Looking for the best family SUV for 2023? Our comprehensive guide covers top-rated models, safety features, fuel efficiency, , and choices to help you make an informed decision.
Top-Rated Family SUVs 2023
When it comes to choosing the best family SUV, there are several factors to consider. But, where do you even start? With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve done the research for you, narrowing down the family SUVs of 2023. Whether you’re a small family or a large clan, we’ve got you covered.
Safety Features and Ratings
Safety is top of mind when it comes to family vehicles. You want to ensure that your loved ones are protected on the road. Our top-rated family SUVs boast impressive and ratings. Many have earned perfect 5-star overall safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and are Top Safety Pick+ winners from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Some of the standout include:
- Advanced airbag systems
- Lane departure warning and assist systems
- Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert
- Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
These features give you peace of mind, knowing that your family is well-protected in the event of an accident. But, what about the actual ratings? We’ve got you covered. Our top-rated family SUVs have some of the highest safety ratings in their class.
Family-Friendly Interior Space
Interior space is crucial for families. You need a vehicle that can comfortably fit everyone, plus all their gear. Our top-rated family SUVs offer spacious, family-friendly interiors that are perfect for road trips or daily commutes. With plenty of legroom, cargo space, and clever storage solutions, you’ll be amazed at how much you can fit. Imagine having enough room for:
- Multiple car seats or boosters
- Diaper bags, strollers, and other baby gear
- Sports equipment, musical instruments, or other hobbies
- Road trip essentials like snacks, toys, and entertainment
And, it’s not just about the quantity of space, but also the quality. Our top-rated family SUVs feature premium materials, comfortable seating, and innovative technology to keep everyone entertained and connected on the go.
Best Midsize SUVs for Families
The eternal conundrum of family life: finding a vehicle that checks all the right boxes. As a parent, you want a car that’s both practical and enjoyable, something that can ferry your brood safely and comfortably while also putting a smile on your face. Enter the midsize SUV, a stalwart of family transportation that’s equal parts versatility and excitement.
Fuel Efficiency and Performance
When it comes to midsize SUVs, fuel efficiency is key. You’re not looking for a gas-guzzler that’ll drain your wallet and clog up the atmosphere. No, you need a vehicle that’ll give you the best of both worlds: decent power and acceptable mileage. The good news is that many midsize SUVs on the market today fit the bill nicely. The Toyota Highlander, for instance, boasts an estimated 24 mpg combined, while the Ford Explorer clocks in at a respectable 22 mpg combined. And yet, they still pack enough punch to get you and your crew where you need to go.
But what about performance, you ask? Won’t a midsize SUV be a snooze-fest behind the wheel? Not necessarily. Many of these vehicles come equipped with robust engines that’ll put a spring in your step. The Honda Pilot, for example, features a 3.5-liter V6 that cranks out a healthy 280 horsepower. And with advanced features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning, you’ll be driving like a pro in no time.
Comfort and Ergonomic Design
Let’s face it: families can be messy, chaotic, and downright exhausting. The last thing you need is a vehicle that’s going to exacerbate the situation. That’s why comfort and ergonomic design are crucial in a midsize SUV. You want a car that’ll cradle you and your passengers in comfort, while also providing ample space for all your gear. The Hyundai Palisade, for instance, features a sumptuous interior with heated and ventilated seats, plus a panoramic sunroof that’ll make you feel like you’re driving in a luxury sedan. And with clever touches like a driver’s seat memory system and a hands-free power liftgate, you’ll be wondering how you ever lived without these features.
But comfort isn’t just about pampering – it’s also about practicality. You want a vehicle that’s designed with families in mind, one that’ll accommodate your brood with ease. The Subaru Ascent, for example, offers oodles of space, with a cavernous interior that can seat up to eight passengers comfortably. And with storage compartments galore, you’ll be able to stash all your family’s gear without breaking a sweat.
Luxury Family SUV Options
When it comes to luxury family SUVs, the phrase “the best of the best” takes on a whole new meaning. These vehicles offer an unparalleled blend of style, sophistication, and top-notch features that make family travel a true indulgence. But what exactly sets luxury family SUVs apart from their more affordable counterparts?
Premium Features and Materials
The moment you step inside a luxury family SUV, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere of opulence. Rich leather upholstery, polished wood trim, and precision-crafted metal accents create a sense of refinement that’s hard to ignore. And it’s not just about aesthetics – these materials are also incredibly durable and designed to withstand the rigors of family life. But that’s just the beginning. Luxury family SUVs often come equipped with advanced features like panoramic sunroofs, heated and ventilated seats, and even massage functions for the ultimate in comfort. The question is, what’s the perfect combination of luxury features to create the ultimate family road trip experience?
