Finding the right vehicle for your family can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available in the used SUV market. This blog will explore the 8 Best Used SUVs for Families, highlighting their features, safety ratings, and overall value. We will also look at the best SUVs for the money, and point out the best place to buy used cars. Whether you’re searching for the best midsize SUVs or considering what might be the best SUV 2024 or best SUV 2025, this guide has you covered.
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| 8 Best Used SUVs for Families |
Why Choose a Used SUV for Your Family?
When it comes to family vehicles, used SUVs often stand out for their spaciousness, versatility, and safety features. Used SUVs generally offer higher seating positions, allowing for better visibility and easier entry and exit, which is especially beneficial for children and older adults. Plus, purchasing a used SUV can save you a significant amount of money compared to buying new while still providing excellent features and reliability.
1. Toyota Highlander: A Reliable Family Favorite
The Toyota Highlander is consistently rated as one of the best midsize SUVs for families. Known for its reliability and longevity, the Highlander offers a comfortable ride with three rows of seating, accommodating up to eight passengers. The vehicle features a strong V6 engine and comes with a suite of safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning, making it a top choice for family safety.
Key Features:
- Spacious Interior: The Highlander’s roomy cabin provides ample legroom and cargo space, perfect for family trips.
- Safety Ratings: It has received high safety ratings from organizations such as the IIHS and NHTSA.
- Fuel Efficiency: The Highlander offers a respectable fuel economy for its class, making it a practical choice for families on a budget.
2. Honda CR-V: The Compact Champion
The Honda CR-V is another contender in the best SUVs for the money category. This compact SUV combines practicality with comfort, making it ideal for families looking for a smaller vehicle. The CR-V is known for its excellent fuel economy, spacious interior, and user-friendly technology features.
Key Features:
- Versatile Cargo Space: The rear seats can fold down to create a flat loading floor, increasing cargo capacity.
- Top Safety Pick: The CR-V has consistently been a top safety pick, offering features like collision mitigation braking.
- User-Friendly Tech: With its intuitive infotainment system, families can easily connect devices for entertainment on the go.
3. Ford Explorer: A Large SUV with Power
For families needing more space and power, the Ford Explorer stands out as one of the best large SUVs. It comes equipped with a robust engine and offers ample seating for seven passengers. The Explorer is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor adventures, as it has impressive towing capabilities.
Key Features:
- Robust Towing Capacity: The Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds when properly equipped, making it great for family camping trips.
- Advanced Safety Technologies: Features like blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking enhance family safety.
- Roomy Interior: The spacious cabin ensures comfort for all passengers, making long road trips more enjoyable.
4. Subaru Ascent: The Family Adventure SUV
The Subaru Ascent is a fantastic option for families who love outdoor activities. With its standard all-wheel drive, the Ascent provides excellent handling in various weather conditions, making it one of the best SUVs for the money for adventurous families.
Key Features:
- All-Wheel Drive: Standard all-wheel drive enhances stability and traction on various terrains.
- Spacious Third Row: Unlike many competitors, the Ascent offers a genuinely usable third-row seat.
- Safety Ratings: The Ascent has received high marks in safety tests, reassuring families on the road.
5. Chevrolet Traverse: Space for Everyone
The Chevrolet Traverse is one of the best large SUVs on the market, offering three rows of seating and an abundance of cargo space. Its comfortable ride and spacious interior make it ideal for larger families.
Key Features:
- Ample Cargo Space: With up to 98.2 cubic feet of cargo space, the Traverse is perfect for family road trips.
- User-Friendly Technology: The infotainment system is easy to navigate, keeping everyone entertained.
- Strong Engine Options: The Traverse’s V6 engine provides ample power for both city and highway driving.
6. Kia Telluride: A Newer Contender
The Kia Telluride has quickly risen to popularity since its introduction, making it one of the best SUVs for the money in recent years. Its upscale interior, advanced safety features, and three-row seating make it a great choice for families.
Key Features:
- Stylish Design: The Telluride boasts a modern and stylish exterior, attracting attention on the road.
- Family-Friendly Features: With available rear-seat entertainment systems, long trips can be more enjoyable.
- Top Safety Ratings: The Telluride has received numerous accolades for its safety features and crash test ratings.
7. Mazda CX-9: Sporty Yet Practical
For families who value style and performance, the Mazda CX-9 offers a sporty driving experience without compromising space. This SUV features a refined interior and impressive handling.
Key Features:
- Sporty Performance: The turbocharged engine provides a thrilling driving experience.
- Luxurious Interior: High-quality materials and a well-designed cabin make every ride comfortable.
- Advanced Safety Features: The CX-9 comes equipped with several safety technologies, ensuring peace of mind on the road.
8. Nissan Pathfinder: A Solid Choice
The Nissan Pathfinder has been a reliable family vehicle for years. It provides a comfortable ride with a spacious interior, making it suitable for families of all sizes.
Key Features:
- Roomy Cabin: The Pathfinder features generous legroom and cargo space, perfect for family outings.
- Towing Capability: With a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds, the Pathfinder can handle trailers and boats.
- Family-Friendly Tech: The Pathfinder includes a range of tech features, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, to keep everyone connected.
Where to Find the Best Place to Buy Used Cars
When searching for the best place to buy used cars, it’s essential to consider reputable dealerships and online platforms that offer certified pre-owned vehicles. Websites like CarMax, AutoTrader, and Cars.com provide vast selections and transparent pricing, allowing you to find the perfect SUV for your family. Additionally, local dealerships often have promotions and warranties that can enhance your buying experience.
Choosing the right used SUV for your family involves considering space, safety, and value. The vehicles mentioned above are among the 8 Best Used SUVs for Families, catering to various needs and budgets. Whether you prefer the reliability of the Toyota Highlander, the adventure-ready Subaru Ascent, or the stylish Kia Telluride, there’s an SUV that will meet your family’s demands. Remember to research thoroughly and explore the best place to buy used cars to ensure you find the best deals on the best SUVs for the money.
With a little patience and effort, you can drive home the best midsize SUVs, best large SUVs, or even the best SUV 2024 or best SUV 2025 that perfectly fits your family’s lifestyle. Happy car hunting!
