When looking for the best family SUV, you need to consider a lot of things. Size, safety, performance, drivetrain, etc., are some of the crucial factors that you need to go through to balance your purchase equation.
No automobile out in the market is flawless. Even the top-rated best SUV for a family comes with some compromises. SUV is just an introduction as the category holds dozens of subcategories for the buyers.
There are numerous types of SUVs that one can consider for their family, and it is obvious to get overwhelmed. So we are here to help.
With our list of the best rated family SUV, we talk about the best SUVs in every size with their top features, prices, & more. Thus, you get large, small, luxury, midsize, and the combinations of all listed below.
We can help you narrow down your search and find the one that suits you the best.
11 Best Family SUV
To make sure our readers get the best family SUV available in the market, we have only included the finest performers in the class.
We made sure that every entry must be outstanding in every manner in the SUV segment regardless of the brand reputation. So let us have a look at the SUVs:
Best 2-Row SUVs for Families
- 2021 Honda CR-V
- 2021 Mazda CX-5
- 2021 Honda Passport
- 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2021 Toyota RAV4
Best 3-Row SUVs for Families
- 2021 Kia Telluride
- 2021 Hyundai Palisade
- 2021 Honda Pilot
- 2021 Toyota Highlander
Best Full-Size SUVs for Families
- 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2021 Ford Expedition
What Should You Look For In A Family SUV?
While on your search for finding the best family SUV, you need to understand the qualities and features that go into making the right decision.
Different people have different preferences, but when they hold similar buying traits, evaluating the choices becomes much easier.
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To help you make the best decision, below we have listed some of the top features that you must look for when buying an SUV for your family.
– Safety
When it comes to the safety of your family, you must never compromise. It is one of the most crucial features that no buyer can overlook.
Nowadays, advanced safety features have become a big selling point. So check out the safety features and rating of the vehicle before you buy it. Make it a criterion to filter out the unworthy models and then move on to the other features.
– Price
Budget is what decides what you can buy. You sure may have your eyes on a luxurious SUV, but the question remains does it fit your budget?
We understand you want to provide the best to your family but trust us when we say you do not want to buy something that will burden your family finances in the long run.
So set up a strict budget and look for the vehicle under that price range only. Generally, you can buy the best family SUV in 2021 ranging from $20,000 to $42,000 as the initial price.
– Reliability
Another factor that you need to consider is the reliability of the vehicle. You do not want to end up with a ride that needs maintenance now and then exhausting you mentally and financially.
So look for models that have good reliability ratings and are strong enough to endure your regular commutes.
– Comfort
If buying a family ride is your goal, then comfort and convenience should be one of your primary goals. A good family car is not just about a big cabin but rather a ride that can comfort every member from child to adult in the best way.
So look for an SUV that offers easy to use infotainment system, plenty of connectivity options, spacious second & third row, and comfortable seats.
This all depends on how much you prioritize your comfort while driving. Think about it, and you have yourself many options filtered out.
– Cargo Space
Well, when talking about family, a large cargo is what comes to mind. So, you need a ride that can engulf your family gear without creating any mess.
So, you need to look at how much cargo space an SUV offers with and without lowering the last row. You also need to look at the height of the rear liftgate plus if it is automatic or not.
Also, check out if there is extra floor storage available with the ride you choose.
– Child Seats
If you are going to have infants or toddlers on boards, you need to have child seats fixed in your car. Child safety seats are important. So you need to look for a ride that offers enough space to install one.
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Also, consider if it will be easy to get in and out of the third row of the car with a child seat fixed on the second row. Thus, you can see how crucial it is for you as a buyer to look for the above-mentioned factors before finalizing a purchase. Look for each factor closely and then only make the final decision.
11 Best SUV For Family To Buy In 2021
Over the past two years, the Sport Utility Vehicles have become people’s favorite in America. There was a time when small and compact vehicles were trending among the buyers, but now people are going back to the big-size rides.
With the increasing popularity of the SUVs, automakers are going all into the competition and almost every one of them has launched new & enhanced versions of their famous SUV models.
Let us check them all out one by one.
