Introduction
As families grow and lifestyles change, the need for versatile, extensive, and safe cars has led to the rise of the family SUV. In 2024 and 2025, it will be more competitive than ever, with many models to choose from and lots of features to suit modern families. This article will discuss the best family SUVs, vehicles that can adapt to your changing needs. We will examine their pros and cons and their suitability for different family needs.
Introduction: Why a Family SUV?
Many people choose family SUVs for their practicality, size, and advanced safety features. These cars are designed to carry passengers and cargo, ensuring a comfortable and secure ride for all family sizes. In this guide, we will look at the top 10 family SUVs of 2024, including their performance, features, and value for money. Whether on a budget or looking for a luxury model, this guide covers you.
History of Family SUVs
Family SUVs have come a long way from their rugged off-road roots. Today, they are designed for families, with comfort, technology, and practicality in mind. The 2024 lineup has models from all the prominent manufacturers, each with something different. From fuel-efficient hybrids to three-row SUVs, there’s something for everyone, showing the fantastic evolution and promising future of family SUVs.
Top 10 Family SUVs 2024
Kia Sportage
Manufacturer: Kia
Country: South Korea
Available in: UK, USA, Canada, UAE, Western Countries
Overview: The Kia Sportage has been a top family SUV for years because of its affordability, size and reliability. The 2024 model continues this with a new Design, innovative protection features and a user-friendly infotainment system.
Pros:
- Spacious interior with plenty of legroom and cargo space.
- Good safety ratings with standard driver assist features.
- Budget-friendly with good value.
Cons:
- Base engine is okay but not as powerful as others.
- Not as luxurious as some others.
Right for Small to medium-sized families considering a trustworthy, budget SUV that doesn’t sacrifice safety.
Hyundai Tucson
Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor Company
Country: South Korea
Available in: UK, USA, Canada, UAE, Western Countries
Overview: The Hyundai Tucson is cool and techy. The 2024 model has a nice interior, good engines and a comfy ride; it’s a contender in the family SUV market.
Strengths:
- Cool design for young families.
- Full safety features, including adaptive cruise and lane keep assist.
- Hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.
Pros:
- Up to 7 seats with a 3rd-row option.
- Strong V6 engine for good power and towing.
- Good resale value and reliability.
Cons:
- 3rd row seats are tight for adults.
- Higher fuel consumption than smaller SUVs.
Best for: Big families who need extra seating and a powerful, reliable car for long trips and daily commutes.
Honda CR-V
- Manufacturer: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
- Country of Origin: Japan
- Available in: the UK, USA, Canada, UAE, and Western countries
Overview: The Honda CR-V has been a family favourite for years, with good fuel economy, spacious interior and reliable performance. The 2024 model adds to that with new tech and hybrid.
Pros:
- Best-in-class fuel efficiency, especially with a hybrid.
- Ample and flexible cargo space.
- Top safety ratings with a full suite of driver assist features.
Cons:
- Base engine lacks power and excitement compared to some rivals.
- Infotainment system not as user friendly.
It is best for Eco-friendly families who want fuel efficiency and a practical, reliable SUV for daily use.
Ford Explorer
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Country of Origin: USA
- Available in: the UK, USA, Canada, UAE, and Western countries
Overview: A versatile and powerful family SUV with multiple engine options, including hybrid. The 2024 model has plenty of interior space, safety features and towing capacity.
Pros:
- Multiple power train options, including fuel-efficient hybrid.
- Spacious interior for passengers and cargo.
- Advanced safety and driver assist features are standard.
Cons:
- Pricier than some.
- Non-hybrid fuel consumption is not as good.
Best for: Families who need a powerful SUV with towing and want a mix of performance and practicality.
Mazda CX-5
- Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corporation
- Country of Origin: Japan
- Available in: the UK, USA, Canada, UAE, and Western countries
Overview: The Mazda CX-5 is a handling and interior legend. The 2024 model keeps that going, so it’s a winner in the compact SUV class.
