Top 10 Family SUVs 2027 — Best Overall + Best Value

Direct Answer

The Best Overall family SUV for 2027 is the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, starting around $46,505, which blends a genuinely adult-friendly third row, a 362-hp hybrid powertrain, an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined, and Toyota's long reliability record into the most worry-free family hauler you can buy.

The Best Value pick is the Hyundai Palisade, starting near $38,935, which delivers eight-passenger space, a long warranty, and an available hybrid targeting 34 mpg combined for thousands less than rivals. This list is built for family buyers who need real space, top safety scores, proven reliability, and a sensible cost of ownership — whether the budget starts under $32,000 for a compact two-row or stretches past $50,000 for a loaded three-row flagship.

Every pick below uses real 2026–2027 model-year specs, MSRPs, and safety ratings.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each SUV against what families actually tell dealers and survey firms they care about, leaning on published data from Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book (KBB), U.S. News, the IIHS, the EPA, and manufacturer pages. The weighting:

• Reliability and ownership cost — 25%
• Safety ratings — 20%
• Interior space and family comfort — 20%
• Powertrain and efficiency — 15%
• Tech and value — 10%
• Price-to-performance — 10%

A vehicle that nails cargo room but flunks crash tests, or wins on horsepower but bleeds money at trade-in, drops fast. The winners balance all six for the people who live with them every day.

1. Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $46,505 | Best for: Big families who want a usable third row and Toyota peace of mind

The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander answers the one complaint families had about the regular Highlander — a cramped way-back. Its standard hybrid produces 245 hp in efficiency form, while the Hybrid Max combines for 362 hp and 400 lb-ft with standard AWD, hitting an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined on the FWD hybrid and roughly 34 mpg with AWD.

It seats seven or eight, holds up to 97.5 cu ft of cargo behind the first row, and tows up to 5,000 lb in Hybrid Max form. It earns mostly Good IIHS scores, and Toyota's durability and resale anchor the long-term case. No rival matches its mix of space, efficiency, and dependability.

Pros:

• Standard hybrid with up to 36 mpg combined
• Hybrid Max delivers 362 hp and 5,000-lb towing
• Truly adult-friendly third row and 97.5 cu ft cargo
• Toyota reliability and class-leading resale value

Cons:

• Higher entry price than the Korean rivals
• Hybrid Max efficiency drops to about 27 mpg

Verdict: The Grand Highlander wins on balance — space, efficiency, and bulletproof reliability with no real weak spot.

2. Hyundai Palisade 💎 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: $38,935 | Best for: Families who want maximum SUV per dollar

The 2027 Hyundai Palisade is the smartest value play in the segment. The standard 3.5-liter V6 makes about 287 hp and 260 lb-ft, while the new hybrid delivers an estimated 329 hp and an EPA-estimated 34 mpg combined in front-drive form with up to 619 miles of range.

It seats seven or eight, tows up to 5,000 lb (gas), and brings a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty that no Japanese or American rival matches. Hyundai consistently earns strong IIHS results, and the cabin tech and material quality punch well above the price.

For families counting dollars without giving up space, nothing else is this complete this cheap.

Pros:

• Lowest entry price of any three-row pick at $38,935
• Hybrid targets 34 mpg and roughly 619 miles of range
• Class-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
• Upscale interior with generous standard features

Cons:

• Hybrid availability can be limited early in the year
• Top Calligraphy trims climb past $50,000

Verdict: The Palisade is the value champion — three usable rows, a long warranty, and a hybrid option for thousands less.

3. Kia Telluride

Starting MSRP: $39,190 | Best for: Families who want premium three-row space with a strong warranty

The 2027 Kia Telluride is the Palisade's mechanical sibling and a perennial class favorite. The base 2.5-liter turbo makes 274 hp and 311 lb-ft, while the turbo-hybrid combines for 329 hp and 339 lb-ft at an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined (FWD). It seats seven or eight, swallows up to 88.3 cu ft of cargo, and tows up to 5,000 lb with available AWD.

Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a long record of IIHS Top Safety Pick+ results make it a low-risk family buy. The cabin feels a class above its price.

Pros:

• Available 329-hp hybrid hitting 35 mpg combined
• Class-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
• Premium-feeling, genuinely spacious three-row cabin
• Strong resale value and proven IIHS safety record

Cons:

• Hybrid trims push pricing toward $46,000
• Top trims approach luxury money

Verdict: A near-perfect three-row — pick it over the Palisade if you prefer its styling and slightly plusher cabin.

4. Honda Pilot

Starting MSRP: $42,195 | Best for: Eight-seat families who want rugged V6 simplicity

The 2027 Honda Pilot keeps it simple with a smooth 3.5-liter V6 making 285 hp and 262 lb-ft through a 10-speed automatic. EPA figures land at 22 mpg combined for FWD and around 20 mpg for the rugged TrailSport. It seats up to eight (seven on TrailSport), offers up to 113.7 cu ft of cargo behind the first row, and tows up to 5,000 lb with AWD available.

