SUVs have a reputation for being family vehicles, but they’re a drag sometimes for people like me who really love cars. That said, there are some SUVs out there that Dads actually enjoy. Whether it’s the style or performance that draws them in, each of these six SUVs proves you can have it all. We’ll break them down by different classes: best luxury SUV, best 3-row, best off-road, best midsize, best compact, and best overall. Let’s dive in.
6. Best Luxury SUV: Volvo XC90
When it comes to luxury SUVs, there is no shortage of options available. There are multiple models from BMW, Mercedes, and Audi that all come to mind. However, when it comes to what a Dad really looks for in a vehicle, the Volvo XC90 has it all. With prices starting at $56,600, it has an elegant, but functional, design. You can seat up to seven people in the XC90 and there is plenty of legroom. Not to mention, Volvo is known for taking safety seriously. The XC90 is equipped with collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and the carmaker’s Pilot Assist system. Overall, Volvo has offered up a blend of luxury, performance, and safety with the XC90 that is hard to beat among other luxury SUVs.
5. Best 3-Row SUV: Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade has become a standout vehicle in the SUV market. It is a practical vehicle for families, and it is budget-friendly. The base price for a Palisade starts at $36,800 and seats up to eight passengers. Its price and functionality have made it a favorite. There have been some issues with the Palisade. It was included in a recent Hyundai recall, citing the potential for a manufacturing defect in the transmission oil pump that can cause the pump to overheat and short-circuit. Ultimately, this led to fires in some of the cars. That hasn’t stopped people from buying them though. Hyundai is working to fix the fire issue and ultimately, they provide a lot of value for a good price. With its strong value proposition, premium feel, and family-friendly features, the Hyundai Palisade is an ideal SUV for those seeking a well-rounded vehicle for both daily use and long road trips.
4. Best Off-Road SUV: Land Rover Defender
When it comes to off-roading, you can’t go wrong with the Land Rover Defender. It is a highly capable SUV that really excels off the tarmac. It has advanced features like all-wheel drive, electronic air suspension, and terrain response systems. Each of these things makes it easier to go off-roading. While it is a highly capable off-road machine, the Defender also delivers a refined driving experience on the road. The interior features high-quality materials and easy-to-clean surfaces, making it a perfect choice for outdoor lovers. Advanced technology, such as the intuitive Pivi Pro infotainment system and a suite of driver-assistance features, makes each trip safer and more enjoyable. Prices for the Defender start at $56,400, but it’s well worth it if you like to adventure with the family.
3. Best Midsize SUV: Subaru Outback
I’d probably call the Subaru Outback more of a hatchback on stilts, but it is ranked as one of the best midsize SUVs on the market today. The Outback offers a lot of versatility and is a safe vehicle overall. Like most Subarus, it is equipped with all-wheel drive, making it capable of off-roading. There is also ample space inside, making it a comfortable place to be for long trips or family use. It also has all of the safety bells and whistles you might be looking for in a family car, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. For something categorized as an SUV, it has a pretty impressive fuel economy with 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Best of all, it’s affordable with a base price of $28,895.
2. Best Compact SUV: Mazda CX-50
Mazda’s CX series is a great lineup. The CX-50 has been a standout performer in the compact SUV market. Prices for the CX-50 start at $30,300 and it offers dynamic performance, stylish design, and a rigged versatility. Compared to other Mazda models, it has a lot of cargo space and more spacious seating in the back. This makes it a great car for the family to ride around in. It’s available in all-wheel drive and has enhanced off-road capabilities as well. On top of that, it has plenty of advanced technology inside. In the end, the Mazda CX-50 is a diverse SUV that is able to address the diverse needs of a family.
1. Best Overall: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Drumroll, please. The best SUV overall today is the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. One of the best things about this vehicle is its fuel efficiency. It boasts 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, which is impressive for any SUV. This makes it a great option for people wanting to save money at the pump without sacrificing space or versatility. Inside, the cabin is comfortable and spacious, offering plenty of legroom and cargo space. Of course, it comes with Toyota’s Safety Sense features as well, including lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. It also has the reputation for reliability that comes along with most Toyotas. It’s an excellent long-term investment for anyone looking for something versatile, family-friendly, and eco-friendly. It won’t break the bank either, with prices starting at $31,725.
Finding the Perfect Family SUV
Choosing an SUV for your family doesn’t have to mean that you are sacrificing the other things you care about. Whether you’re looking for luxury, style, performance, fuel economy, tech features, or anything else, there is something out there for you in the SUV market. Each of these SUVs provides unique advantages that will make Dads (and the whole family) happy.