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These family-friendly used midsize SUVs have two rows and plenty of safety features. Thanks to modern technology, the sport utility vehicles below also get at least 23 mpg overall, which is enough fuel economy for most people.

The Lexus RX is a family-friendly used midsize SUV

This family-friendly used midsize SUV is a Lexus RX
The 2017 Lexus RX | Lexus

Consumer Reports found the 2017 Lexus RX Hybrid checked all of the boxes. This midsize SUV gets 29 mpg overall and received the green choice accolade. It also has high scores for reliability and owner satisfaction. Owners report being satisfied with the comfort, styling, and driving experience. The luxury Lexus SUV has a comfortable and “cushy” ride, making it suitable for families up to five. The non-hybrid version is also a good buy but won’t get the same fuel economy. Either way, America’s favorite SUV is a family-friendly option.

All 2017 SUVs in the lineup received the Lexus Safety System + standard. That includes forward collision warning (FCW), automatic emergency braking (AEB), and lane departure warning (LDW). Blind spot warning (BSW) is also a standard safety feature. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2017 Lexus RX Hybrid the Top Safety Pick Plus award.

Price Range:  $32,700 – $38,925

One of the best family-friendly used midsize SUVs is the Subaru Outback

Let’s face it; you don’t need a family to enjoy the 2017 Subaru Outback. The Outback is roomy and comfortable, with a responsive touch-screen infotainment system. Owners report getting 26 mpg overall from the 2.5L four-cylinder engine. Consumer Reports gave it high scores for reliability and owner satisfaction. Some of the reliability trouble spots like the engine, transmission, and drive system were high points for owners.

Subaru’s EyeSight suite of advanced safety includes FCW AND AEB. BSW was optional in 2017. The IIHS also gave the 2017 Outback the Top Safety Pick Plus award and “good” scores on its crashworthiness tests.

Price Range:  $19,750 – $26,375

Don’t overlook the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

When it comes to the best family-friendly used midsize SUVs, the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport checks all of the boxes. The cabin is quiet and comfortable, so naps during the road trip are easy. Owners report getting 23 mpg from the Santa Fe Sport, thanks to its reasonable 2.4L four-cylinder engine. Plus, the driving experience and comfort were notable.

The 2017 Hyundai SUV has a backup camera, but AEB and LDW were only optional this year. The IIHS gave the Santa Fe Sport the Top Safety Pick award. From the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2017 Hyundai mainly received four and five stars on the safety tests.

Price Range:  $17,125 – $21,825

Automakers started adding more safety features as standard fare around 2017, so try to find one with more options. A backup camera is also essential, especially for those big shopping days. Either way, the safety awards from the IIHS and the NHTSA are a good sign.

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Staff Writer

Amanda Cline

Amanda Cline is an avid fan of Formula 1 and joined MotorBiscuit in 2021. A Southwest Floridian, she easily and often finds automotive events to attend in the Tampa, Orlando, and Miami areas.
Amanda is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, where she earned a Bachelor’s in English Literature and a Master’s in Technical Communication. Combining her editorial and digital media expertise, Amanda served as a content creator for FanSided and now provides our readers with a variety of automotive subject matter like pickup trucks and SUVs, including valuable consumer advice.

Amanda closely follows many F1 drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team. Her all-time favorite author is Shel Silverstein.