Advanced Infotainment Systems
Today’s luxury family SUVs boast some of the most advanced infotainment systems on the market. Imagine being able to seamlessly connect your smartphone, access your favorite music and podcasts, and even enjoy built-in Wi-Fi hotspots on the go. Many luxury models also feature intuitive voice command systems, allowing you to control everything from the navigation to the climate control with just a few spoken words. But what really sets these systems apart is their ability to adapt to individual preferences. With advanced machine learning algorithms, your SUV can learn your habits and tailor the infotainment experience to your unique needs. So, are you ready to experience the ultimate in entertainment and convenience on wheels?
Best Budget-Friendly Family SUVs
Finding a reliable and comfortable SUV that fits your family’s needs without breaking the bank can be a daunting task. However, you’re in luck! We’ve got you covered with our list of best budget-friendly family SUVs that offer exceptional value for money.
Affordable Price Points
Budget-friendly doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality or performance. In fact, many of the top-rated family SUVs on the market today offer impressive features and specs at an affordable price. But what exactly is an affordable price point for a family SUV? Well, that depends on your specific needs and preferences. Are you looking for a compact SUV for city driving, or a midsize SUV for road trips and outdoor adventures? Whatever your requirements, rest assured that there are plenty of options available in the market that won’t dent your wallet.
Features Under $30,000
So, what can you expect from a budget-friendly family SUV? For under $30,000, you can get a feature-packed SUV that includes:
- Advanced safety features like rearview cameras, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning
- Spacious interiors with ample cargo space, fold-down seats, and USB charging ports
- Fuel-efficient engines with impressive gas mileage
- Modern infotainment systems with touchscreen displays, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration
- Stylish exterior designs with sleek lines, LED headlights, and alloy wheels
Some of the top contenders in this price range include the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson. These SUVs offer a perfect blend of style, comfort, and practicality, making them an excellent choice for families on a budget.
SUVs with Highest Cargo Capacity
When it comes to family SUVs, one of the most important considerations is cargo capacity. After all, who doesn’t need to haul around sports equipment, musical instruments, and diaper bags (not to mention groceries, strollers, and the occasional family dog)? The reality is that families come with a lot of stuff, and you need an SUV that can keep up.
Storage and Seating Configurations
The best family SUVs with high cargo capacity offer flexible seating configurations that allow you to adapt to your family’s changing needs. For example, some SUVs feature third-row seats that fold flat into the floor, providing a cavernous cargo area perfect for road trips or camping excursions. Others offer sliding second-row seats that allow you to adjust the balance between passenger space and cargo room.
In addition to seating configurations, clever storage solutions are a must-have for families. Look for SUVs with features like underfloor storage compartments, rear cargo bins, and innovative cubbies designed to keep clutter at bay. These thoughtful touches can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your family’s gear organized and within reach.
Towing and Hauling Capabilities
But what about those times when you need to tow a trailer, boat, or RV? That’s where the towing and hauling capabilities of your SUV come into play. The best family SUVs with high cargo capacity often boast impressive towing capacities, allowing you to haul even the largest trailers with confidence. And when it comes to hauling, features like roof rails and crossbars provide additional storage options for bikes, kayaks, and other gear.
When considering an SUV’s towing and hauling capabilities, be sure to look beyond the headline numbers. Instead, think about your specific needs and how you plan to use your vehicle. Do you need to tow a small trailer for family camping trips, or will you be hauling a larger boat or RV? By understanding your unique requirements, you can choose an SUV that’s perfectly suited to your family’s adventures.
Hybrid and Electric Family SUVs
As the world shifts towards a more eco-friendly future, hybrid and electric family SUVs are becoming an increasingly popular choice for families. But what makes them so appealing, and how do they compare to their traditional gasoline-powered counterparts?
Environmental Impact and Savings
Let’s face it: traditional SUVs are often notorious for their large carbon footprint. However, hybrid and electric family SUVs offer a cleaner, greener alternative. By combining a conventional engine with an electric motor or ditching the engine altogether, these vehicles produce significantly fewer emissions, reducing their impact on the environment. But that’s not all – they also provide significant savings on fuel costs. With lower operating costs, families can enjoy more road trips without breaking the bank. For example, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid boasts an estimated 41 mpg in the city, while the Hyundai Kona Electric can travel up to 258 miles on a single charge.
Charging and Range Considerations
So, how do you charge these eco-friendly SUVs, and what kind of range can you expect? The good news is that charging infrastructure is rapidly expanding, with many public charging stations now available across the country. Most hybrid and electric SUVs also come with Level 2 (240V) charging capabilities, allowing you to charge your vehicle from the comfort of your own home. As for range, it really depends on the model. The Kia Niro Hybrid, for instance, offers an estimated 49 mpg combined, while the Audi e-tron SUV boasts a range of up to 246 miles on a single charge. When it comes to charging, you can expect to add around 20-30 miles of range per hour of charging with a Level 2 charger. Fast charging capabilities are also available on many models, providing up to 80% charge in under 30 minutes.