Top 10 Family SUVs 2025 — Best Overall + Best Value

Direct Answer

The Best Overall family SUV for 2025 is the Kia Telluride, starting around $36,890, which pairs a roomy three-row cabin, a 291-hp V6, an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, and the segment's strongest warranty to beat the class on the metrics families actually weigh.

The Best Value pick is the Honda CR-V, starting near $30,100, the only two-row crossover here, which delivers a hybrid rated at 40 mpg combined, top-tier reliability, and huge cargo room for thousands less than the three-rows. This list is built for family buyers who want usable space, proven reliability, modern safety tech, and a sensible total cost of ownership — whether the budget sits near $30,000 or stretches toward a loaded $50,000 flagship.

Every pick below uses real 2025 model-year specs, MSRPs, and safety ratings.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each SUV against the priorities real shoppers tell dealers and survey firms they actually care about. We leaned 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 comfort — 15%
• Powertrain and efficiency — 15%
• Tech and value — 15%
• Price-to-performance — 10%

A vehicle that nails space but flunks safety, or wins on horsepower but bleeds money at trade-in, drops fast. The winners balance all six.

1. Kia Telluride 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $36,890 | Best for: Families who want one SUV that does everything well

The 2025 Kia Telluride remains the most complete three-row family SUV you can buy. Its 3.8-liter V6 makes 291 hp and 262 lb-ft through an eight-speed automatic, returning an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined (20 with AWD). It seats seven or eight across three rows, swallows up to 87 cu ft of cargo with the seats folded, and tows up to 5,500 lb with available AWD.

Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, and an upscale cabin with available Nappa leather seal the win. Trims run from base LX to the rugged X-Pro and luxurious SX Prestige.

Pros:

• 291-hp V6 standard across every trim
• Class-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
• 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with genuinely premium cabin
• Strong resale value and proven reliability record

Cons:

• No hybrid option, so 21 mpg trails efficiency leaders
• Top SX Prestige trim climbs past $53,000

Verdict: The Telluride wins on balance — space, safety, features, and warranty with no real weak spot.

2. Hyundai Palisade

Starting MSRP: $37,400 | Best for: Shoppers who want a near-luxury three-row feel

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is the Telluride's mechanical twin and one of the smartest plays in the segment. It shares the 3.8-liter V6 making 291 hp and 262 lb-ft, an eight-speed automatic, and an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined (FWD). It seats seven or eight, tows up to 5,000 lb, and offers up to 86.4 cu ft of cargo.

Hyundai brings the same 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ result, and a Calligraphy trim with quilted leather and a suede headliner that punches well above the price. It's the quiet luxury alternative to the Telluride.

Pros:

• Same 291-hp V6 and long Hyundai warranty as the Kia
• 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating
• Upscale Calligraphy trim rivals luxury badges
• Generous standard features and three-row space

Cons:

• AWD trims dip to about 20 mpg combined
• Loaded Calligraphy pricing nears $55,000

Verdict: A near-luxury sibling to the Telluride — pick it for the plush Calligraphy cabin and warranty.

3. Toyota Grand Highlander

Starting MSRP: $41,540 | Best for: Buyers who want a big third row and Toyota reliability

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is the spacious sibling to the standard Highlander, with a third row adults can actually use. The base 2.4-liter turbo four makes 265 hp, the standard hybrid pairs for 245 hp and an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined, and the Hybrid Max produces 362 hp and 400 lb-ft with standard AWD.

Seating runs seven or eight, cargo reaches 97.5 cu ft, and Hybrid Max towing hits 5,000 lb. It earned a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, and Toyota's durability and resale anchor the appeal.

Pros:

• Available hybrid up to 36 mpg combined
• Toyota reliability and strong resale value
• Truly adult-friendly third row and 97.5 cu ft cargo
• 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating

Cons:

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

Verdict: A superb hauler — the safe, efficient choice for long-haul family duty.

4. Honda Pilot

Starting MSRP: $40,200 | Best for: Eight-seat families who want rugged versatility

The 2025 Honda Pilot keeps things 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 (FWD) and about 21 mpg with AWD. It seats up to eight (seven on TrailSport), offers up to 111.9 cu ft of cargo behind the first row, and tows up to 5,000 lb.

