Selecting the perfect family vehicle can be a daunting task. With so many options on the market and an array of factors to consider—such as comfort, safety, fuel efficiency, and cargo space—making a decision can feel overwhelming. While sedans, pickups, and minivans are viable choices, many families gravitate towards SUVs for their combination of style, space, and versatility. Even within the SUV category, choices abound: two-row versus three-row configurations, electric versus internal combustion, hybrid versus non-hybrid.
To simplify the decision-making process, MotorTrend conducts extensive testing and comparisons of SUVs annually, culminating in their highly anticipated “SUV of the Year” award. For 2024, they have carefully evaluated the best family SUVs, considering factors like safety ratings, fuel efficiency, and cargo space. This guide summarizes their top picks, starting with models that earned high marks for their practicality, performance, and family-friendly features.
10. 2024 Nissan Rogue
The 2024 Nissan Rogue makes its mark as a dependable choice for families, maintaining its strong foundation from the previous year. With a spacious interior, refined styling, and impressive fuel economy (up to 37 mpg highway), it strikes a balance between efficiency and comfort. Its safety credentials are equally robust, boasting a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from IIHS.
However, Rogue has some drawbacks. It lacks a hybrid option, and its continuously variable transmission (CVT) can feel sluggish. Road and tire noise may also detract from its otherwise smooth ride. Despite these minor shortcomings, the Rogue remains a strong contender, starting at $29,685 and powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine delivering 201 horsepower.
9. 2024 Subaru Outback
For those seeking a versatile alternative to traditional SUVs, the 2024 Subaru Outback stands out. Essentially a lifted wagon, it comes standard with all-wheel drive, making it an excellent choice for regions with challenging weather conditions. The Outback’s ride quality approaches near-luxury levels, and its EyeSight driver-assist system provides reliable and smooth functionality.
Nevertheless, the Outback isn’t without flaws. Cabin noise and engine vibrations are noticeable, and many functions are controlled via an over-reliance on touchscreen interfaces. Priced at $30,190, it features a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and delivers decent fuel efficiency at 26/32 mpg city/highway.
8. 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid
The 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid exemplifies Kia’s recent design and performance renaissance. With a striking exterior and modern interior, this SUV offers both gasoline and hybrid powertrain options, catering to a wide range of preferences. The hybrid variant, in particular, shines with superior acceleration and fuel economy (up to 44 mpg combined).
However, the Sportage Hybrid’s ride can be noisy, and its infotainment system may feel clunky to some users. Additionally, prices have risen for 2024, likely due to added standard features such as LED projector headlights. Starting at $29,615, it comes equipped with a 1.6-liter hybrid engine generating 227 horsepower, making it a stylish and efficient family-friendly choice.
7. 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Toyota’s commitment to hybrid technology is evident in the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which excels in practicality, fuel efficiency, and interior functionality. With its hybrid powertrain offering significant gains over the non-hybrid version (41/38 mpg compared to 27/33 mpg for the gasoline AWD model), it is a leader in efficiency and affordability.
Although the RAV4 Hybrid’s handling could be more engaging and its cargo space falls short of some competitors, its strengths outweigh these limitations. Starting at $31,475, it combines a 2.5-liter hybrid engine with an electric motor for a total of 219 horsepower, making it a reliable and economical option for families.
6. 2024 Hyundai Palisade
The 2024 Hyundai Palisade serves as a top-tier option in Hyundai’s SUV lineup, offering a refined and family-friendly driving experience. Its urban-focused design differentiates it from the Kia Telluride, though the two share many similarities. A standout feature for 2024 is the new Calligraphy Night Edition, which introduces a stylish appearance trim. The Palisade is available in seven- or eight-seat configurations, though its third-row legroom is not the most generous. Safety-wise, it maintains its stellar reputation, with the 2023 model earning five-star and Top Safety Pick+ ratings from both NHTSA and IIHS. It also emerged victorious in MotorTrend’s extensive three-row SUV comparison, surpassing competitors like the Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent.
While the Palisade excels in luxury, safety, and driver-assist features, it has a few drawbacks. Its pre-refresh design is arguably more appealing, and it lacks powertrain variety, which limits its adaptability to specific needs. Additionally, its fuel economy—19/26 mpg for FWD and 19/24 mpg for AWD—could be more competitive. With a starting price of $36,400, the Palisade combines a 3.8-liter 6-cylinder engine producing 291 horsepower with upscale cabin materials, making it a well-rounded choice for families seeking comfort and sophistication.
