Great Family SUVs for 2022: Top 5 Choices

Curious to learn what some of the best family SUVs for 2022 are? We offer our top picks for comfort, efficiency and helpful family-focused amenities.

Warren Clarke | 

Jan 5, 2022 | 5 min read

Hyundai

If you've got kids, you likely have a lengthy list of requirements for your vehicle. Not only does it need to offer ample seating and storage space, it also needs to be safe and efficient. Fortunately, some of the best family SUVs for 2022 are equipped to comfortably transport you and your loved ones.

Our top five picks are listed below. We considered these parameters when making our selections:

• Legroom: at least 40 inches in the front row and 36 inches in the second
• Cargo capacity: at least 20 cu.-ft. with all seats in place
• Fuel economy: at least 22 mpg combined
• Safety features (must offer at least three): forward collision mitigation, blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist
• Valuable features (must offer at least three): in-car Wi-Fi, satellite radio, multi-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, and a hands-free liftgate

We also gave bonus points to vehicles with useful family-friendly features outside of those already mentioned. Our selections are in alphabetical order.

Genesis

1. Genesis GV80

If you want a luxury SUV with family-focused amenities, take a look at the Genesis GV80. It comes standard with five-passenger seating, and pricing starts at just under $50,000. An optional third row is available, but it's best suited for small kids.

• Legroom: 41.6 inches in the front row and 38.7 inches in the second
• Cargo capacity: 34.9 cu.-ft. with all seats in place
• Fuel economy: up to 23 mpg combined
• Safety features: forward collision mitigation, blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist (all standard)
• Valuable features: tri-zone automatic climate control, in-car Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, satellite radio, and a hands-free liftgate

The GV80 is available with a Digital Key. This feature allows you to lock, unlock, start, and drive the GV80 using just your smartphone—a key fob isn't required.

Hyundai

2. Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade is a three-row SUV with excellent warranty coverage that supports powertrain components up to 10 years/100,000 miles, and pricing starts at roughly $33,000. It can be configured to seat seven or eight people, so it's a good choice if you need ample passenger capacity.

• Legroom: 44.1 inches in the front row and 42.4 inches in the second
• Cargo capacity: 45.8 cu.-ft. with all seats in place
• Fuel economy: up to 22 mpg combined
• Safety features: forward collision mitigation, blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist (all standard)
• Valuable features: dual-zone automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, satellite radio, and a hands-free liftgate

Palisade SUVs come standard with Rear Occupant Alert. This feature reminds you to check the rear seat before exiting, and it can prevent you from inadvertently leaving a child or pet unattended in the vehicle. Additionally, the Palisade is available with Safe Exit Assist. This technology issues a warning if its sensors detect that a rear-seat passenger is about to make an unsafe exit into oncoming traffic.

Mazda

3. Mazda CX-30

If you have a small family, you might prefer a subcompact five-passenger SUV like the Mazda CX-30. Like its CX-5 sibling, the CX-30 stands out for its engaging handling. Pricing starts in the low $20,000s.

• Legroom: 41.7 inches in the front row and 36.3 inches in the second
• Cargo capacity: 20.2 cu.-ft. with all seats in place
• Fuel economy: up to 28 mpg combined
• Safety features: forward collision mitigation, blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist
• Valuable features: dual-zone automatic climate control, in-car Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, and satellite radio

For an additional cost, the CX-30 offers Traffic Jam Assist. This feature combines adaptive cruise control with low-speed steering assistance at speeds of up to 40 mph; it handles steering and braking when you're crawling in gridlocked traffic.

Toyota

4. Toyota RAV4

In the spirit of popular Toyota family haulers like the Sienna, the RAV4 offers features that add comfort and convenience. Toyota sells this five-passenger SUV in gas-only, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants—which allow you to drive up to a certain number of miles before using a drop of gasoline—so it's a great choice if fuel economy is a priority. Pricing starts in the mid-to-high $20,000s.

• Legroom: 41 inches in the front row and 37.8 inches in the second
• Cargo capacity: 37.6 cu.-ft. with all seats in place
• Fuel economy: up to 40 mpg combined
• Safety features: forward collision mitigation, blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist
• Valuable features: dual-zone automatic climate control, in-car Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, satellite radio, and a hands-free liftgate

The RAV4 is a stellar choice if light off-roading is on the itinerary. It provides over 8 inches of ground clearance, and it's available with an upgraded all-wheel-drive system that improves forward traction when you're traveling off-road.

Volkswagen

5. Volkswagen Atlas

Volkswagen's Atlas seats five, and optional third-row seating is available for those who need seven-passenger capacity.

• Legroom: 41.7 inches in the front row and 37.6 inches in the second
• Cargo capacity: 55.5 cu.-ft. with all seats in place
• Fuel economy: up to 23 mpg combined
• Safety features: forward collision mitigation, blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist
• Valuable features: tri-zone automatic climate control, in-car Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, satellite radio, and a hands-free liftgate

The Atlas is available with VW Car-Net Remote Access, which allows you to start the vehicle remotely through an app. You can use this amenity to adjust cabin temperature to a comfortable level before entering the vehicle. Also, if you've ever spent more time than you'd like searching for parking, you might like hearing that this SUV comes with a parking app that helps you find an available spot more quickly.

Families have unique needs when it comes to transportation. Whatever requirements you have for your next vehicle purchase, these options are among the best family SUVs for 2022 and include features that can both meet your family's needs and facilitate a pleasant traveling experience.

Warren Clarke

A car purchase is a big decision. And once you've made the purchase, you'll be faced with countless other choices that will affect your ownership experience one way or another. Throughout my career in the automotive industry, I've written everything from vehicle reviews to articles covering topics such as car insurance and leasing. My mission is to help you make the best decisions regarding your vehicle.