The rugged TrailSport adds skid plates and an inch of ground clearance. A 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick rating and Honda's proven mechanicals make it a low-stress long-term pick.

Pros:

• Standard eight-passenger seating on most trims
• Huge cargo capacity up to 111.9 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 over a hybrid.

5. Subaru Ascent

Starting MSRP: $35,495 | Best for: All-weather families who want standard AWD

The 2025 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 22 mpg combined. It seats seven or eight, tows up to 5,000 lb, and earned a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with standard EyeSight driver assistance.

Ground clearance of 8.7 inches and full-time grip make it the natural choice for buyers in tough climates who don't want to pay extra for AWD. It's also the lowest-priced three-row here.

Pros:

• Standard all-wheel drive on every trim
• 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating
• Lowest entry price of any three-row at $35,495
• Strong 5,000-lb towing and 8.7-in ground clearance

Cons:

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

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

6. Chevrolet Traverse

Starting MSRP: $39,995 | Best for: Cargo-first buyers who want big-SUV space

The redesigned 2025 Chevrolet Traverse is one of the roomiest options here, with up to 97.6 cu ft of cargo space. 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 the upscale High Country.

For families who haul gear as often as kids, the Traverse's sheer volume is hard to ignore, and the new turbo four is far stronger than the old V6.

Pros:

• Among the largest cargo holds in class at 97.6 cu ft
• Strong 328-hp turbo four standard
• Available Z71 off-road and High Country luxury trims
• Competitive 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 matter most.

7. Toyota Highlander

Starting MSRP: $40,150 | Best for: Buyers who want a right-sized hybrid three-row

The 2025 Toyota Highlander is the smaller, more efficient sibling to the Grand Highlander. The base 2.4-liter turbo four makes 265 hp, while the hybrid pairs for 243 hp and an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined in FWD form. It seats up to eight, offers up to 84.3 cu ft of cargo, and tows up to 5,000 lb (gas).

It earned a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, and Toyota's reliability and resale lead the segment. The third row is tighter than the Grand Highlander's but fine for kids.

Pros:

• Hybrid up to 36 mpg combined
• 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating
• Class-best Toyota reliability and resale
• Standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite

Cons:

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

Verdict: The efficiency-and-reliability pick — best if you want a Toyota hybrid without Grand Highlander size.

8. Mazda CX-90

Starting MSRP: $39,750 | Best for: Drivers who want a near-luxury feel and a plug-in option

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is the enthusiast's pick, with a premium cabin and rear-biased dynamics. The inline-six turbo makes up to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft, while the PHEV pairs a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor for a combined 323 hp and short electric-only commutes. It tows up to 5,000 lb and seats up to eight.

Both CX-90 versions earned the 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, making it one of the safest three-rows you can buy, and the cabin material quality rivals German luxury brands at a lower price.

Pros:

• 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ on every CX-90 version
• Plug-in hybrid allows short all-electric commutes
• Premium, near-luxury interior and driving feel
• Up to 340-hp inline-six on gas models

Cons:

• Third row is tighter than rivals
• PHEV pricing climbs past $50,000

Verdict: The safest and most upscale pick here — worth it if driving feel and a plug-in option top your list.

9. Kia Sorento

Starting MSRP: $32,190 | Best for: Buyers who want three rows in a smaller, efficient package

The 2025 Kia Sorento is the value-sized three-row, slotting below the Telluride. The base 2.5-liter four makes 191 hp, a turbo four makes 281 hp, and the hybrid pairs for 227 hp at an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined; a PHEV adds about 32 miles of electric range.

It seats six or seven, tows up to 4,500 lb (gas), and brings Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The third row is best for kids, but the low entry price and hybrid efficiency make it a smart small-family choice.

Pros:

• Hybrid up to 36 mpg and available PHEV
• Low starting price for a three-row at $32,190
• 10-year/100,000-mile Kia powertrain warranty
• Available 281-hp turbo and rugged X-Pro trim

Cons:

• Third row is cramped for adults
• Base 191-hp engine feels underpowered

Verdict: The right-sized value three-row — ideal for small families who want hybrid efficiency cheaply.

