Choosing a new family vehicle can feel like a major decision, and for many, the sport utility vehicle, or SUV, is the top choice. These vehicles offer a winning combination of space, safety, and versatility that's hard to beat. From daily school runs and grocery trips to long-distance family road trips, a good SUV needs to do it all. The market is filled with excellent choices, each promising to be the perfect fit for your family's needs. But with so many models available, how do you find the right one? This comparison will look at some of the best family SUVs of the year, breaking down what makes them stand out. We'll examine their strengths in areas like interior space, safety features, technology, and overall value to help you make a more informed decision.

What Makes a Great Family SUV?

Before diving into specific models, it's helpful to understand the key ingredients that make an SUV truly family-friendly. It’s about more than just having a lot of seats. A top-tier family vehicle excels in several distinct categories.

First, there's practicality. This covers everything from the amount of cargo space behind the rear seats to the number of cupholders and storage cubbies scattered throughout the cabin. Is it easy to install a child safety seat? Can the rear seats be folded down easily to accommodate a large piece of furniture? These day-to-day usability factors are very important.

Safety is, of course, a top priority for any family. Modern SUVs come equipped with an impressive array of driver-assistance technologies designed to prevent accidents. This includes features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The physical structure of the vehicle and its performance in crash tests are also fundamental.

Finally, comfort and technology play a big part in the overall experience. A smooth, quiet ride can make a huge difference on long journeys. An intuitive infotainment system with smartphone integration like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keeps everyone connected and entertained. Rear-seat climate controls and USB ports are small touches that can keep the peace on a family trip. The best family SUVs blend all these elements into one complete and reliable package.

Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride has been a dominant force in the three-row SUV segment since it first arrived, and it continues to be a benchmark for family vehicles. Its popularity stems from its ability to deliver a near-luxury experience without the luxury price tag. The Telluride combines a bold, handsome exterior with a spacious and well-appointed interior that feels more expensive than it is.

Inside, the Telluride offers comfortable seating for up to eight passengers. Even the third row is usable for adults on shorter trips, a claim not all competitors can make. The cabin is filled with thoughtful features, including plenty of USB ports in all three rows and an available intercom system that allows the driver to speak to rear passengers without shouting. Cargo space is generous, providing enough room for luggage or sports equipment even with all seats in use.

On the road, the Telluride provides a smooth and composed ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections with ease. Its standard 3.8-liter V6 engine offers plenty of power for highway merging and passing. Kia also includes a long list of standard safety features in its Drive Wise suite, making it a secure choice for transporting your loved ones. For families needing maximum space and features for the money, the Telluride remains very hard to beat.

Toyota Grand Highlander

Toyota expanded its SUV lineup with the Grand Highlander, a larger version of its already popular Highlander. This model was designed specifically to address one of the original Highlander's few weaknesses: a cramped third row and limited cargo space. The Grand Highlander succeeds on both fronts, offering a genuinely spacious third row that can comfortably accommodate adults and a massive cargo area to go with it.

What truly sets the Grand Highlander apart is its available Hybrid MAX powertrain. This system combines a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with electric motors to produce impressive power and torque, all while delivering excellent fuel economy for a vehicle of its size. It provides strong acceleration that makes this large SUV feel surprisingly quick, without the usual fuel penalty.

Inside, the Grand Highlander is all about function. The interior is packed with storage solutions, including 13 cupholders and numerous trays and bins for all the items a family accumulates. A large 12.3-inch touchscreen is standard, running Toyota's latest user-friendly software. With Toyota's reputation for reliability and the added benefit of a highly efficient hybrid system, the Grand Highlander is a smart, practical choice for the long haul.

Mazda CX-90

Mazda has been pushing its brand into more premium territory, and the CX-90 is the flagship of this effort. This three-row SUV replaces the outgoing CX-9 and brings a new level of sophistication and driving enjoyment to the family vehicle segment. The CX-90 is built on an all-new platform with a rear-wheel-drive bias, which contributes to its balanced and athletic handling.

Under the hood, the CX-90 features new inline-six-cylinder engines, including a mild hybrid and a more powerful plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The PHEV model offers a significant all-electric range, allowing for gas-free commuting and short trips around town. When the battery is depleted, it operates as a regular hybrid, so range anxiety is not an issue.

The interior of the CX-90 is where it truly shines. The design is clean and elegant, with high-quality materials like Nappa leather and real wood trim available on upper trims. The attention to detail gives the cabin a bespoke feel that rivals some luxury brands. While its third row isn't quite as spacious as the Telluride's or Grand Highlander's, the CX-90 offers a compelling blend of style, performance, and efficiency that will appeal to families who don't want to sacrifice driving pleasure for practicality.

Honda CR-V

Not every family needs a massive three-row SUV. For smaller families or those who prioritize efficiency and maneuverability, a compact SUV is often the ideal solution. In this category, the Honda CR-V has long been a top seller, and the latest generation is the best yet. It has grown in size, offering a surprisingly spacious interior and a large cargo hold that rivals some midsize SUVs from just a few years ago.

The CR-V's cabin is a model of smart design. It’s practical and user-friendly, with physical knobs for climate controls and a straightforward infotainment system. The rear seats offer ample legroom, and the wide-opening rear doors make it easier to get kids and car seats in and out.

Honda offers the CR-V with a standard turbocharged gasoline engine or a highly efficient hybrid powertrain. The hybrid model provides brisk acceleration and excellent fuel economy, particularly in city driving. The CR-V’s ride is comfortable and its handling is secure, making it a pleasant and low-stress vehicle to drive. Combined with Honda's reputation for reliability and strong resale value, the CR-V is a sensible and capable choice for a huge number of buyers.