Raising children and caring for pets bring a special kind of joy, but they also come with their share of mess and chaos, especially inside the car. Between school runs, soccer practice, and vet visits, your SUV becomes more than just a vehicle.
It turns into a mobile home filled with snack crumbs, muddy paw prints, spilled juice, fur, and the occasional toy left behind under the seat. This is why choosing the right SUV matters so much for families.
Some SUVs are simply better prepared to handle the wear and tear caused by active kids and energetic pets. Features like durable upholstery, stain-resistant materials, low cabin noise, large cargo space, rear-seat air vents, and easy-clean flooring can make a big difference.
Strong rear visibility and wide-opening doors also come in handy when you’re trying to buckle in a wiggly toddler or coax a dog into the back seat. At the same time, not all SUVs are built with this type of family life in mind.
Some struggle with cramped third rows, delicate cabin materials, awkward cargo layouts, or electronics that are too sensitive to sticky fingers. These can make daily driving more stressful, especially when your passengers are little ones or furry companions who don’t always sit still.
Whether you’re heading out for a weekend road trip or just trying to make it through school drop-off without losing your mind, the right SUV can make life much easier.
5 SUVs That Survive Kids and Pets
1. 2025 Honda Pilot
The 2025 Honda Pilot continues to prove why it’s a solid choice for families with children and pets. It’s not just about the size or the number of seats. This SUV is carefully crafted with everyday life in mind, especially for parents and pet owners who deal with frequent mess and movement.
The cabin is spacious without being overwhelming, which makes it easier to manage restless kids or anxious animals during long drives. The materials used for the interior feel soft to the touch, yet they’re tough enough to resist stains, scuffs, and tears. Honda offers synthetic leather that’s easier to clean than cloth and less fragile than genuine leather, which is useful when you’re dealing with snack spills or a wet dog hopping in after a walk.
Third-row access is another area where the Pilot shines. The one-touch sliding second row allows quick entry, and the floor is flat enough to accommodate crates, strollers, or pet carriers without a struggle. Cargo space is generous, with hidden storage areas that help keep smaller items like leashes, toys, or wipes tucked away.
Another highlight is the quiet cabin. Road noise is minimal, which helps soothe babies during naps and keeps pets from becoming overstimulated. Rear-seat air vents allow for temperature control, something that’s very important when you’re transporting pets in warmer climates.
The Pilot’s safety technology adds peace of mind, too. With features like rear-seat reminder and a multi-angle rearview camera, it becomes easier to keep track of both your passengers and surroundings when reversing or parking in tight school zones.
When it comes to everyday resilience, the Pilot is up for the task. Whether you’re facing muddy soccer cleats, a dog that sheds year-round, or toddlers who love to kick the back of the front seats, this SUV handles it all without complaint.
2. 2025 Toyota Highlander
Toyota’s Highlander continues to be a favourite for family drivers, especially for those managing both kids and pets daily. This SUV strikes a strong balance between comfort, usefulness, and durability. It has enough space for up to eight people, and the cabin feels thoughtfully designed with family routines in mind.
One reason it performs well for busy households is its focus on easy maintenance. The available SofTex seats are not only soft and comfortable, but they are also far more resistant to stains and scratches than traditional leather. You can easily wipe them down after a messy trip to the playground or a muddy dog park visit.
The Highlander’s cabin layout is another strength. Wide door openings and a low step-in height make it easy for children to climb in and out, and the same applies to older dogs or pets with mobility issues.
There’s plenty of legroom in the second row, and if you opt for captain’s chairs, the space between them allows a pet to lie down comfortably or move between rows without stepping on small passengers.
In terms of technology, Toyota includes several family-friendly systems like rear-seat alert, multiple USB ports, and a user-friendly infotainment screen that won’t confuse older children trying to play music or movies during long trips. Parents also appreciate the quiet ride and smooth handling, which are helpful when trying to keep passengers relaxed during traffic delays or evening commutes.
Storage space is flexible and plentiful. The rear cargo area has an adjustable floor that lets you organize supplies better, and the third-row seats can be folded down with ease when more room is needed for luggage, strollers, or even a large dog crate.