1. 2021 Honda CR-V
- MSRP: From $25,350
- Horsepower: 190 hp
- Engine: 1.5 L 4-cylinder
- MPG: Up to 28 city / 34 highway
2021 Honda CR-V is a compact sport utility vehicle that comes with impressive interior space, a lively & efficient turbocharged engine, and refined cabin space.
This best family SUV can seat five people and holds great fuel economy for the class. The compact 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine can produce 190 horsepower.
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With CR-V, Honda offers five trim levels, and you can get the base one for the starting price of $25,350.
2. 2021 Mazda CX-5
- MSRP: From $25,370
- Horsepower: 187 to 227 hp
- Engine:2.5 L 4-cylinder
- MPG: Up to 25 city / 31 highway
One of the best-rated family SUVs that comes with two rows is none other than the 2021 Mazda CX-5.
CX-5 holds engaging handling, upscale interior, potent turbocharged engine, and a long list of standard features. The high-end safety score makes it one of the safest rides for your family.
For 2021 the vehicle comes with a new 10.25-inch touch screen, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay now standard, and new addition in safety features. The diesel engine is discontinued while Carbon Edition trims debut.
You can own the base model for a starting price of $25,370.
3. 2021 Honda Passport
- MSRP: From $32,790
- Horsepower: 280 hp
- Engine: 3.5 L V6
- MPG: Up to 20 city / 25 highway
The Honda Passport was redesigned in 2019, and in 2021 this is among the best SUV family cars. Honda Passport holds a strong V6 engine that can power up 280 horsepower.
This midsize SUV offers well-rounded performance, spacious interior, smooth handling, and a balanced ride.
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For 2021 an eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are now standard. The company offers four trims in this model lineup, and you can buy the lowest one for a starting price of $32,790.
4. 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe
- MSRP: From $27,000
- Horsepower: 191 to 277 hp
- Engine: 2.5 L 4-cylinder
- MPG: Up to 25 city / 28 highway
Hyundai Santa Fe is a compact sport utility vehicle that got redesigned in 2019. And for 2021, it gets revamped with a standard 8-inch touch screen, optional 10.25-inch touch screen & 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and refreshed interior & styling.
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe has composed handling, comfortable seating area, and many high-tech pieces of equipment.
The robust turbocharged engine can produce up to 277 horsepower, however, the base engine is somehow mediocre. You can purchase the base model for an initial price of $27,000.
5. 2021 Toyota RAV4
- MSRP: From $26,350
- Horsepower: 203 hp
- Engine: 2.5 L 4-cylinder
- MPG: Up to 28 city / 35 highway
Toyota RAV4 is a midsize compact SUV that comes with a refined interior, excellent fuel economy, well-balanced performance, and spacious cabin.
The SUV was redesigned in 2019, so no major changes are in for 2021. You get a long list of standard tech & safety features, large cargo holds six trim levels to choose from.
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You can purchase the base trim LX for a starting price of $26,350. It is indeed the best family-sized SUV you can look for in 2021.
6. 2021 Kia Telluride
- MSRP: From $32,190
- Horsepower: 291 hp
- Engine: 3.8 L V6
- MPG: Up to 20 city / 26 highway
Kia Telluride was introduced in 2020, and since its launch, it has become the famous &best family SUV with 3rd row. This three-row SUV comes with a spacious interior and can sit with seven to eight people.
With the 2021 model, you get composed handling, comfortable driving dynamics, user-friendly features, and many standard features.
The V6 engine can charge 291 horsepower and provide impressive towing capabilities. Out of the four trim levels, you can buy the base one for $32,190.
2021 Telluride is the best SUV for a large family.
7. 2021 Hyundai Palisade
- MSRP: From $32,675
- Horsepower: 291 hp
- Engine: 3.8 L V6
- MPG: Up to 19 city / 26 highway
Your search for the best SUV for a big family ends with the 2021 Hyundai Palisade. This three-row sport utility vehicle was introduced in 2020 and comes in four trim levels.
Palisade holds a spacious & luxury interior, poised handling, robust six-cylinder engine, and high-end quality materials.
