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 SUV for a family
1. SUV and CUV sizes for families
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, with typical seating for up to five passengers and excellent gas mileage, particularly compared to larger, SUVs. The agile CX-30 is a perfect example of a subcompact CUV.
● Compact SUVs: These models, still on the smaller side, balance fuel economy and cargo space and also typically 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.
● Mid-size 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. Mid-size SUVs like the two-row Mazda CX-70 and CX-70 PHEV can be practical even if you have a smaller family, as having extra space for occasional guests, your kids’ friends, or large cargo can come in handy, whereas 3-row SUVs like the Mazda CX-90, also available as a PHEV, offer more seating options, making them powerful family vehicles.
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, as 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 new 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
More to the point, these trends held up when surveying parents about their vehicle preferences in general, with the top three selected preferences 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 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; 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. Annual mileage and fuel economy
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. But 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, 59% 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 switching to a gas-powered drivetrain.
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.
As mentioned above, 54% of parents in our recent survey deemed AWD and 4WD essential for their family vehicles. With AWD, you'll have better traction and stability on 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 cup holders are in your vehicle. In our parent preferences survey, 49% of respondents selected that ample cup holders 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 convenience and comfort. 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 entertained.
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, and 48% of respondents to our driving preferences survey stated that they now prefer vehicles with more seating capacity since becoming parents.
Finally, it’s important to think about how your kids prefer to stay entertained in the backseat. 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 having a kid-friendly playlist queued up and easy to play can be.
Shop Mazda's 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.
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.