Choosing the right family vehicle can be a challenge. With numerous excellent options available, it’s important to consider your needs and those of your family. While sedans and pickups can work in certain situations, and minivans often meet family requirements, many prefer an SUV for enhanced comfort, aesthetics, and ample cargo space. You also need to decide between two-row or three-row seating, electric or gasoline engines, and hybrid or non-hybrid models.

Don’t worry, you’re in capable hands. At MotorTrend, we dedicate a significant amount of time annually to reviewing, testing, and comparing SUVs. We even conduct a yearly SUV of the Year event to select the top SUV (last year’s winner was the Chevy Blazer EV). If you want to know which SUVs rank highest for your family, we have the information you need. Here are our top family SUVs of 2024, evaluated based on safety, fuel efficiency, and cargo space from our thorough testing and reviews.

10. 2024 Nissan Rogue | MT Score 8.8

The 2024 Nissan Rogue makes a return to our list, building on its solid foundation from last year with minimal changes — and there’s not much that needed fixing. It features a roomy interior and stylish design. For those concerned with fuel efficiency, it boasts an EPA rating of 28-30/35-37 mpg city/highway, allowing for longer trips between fuel stops. The Rogue also prioritizes safety, having received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and the IIHS’ Top Safety Pick award. Additionally, it performed exceptionally well in our extensive seven-way comparison test from last year.

2024 Nissan Rogue Overview

• Starting Price: $29,685
• Engine: 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbo
• Horsepower: 201 @ 5,600 rpm
• Torque: 225 @ 2,800 rpm
• Fuel Efficiency (city/hwy/combined): 30/37/33 (FWD); 28/35/31 (AWD)

9. 2024 Subaru Outback | MT Score 8.8

The 2024 Subaru Outback offers a great alternative to traditional boxy SUVs. It resembles a raised wagon featuring all-wheel drive as standard, making it a practical choice for regions with harsh weather. While it may not have the most luxurious interior — as road noise and engine vibrations can be noticeable — these factors are not deterrents. The Wilderness trim adds off-road capabilities and features rugged tires. Additionally, Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance system is effective, smooth, and dependable.

2024 Subaru Outback Overview

• Starting Price: $30,190
• Engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder
• Horsepower: 182 @ 5,800 rpm
• Torque: 176 @ 4,400 rpm
• Fuel Efficiency (city/hwy/combined): 26/32/28

8. 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid | MT Score 8.9

If you haven’t noticed, Kia’s entire range recently underwent a major makeover. Older Kia models were often seen as bland and forgettable, but the latest lineup is both sleek and stylish. The 2024 Kia Sportage is a prime example of this transformation. It comes with options for gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, catering to a variety of needs. All versions of the Sportage feature a modern cabin complete with a widescreen infotainment system and high safety ratings. However, the hybrid variant stands out with better acceleration and fuel efficiency compared to the gasoline-only models. While prices have seen a slight increase from 2023 to 2024, this increase likely reflects the addition of standard features like projector LED headlights and rear-seat-mounted airbags.

2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid Pros, Cons and Specs

• Price: $29,615
• Engine: 1.6-liter 4-cylinder hybrid
• Horsepower: 227
• Torque: 258
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy/combined): 42/44/43 (FWD); 38/38/38 (AWD)

7. 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | MT Score 9

Toyota is fully embracing hybrid technology, which is evident in the superb 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. There are no major updates for the 2024 model, so enjoy its functional interior, generous cargo space, and significant improvements in fuel efficiency compared to the gasoline-only version. This hybrid variant is much more refined and achieves an impressive 41/38 mpg city/highway, while the standard AWD version only manages 27/33 mpg. In a recent head-to-head comparison with the Honda CR-V Hybrid, the RAV4 Hybrid came out on top for its superior fuel efficiency and affordability.

2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Pros, Cons and Specs

• Price: $31,475
• Engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid
• Horsepower: 219 combined
• Torque: 163 @ 3,600 rpm; 89 + 149 (elec)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy/combined): 41/38/39

6. 2024 Hyundai Palisade | MT Score 9

Leading the Hyundai lineup is the 2024 Hyundai Palisade, designed with urban drivers in mind, while being closely related to the popular Kia Telluride. For 2024, a new Calligraphy Night Edition has been introduced, though it’s primarily an appearance upgrade. The underlying mechanics remain unchanged. This model can be configured to seat either seven or eight people, although the third row could use a bit more legroom. On the safety front, the 2023 Palisade received top accolades with five-star ratings and the Top Safety Pick+ from both NHTSA and IIHS. In a competitive review of three-row SUVs that included models like the Telluride, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-90, Subaru Ascent, Ford Explorer, and Jeep Grand Cherokee L, the Palisade stood out as the best option.