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The comfortable seats, user-friendly infotainment system, and many standard tech features make it the best family luxury SUV of 2021. The Calligraphy trim joined the model lineup this year, and you can buy the initial trim for $32,675.
8. 2021 Honda Pilot
- MSRP: From $32,550
- Horsepower: 280 hp
- Engine: 3.5 L V6
- MPG: Up to 20 city / 27 highway
One of the best family SUV 2021 that anyone can buy this year is Honda Pilot. 2021 Honda Pilot is a prominent three-row SUV and holds tough competition from rivals like Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, & more.
With the 2021 model, you get special edition trim, and standard nine-speed automatic transmission & dual-zone automatic climate control.
The smooth ride quality, spacious & adult-friendly three rows, and acceptable cargo space. 2021 Hyundai Pilot offers seven trim levels, and you can buy the lowest one for a starting price of $32,550.
9. 2021 Toyota Highlander
- MSRP: From $35,085
- Horsepower: 295 hp
- Engine: 3.5 L V6
- MPG: Up to 21 city / 29 highway
The 2021 Toyota Highlander comes with a new trim addition and LED projector headlights. It is a three-row SUV that offers a nice interior, peppy engine, and strong acceleration.
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This SUV comes with excellent safety scores, impressive cabin quality, and a long list of safety and infotainment features. It is one of the best family SUVs of 2021, but you might third row a little cramped up than some rivals.
$35,085 is what you need to pay for the base level trim of the model lineup.
10. 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
- MSRP: From $49,600
- Horsepower: 277 to 420 hp
- Engine: 5.3 L V8, 6.2 L V8, 3.0 L 6-cylinder diesel
- MPG: Up to 21 city / 28 highway
If you are looking for the best full-size SUV 2021, then Chevrolet Tahoe is what you desire. This big Chevy SUV is completely redesigned for 2021 and comes with a large interior, impressive cargo space, and powerful engine options.
Chevrolet offers three brawny engines, both gasoline & diesel that can produce up to 420 horsepower. The good gas mileage also adds another point to its checklist.
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With offered six trim levels, you can get the lowest one for a base price of $49,600.
11. 2021 Ford Expedition
- MSRP: From $49,625
- Horsepower: 375 to 400 hp
- Engine: 3.5 L V6
- MPG: Up to 17 city / 23 highway
With the coming of 2021, Ford has now introduced the full-size Expedition in the two-row model as well.
Originally Ford expedition is a three-row SUV that comes with a brawny engine, excellent gas mileage, and jaw-dropping towing capacity.
The spacious interior, marvelous carbine space, and easy-to-use infotainment controls make it the best family SUV. 2021 Ford Expedition comes with five trim choices, and you can buy the base one for $49,625.
Top FAQs About Best Family Sized SUV
Why should I consider buying an SUV?
Crossovers or we normally call them sports utility vehicles, are the most popular automobiles in the United States in recent years.
SUVs have come a long way, and most people find a midsize or full-size SUV fulfilling their needs without much hassle.
One should consider buying an SUV because they come with huge passenger & cargo space, a lot of variety, good purchasing prices, and are easy to maintain.
An SUV can serve your work as well as your personal needs well.
What is the best family SUV to buy in the United States 2021?
2021 is again captured by the Sports Utility Vehicles. People cannot get enough of these beauties and this is why one can see many redesigned models being launched this year.
With so many models available in the market, it is common for a buyer to get confused. We understand how you want the best for yourself.
So, below we have listed some of the best SUVs that you can consider buying in 2021:
- 2021 Kia Telluride
- 2021 Hyundai Palisade
- 2021 Honda Pilot
- 2021 Toyota Highlander
- 2021 Honda CR-V
- 2021 Mazda CX-5
- 2021 Honda Passport
- 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2021 Toyota RAV4
- 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2021 Ford Expedition
Which midsize SUV comes with the least issues?
The first thing that you need to understand is that no vehicle comes without problems. An automobile is a combination of mechanical parts which tend to come up with issues down the road.
However, this doesn’t mean you compromise with a vehicle that starts bothering you during its new period.
So, if you want a vehicle this year that comes with the least issues, then Toyota RAV4 is the one. This midsize SUV is among other Toyota’s like 4Runner, etc., that are more robust than any other vehicles in the class.