10. Honda CR-V 💎 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: $30,100 | Best for: Two-row families who want maximum value and efficiency

The 2025 Honda CR-V is the lone two-row crossover here and the smartest value play of all. The 1.5-liter turbo four makes 190 hp, while the hybrid combines for 204 hp and an EPA-estimated 40 mpg combined in FWD form. It seats five, offers up to 76.5 cu ft of cargo, and earned a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick with standard Honda Sensing.

With class-leading reliability, a roomy back seat, and a hybrid that sips fuel, it delivers nearly everything a small family needs for thousands less than any three-row on this list.

Pros:

• Lowest entry price of any pick at $30,100
• Hybrid hits 40 mpg combined
• Class-leading reliability and resale value
• Roomy two-row cabin with 76.5 cu ft of cargo

Cons:

• Two rows only — no third-row option
• Tows just 1,000–1,500 lb

Verdict: The value champion — buy it if you don't need a third row and want the best efficiency and reliability per dollar.

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 Telluride, Palisade, CX-90, and both Highlanders earned 2025 Top Safety Pick+.
• Hybrid vs gas tradeoffs — Hybrids like the Grand Highlander, Highlander, and Sorento cut fuel costs and add range, but cost more upfront; gas V6s like the Pilot and Telluride keep purchase price and complexity down.
• Two-row vs three-row space — Confirm whether you truly need a third row; the Honda CR-V is two-row only, while the Grand Highlander and Telluride seat adults in back.
• Towing if needed — Most three-rows here tow 5,000 lb; the Telluride leads at 5,500 lb. Match capacity to your trailer or camper.
• 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 2025? The Kia Telluride earns our top spot for balancing space, safety, a 291-hp V6, a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, and a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty with no major weaknesses.

What is the best value family SUV? The Honda CR-V, starting near $30,100, offers a 40-mpg hybrid, top reliability, and roomy two-row space for thousands less than any three-row, making it the value leader for families that don't need a third row.

Which family SUV has the best fuel economy? Hybrids lead: the Toyota Grand Highlander and Highlander hybrids reach about 36 mpg combined, the Kia Sorento Hybrid matches them, and the Honda CR-V Hybrid tops them all at 40 mpg.

Which family SUV can tow the most? The Kia Telluride tows up to 5,500 lb, just ahead of rivals like the Palisade, Pilot, Traverse, and Ascent that top out near 5,000 lb.

Which family SUVs are the safest? The Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Mazda CX-90, Toyota Grand Highlander, Toyota Highlander, and Subaru Ascent all earned the 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, the institute's highest honor.

Do I need a three-row SUV? If you regularly carry more than five people, a three-row like the Telluride or Grand Highlander is worth it; smaller families are usually better served by the cheaper, more efficient two-row Honda CR-V.

Bottom Line

For 2025, the Kia Telluride is our Best Overall family SUV — starting around $36,890, it wins on space, safety, a 291-hp V6, and the segment's strongest warranty. The Honda CR-V, from about $30,100, is our Best Value, delivering a 40-mpg hybrid, top reliability, and roomy two-row space for thousands less.

If your needs lean toward maximum towing, top-tier safety awards, standard AWD, or a plug-in option, use the decision tree above to route yourself to the Grand Highlander, CX-90, Ascent, or Mazda instead. Buy on warranty, safety, and total cost of ownership — not headline horsepower — and you will be happy years down the road.

Sources

• Car and Driver — family SUV reviews and rankings
• MotorTrend — SUV buyer's guides and specs
• Edmunds — 2025 SUV prices and reviews
• Kelley Blue Book (KBB) — pricing and ownership data
• U.S. News — Best SUV rankings and reviews
• IIHS — Top Safety Pick and crash-test ratings
• EPA — fuel economy ratings
• Kia Media — 2025 Telluride pricing and specs
• Toyota.com — Grand Highlander specs
• Honda Newsroom — 2025 CR-V specs and pricing

*Family SUV review — family SUV reviews, rating, best family SUV 2025, and a review of the top family SUV picks for buyers.*