For families who need a dependable vehicle that works well with both children and pets, the Highlander keeps things simple without sacrificing convenience. It’s built with daily stress in mind and continues to perform even when tested by active family life.
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3. 2025 Subaru Ascent
Subaru’s 2025 Ascent makes a strong case for being one of the most pet- and kid-friendly SUVs available. It’s designed to tackle real-world situations without making compromises on comfort, space, or usability. Whether you’re on a long road trip or just making a short school run, the Ascent manages to stay calm and functional under pressure.
One of its standout features is Subaru’s dedication to all-wheel drive. It comes standard, giving drivers better control on slick roads, muddy paths, or icy driveways. This makes it ideal for pet owners who frequent hiking trails or families living in areas with unpredictable weather.
The cabin is straightforward and organized, which helps reduce clutter. There’s seating for seven or eight, depending on the configuration, and all rows are easy to access. The floor is flat across the back, so larger pets have space to lie down or move about safely.
Subaru’s use of durable, water-resistant materials in higher trims helps defend against spills and pet accidents. You’ll also find rubberized mats that protect against tracked-in dirt and fur.
Technology-wise, the Ascent keeps families connected and entertained. Rear-seat USB ports, a large central screen, and wireless Apple CarPlay make it easier for older kids to manage their entertainment during long drives. There’s even a built-in intercom system, so parents don’t have to shout over the backseat noise to communicate.
Safety is taken seriously here. Features like EyeSight Driver Assist and reverse automatic braking help avoid accidents when backing out of tight parking spots or crowded drop-off zones.
With its combination of practical build, solid safety features, and thoughtful interior design, the Subaru Ascent feels like it was built with real families in mind. Pets are comfortable, kids are entertained, and parents can drive without worrying about daily wear damaging the vehicle long-term.
4. 2025 Kia Telluride
Kia’s Telluride has quickly become a go-to option for large families who need space and strength in one vehicle. The 2025 model keeps building on that reputation with even more features designed to make daily travel with children and animals far easier to manage.
The Telluride offers a very roomy interior, with enough space to keep squabbles between siblings to a minimum. Three rows of seating ensure that there’s always room for friends, cousins, or extra gear. The second-row captain’s chairs available on higher trims give extra comfort and make access to the third row simpler for both kids and pets.
Its materials are designed to last. The available synthetic leather trims hold up well to dirt, drool, and even sharp claws. If you often find yourself cleaning up after your dog or toddler, the Telluride’s surfaces won’t disappoint. Floor mats are easy to remove and wash, and the flat cargo area makes it ideal for pet beds or portable kennels.
The infotainment system is another strong point. With multiple USB ports in every row, kids can stay plugged in without fighting over a single charger. The controls are simple and large, which helps parents manage music, calls, and navigation without distraction.
Safety features are plenty, including safe exit assist, which prevents kids from opening doors into oncoming traffic. There’s also a rear occupant alert, which reminds you to check the back seats before leaving the car. These systems offer peace of mind, especially when you’re handling a full house on a busy weekday.
Cargo space is one of the best in its class. Even with the third row in use, there’s enough room for groceries and backpacks. Fold the seats down, and you’ll easily fit in a large dog crate or several travel bags.
The Telluride offers both strength and softness in its design. For families who deal with constant motion, mess, and mood swings in the back seat, it’s built to keep up without wearing down.
5. 2025 Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse has long been appreciated for its generous interior space, but the 2025 model adds even more family-focused design features that make it well-suited to the demands of young children and household pets. It’s a large SUV that doesn’t feel oversized to drive, and that makes all the difference during busy school mornings or weekend errands.
Right away, the wide door openings and low ground clearance make getting in and out very easy. Kids can manage without help, and even large dogs will find it simple to jump in. The seating is wide and firm, which helps keep booster seats in place and gives restless pets a flat surface to settle down.
Chevy uses durable materials across all trims, including easy-to-clean plastics and available leatherette that resists stains. Storage pockets are smartly placed throughout the cabin, making it easy to tuck away snacks, toys, or wipes. There’s also a hidden storage compartment beneath the cargo floor, perfect for keeping emergency pet supplies or extra clothes on hand.
