Depending on the size of your family how many members your family have. Subcompact and compact SUVs are usually hatchback cars with five seats on stilts; however, there may not be a lot of space for people to stretch out when there are five of them. Along with extra space, midsize SUVs may carry some weight, while full-size SUVs are usually the only vehicles with large third rows.
Many full-size models are capable of seating eight passengers in comfort, but their size and price might limit their usefulness in other ways. SUVs are highly regarded for their versatility and are generally overequipped to handle any task, whatever their size.
Performance, style, and comfort are all essential but safety is the most important factor when driving. In consideration of this, we have put up a list of the Top Picks for Family-Friendly SUVs in 2024.
These safe and spacious SUV options will comfortably move where people need to go with their families.
1. Kia Niro
The 2024 Kia Niro combines a city-friendly size, affordable price, and stylish design with options for hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains
Why Kia Niro is Top Pick for Family-Friendly SUVs?
- It has a city-friendly size with an affordable starting price, the 2024 Kia Niro boasts stylish that’s as eye-catching as it is elegant.
- The entry-level Niro is powered with a 139-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, which is, to be honest, a little tight. However, if you’re looking for more power, there’s a plug-in hybrid version with 180 horsepower and an estimated 33 miles of battery-electric driving range.
- The Niro keeps its modern look inside, with an interior that matches its outside style. Where possible, Kia uses environmentally friendly materials for its furniture and headliner, the latter of which has eucalyptus leaves.
Pros: Optional plug-in hybrid for extra power, sleek design, well-equipped EX and SX models.
Cons: Base hybrid feels sluggish, four-cylinder lacks refinement, disappointing fuel economy in tests.
Conclusion: The compact and stylish Niro offers excellent value for city-dwellers seeking a hybrid SUV. The Niro feels well at home in urban settings, but its road manners are suitable if a little forgettable. For those who want an electric car, Kia also offers the Niro EV.
2. Kia Soul
The 2024 Kia Soul stands out with its distinctive design, spacious cabin, and abundant features for the price.
Why KIA Soul is the Top Pick for Family-Friendly SUVs?
- The 2024 Kia Soul is a stylish and unique option among today’s list of subcompact SUVs, so forget about the hamsters.
- Despite its extrovert exterior and whimsical interior, the Soul exudes practicality with its spacious cabin—more room than you might expect for a car with its compact size.
- Given that it is less priced than many competitors, such as the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Jeep Renegade, and Kia Seltos, the Soul also provides an amazing amount of features for the money.
- Despite having just one available powertrain—a 147-hp four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission—the Soul is still a fun car to drive because of its smooth ride and stylish exterior.
Pros: Stylish design inside and out, spacious interior, abundant features for the price.
Cons: Lower fuel efficiency compared to competitors, no all-wheel-drive option, turbo engine discontinued.
Conclusion: The Soul offers style, practicality, ample features, and competitive pricing, positioning it as a formidable contender among small SUVs.
3. Mazda CX-30
The 2024 Mazda CX-30 excels in driving enjoyment and upscale cabin features, standing out in the subcompact SUV class.
Why Mazda CX-30 is the Top Pick for Family-Friendly SUVs?
- Our top priority is driving virtuosity, and the 2024 Mazda CX-30 is a compact SUV that readily fulfills our demands for enjoyable movement.
- The compact car that acts as the basis for the CX-30 is the Mazda3, which accounts for the vehicle’s agility and luxurious interior features that distinguish it from competitors like the Volkswagen Taos and Subaru Crosstrek.
- The CX-30’s base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine can make it feel a little slow, but Mazda does offer a more powerful—though more costly—250-hp turbocharged version for those who like it. With either engine, all-wheel drive is standard, and both consist of an automated six-speed transmission.
- The interior comforts of the higher-end models are almost lavish, making the CX-30 a more luxurious choice within the subcompact crossover market.
Pros: Sporty chassis, luxurious interior, abundant standard features.
Cons: Sluggish with base engine, comparable practicality to cheaper Mazda 3 hatchback, stiff ride.
Conclusion: The CX-30 provides excitement for drivers, but those prioritizing space for passengers and cargo should explore other options. You might even think about it as a more affordable alternative to premium-branded models such as the Audi Q3 or the BMW X1.
4. Volkswagen Taos
VW’s Taos mini-SUV combines Golf and Tiguan qualities with a 158-hp turbo-four engine for refined road manners and practicality.
Why Volkswagen Taos is the Top Pick for Family-Friendly SUVs?
- The best features of the Golf and Tiguan have been merged into one beautiful package in Volkswagen’s Taos mini-SUV. All Taos models have a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 158 horsepower.
- Its speed isn’t very impressive, as expected, but its driving qualities and fuel efficiency are excellent. SUV buyers will love the practical, businesslike cabin with two spacious rows of seats and a standing seating position, all surrounded by an attractive exterior design.
- Small crossovers like the Taos have appeal because of their affordable starting price, but the Taos may extend your budget beyond $35,000, while competitors like the Chevrolet Trailblazer and the Kia Seltos cap out at little over $30,000. Many features are added in its higher models, but doing so puts the Taos in competition with larger SUVs.
Pros: Spacious interior, ample trunk space, better-than-anticipated fuel efficiency.
Cons: Dull interior design, average acceleration, lacks the athleticism of the Golf.
Conclusion: Despite its compact size, the Taos excels with generous interior room, emphasizing its practicality.
5. BMW X1
The 2024 BMW X1, despite being the base model, offers agile handling and a practical interior, making it the best choice.
Why BMW is the Top Pick for Family-Friendly SUVs?
- Despite being the base model in BMW’s SUV lineup, the 2024 X1 is anything from basic.
- The X1’s utilitarian interior and quick driving almost make it a worthy substitute for the 3-series station wagon, which is unfortunately no longer available in the United States from BMW.
- Both the 241-hp turbo-four base engine and the 312-hp version available in the sportier M35i level come equipped with all-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic transmission.
- Modern technology and style combine in the cabin, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a curved glass display, and BMW’s latest infotainment system, iDrive 9. Although the two rows of seating in the small SUV class are quite spacious the Mercedes-Benz GLB-class has even more space and comes with an extra third row of seats.
Pros: Well-equipped starting from the base model, spacious cabin for its class, refined driving experience.
Cons: Vague steering, the all-digital dashboard may not suit everyone’s taste, and noticeable turbo lag with base turbo-four engines.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
1. What Is The Best Affordable SUV For Family?
Depending on the size of your family, subcompact and compact SUVs offer versatility with five seats, while midsize and full-size SUVs provide more room for larger families. Features and affordability vary across different models.
2. What Is The Most Reliable Family SUV?
Reliability can vary among SUVs, but many popular choices for families include models from brands known for their dependability, such as Toyota, Honda, Subaru, and Mazda.
3. Which SUV Is Safest For Families?
Safety ratings can vary, but SUVs equipped with advanced safety features and earning top ratings from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA are generally considered safest for families. Examples include the Subaru Ascent, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander.
4. Which SUVs Should Be Avoided?
It’s important to research and test drive SUVs to determine which ones best suit your family’s needs. Some factors to consider include reliability, safety ratings, fuel efficiency, and available features. SUVs with consistently poor reviews or known reliability issues may be best avoided.
The Bottom Line
BMW’s X1, an entry-level SUV, remains a long-standing favorite due to its agile handling, enthusiastic demeanor, and practical design.
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