Alan JuanAs families grow, so do their needs, and when it comes to purchasing a new vehicle, versatility, safety, comfort, and space are top priorities. The SUV market has exploded in recent years, offering a wide array of options that cater to these specific family requirements. In 2024, the best SUVs for families combine modern technology, enhanced safety features, ample interior space, and strong performance, making them ideal for everyday commutes, road trips, and everything in between. This article will explore some of the top family-friendly SUVs in 2024, helping you make an informed choice when it’s time to upgrade your family vehicle.
1. 2024 Toyota Highlander
The 2024 Toyota Highlander continues to be a top pick for families due to its spacious interior, excellent safety features, and reliable performance. With three rows of seating and a smooth, comfortable ride, it’s an ideal choice for larger families who need space for both passengers and cargo.
Interior and Comfort
The Highlander offers seating for up to eight people, with available leather upholstery, heated seats, and a well-appointed cabin. The third-row seats are especially roomy, making it a great option for families with older children or frequent passengers. The second row can also be adjusted for additional legroom, and the cabin’s high-quality materials add to the overall comfort.
Safety Features
Toyota is known for its commitment to safety, and the 2024 Highlander is no exception. Standard features include Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5+ suite, which offers adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. These systems work together to keep your family safe, making the Highlander a top choice for peace of mind on the road.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The Highlander comes with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering solid performance and towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. The hybrid version of the Highlander offers even better fuel economy, making it a great option for families looking to save on gas while reducing their environmental impact.
2. 2024 Honda Pilot
The 2024 Honda Pilot is another standout in the family SUV category, offering a spacious cabin, smooth driving experience, and plenty of tech features to keep everyone entertained. With three rows of seats and ample cargo space, the Pilot is built to handle the demands of a busy family life.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Pilot is equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system, a spacious three-row seating arrangement, and plenty of storage space. The second-row captain’s chairs are a nice touch for easy access to the third row, and the interior quality is top-notch, with available leather seating and premium materials.
Safety Features
Safety is a major selling point for the Pilot. Honda’s Sensing suite of driver-assist features comes standard on all trim levels, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, road departure mitigation, and forward collision warning. The Pilot also scores highly in crash safety tests, making it a reassuring choice for families.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The Pilot is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower, providing plenty of power for highway driving and towing. With a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, the Pilot is well-equipped to handle family camping trips or towing a trailer. Fuel economy is competitive, with the standard version achieving about 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
3. 2024 Kia Telluride
The 2024 Kia Telluride is a luxurious, spacious, and stylish three-row SUV that has quickly become a favorite among families. With its upscale interior, large cabin, and high-tech features, the Telluride offers a premium experience at an affordable price.
Interior and Comfort
The Telluride is known for its plush interior, offering high-quality materials, a spacious cabin, and easy access to the third row. The second-row captain’s chairs are available, offering easy access to the back, while the third row has ample legroom for adults. It also boasts an impressively large cargo area, especially when the rear seats are folded down.
Safety Features
The 2024 Telluride comes with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Kia’s Drive Wise technology further enhances safety, with available features such as a surround-view camera and smart cruise control with stop-and-go functionality.
Performance and Fuel Economy
Under the hood, the Telluride is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower, providing ample power for daily driving and road trips. With a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, it’s well-suited for families who like to haul trailers, boats, or other equipment. Fuel efficiency is respectable for its class, averaging around 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
4. 2024 Ford Explorer
The 2024 Ford Explorer is a versatile and well-rounded SUV that balances performance, interior space, and modern technology. With seating for up to seven passengers, the Explorer is a great option for large families who need a vehicle that can handle both daily commutes and family vacations.
Interior and Comfort
The Explorer offers a spacious interior with room for up to seven passengers. The second-row seats are available as a bench or with captain’s chairs, providing flexibility depending on your family’s needs. The third row is best suited for children or smaller adults, though it still provides sufficient space for longer trips. Cargo space is also ample, and the rear seats fold flat to create a large, versatile loading area.
Safety Features
Ford equips the 2024 Explorer with a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Ford Co-Pilot360 suite includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Explorer also offers advanced safety options like adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist, ensuring families are well-protected on the road.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The Explorer offers a range of engine options, including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a V6, and a hybrid variant. The 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 300 horsepower, offering a good balance of performance and efficiency. With its 5,600-pound towing capacity, the Explorer is a great option for families who need to tow heavier loads. Fuel efficiency varies depending on the engine but averages around 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway for the base engine.
5. 2024 Subaru Ascent
For families who need an SUV that can handle both the daily grind and off-road adventures, the 2024 Subaru Ascent offers a perfect balance of rugged capability, spaciousness, and family-friendly features. With standard all-wheel drive and a reputation for reliability, the Ascent is ideal for active families.
Interior and Comfort
The Ascent can seat up to eight passengers across three rows, with a spacious interior that offers plenty of room for everyone. The second-row seats are spacious and comfortable, and the third row offers enough legroom for older children and adults. The cabin is equipped with user-friendly tech, including a large touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple USB ports for charging devices.
Safety Features
The Ascent is equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and automatic high beams. It also offers additional safety features, such as blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert. Subaru’s reputation for building safe vehicles makes the Ascent a strong contender for families.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The 2024 Subaru Ascent is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower. This engine provides ample power for both daily driving and family trips, and the standard all-wheel drive makes it a great choice for families who like to take their SUVs off the beaten path. With a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds and a fuel economy rating of 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, the Ascent is a practical and capable family SUV.
6. 2024 Hyundai Palisade
The 2024 Hyundai Palisade is a stylish, well-rounded three-row SUV that offers a comfortable and luxurious experience for families. With its refined interior, modern technology, and powerful engine, the Palisade stands out as one of the top family SUVs for 2024.
Interior and Comfort
The Palisade boasts a spacious and upscale interior with seating for up to eight passengers. The cabin is equipped with premium materials, including available leather upholstery, wood accents, and a user-friendly infotainment system. The second-row seats are available with captain’s chairs, providing additional comfort and easier access to the third row. The cargo space is generous, and the Palisade offers several storage compartments throughout the cabin for added convenience.
Safety Features
The 2024 Palisade comes with Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Palisade also offers a 360-degree camera system and parking sensors, making it easier to navigate tight spaces. These features, combined with excellent crash test ratings, make the Palisade a great option for safety-conscious families.
Performance and Fuel Economy
Under the hood, the Palisade features a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, offering a smooth and powerful driving experience. It also has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, making it suitable for hauling trailers or boats. Fuel economy is solid, with an average of 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Conclusion
Choosing the right SUV for your family in 2024 involves considering several factors such as comfort, safety, performance, and versatility. The SUVs listed above all provide a balance of these qualities, making them some of the best choices for families in need of a reliable and spacious vehicle. Whether you prioritize tech features, fuel efficiency, or off-road capability, there is an SUV on this list that meets your family’s unique needs. Consider your requirements and preferences to find the perfect family SUV for 2024 and beyond.
