How to Choose the Best SUV for Your Family
With their ample seating and storage, SUVs and crossover SUVs (CUVs) are an increasingly popular choice for families looking to buy their next vehicle. But with so many different models of SUVs on the market, it can be difficult to find the right one for your family's needs. Let’s take a look at the factors you should consider when searching for the best SUV for your family.
Considerations for choosing the best family SUV
1. SUV and CUV sizes for families (including cargo space)
One of the biggest considerations for families shopping for an SUV or CUV is size, particularly passenger room and cargo space. For example, in our recent road trip survey, 44% of respondents highlighted interior cargo capacity as a crucial baseline feature when selecting a vehicle for road trips. Below are common naming conventions for different sizes of SUVs to look out for as you shop. Keep in mind that even within those groupings there are variations in cargo and passenger capacity from model to model.
● Subcompact SUVs: These are the smallest SUVs and CUVs available, often built on a compact car platform. They typically seat up to five passengers and offer excellent gas mileage, particularly compared to larger SUVs. The agile CX-30 is a perfect example of a subcompact CUV.
● Compact SUVs: These models, larger than subcompact SUV but still on the smaller side, balance fuel economy and cargo space and also usually seat up to five passengers. See the sophisticated Mazda CX-5 and the rugged, outdoor-oriented Mazda CX-50, and CX-50 Hybrid as examples.
● Midsize and full-size SUVs: These are larger than compact SUVs, providing more interior space and cargo capacity, and can seat five to nine passengers depending on the model. Midsize SUVs like the two-row Mazda CX-70 and CX-70 PHEV can be practical even if you have a smaller family, as the extra space for occasional guests, your kids’ friends, or large cargo can come in handy. 3-row SUVs like the Mazda CX-90, also available as a PHEV, offer more seating options, making them great vehicles for larger families.
2. SUV safety features for families
Safety is always important on the road but, as most moms and dads will tell you, having a family tends to make you even more safety-conscious.
As a general rule, newer vehicles are safer vehicles, because they tend to come standard with more safety features and tech than older models. For example, federal rules started mandating components of the LATCH child seat safety system beginning in 1999, and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which helps prevent skidding and loss of control during emergency maneuvers and slippery road conditions, became mandatory in 2011.
However, there are plenty of newer active safety technologies that are not necessarily standard on all vehicles. We cover these in-depth in our article on safety features, but a few highlights include:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring and pedestrian detection
- Lane departure warning
- Adaptive headlights
- Driver attention monitoring
Our road trip survey mentioned earlier found that in 2024, the top three most important safety and driver assistance road trip features for parents with kids at home are backup cameras (69%), blind-spot monitoring (56%), and collision warning (51%). These features are particularly valuable on road trips, offering parents peace of mind when navigating unfamiliar roads and helping to improve visibility and promote accident prevention.1
More to the point, these trends held up when surveying parents about their vehicle preferences in general, with the top three selected preferences again being backup cameras (72%), blind-spot monitoring (57%) and collision warning (49%).
Mazda SUVs and CUVs have won safety awards and feature a vast array of both active and passive safety technology features. You can learn more on our Mazda safety page. As with any manufacturer, the exact safety features included vary across models and trims; so always speak with your dealer and inspect your Owner’s Manual to see exactly which features come with your desired SUV or CUV.
Deciding between an SUV and a Minivan? Our article on SUVs vs. Minivans can help.
3. SUVs with efficient gas mileage
A family that plans on using their SUV primarily for daily commuting with a toddler occasionally in the backseat will have different needs than a family that regularly takes long trips while hauling 3 preteen and teenage kids. However, fuel efficiency is becoming increasingly important for parents across the board. In our parent driving preferences survey, 73% of parents surveyed selected fuel efficiency as an essential performance and utility feature. This was the most commonly selected feature, with AWD or 4WD, the second-most selected, being seen as essential by just 54% of respondents. And in our road trip survey, 62% of participants selected fuel efficiency as being an essential element of a good road trip vehicle.
In general, smaller cars tend to have better fuel economy, but the size-to-MPG equation isn't necessarily a straight line. Hybrid vehicles can greatly improve your fuel economy, and Plug-in-Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) offer a range (15-60 miles) of battery-powered driving before automatically drawing power from its gas engine. And, with consistent charging of the PHEV battery pack, the need to rely on the gasoline engine becomes much less frequent.
So, ask yourself: How many miles do you drive yearly? And how important is fuel economy in your purchase decision? Knowing these driving needs and preferences can help you choose an SUV that will be both practical and economical for your family.
4. Off-road capabilities
Not everyone needs an off-road-ready vehicle. But if you do, or if you frequently drive in unpredictable and/or snowy weather conditions, you may want to invest in an SUV that features either AWD or 4WD.
Traditional SUVs tend to feature 4WD systems, but many modern SUVs and CUVs – including the entire Mazda lineup of CUVs – come standard with AWD. The Mazda CX-50 is particularly suited to off-road conditions and also features a towing capacity of up to 3,500 lbs.2
As mentioned above, 54% of parents in our recent survey deemed AWD and 4WD essential for their family vehicles. With AWD, traction is optimized when encountering slippery roads and uneven terrain, giving you more confidence when driving in challenging conditions with your loved ones in the back seat. Even if you don't live in an area with harsh weather or terrain, AWD can still be a valuable feature for improved stability and control during cornering and better handling in various driving conditions.