Most Toyota vehicles hold the reputation for being least problematic that they somehow dominate the reliability scale. So, go for a Toyota if you want less hassle on your ride.
Also, Kia Telluride is another great midsize SUV with amazing features.
What are the most expensive SUVs to maintain?
The market is filled with different ranges and a variety of SUVs. You can differentiate them based on size, selling price, maintenance cost, and more.
When buying an SUV or any automobile for that matter, you need to check out its maintenance cost. Some vehicles tend to be cheap at buying but hold expensive maintenance costs.
So be on your guard and do proper research before buying one. To make sure you do not end up on the wrong side, below is the list of some of the most expensive SUVs to maintain that you must know about:
- Chevrolet Trax
- Land Rover Discovery Sport
- Hyundai Accent
- Dodge Journey
- Nissan Verna
- Mercedes Benz GLA Class
What is the best SUV for a family of 5?
For a family of 5 people, a two-row SUV will do wonders. You do not have to exploit your budget to buy that best family SUV used or of 2020 if you know which 2021 model is the best.
A two-row SUV can seat 5 people easily and comes with decent cargo space making your family trips better and enjoyable.
Here is the list of the best family SUV for a family of 5:
- 2021 Honda CR-V
- 2021 Mazda CX-5
- 2021 Honda Passport
- 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2021 Toyota RAV4
What is the best SUV with 3rd-row seating?
If you are someone who has a big family or wants to own a ride that gives maximum space and provides extreme comfort to the passengers while traveling, then the SUVs with 3rd-row seating are ideal for you.
You can accommodate more people, you have more cargo space, and you can even have massage seats in the second row if you like.
List of vehicles with 3rd-row seating:
- 2021 Kia Telluride
- 2021 Hyundai Palisade
- 2021 Honda Pilot
- 2021 Toyota Highlander
What is the best SUV for a family of 6?
For the family of 6, a midsize SUV with two-row is good. A general 2-row SUV can accommodate five to six people easily. However, if you want more legroom and personal space, then a three-row SUV is a better choice.
Thus, the best vehicle for family of 6 are:
- 2021 Honda CR-V
- 2021 Mazda CX-5
- 2021 Honda Passport
- 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2021 Toyota RAV4
- 2021 Kia Telluride
- 2021 Hyundai Palisade
- 2021 Honda Pilot
- 2021 Toyota Highlander
Which SUV car is best for a family?
To make sure an SUV is best for your family there are a lot of things that you need to take care of and need to consider before making the final decision.
Here is the list of factors that you must consider as they will let you know if the said SUV is ideal for your family or not.
- Safety- Make sure the vehicle you choose is safe and holds a good reputation in the market.
- Reliability- Reliable vehicle is the only one that can save you money after you start using it. Do not get fooled by offers or low buying prices. Check for model reliability and then move forward.
- Purchasing Cost- Make sure the SUV falls under your budget. This is essential because if you buy a ride out of your budget, it is going to cause problems in your financials. And no amount of features are going to make up for it.
- Maintenance- Maintenance is like a health check-up that your vehicle is going to need for the rest of its life. So make sure you go for a ride that has an affordable maintenance cost.
The vehicle that fits perfectly in all of the above-mentioned factors is the only SUV best for the family.
What is the best SUV for a family of 7?
SUVs are available in different shapes and sizes. As per the customers’ requirements makers have been making enhancements to make the consumer experience better.
One can have two-row, three-row SUVs as per their desire. A three-row SUV is perfect for a family of six to seven people.
However, if you want a good room with maximum people, the best SUV for a family of 7 will be the full-size SUV.
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and 2021 Ford Expedition are the top full-size SUVs of 2021 that offer the best price, comfort, features, and reliability. These are the best family vehicle with third-row seating.
Conclusion
People are getting more and more family-oriented, and thus their need for a family ride is understandable. With so many options available in the market finding the ideal one is hard.
However, we have listed the best family SUV that you can buy in 2021. With the brief of every crucial detail, you will get a better idea.
Let us know which SUV is best for your family.