Honda's strong driver-assist suite and proven mechanicals make it a low-stress ownership pick for families who would rather avoid hybrid complexity entirely.

Pros:

• Standard eight-passenger seating on most trims
• Huge cargo capacity up to 113.7 cu ft
• Proven V6 reliability with no hybrid complexity
• Capable TrailSport trim for light off-road use

Cons:

• No hybrid option, so efficiency trails rivals
• Base Sport trim is sparsely equipped for the price

Verdict: A dependable, family-first hauler — ideal if you want V6 simplicity and a roomy cargo hold.

5. Subaru Ascent

Starting MSRP: $39,945 | Best for: All-weather families who want standard AWD

The 2027 Subaru Ascent comes only with standard all-wheel drive, a real edge for snow and unpaved roads. Its 2.4-liter turbo flat-four makes 260 hp and 277 lb-ft through a CVT, returning roughly 21–22 mpg combined. It seats seven or eight, tows up to 5,000 lb, and has earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ essentially every year since launch.

The Ascent's ground clearance and grip make it the natural choice for buyers in tough climates who do not want to pay extra for capable all-wheel drive.

Pros:

• Standard all-wheel drive on every trim
• Consistent IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ record
• Strong 5,000-lb towing for the class
• Generous standard EyeSight driver-assist tech

Cons:

• Fuel economy of 21–22 mpg trails hybrid rivals
• No hybrid powertrain offered

Verdict: The all-weather value play — buy it for standard AWD and a rock-solid safety history.

6. Honda CR-V Hybrid

Starting MSRP: $35,000 | Best for: Smaller families who want compact efficiency and reliability

The 2027 Honda CR-V Hybrid is the compact pick for families who do not need a third row. Its two-motor hybrid combines for 204 hp and 247 lb-ft, returning an EPA-estimated 40 mpg combined in FWD form — far ahead of any three-row here. It seats five, offers up to 76.5 cu ft of cargo with the seats folded, and tows up to 1,000 lb.

The CR-V has long been an IIHS Top Safety Pick and ranks among the most reliable vehicles on the road. For a two-child family, it is all the SUV most people need.

Pros:

• Class-leading 40 mpg combined hybrid efficiency
• Honda reliability and strong resale value
• Roomy 76.5 cu ft cargo hold for a compact
• Long IIHS Top Safety Pick record

Cons:

• Two rows only — no third-row option
• Modest 1,000-lb towing limit

Verdict: The smartest small-family buy — unbeatable efficiency and reliability if you can live with two rows.

7. Chevrolet Traverse

Starting MSRP: $40,800 | Best for: Cargo-first families who want big-SUV space

The 2027 Chevrolet Traverse is one of the roomiest options here, with up to 98 cu ft of cargo. A single 2.5-liter turbo four makes a stout 328 hp and 326 lb-ft through an eight-speed automatic, returning about 22 mpg combined (FWD). It seats seven or eight, tows up to 5,000 lb, and offers the rugged Z71 off-road trim alongside sportier RS and upscale High Country versions.

For families who haul gear as often as kids, the Traverse's sheer volume is hard to ignore at the price.

Pros:

• Among the largest cargo holds in class at 98 cu ft
• Strong 328-hp turbo four standard
• Available Z71 off-road and High Country luxury trims
• Competitive $40,800 starting price for the space

Cons:

• Turbo-four fuel economy is only average
• Cabin materials trail the class leaders

Verdict: The space champion — pick it when maximum cargo and seating volume top your list.

8. Mazda CX-90

Starting MSRP: $39,500 | Best for: Families who want near-luxury feel and top-tier safety

The 2027 Mazda CX-90 is the driver's pick, with a premium cabin and rear-biased dynamics. The base 3.3-liter inline-six makes 280 hp and 332 lb-ft, while the PHEV combines for 323 hp and 369 lb-ft with short electric-only commutes. It tows up to 5,000 lb and seats up to eight.

Crucially, every CX-90 version earned the 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ — Mazda led the industry in those awards for a third straight year — making it one of the safest three-rows on sale and a standout for safety-focused families.

Pros:

• IIHS Top Safety Pick+ on every CX-90 version
• Premium, near-luxury interior and driving feel
• Available plug-in hybrid for short all-electric commutes
• Smooth 280-hp inline-six standard

Cons:

• Third row is tighter than rivals
• PHEV trims climb well past $50,000

Verdict: The safest and most upscale pick here — worth it if driving feel and crash scores top your list.

9. Toyota Highlander

Starting MSRP: $41,170 | Best for: Families who want Toyota reliability in a tidier footprint

The 2027 Toyota Highlander is the right-sized three-row for families who find the Grand Highlander too big. Its 2.4-liter turbo four makes 265 hp and 309 lb-ft, while the hybrid combines for 243 hp at an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined (FWD). It seats up to eight, offers up to 84.3 cu ft of cargo, and tows up to 5,000 lb (gas).

