Family SUVs

For those families with 2 or more children, midsize 7- or 8-passenger SUVs have been highly sought-after vehicles. From their higher ride height and bold styling to available all-wheel-drive systems, these vehicles have been a viable alternative to minivans and in some cases have a similar level of practicality, offering available hybrid powertrains and fold-flat seats. With 14 different family SUVs to choose from, shoppers are now largely spoiled for choice and are almost certain to locate a vehicle that fits their needs. Get the latest information and reviews on the current crop of family SUVs here.

Jeep Grand Cherokee L

With the new Grand Cherokee L, Jeep looks to appeal to growing families shopping for a vehicle that can go well both on-road and off-road. Captain’s chairs come standard, along with 12 USB Type A and Type C ports and ambient lighting. Jeep has placed a heavy focus on interior design, with plenty of glass to allow natural light as well as 10.1-inch display for the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. Options include Hands-free Active Driving Assist, which provides Level 2 automated hands-free driving at all speeds as well as lane centering on certain roads, a head-up display, and a 950-watt McIntosh sound system with 19 speakers.

Ford Explorer

Completely updated for the 2020 model year, the Explorer has perennially been a three-row SUV favorite. Shoppers have 4 trim levels to pick from: base XLT, well-equipped Limited, performance-oriented ST, and high-end Platinum. Ford has an engine available for every type of buyer, with a fuel-efficient hybrid option in the Limited and a 400-horsepower motor in the ST. All-wheel-drive is optional on the XLT and Limited and standard on ST and Platinum. Features on all trims include a power liftgate and Co-Pilot360 driver-assist, which includes automatic emergency braking, blind spot information system, as well as a lane keeping system.

Mazda CX-9

The CX-9 is Mazda’s 7-passenger family SUV that provides a dynamic driving experience with a turbocharged 4-cylinder making 250 horsepower. Customers have 4 trim levels to choose from: base Sport, mid-level Touring, well-equipped Grand Touring, and top-end Signature. Front-wheel-drive is standard with all-wheel-drive optional except the AWD-only Signature. Standard features include a LED headlights, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. Features available on upscale trims include a Bose 12-speaker audio system, ventilated front seats, and Nappa leather seating.

Subaru Ascent

The largest Subaru ever, the Ascent can seat up to 8 passengers. All-wheel-drive and a 260 horsepower engine are standard along with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist. There are 4 trim levels to choose from: base Ascent, midrange Premium, well-equipped Limited and topline Touring. Being family-friendly, the Ascent has rear doors that open 75 degrees for improved access to the 3rd row and 19 cupholders. 2nd-row captain’s chairs, ventilated front seats, and a Harman/Kardon sound system are available in higher-end trims.

Buick Enclave

As Buick’s three-row SUV, the Enclave is designed for families who need flexible interior space coupled with premium features. There are four trim levels to choose from: base Preferred, midrange Essence, well-equipped Premium, and luxury-lined Avenir. The sole engine is a 310-horsepower V-6 and all-wheel-drive is optional. Standard features include LED headlamps, hands-free power liftgate, tri-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and QuietTuning active noise cancellation. Second-row SmartSlide Seats provide easy access to the third row, even with an empty forward-facing child seat installed.

Honda Pilot

Honda’s popular 8-passenger Pilot offers a level of equipment for all tastes and budgets, including a Black Edition trim with black exterior bits and red interior accents. All-wheel-drive is optional on all trim levels except the high-end Elite and Black Edition trims, which get it standard. Honda Sensing, with a collision mitigating braking system, road departure mitigation system, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assist, is standard. Navigation, ventilated front seats, a panoramic roof, 2nd-row captain’s chairs (decreasing capacity to 7 people), and CabinTalk in-car PA system are available on higher Pilot trim levels.

Dodge Durango

The three-row Durango provides a combination of utility, class-leading towing ability, and engaging driving dynamics. The base SXT and midrange GT trims come with a 293-horsepower V-6, while luxury-oriented Citadel comes standard with the V-6 but a 360-horsepower V-8 is optional. The performance-oriented R/T gets the V-8 standard while the high-performance SRT gets a larger 485-horsepower V-8. SXT, GT, and Citadel have all-wheel-drive optional while R/T and SRT come with AWD standard. Available features include a 19-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system and programmable digital instrument cluster.

Volkswagen Atlas

Assembled in Chattanooga, Volkswagen’s Atlas can seat up to 7 adults. Notably, Car-Net service, which provides the ability to control some features utilizing a mobile app, comes standard. To emphasize a commitment to safety, all Atlases come with Front Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, and Volkswagen’s Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights in certain types of collisions. All Atlas trims come with a 276-horsepower V-6 except the base S, which gets a 4-cylinder making 235 horsepower. All-wheel-drive is optional on all trim levels.

Toyota Highlander

Toyota’s popular three-row Highlander is designed to appeal to new families contemplating reliable transportation. There are 5 trim levels to choose from, base L, better-equipped LE, mid-range XLE, high-end Limited, and top-end Platinum. All Highlanders come standard with a V-6 while all-wheel-drive is optional. A fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain is available on all trims except base L. Standard features include Toyota Safety Sense with pre-collision system, lane departure alert, lane tracing assist, and road sign assist, as well as an 8-way power driver’s seat. Higher-end trims are available with features such as a 12.3-inch multimedia screen, head-up display, and panoramic moonroof.

GMC Acadia

There is a GMC Acadia for everyone, including those who go off the beaten path with an AT4 trim which adds off-road-oriented design elements and all-terrain tires. There are 5 trim levels to pick from: base SL, midrange SLE, well-equipped SLT, luxury-oriented Denali, and the AT4. Depending on the choice of trim level and front- or all-wheel-drive, Acadias can be equipped with a 193-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, 310-horsepower V-6, or a turbocharged 4-cylinder making 230 horsepower. Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Keyless Open and Start, and USB charge ports for all 3 rows.

Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade is Hyundai’s flagship three-row SUV, introduced in 2020. Customers have 3 trims to choose from: base SE, midrange SEL, high-end Limited, and top-end Calligraphy. All Palisades come with a 291-horsepower V-6 and optional all-wheel-drive. Hyundai’s safety-oriented SmartSense technology also comes standard, bringing forward collision, blind spot, lane guidance, driver attention, and safe exit warning systems. Opting for higher-end versions of the Palisade makes available features such as a head-up display, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, 2nd-row captain's chairs, dual sunroof, and power-folding 3rd-row seat.