2024 Hyundai Palisade Pros, Cons and Specs

• • Price: $36,400
  • Engine: 3.8-liter 6-cylinder
  • Horsepower: 291 @ 6,000 rpm
  • Torque: 262 @ 5,200 rpm
  • Fuel Economy (city/hwy/combined): 19/26/22 (FWD); 19/24/21 (AWD)

5. 2024 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid | MT Score 9.1

The 2024 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid builds on everything we love about the Sportage Hybrid. It retains the stylish design of the Sportage while adding the benefits of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV): capable of driving up to 34 miles solely on electric power and offering the highest power output in the Sportage series. If you’re not quite ready to switch to a fully electric vehicle like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Sportage PHEV is an excellent alternative — just ensure you have a charging station available. Keep in mind that the extra equipment for the PHEV does slightly reduce cargo space, but it still remains roomy for its category.

2024 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid Pros, Cons and Specs

• • • • Price: $40,965
      • Engine: 1.6-liter 4-cylinder PHEV
      • Horsepower: 261
      • Torque: 258
      • Fuel Economy (city/hwy/combined): 35 combined; 84 mpg-e

4. 2024 Genesis GV70 | MT Score 9.2

The 2024 Genesis GV70 defies the notion that stylish cars have to be pricey. Genesis has made a name for itself by crafting sleek vehicles that are more affordable than their German counterparts, and the GV70 exemplifies this perfectly. It comes with a variety of powertrain options, including an electric version, and consistently earns high ratings across all MotorTrend reviews, even winning the 2022 SUV of the Year award. With its blend of elegance and sporty handling, along with a roomy interior suitable for a family of four, the GV70 has also been recognized for its safety, achieving the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating in 2023. So the next time you’re contemplating a BMW or a Mercedes, give the Genesis a thought as well.

2024 Genesis GV70 Pros, Cons and Specs

• • • • Price: $44,900
      • Engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder turbo
      • Horsepower: 300 @ 5,800 rpm
      • Torque: 311 @ 1,650 rpm
      • Fuel Economy (city/hwy/combined): 22/28/24

3. 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime | MT Score 9.3

Let’s discuss why the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime is an outstanding choice for a vehicle. It combines everything that makes the RAV4 fantastic — ample cabin space, a comfortable and practical interior, and Toyota’s renowned reliability — with the added benefit of a plug-in hybrid electric powertrain. This not only makes the RAV4 Prime one of the fastest models Toyota has ever produced, but it also provides over 40 miles of electric-only driving range, meaning you can minimize your fuel usage on most typical drives. This aspect is appealing to many potential EV buyers! Although it’s on the pricier side and only available in two trim levels, we believe the RAV4 Prime is worth considering for anyone in the market for a new vehicle.

2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime Overview

• • • • Starting Price: $43,440
      • Engine Type: 2.5L 4-cylinder
      • Total Horsepower: 302
      • Total Torque: 350
      • Fuel Efficiency (city/highway/combined): 38 combined; 94 mpg-e

2. 2024 Kia EV6 | MT Rating 9.4

The Kia EV6 kicked off the brand’s electric vehicle lineup with a strong performance. Although it leans more towards a wagon style compared to SUVs, its all-electric power and modern aesthetics compensate for the reduced interior space. With little changes for 2024, the EV6 maintains its dynamic driving experience and eye-catching design. The Hyundai/Kia EV platform facilitates rapid charging, especially when paired with the optional 77.4-kWh battery. For an extra thrill, the sporty EV6 GT competes impressive against gasoline-powered supercars. However, it may be beneficial to wait for the 2025 model, as Kia is reportedly planning upgrades which could include a larger 84-kWh battery.

2024 Kia EV6 Overview

• • • • Starting Price: $42,600
      • Battery Capacity: 58 kWh
      • Power Output: 167 hp
      • Torque: 258 lb-ft
      • Fuel Efficiency (city/highway/combined): 136/100/117 mpg-e

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1. 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 | MT Rating 9.7

For years, Tesla was the sole option for anyone looking for an electric SUV. The launch of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 changed the landscape, and the 2024 model continues to lead the way. Its retro-futuristic style is unlike anything else on the road. The Ioniq 5 is designed for a smooth driving experience rather than targeting speed records (that’s the role of the Ioniq 5 N). Available with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive and various battery options, it offers plenty of versatility. All passengers will appreciate the spaciousness and headroom, though we do wish the front trunk (frunk) were a bit larger. Despite this minor drawback, it was named the 2023 MotorTrend SUV of the year.

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Overview

• • • • Starting Price: $41,650
      • Battery Capacity: 58 kWh
      • Power Output: 168 hp
      • Torque: 258 lb-ft
      • Fuel Efficiency (city/highway/combined): 127/94/110 mpg-e

2024 Top Family SUVs

1. 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 | MT Score 9.7

2. 2024 Kia EV6 | MT Score 9.4

3. 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime | MT Score 9.3

4. 2024 Genesis GV70 | MT Score 9.2

5. 2024 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid | MT Score 9.1

6. 2024 Hyundai Palisade | MT Score 9.0

7. 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | MT Score 9.0

8. 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid | MT Score 8.9

9. 2024 Subaru Outback | MT Score 8.8

10. 2024 Nissan Rogue | MT Score 8.8