When it comes to choosing the perfect vehicle for your family, few options stand out like SUVs. With their spacious interiors, ample cargo capacity, and modern safety features, they offer everything a family needs for comfort and convenience. If you're in the market for an SUV that can accommodate your growing family, you've come to the right place. This blog will highlight the best SUVs for families in 2025, showcasing a range of options suited to different needs, preferences, and budgets.

Why Choose an SUV for Your Family?

Before diving into our list of top family-friendly SUVs, let's quickly explore why SUVs are such a great choice for families.

  1. Space and Comfort: SUVs typically offer more space than sedans or hatchbacks, providing ample legroom and headroom for passengers. Whether it's for long road trips or just the daily commute, having extra space makes a significant difference.

  2. Safety Features: Family vehicles need to prioritize safety, and many modern SUVs come with advanced driver-assistance technologies like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, which are crucial for peace of mind.

  3. Versatility: Whether you need to load up sports gear, groceries, or a stroller, the large cargo capacity of SUVs is a major benefit. Many SUVs also offer flexible seating arrangements, like second-row seats that slide forward for easy third-row access or fold flat to create an even bigger trunk.

Now, let's take a look at the best SUVs for families in 2025!

1. Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander has long been a top contender when it comes to the best family-friendly SUVs, and it continues to impress in 2025. With seating for up to eight passengers, this midsize SUV offers a perfect balance of space, comfort, and performance. Its hybrid model provides excellent fuel efficiency, making it a great option for families who want to save on gas.

The Highlander is also loaded with safety features, including Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes features like pre-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. The interior is user-friendly, with a high-quality infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa.

Why It's Great for Families: The Toyota Highlander offers a smooth ride, ample passenger space, and top-tier safety features, making it one of the best SUVs for families who prioritize comfort and peace of mind.

2. Honda Pilot

Honda has built a reputation for creating reliable and family-friendly vehicles, and the Honda Pilot is no exception. This three-row SUV can comfortably fit up to eight passengers, making it a great choice for larger families. The Pilot is equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety features that includes collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.

The Pilot also has a spacious interior with a user-friendly infotainment system, and it offers plenty of cargo space when the second- and third-row seats are folded down. Additionally, the Honda Pilot has an impressive towing capacity, making it an excellent option for families who need to haul trailers, boats, or other gear.

Why It's Great for Families: The Honda Pilot's versatility, comfort, and reliability make it one of the best family SUVs for those who need extra seating and cargo space.

3. Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer is a classic choice when it comes to family SUVs, offering a combination of power, space, and advanced technology. With seating for up to seven passengers, the Explorer provides ample room for larger families. It also offers a range of powerful engine options, including a turbocharged four-cylinder and a hybrid model, so families can choose the option that best fits their needs.

The Explorer comes with an intuitive infotainment system that includes a large touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. It also offers several active safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Why It's Great for Families: With its powerful engine options and spacious interior, the Ford Explorer is one of the best SUVs for families who need versatility and performance.

4. Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride has quickly become a favorite among families, thanks to its stylish design, comfortable interior, and value-packed features. The Telluride offers seating for up to eight people and comes with a host of tech features, including a large touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available wireless charging.

In terms of safety, the Telluride is equipped with Kia's Drive Wise suite of features, which includes forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and a rear-seat alert system. The Telluride also offers a smooth and comfortable ride, making it ideal for long family road trips.

Why It's Great for Families: The Kia Telluride offers a luxurious interior, a spacious three-row layout, and great value, making it one of the best SUVs for families who want a high-quality vehicle without breaking the bank.

5. Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevrolet Traverse is a top choice for families who need plenty of space without compromising on comfort. With seating for up to eight passengers, the Traverse offers one of the roomiest interiors in its class. Its intuitive infotainment system is easy to use, and it comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a rear-seat entertainment system, making it a great option for keeping kids entertained on long drives.

Safety is a top priority in the Traverse, with features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning. The Traverse also offers a smooth and comfortable ride, with plenty of cargo space for all your family's gear.

Why It's Great for Families: The Chevrolet Traverse provides an abundance of passenger and cargo space, making it one of the best SUVs for families who need a spacious, safe, and comfortable vehicle.

6. Subaru Ascent

For families who prioritize all-weather capability, the Subaru Ascent is an excellent choice. With standard all-wheel drive and a robust safety suite, the Ascent is perfect for families who live in regions with harsh winters or who enjoy off-road adventures. The Ascent has three rows of seating and can accommodate up to eight passengers.

The Subaru Ascent also boasts an impressive suite of standard and optional tech features, including a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, the Ascent comes with Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and pre-collision braking.

Why It's Great for Families: The Subaru Ascent's standard all-wheel drive and excellent safety features make it one of the best SUVs for families who need a vehicle that can handle both daily driving and outdoor adventures.

7. Mazda CX-9

If you're looking for a family SUV that combines sportiness with practicality, the Mazda CX-9 should be on your radar. The CX-9 offers a premium interior with three rows of seating for up to seven passengers, making it a solid choice for families who want both luxury and function.

The CX-9 stands out for its dynamic driving experience, thanks to its responsive steering and athletic handling. It's also packed with tech features, including a sleek infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium sound system. Safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system make it one of the best family SUVs for those who value both style and substance.

Why It's Great for Families: The Mazda CX-9's upscale interior, sporty performance, and top-tier safety features make it an excellent option for families who want a bit more flair in their SUV.

Conclusion

Choosing the best SUVs for families depends on your unique needs, whether it's ample seating, superior safety features, or all-weather capability. The vehicles listed above represent some of the top choices for 2025, each offering a unique combination of space, comfort, performance, and technology. No matter which model you choose, rest assured that these SUVs are equipped to handle the demands of family life while providing a safe and enjoyable ride for everyone with Carcentric.