Pros:
- Fun to drive.
- Interior feels premium.
- Good safety ratings and standard safety features.
Cons:
- Less cargo space.
- Rear seat space for tall people.
For: Small families who want to drive and feel premium without the price.
Chevrolet Traverse
- Manufacturer: General Motors
- Country of Origin: USA
- Available in: the UK, USA, Canada, UAE, and Western countries
Overview: One of the most giant SUVs in its class, the Chevrolet Traverse, has a third row and a vast cargo area. The 2024 model is about practicality, so it’s perfect for prominent families.
Pros:
- Space for up to 8 people.
- Big cargo area.
- Comfortable ride.
Cons:
- Big size can be challenging to manoeuvre in tight spaces.
- Interior materials are functional, not luxurious.
For: Big families who need maximum seating and cargo space without compromise.
Volkswagen Tiguan
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen AG
- Country of Origin: Germany
- Available in: the UK, USA, Canada, UAE, and Western countries
Overview: A solid compact SUV with an optional third row and techy interior. The 2024 Tiguan is a contender for European style and practicality for families.
Pros:
- Third-row option.
- Comfortable ride and premium interior.
- Performance and fuel economy balance.
Cons:
- The third row is for kids or short trips.
- Infotainment is slow to respond.
For: Families who need a compact SUV with a third row and European engineering and design.
Nissan Rogue
Pros:
- Comfortable Ride: The Nissan Rogue offers a smooth and comfortable ride, making it ideal for daily commuting and long trips.
- Good Fuel Efficiency: The Rogue has good fuel economy for an SUV, helping you save on gas.
- Spacious Interior: The cabin is roomy, with plenty of space for passengers and cargo.
- User-Friendly Technology: The infotainment system is easy to use, with features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Safety Features: The Rogue has many standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning.
Cons:
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- Average Performance: The engine performance is decent but not particularly powerful, which might be a drawback for those looking for a more spirited drive.
- Limited Towing Capacity: The Rogue’s lower towing capacity makes it unsuitable for heavy towing.
- Mediocre Handling: While the ride is comfortable, the handling is less sharp than some competitors, making driving less engaging.
- Interior Materials: Some interior materials feel less premium than rivals in the same class.
- Price: It can be pricey compared to other SUVs with similar features, especially in higher trims.
For: Families who want safety and comfort for daily commute SUVs.
Infotainment Systems in Cars: Best Car Infotainment Systems: Benefits of Infotainment System in Cars
Subaru Ascent
- Manufacturer: Subaru Corporation
- Country of Origin: Japan
- Available in: The UK, USA, Canada, UAE, and Western countries
Overview: All-weather capability and good safety ratings. The 2024 Ascent has standard all-wheel drive, perfect for families in harsh weather regions.
Strengths:
- Typical all-wheel drive delivers excellent grip in all conditions.
- Good safety ratings with advanced driver assistance features.
- Spacious inside with flexible seating configurations.
Weaknesses:
- The third row is smaller than some others.
- The infotainment system is functional but not as smooth as others.
Suitability: For families in extreme weather areas who need a safe, 4WD SUV.
Top 10 Family SUVs 2024
This section ranks the top 10 family SUVs based on overall performance, value and family use. Each SUV is judged on safety, space, fuel economy, and tech so that you can make wise decisions.
Toyota Highlander
- Why it deserves to rank # 1 : Best space, performance and reliability for prominent families.
Kia Sportage
- Why it deserves to rank #2: Value for money with reasonable safety and space.
Honda CR-V
- Why it deserves to rank #3: Fuel efficient for small families looking for an SUV.
Ford Explorer
- Why it deserves to rank #4: Versatile with a powerful engine and towing capacity for active families.
Hyundai Tucson
- Why it deserves to rank # 5: Style and tech for tech families.
Subaru Ascent
- Why it deserves to rank # 6: AWD and good safety for cold climate families.