5. 2024 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid
The 2024 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) builds on the success of its hybrid sibling, adding the benefits of plug-in technology. It offers a 34-mile all-electric driving range and delivers the highest power output in the Sportage lineup, making it an ideal choice for drivers seeking a balance between fuel efficiency and performance. With its eye-catching design, the Sportage PHEV retains the modern aesthetic of the lineup while appealing to those hesitant to transition to a fully electric vehicle. However, the PHEV setup slightly reduces cargo space, though the SUV remains spacious for its class.
On the downside, the Sportage PHEV is pricier, starting at $40,965, and its electric-only range falls short of competitors like the Toyota RAV4 Prime. Still, its overall fuel efficiency is impressive, offering 84 MPGe in hybrid mode. Equipped with a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 261 horsepower, the Sportage PHEV blends efficiency, style, and practicality, making it a strong choice for eco-conscious families who need versatility and performance.
4. 2024 Genesis GV70
The 2024 Genesis GV70 stands out as a luxurious and affordable alternative to pricier German SUVs, blending striking design with an array of powertrain options, including an all-electric variant. Known for its premium styling, the GV70 balances elegance with athletic performance, making it a favorite among MotorTrend reviewers. Its spacious interior comfortably accommodates a family of four, and its safety credentials are bolstered by an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating. Genesis’ commitment to quality and value is evident in the GV70’s competitive pricing, with a base model starting at $44,900.
Despite its strengths, the GV70 has a few minor drawbacks. Its rotary transmission dial can be unintuitive, and the voice-recognition system lacks precision. Additionally, the electric version is not built on a dedicated EV platform, which may limit its appeal to some buyers. Still, with a powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged engine delivering 300 horsepower and a fuel economy of 22/28 mpg city/highway, the GV70 offers luxury, performance, and practicality in an attractive package, making it a standout in the premium SUV segment.
3. 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime redefines versatility, blending the trusted strengths of the RAV4 with the enhanced performance of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). It combines Toyota reliability, a comfortable and functional interior, and generous cabin space with a powerful PHEV powertrain that boasts over 40 miles of all-electric range. This range makes it an excellent option for daily commutes, allowing drivers to minimize fuel usage except for long trips. Additionally, the RAV4 Prime is impressively quick, with a 0–60 mph time of just 5.5 seconds, positioning it among the fastest vehicles in Toyota’s lineup.
Despite its advantages, the RAV4 Prime has some drawbacks. It is expensive, with a starting price of $43,440, and is only available in two trims. Additionally, owners must have access to a charger to fully benefit from its capabilities. Nevertheless, its combined range of 600 miles and a fuel economy of 94 MPGe make it a standout choice for families or individuals seeking a practical yet high-performance PHEV.
2. 2024 Kia EV6
The 2024 Kia EV6 is a trailblazer in Kia’s electric vehicle lineup, showcasing a sleek, wagon-like design and impressive technology. Built on Hyundai/Kia’s EV architecture, the EV6 delivers quick charging capabilities, particularly with the optional 77.4-kWh battery, and offers a futuristic, eye-catching appearance. Its agile handling and one-pedal driving mode add to its appeal. For enthusiasts, the EV6 GT variant provides thrilling performance that rivals internal combustion engine (ICE) supercars, making it a standout choice for those seeking an exhilarating yet sustainable ride.
However, the EV6 has some compromises. Its interior space is more compact compared to traditional SUVs, and its HVAC and radio controls can feel unintuitive. Additionally, some trims have shorter ranges, with the base model offering a combined fuel economy of 117 MPGe. Starting at $42,600, the EV6 remains a strong contender, but those looking for more range or updates may prefer to wait for potential enhancements in 2025.
1. 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5
The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 continues to revolutionize the electric SUV market with its retro-futuristic design and practical functionality. As a previous MotorTrend SUV of the Year winner, the Ioniq 5 excels in combining innovation with usability. Its spacious interior offers ample room for passengers and cargo, while its fast-charging capability ensures minimal downtime on road trips. Available in both RWD and AWD configurations, the Ioniq 5 provides flexibility for a variety of driving preferences, all while delivering a commendable fuel economy of up to 127 MPGe in city driving.
Despite its accolades, the Ioniq 5 has a few limitations. Its front trunk (frunk) is notably small, and the overall ride quality could be smoother, which may detract from its premium feel. At a starting price of $41,650, the Ioniq 5 is competitively priced and remains a top choice for those seeking an electric SUV that balances cutting-edge style with everyday practicality.