The Highlander earns strong IIHS results and inherits Toyota's reputation for durability and resale, making it a safe long-term hold even if its third row is best reserved for kids.

Pros:

• Hybrid returns up to 36 mpg combined
• Toyota reliability and excellent resale value
• Easier-to-park footprint than the Grand Highlander
• Strong standard Toyota Safety Sense suite

Cons:

• Third row is tight for adults
• Less cargo room than larger rivals

Verdict: A right-sized, efficient, reliable three-row — ideal when the Grand Highlander feels like too much SUV.

10. Kia Sorento

Starting MSRP: $32,990 | Best for: Budget families who still want a third row

The 2027 Kia Sorento is the lowest-priced three-row here, opening near $32,990. The base 2.5-liter four makes 191 hp, the 2.5-liter turbo makes 281 hp and 311 lb-ft, and the hybrid returns an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined. It seats six or seven, offers up to 75.5 cu ft of cargo, and tows up to 3,500 lb (turbo).

The Sorento brings Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and rugged X-Pro trims, giving budget families a genuine third row and a hybrid option for thousands less than the bigger names.

Pros:

• Lowest three-row starting price in the group at $32,990
• Available hybrid hitting 36 mpg combined
• Class-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
• Rugged X-Pro trim for light off-road use

Cons:

• Third row best reserved for kids or short trips
• Lower 3,500-lb towing ceiling than larger rivals

Verdict: The budget three-row pick — a real family SUV with a warranty and hybrid option for the least money.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Buying a Family SUV

• Reliability and resale — A vehicle that holds value and avoids the shop saves thousands over five years. Toyota, Honda, Kia, and Hyundai lead here.
• Real safety ratings — Check published IIHS Top Safety Pick / Top Safety Pick+ status and NHTSA star results, not marketing claims. The CX-90 earned a 2026 Top Safety Pick+, and the Ascent has a long award streak.
• Two rows vs three — Confirm whether you truly need a third row; a compact like the CR-V is cheaper and more efficient, while the Grand Highlander and Telluride seat adults in back.
• Hybrid vs gas tradeoffs — Hybrids like the Grand Highlander, Palisade, and Sorento cut fuel costs and add range but cost more upfront; gas V6s like the Pilot keep purchase price and complexity down.
• Car-seat and access fit — Check LATCH anchor placement and how wide the rear doors open; a roomy spec sheet means little if a rear-facing seat will not fit behind a tall driver.
• Total cost of ownership — Factor insurance, fuel, depreciation, and warranty. Kia and Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty lowers long-term risk.

What matters less than marketing implies: giant touchscreen sizes, trim-name badges, and quoted horsepower peaks. A 30-hp difference is invisible on a school run; warranty, safety scores, and resale value affect your wallet far more.

FAQ

Which family SUV is the best overall for 2027? The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid earns our top spot for pairing a usable third row, a 362-hp Hybrid Max option, up to 36 mpg combined, and Toyota's reliability with no major weaknesses.

What is the best value family SUV? The Hyundai Palisade starting near $38,935 offers three usable rows, a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, and an available hybrid for thousands less than rivals, making it the value leader.

Which family SUV has the best fuel economy? Among three-rows, the Grand Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, and Sorento Hybrid reach about 36 mpg combined; the compact Honda CR-V Hybrid leads everything here at 40 mpg combined.

What is the cheapest three-row family SUV here? The Kia Sorento opens near $32,990, the lowest three-row price in the group, and still offers a hybrid option and a long warranty.

Which family SUVs are the safest? The Mazda CX-90 earned the 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ across every version, and the Subaru Ascent has earned a Top Safety Pick award nearly every year since launch.

Do I really need a three-row SUV? If you regularly carry more than four passengers, yes; if not, a two-row compact like the Honda CR-V Hybrid is cheaper, more efficient, and easier to park while still seating five.

Bottom Line

For 2027, the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is our Best Overall family SUV — starting around $46,505, it wins on third-row space, efficiency, and bulletproof reliability. The Hyundai Palisade, from about $38,935, is our Best Value, delivering three usable rows, a long warranty, and a hybrid option for thousands less.

If your needs lean toward compact efficiency, the lowest possible price, standard AWD, or a top safety award, use the decision tree above to route yourself to the CR-V, Sorento, Ascent, or CX-90 instead. Buy on warranty, safety, and total cost of ownership — not headline horsepower — and your family will be happy years down the road.

Sources

• Car and Driver — family SUV reviews and rankings
• MotorTrend — SUV buyer's guides and specs
• Edmunds — 2026/2027 SUV prices and reviews
• Kelley Blue Book (KBB) — pricing and ownership data
• U.S. News — Best SUVs for Families rankings
• IIHS — Top Safety Pick and crash-test ratings
• EPA — fuel economy ratings
• Toyota.com — Grand Highlander and Highlander specs
• Hyundai USA — 2027 Palisade pricing and specs
• Mazda USA News — IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards

*Family SUV review — family SUV reviews, rating, best family SUV 2027, and a review of the top family SUV picks for buyers.*