with the family in mind, the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is an excellent alternative. Pick the CX-90 if you want a more engaging drive without giving up family utility.
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