Technology plays a big role here. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with several USB ports in all rows, ensure that your family stays connected without much hassle. There’s even a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, which is perfect for streaming during long trips.
Cargo space is a major strength of the Traverse. Even with all seats up, there’s still decent storage room at the back. Fold the third row down, and you’ll have enough space for a full pet kennel, bicycles, or even a week’s worth of groceries.
The Traverse also adds strong safety systems like rear pedestrian alert and lane-keeping assist. These features are especially helpful when your attention is split between the road and what’s happening in the back seat.
For families looking for a vehicle that delivers on space, durability, and modern convenience, the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse does the job without cutting corners.
SUVs that Don’t Survive Kids and Pets
1. 2025 Mazda CX-9
Mazda’s CX-9 delivers a stylish and smooth driving experience, which often appeals to parents who want something more refined. But when it comes to handling the everyday stress brought by kids and pets, it starts to lose points in major areas that matter most to families.
The interior is one of the first things you’ll notice. While it looks elegant, the materials used are not the most forgiving. Soft leather surfaces and delicate stitching look great in a showroom, but they stain easily and show scratches from pet claws or shoe marks. The seats lack stain-resistant coating, and crumbs or spills quickly work their way into seams, making cleanup more stressful than it needs to be.
Getting into the third row can also be a challenge, especially when children need help buckling in or when a dog crate needs to be placed in the back. The pathway to the third row is tight, and the second-row seats don’t slide as far forward as those in some competitors. If you have more than two kids, getting everyone in and out becomes time-consuming.
Cargo space is also a concern. Compared to others in its class, the CX-9 offers limited room behind the third row. This makes it hard to carry groceries and gear, especially if your dog needs to ride in the back. There’s also no under-floor storage to help organize things, meaning you’ll deal with clutter often.
While Mazda did include strong safety features and a quiet cabin, those don’t fully make up for the lack of practical design for families with pets or toddlers. For families who prioritize easy cleanup, wide access, and rugged interior features, the CX-9 may feel more like a show car than a true daily companion.
2. 2025 Volkswagen Atlas
At first glance, the Volkswagen Atlas checks a lot of boxes for family needs. It’s spacious, has three rows, and looks clean and modern inside. However, those same features begin to fall short when put through the routine of active kids and furry friends.
One major drawback lies in the interior finish. The base trims use cheaper-feeling materials that wear down quickly under constant use. Cloth seats stain easily and don’t offer much resistance against muddy shoes or shedding pets. Even the leather options don’t hold up as well after some time compared to competitors that use synthetic blends designed for durability.
While the Atlas offers plenty of passenger space, its cargo layout is less flexible than it should be. Folding the third row doesn’t give a flat surface, which can make it hard to secure a dog crate or lay items evenly. There’s also limited hidden storage in the cabin for toys, wipes, or cleaning supplies.
Another concern is the electronics inside the vehicle. The infotainment system has had some complaints about lag and unresponsiveness. That becomes a bigger issue when children are trying to play music or videos during longer drives and get frustrated by delays. A fussy child in the back combined with glitchy tech in the front can make even short rides feel longer.
The door openings are slightly narrower than other midsize SUVs, which becomes noticeable when installing child seats or lifting a dog into the back. In busy parking lots, every extra inch counts, and the Atlas doesn’t make that process easy.
For a large vehicle, you’d expect it to offer both comfort and toughness. While the Atlas handles driving smoothly and gives decent space, it doesn’t provide the toughness needed for repeated family use. Without stronger interior materials and better usability, it may not stand the test of time when used by households filled with children and pets.
3. 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a popular pick among drivers looking for an SUV with modern features and an upscale feel. While it works well for individuals or couples, once you bring small children or pets into the mix, the shortcomings become clearer.
First off, the cabin feels tight compared to other SUVs in its price range. While two rows may be fine for a small family, things can get crowded quickly when child seats are added. Rear-seat legroom is limited, which affects comfort for both growing children and medium-to-large dogs. Fitting a rear-facing car seat can make the front passenger seat nearly unusable for an adult.