Volkswagen Tiguan
- Why it deserves to rank # 7: Optional 3rd row and European engineering.
Mazda CX-5
- Why it deserves to rank # 8: Premium experience for smaller families.
Nissan Rogue
- Why it deserves to rank # 9: Good safety and modern design for daily use.
Chevrolet Traverse
- Why it deserves to rank # 10: For families who need space and comfort but may be too big for some.
Regional Focus on the Best Family SUVs
Here, we’ll examine the availability and popularity of these SUVs in different regions, taking into account climate, road conditions, and consumer preferences.
USA
- Top Picks: Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse
- Key Features: With such a big country and varying climate in the USA, big, versatile SUVs with good towing capacity and optional 4WD are the way to go.
Canada
- Top Picks: Subaru Ascent, Honda CR-V, Toyota Highlander
- Key Features: Canada’s winters are harsh, and the roads are rough, so 4WD SUVs with good safety ratings are a must for families.
UAE
- Top Picks: Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol, Ford Explorer
- Features: In the UAE, luxury and off-road capability are essential, so powerful SUVs with advanced tech and comfort features are the way to go.
UK
- Top Picks: Kia Sportage, Volkswagen Tiguan, Nissan Qashqai
- Key Features: The UK’s narrow roads and urban environment favour compact, spacious SUVs that are fuel-efficient and practical.
Western Europe
- Top Picks: Volkswagen Tiguan, Mazda CX-5, Toyota Highlander
- Key Features: European consumers value fuel efficiency, quality and driving dynamics, so compact and hybrid SUVs are the way to go.
Best Family SUV Comparison
Performance
- Winner: Ford Explorer – Multiple engine options, including a hybrid, so the best performance and fuel efficiency balance.
- Runner Up: Toyota Highlander – V6 engine has strong acceleration and towing capacity, so it suits families needing a do-it-all vehicle.
Safety
- Winner: Subaru Ascent – 4WD and a full suite of driver-assist features, so safest for families in all weather.
- Runner Up: Nissan Rogue – ProPilot Assist and full safety features.
Space and Practicality
- Winner: Chevrolet Traverse – Most interior space and cargo area for prominent families who need the most space.
- Runner Up: Toyota Highlander – Seating up to 8 and flexible interior for growing families.
Cost
- Winner: Honda CR-V – Best fuel economy, lowest maintenance cost and highest resale value.
- Runner Up: Kia Sportage – Good warranty, affordable price and fuel economy.
FAQs
What’s a good family SUV?
Space, safety, fuel efficiency and comfort. It has to have a versatile interior for passengers and cargo, safety features, and a good track record.
Can an SUV fit seven people?
Many family SUVs have 3rd-row seating that can fit 7 or 8 people. The Toyota Highlander and Chevrolet Traverse are suitable for prominent families.
What’s the most reliable family SUV?
The Toyota Highlander is one of the most reliable family SUVs because of its solid build, low maintenance costs and good resale value.
What’s the best family SUV for winter?
The Subaru Ascent, with standard all-wheel drive and good safety ratings, is a good family SUV for winter.
Are hybrid SUVs suitable for families?
Yes, hybrid SUVs offer fuel efficiency, lower emissions, space, and practicality for family use. The Ford Explorer Hybrid and Toyota Highlander Hybrid are good options.
How do I choose the best family SUV for me?
Consider your family’s needs, number of passengers, cargo space, driving conditions and budget. Compare models based on those and choose the best for your lifestyle.
Conclusion
Choosing a family SUV in 2024 is a big deal that will impact your daily life. Whether you need a big vehicle for road trips, a safe and reliable SUV for bad weather, or an Eco-friendly hybrid for city driving, a family SUV is for you. By considering performance, safety, space, and price of ownership, you can make an informed choice and get the right SUV for your family. That’s it. We’ve got it. Family SUVs 2024. For you, your family.