The best family SUVs offer comfort, versatility, and power, meeting the unique needs of the driver and passengers. The top automakers know what families are looking for and have created SUVs that have generous seating, large cargo areas, and more safety features than typically found on other vehicles. The fully redesigned Toyota RAV4, the Acura RDX crossover, and the large Subaru Ascent offer the room, technology, and to capacity for families of all sizes to enjoy every trip, from the grocery store to heading off on an outdoor adventure. These three latest models are three of the best family SUVs on the market. Read on to find out more about these family SUVs.
The newest Toyota RAV4 is the fifth generation version of the SUV, and it's been fully redesigned to keep up with a growing family's needs. Updates include a more powerful engine, more safety features and bolder styling. The RAV4 has a more chiseled look compared to the smoother edges of earlier models, and more ground clearance to be able to go off road for a bit more adventure. Both the front and back end of the car has been shortened on all models, making for an SUV that's easier to maneuver in the city or out in the sticks, but there's still plenty of room for rear passengers and cargo. It also comes standard with an array of advanced driver safety aids such as forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The XLE RAV4 comes in at $28K, with the Limited trim level bumping it up to $36K.
The new Acura RDX is a luxury crossover SUV that lives up to the description. The glass roof is one of its impressive luxurious touches; pop it open to see the stars at night or take in the full majesty of the sunset. It really does provide a luxury experience at a family SUV price, starting at $37,300 with a 272 hp VTEC TURBO engine running at 24 miles to the gallon combined city/highway. Super handling all-wheel drive and a roomy interior put the finishing touches on the luxury driving experience. And check out the IDS, a knob that lets you choose between comfort, sport, sport+, and snow driving modes. Comfort is smooth for long rides, snow is for rough weather, and sport and sport+ offer more aggressive shifting and sharper turning. Additional details that families will love include better-than-average cargo and passenger space, the AcuraWatch suite of driver aids, and the well-trimmed cabin.
Subaru is known as a safety-first brand and the 2020 Ascent is no exception. Starting at $31,995, this mid-sized SUV boasts symmetrical all-wheel drive, a seven person seating capacity, and an array of impressive safety features, including Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, a 4-wheel anti-lock braking system, a high-resolution rear-vision camera, STARLINK® safety and security, whiplash-protection front seats, rear child-safety locks, and advanced frontal, side seat-mounted, and side curtain airbags. Not only does this SUV keep families safe, but its keyless entry system and anti-theft security system ensure the vehicle is always protected. Along with top of the line safety features, the Ascent boasts a 27 highway MPG rating, a 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru Boxer® 4-cylinder engine, and a cargo-area underfloor storage tray. Alternative models include the Ascent Premium, Limited, and Touring, all of which include various features that will help any family feel even more comfortable and in control.