The cargo area is another point of concern. It’s smaller than you’d expect, especially once a stroller or a pet carrier is added. Without a completely flat folding option, it becomes hard to arrange larger items like coolers, sports gear, or crates. It also lacks a low load floor, which can make it harder for pets to hop in without assistance.
Hyundai does a great job with infotainment and safety tech, but that can only go so far when the core interior is not designed for mess. The cloth seating in lower trims is difficult to clean, and pet hair tends to stick. Higher trims with leather options are more stylish than they are durable, and you may find yourself constantly wiping surfaces.
One more issue is door clearance. The back doors don’t open as wide as those on larger SUVs, which can make loading or buckling in younger children a bit more stressful. And when it rains or snows, the cabin doesn’t feel sealed enough to keep everything clean after repeated in-and-outs with wet shoes or paws.
While the Santa Fe has plenty of charm and a good ride quality, it lacks the strong, child- and pet-friendly design features needed for family life. If your SUV doubles as a mobile playground and dog shuttle, this one may struggle to keep up.
4. 2025 Nissan Murano
The Nissan Murano has always stood out for its comfort and smooth driving experience. It’s a good option for long-distance cruising or solo commuting. But when it’s time to pile in kids and pets, the Murano starts to show where it falls short.
Inside, the design looks clean and modern, but the layout is not exactly family-focused. The Murano only offers two rows of seating, which limits flexibility for larger families or parents juggling car seats, diaper bags, and dogs. While the second row is roomy, you don’t get the same level of adjustability or seat-folding versatility that competitors offer.
Material quality is another issue. Though the seats are soft and comfortable, they don’t hold up well against daily wear. Cloth upholstery stains quickly, and pet hair is difficult to remove from the seat fabric. The available leather option does better in appearance but doesn’t offer extra resistance to scratches or moisture, which becomes an issue with excited pets or juice spills.
Cargo space, though decent on paper, becomes tight when a pet crate or baby stroller is added. The loading height is also higher than many other SUVs in the segment, which means you’ll need to lift pets or gear up more often. For families with smaller children or older dogs, this can become a repeated challenge.
Another point to consider is the ride height and general handling. While the Murano is smooth on highways, it can feel floaty or soft during turns and quick stops, which is not ideal when you’ve got energetic kids or unsecured pets moving around in the back seat.
For drivers without children or pets, the Murano still offers comfort and quiet performance. But for families trying to balance comfort, space, and practicality, this SUV doesn’t meet the daily demands as well as others in its class.
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5. 2025 Ford Edge
The Ford Edge delivers on tech and power, offering solid engine performance and a strong infotainment package. While that appeals to drivers looking for comfort and connectivity, it doesn’t do enough to make life easier for those with busy households full of children and pets.
One of the main issues lies in the interior space. The Edge has only two rows, which limits flexibility if your family needs more room to grow. The back seat can feel cramped once car seats are installed, and there’s limited room for a child to stretch out comfortably on longer rides. For families with more than one child, space management becomes a concern.
Material quality is another weak spot when it comes to durability. The cloth seats found in base trims soak up stains fast and are hard to clean thoroughly. The cabin doesn’t offer many features that help contain mess, like built-in floor organizers or stain-resistant surfaces. If you often find yourself dealing with spills or fur, the Edge will need more frequent deep cleans than some of its rivals.
Cargo space is decent, but not class-leading. You’ll find enough room for weekly errands, but larger pet crates or sports equipment may require folding down seats, which takes away passenger room. There’s also no low lift-in height, making it harder for older dogs to enter on their own.
The doors don’t open as wide as some larger SUVs, making it tougher to buckle in a toddler or load bulky gear. For a vehicle positioned as a midsize option, that lack of ease adds up after some time.
While the Ford Edge comes with useful driver-assist features and responsive handling, its layout doesn’t match the rhythm of everyday family life. If your SUV doubles as a carpool van, a pet taxi, and a grocery hauler, this model may not hold up under all that pressure without showing signs of stress.
