When it comes to selecting the perfect vehicle for your family, SUVs are often the go-to choice due to their spacious interiors, advanced safety features, and versatility. As the automotive industry continues to innovate, 2024 brings a range of family-friendly SUVs that excel in comfort, technology, and reliability. This comprehensive guide will explore the best family-friendly SUVs for 2024, highlighting their key features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision.
1. Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander has long been a favorite among families, and the 2024 model continues to impress with its blend of reliability, safety, and spaciousness.
Key Features:
- Seating Capacity: Up to 8 passengers
- Engine Options: 3.5-liter V6 or hybrid powertrain
- Safety: Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision system
- Infotainment: 12.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility
Pros:
- Excellent reliability and resale value
- Advanced safety features as standard
- Spacious and comfortable interior
- Available hybrid option for improved fuel efficiency
Cons:
- Third-row seating can be tight for adults
- Higher trims can get pricey
2. Honda Pilot
The 2024 Honda Pilot is a versatile and family-friendly SUV that offers a comfortable ride, ample cargo space, and a host of safety features.
Key Features:
- Seating Capacity: Up to 8 passengers
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6
- Safety: Honda Sensing suite, including collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control
- Infotainment: 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto
Pros:
- Spacious interior with flexible seating configurations
- Smooth and comfortable ride
- Strong safety ratings
- User-friendly infotainment system
Cons:
- Lower fuel economy compared to some competitors
- Dated interior design in base trims
3. Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride has quickly become a top choice for families, thanks to its stylish design, luxurious interior, and extensive list of standard features.
Key Features:
- Seating Capacity: Up to 8 passengers
- Engine: 3.8-liter V6
- Safety: Kia Drive Wise suite, including forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane keeping assist
- Infotainment: 10.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and UVO link telematics
Pros:
- High-quality interior materials and design
- Comprehensive suite of safety features
- Ample passenger and cargo space
- Excellent value for the money
Cons:
- Only one engine option available
- Can be difficult to find due to high demand
4. Hyundai Palisade
The 2024 Hyundai Palisade offers a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and practicality, making it an excellent choice for families.
Key Features:
- Seating Capacity: Up to 8 passengers
- Engine: 3.8-liter V6
- Safety: Hyundai SmartSense suite, including forward collision avoidance, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist
- Infotainment: 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto
Pros:
- Luxurious and spacious interior
- Advanced safety and driver-assistance features
- Smooth and comfortable ride
- Excellent warranty coverage
Cons:
- Only one powertrain option
- Fuel economy is average for the class
5. Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer remains a popular choice for families, offering a range of powerful engines, spacious interior, and advanced technology.
Key Features:
- Seating Capacity: Up to 7 passengers
- Engine Options: 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4, 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6, and hybrid powertrain
- Safety: Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping system
- Infotainment: 8-inch or available 10.1-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SYNC 3
Pros:
- Multiple powertrain options, including a hybrid
- Strong towing capability
- Spacious and versatile interior
- Advanced safety and technology features
Cons:
- Third-row seating can be cramped for adults
- Higher trims can become expensive
6. Subaru Ascent
The 2024 Subaru Ascent is a family-friendly SUV that excels in safety, reliability, and all-weather capability, thanks to its standard all-wheel-drive system.
Key Features:
- Seating Capacity: Up to 8 passengers
- Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine
- Safety: Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, including adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning
- Infotainment: 8-inch or available 11.6-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto
Pros:
- Standard all-wheel drive for excellent all-weather performance
- Strong safety ratings
- Spacious interior with comfortable seating
- Good fuel economy for the class
Cons:
- Engine can be noisy under hard acceleration
- Infotainment system can be slow to respond
7. Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse is a well-rounded family SUV that offers a spacious interior, powerful engine, and a range of modern features.
Key Features:
- Seating Capacity: Up to 8 passengers
- Engine: 3.6-liter V6
- Safety: Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and lane keep assist
- Infotainment: 7-inch or available 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto
Pros:
- One of the roomiest interiors in its class
- Powerful V6 engine
- User-friendly infotainment system
- Strong towing capability
Cons:
- Interior materials are not as high-quality as some competitors
- Fuel economy is on the lower side
8. Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas is known for its spacious interior, smooth ride, and family-friendly features, making it a great choice for 2024.
Key Features:
- Seating Capacity: Up to 7 passengers
- Engine Options: 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 and 3.6-liter V6
- Safety: VW IQ.DRIVE suite, including forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control
- Infotainment: 6.5-inch or available 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto
Pros:
- Spacious and comfortable interior
- User-friendly infotainment system
- Good cargo space
- Smooth and composed ride
Cons:
- Base engine can feel underpowered
- Some interior materials could be improved
9. Mazda CX-9
The Mazda CX-9 stands out with its stylish design, sporty handling, and premium interior, making it a great family SUV for those who enjoy driving.
Key Features:
- Seating Capacity: Up to 7 passengers
- Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged I-4
- Safety: i-Activsense safety suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking
- Infotainment: 10.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto
Pros:
- Engaging driving dynamics
- High-quality interior materials
- Advanced safety features
- Sleek and stylish design
Cons:
- Smaller third-row compared to some competitors
- Limited cargo space with all seats in use
10. Nissan Pathfinder
The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder offers a blend of rugged capability, family-friendly features, and modern technology, making it a versatile choice for families.
Key Features:
- Seating Capacity: Up to 8 passengers
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6
- Safety: Nissan Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert
- Infotainment: 8-inch or available 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto
Pros:
- Comfortable and spacious interior
- Good towing capability
- Advanced safety and driver-assistance features
- Smooth and powerful V6 engine
Cons:
- Fuel economy is average for the class
- Some rivals offer more luxurious interiors
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Family-Friendly SUV
Selecting the best family SUV involves considering various factors to ensure it meets your family’s needs and preferences. Here are some key aspects to keep in mind:
1. Safety Features
Safety is paramount when choosing a family vehicle. Look for SUVs with advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. High safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA are also essential indicators of a vehicle’s safety.
2. Seating Capacity and Comfort
Consider the number of passengers you need to accommodate and how often you’ll need to use the third row. Ensure that the seats are comfortable and that there is ample legroom and headroom, especially in the second and third rows.
3. Cargo Space
Evaluate the cargo space available, especially with all seats in use. A family-friendly SUV should provide enough room for strollers
, sports equipment, groceries, and luggage. Look for features like a power liftgate, flat-folding seats, and underfloor storage to enhance convenience.
4. Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is an important consideration, especially for families who travel frequently. Compare the fuel economy ratings of different SUVs to find one that balances power and efficiency.
5. Technology and Infotainment
Modern families often rely on technology for entertainment and convenience. Look for SUVs with user-friendly infotainment systems, multiple USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and rear-seat entertainment options to keep passengers entertained on long trips.
6. Reliability and Warranty
Choose an SUV with a strong reputation for reliability and a comprehensive warranty. This ensures peace of mind and minimizes unexpected repair costs over the vehicle’s lifespan.
