10 Family SUVs That Blend Space, Style, and Safety
SUVs may rule the roads, but a new wave of stylish, tech-packed sedans is turning heads again. These 8 models combine sleek looks, impressive comfort, and surprising practicality making many drivers rethink whether they really need an SUV at all.
Kia Telluride
The Telluride is just… it’s the one everyone wants. And for good reason. The third row is actually usable for real people, not just small children or groceries. And it’s packed with safety tech, like all the lane-keeping and automatic emergency braking stuff, usually standard.
Hyundai Palisade
This is the Telluride’s slightly fancier cousin. It’s got a bit more of a… futuristic vibe? With all those buttons and that cool interior lighting. It’s so spacious, and the way they do the cupholders and little storage nooks is just really smart family thinking. And the safety ratings are top-notch, like some of the best you can get. It’s probably also in that low-$40,000s starting range, and it just makes driving a big family around feel easy, not like a chore.
Honda Pilot
The Pilot is the… reliable friend. You know, the one who always shows up on time. It’s not always the flashiest, but my god, is it competent. The V6 engine is smooth and powerful, the interior is super practical with all those clever storage bins, and Honda’s safety suite, Honda Sensing, is really good and comes on every trim. It starts around $40,000 too, I think? It’s just a solid, no-nonsense choice that you know will last forever and ever.
Toyota Highlander
Oh, the Highlander. It’s like the Camry of SUVs. And I mean that in the best way possible. It’s just profoundly dependable. The hybrid version is the one to get, honestly amazing gas mileage for something this size, like mid-30s MPG, which is wild. It’s not the most exciting thing to drive, but it’s comfortable, safe, and will have incredible resale value. You’re probably looking at… uh, maybe $38,000 to start, but the hybrid is a bit more. It’s the smart, sensible choice.
Ford Explorer
The Explorer is the classic American one. It’s big, it’s bold, it feels really powerful, especially if you get one of the turbo engines. The interior is a bit… button-heavy, you know? But it’s tough and functional. And it has this really confident, solid feel on the road that a lot of people love. Pricing starts in the low $40,000s, but it can get up there quickly with options.
Mazda CX-9
Now this one… this is for the person who wants an SUV but secretly wishes they were driving a nice European sedan. The CX-9 is so stylish, inside and out. The interior feels way more expensive than it is, with really nice materials. It’s more of a driver’s SUV it’s actually engaging to drive, which is rare. The third row is a bit tight, though, more for emergencies. But for style and driving fun in a family package, starting around $40,000, it’s hard to beat.
Subaru Ascent
The Ascent is the practical, all-weather hero. Standard all-wheel drive, which is huge if you live somewhere with snow or rain. It feels very… Subaru. Rugged, sensible, super safe—they always get top marks from the IIHS. It has a ton of cupholders, like, an absurd number, which families somehow always need. It starts around $35,000, which is a really strong value for what you get, especially with that standard AWD.
Volkswagen Atlas
If space is your absolute number one priority… the Atlas is your car. I mean, the amount of room in there is just massive. The third row is honestly for adults, which is crazy. And the cargo space behind it is actually usable. It feels very airy and open inside. It’s not the most thrilling thing to drive, but it’s comfortable and does the family thing brilliantly. Starts around $38,000, I believe. It’s a people-mover first and foremost.
Tesla Model Y
Gotta throw an electric one in here. The Model Y is… it’s the future, right? The minimalist interior is genius for families less stuff for kids to break and spill juice on. It’s incredibly safe, like, top safety scores across the board. And the acceleration is just instant and fun. With the federal tax credit, you can get one for well under $40,000 now, which is wild. The supercharging network is a huge plus for road trips. It makes a gas SUV feel a bit old-fashioned.
Volvo XC90
It is the definition of understated luxury. And safety? It’s a Volvo. It’s literally their brand. It’s so elegant and calm inside, just a beautiful place to be. It is expensive, though, starting around $55,000, and the plug-in hybrid version is way more. But if you can swing it… it’s a dream.