For more guidance on this topic, please see our article: Do I Need an AWD SUV?
5. Interior and convenience preferences
If you have young children and expect frequent spills and messes, choosing an SUV with a durable and easy-to-clean interior is a smart move. Think about materials like stain-resistant fabrics and treated leather seats. Moreover, rubberized, or all-weather floor mats, can help prevent stains and make cleaning a breeze. And while it may feel like a small thing, note how many cupholders are in your vehicle. In our parent preferences survey, 49% of respondents selected that ample cupholders and storage compartments were essential family vehicle features.
If you don't have young children or anticipate fewer spills, choosing an SUV with a more luxurious interior can add a touch of class to your ride. Premium leather seats, wood accents, and high-end features can create an upscale look and feel.
Along with durability and luxury, you should consider the comfort and convenience of the SUV's interior. Features like adjustable seats, climate control, and a high-quality sound system add to your ride's overall experience. If your family enjoys taking long road trips or vacations, you may also want features such as a built-in entertainment system to keep your passengers occupied and happy.
Notably, 85% of parents with kids at home in our road trip survey highlighted comfortable seating as a must-have feature for a road trip vehicle. Further, 48% of respondents to our driving preferences survey stated that they now prefer vehicles with more seating capacity since becoming parents. Because of this, you may want to consider a slightly larger SUV than you currently need, in case your family grows in the next few years.
Finally, it’s important to think about how your kids prefer to stay entertained in the back seat. Even teens who like to keep their nose buried in a book will have a phone that they forgot to charge overnight, and parents with infants and toddlers know just how helpful it can be having a kid-friendly playlist queued up and easy to play.
Look for vehicles with USB-C ports or other ways to charge electronics and keep everyone happy.
What other family-friendly features are important for SUVs?
In addition to the safety and convenience features mentioned above, some other popular SUV features for families include:
• Rear window sunshades: Protect the kiddos from harsh sunlight to make napping on long drives easier.
• Three-zone climate control: Beyond standard climate control, three-zone systems allow rear-seat passengers (the kids) to set their own temperature.
• Rear-seat reminders: Although we don’t like to admit it, a quick alert to check the back seat before getting out of the car after a long workday can be a welcome reminder.
• Hands-free power liftgate: When your hands are full with kids, groceries, or sports gear, this feature makes loading and unloading your SUV much easier.
• Quiet cabin: A sound-insulated cabin can make a huge difference in keeping the kids asleep during naps and preventing road noise or commotion from waking them.
• Moonroof: Not only do moonroofs add natural light, but they can also help long drives feel less claustrophobic for kids.
Mazda SUVs offer most of these features for more comfortable drives (for parents and kids alike), paired with exceptional safety ratings so you always have peace of mind.
Best Mazda SUVs for families
The Mazda lineup of crossover SUVs offers a variety of options for family-friendly vehicles with advanced safety features, thoughtfully designed comfort, and sporty ruggedness.
| MODEL | IDEAL FOR | FAMILY-FRIENDLY HIGHLIGHTS |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda CX-5 | Small families with active lifestyles who prioritize a sporty driving experience in a compact package. | Lane Departure Warning, fold-down rear seatbacks, and available ventilated front seats for parent comfort. |
| Mazda CX-30 | Couples or new parents living in a city who want a small but safety-focused SUV with space for a stroller or car seat. | Smart Brake Support, durable interior materials that are easy to clean, and up to 45.2 cubic feet of cargo. |
| Mazda CX-50 (available in gas-powered or hybrid) | Active families who enjoy exploring off the beaten path and need rugged capabilities with AWD. | AWD, Mazda Intelligent Drive Select, available rear power liftgate, and low step-in height for easy access. |
| Mazda CX-70 (available in gas-powered or plug-in hybrid) | Families with one or two older kids looking for a little extra space for passenger comfort and plenty of cargo. | Up to 75.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo area, and Smart Brake Support. |
| Mazda CX-90 (available in gas-powered or plug-in hybrid) | Larger families that need three rows and prioritize a smooth and comfortable ride without stepping up to full-size SUVs. | Reclining third-row seats, 2nd-row sunshades, three-zone automatic climate control, and available hands-free rear power liftgate. |
Shop Mazda CUVs and SUVs
Mazda offers a range of crossover SUVs that are great for families. With their spacious interiors, advanced safety features, and sleek designs, you’re sure to find a Mazda crossover SUV that meets your needs and helps you create lasting memories on the road.
Build yours online or take one for a test-drive at your local dealer today.
Related Resources by Mazda
Interested in learning more about SUVs and family vehicles? Browse our additional articles below:
• Basic Guide to SUVs
• Crossovers vs. SUVs
• Minivan vs. SUV: Which is Right for Your Family?
• Do You Need an AWD SUV?
• Must-Have Features for Family Cars
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is based on the latest competitive information available at the time of posting. Information herein is subject to change without notice and without Mazda incurring any obligations. Please review a variety of resources prior to making a purchasing decision. Visit Resource Center for more articles.