If you have children, you know that finding the right family vehicle is essential. You need a safe, comfortable, and spacious SUV to accommodate everyone and all of your gear. A family SUV is the perfect solution since these vehicles offer a variety of features that make them ideal for families on the go. Typically, that means having plenty of seating and cargo space to fit everyone comfortably and everything you need.

Factors to consider when choosing a family SUV

There are five factors to consider to find the best family SUV for each individual situation. These are size, safety, fuel efficiency, features, and price. For instance, if someone has three small children requiring car seats, a spacious second or third row is necessary. Easy access to all rows is also crucial. Factor in any essential features that are a necessity, like heated seats or a power liftgate. Setting a budget before getting too deep into the process can be easier, so outliers can be eliminated.

Most shoppers list safety as one of the most significant factors when considering SUVs for families. In this case, finding a vehicle with plenty of standard safety systems is a good idea. It is also worth checking safety ratings from groups like the IIHS and NHTSA. The IIHS crash tests most new vehicles and offers a score in each area, with the top contenders earning Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick Plus awards.

Consider how fuel-efficient the ideal family SUV might be. Most drivers have a daily commute of 30 miles, but be sure to factor that in when selecting. Those with longer rides might want a hybrid or plug-in hybrid for added fuel efficiency.

Reviews of the best family SUVs on the market

Some of the best family SUVs currently available include the Kia Telluride, the Honda CR-V, and the Toyota RAV4. The Kia Telluride satisfies all five factors mentioned above. Kia’s three-row SUV is spacious and has room for seven or eight passengers; plus, it is pretty fuel-efficient.

The Telluride has many safety features and systems to make drivers and passengers happy. It earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus award and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The 2023 Kia Telluride price starts at $35,890 for the entry-level model and goes up to $52,985 for the fully loaded Telluride. The Hyundai Palisade is spacious, safe, and packaged with helpful features in the same midsize SUV category. The Palisade is similar to the Telluride and a top pick for the best SUV for a family of four or more.

Both the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 also fulfill the family SUV requirements. The CR-V has room for five, a reasonable starting cost of $27,995, and a long history of reliability. Toyota’s compact RAV4 is safe, reliable, and affordable as well.

Tips for getting the best deal on a family SUV

After selecting your list of “must have” features and other factors for the best family SUV, there are a few ways to get the best deal. Before entering your local dealership, shop online and at locations further away. Dealerships set individual prices for each vehicle, so search outside the box a little. This can help ensure the car is reasonably priced and can steer you away from an expensive dealership without having to drive anywhere. This is also a good tool for negotiating a better price. Don’t be afraid to walk away from a bad deal.

It might be worth considering a used vehicle, too. Finding a lightly used SUV can help lower the initial cost while still getting most of the essential features. Technology has come a long way in the last five years, meaning cars, trucks, and SUVs are safer than ever. After weighing the most essential features and selecting a budget, finding the right family SUV should be smooth sailing.