Best SUV Reviews for Family Buyers in 2025

 Finding the perfect SUV for your family can feel overwhelming. With so many models out there promising space, safety, tech, and comfort, how do you know which one really checks all the boxes? Whether you're hauling kids to school, packing for road trips, or just looking for peace of mind on daily commutes, choosing the right SUV is all about balance.

After test driving and comparing dozens of models, we’ve narrowed down some of the best SUVs for family buyers in 2025. Here’s a breakdown of the top picks—and why families love them.

2025 Kia Telluride: The Full Package

If there’s one SUV that continues to win over families, it’s the Kia Telluride. This midsize three-row SUV is roomy, stylish, and loaded with value. With seating for up to eight, it offers tons of passenger space, even in the third row—a rarity at this price point.

The Telluride also includes advanced safety features as standard, like lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. The cabin feels upscale, with soft-touch materials, a large 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and thoughtful touches like USB ports in every row.

Fuel economy is solid for its size, and the 291-hp V6 engine offers plenty of power without feeling sluggish. If you want an all-around family SUV with luxury vibes but without the luxury price, this one should be at the top of your list.

2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid: Compact and Practical

For smaller families or urban driving, the Honda CR-V Hybrid offers a near-perfect blend of efficiency and space. Redesigned in recent years, the 2025 model delivers a more premium look and feel, along with excellent fuel economy—averaging around 40 mpg combined.

Inside, you’ll find a roomy backseat, a deep cargo area, and plenty of clever storage. It’s one of the easiest SUVs to live with daily, thanks to Honda’s user-friendly infotainment and intuitive controls.

The hybrid version gives you smooth, quiet acceleration and reduces gas station visits—a big win for parents always on the go. Plus, Honda’s reputation for reliability adds serious peace of mind.

2025 Toyota Highlander: Safe, Reliable, and Ready for Anything

If safety is at the top of your priority list, the Toyota Highlander is hard to beat. With top safety ratings and a robust suite of driver assistance tech, it’s a favorite among cautious parents.

The Highlander seats up to eight and is available in gas and hybrid options. The hybrid version offers up to 36 mpg combined, which is excellent for a vehicle of its size. The interior is practical, with sliding second-row seats, a user-friendly infotainment system, and available rear entertainment for the kids.

Toyota also improved ride comfort in the 2025 update, making it smoother over bumps and quieter on long drives. It’s not the flashiest SUV, but it’s a dependable family workhorse that’s easy to recommend.

2025 Hyundai Palisade: Premium Feel Without Premium Price

The Hyundai Palisade competes directly with the Kia Telluride and often comes down to personal preference between the two. The Palisade leans a little more into luxury, with available quilted leather seats, ventilated second-row captain’s chairs, and a dual-pane sunroof.

Families will love the spacious interior and thoughtful features like one-touch access to the third row and rear-seat quiet mode, which mutes the speakers behind the front row for sleeping kids.

Hyundai also includes one of the best warranties in the business, which adds long-term value. With its upscale design and family-first features, the Palisade feels more expensive than it is.

2025 Subaru Ascent: Built for Adventure Families

If your weekends include camping, road-tripping, or snowy mountain drives, the Subaru Ascent is worth a close look. It comes standard with all-wheel drive, lots of ground clearance, and rugged styling without compromising comfort.

Inside, the Ascent seats up to eight and includes family-focused details like built-in window shades, plenty of cup holders, and USB ports in all rows. The 2025 refresh improved cabin insulation and added a larger touchscreen interface.

While it’s not the most powerful SUV, it’s incredibly safe, spacious, and ideal for families who love the outdoors.

What to Look for When Choosing a Family SUV

When shopping for a family SUV, it’s not just about the brand or horsepower. Here are a few must-have features most families should consider:

• Safety tech: Make sure it includes lane assist, collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring.

• Space and seating: Think about how many car seats or passengers you’ll regularly transport.

• Storage: Look for deep trunks, underfloor storage, and fold-flat seats.

• Infotainment: Easy-to-use screens, rear-seat entertainment, and enough charging ports go a long way.

• Fuel economy: Hybrids and fuel-efficient gas engines save money over time.

Final Thoughts: Which SUV Should You Choose?

There’s no single “best” SUV for all families—it really depends on your lifestyle, budget, and priorities. Need a plush ride with tons of space? Go with the Kia Telluride or Hyundai Palisade. Looking for efficiency and city-friendliness? The Honda CR-V Hybrid is a smart pick. Prioritize rugged safety and winter traction? The Subaru Ascent won’t let you down.

Whatever your family needs, the 2025 SUV market is full of great options—and the perfect one is probably already waiting at a nearby dealership.