Best Family SUVs 2025 for Comfort & Space

Last updated: April 10, 2025 — All models reviewed reflect the latest available trims, prices and equipment for the UK and French markets.

Choosing the right SUV for your family isn’t just about the badge or body size — it’s about finding the perfect balance of comfort, space, safety, and everyday usability. In 2025, with dozens of new and refreshed models available, families have more choice than ever.

In this guide, we’ve handpicked the best family SUVs of 2025 based on real-world needs: generous legroom, clever storage, comfortable seating for all, and smart tech that actually helps parents — not just wows them in showrooms.

🚗 What Makes a Family SUV Truly Great?

The best family SUVs offer:

• Roomy interiors with wide second rows
• Flexible seat configurations for up to seven people
• Boots that swallow luggage, strollers, and groceries
• Comfortable suspension and quiet cabins for long trips
• Safety tech that protects without distracting

According to Euro NCAP, “family SUVs are now the most rigorously tested category for occupant safety, especially when it comes to rear-seat protection and child restraint compatibility.”

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What are the best family SUVs of 2025 for comfort and space?

Top choices for families this year include:

• Volvo XC90
• Kia Sorento
• Peugeot 5008
• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Toyota Highlander
• BMW X5
• Volkswagen ID.4
• Skoda Kodiaq
• Dacia Duster (budget choice)

Each offers strong value in comfort, practicality, and tech — with safety as a top priority.

1. Volvo XC90 – The Safest, Most Serene SUV

The Volvo XC90 remains one of the safest and most spacious family SUVs you can buy. Its lounge-like second row, ultra-quiet cabin, and top Euro NCAP scores make it ideal for safety-conscious families.

• Seats: 7
• Boot: 640L (5 seats up)
• Best for: Highway comfort, child safety, luxury
• Quote: “A Volvo is like a rolling safety vault,” says Matthew Avery, director at Thatcham Research.

2. Kia Sorento – Comfort & Tech Without the Premium Price

One of the few 7-seaters with hybrid and PHEV options, the Kia Sorento punches far above its price point. Spacious inside, user-friendly tech, and low running costs make it a favorite.

• Seats: 7
• Boot: 616L (5 seats up)
• Highlights: Heated second-row seats, adaptive cruise, real 7-passenger capacity
• Why it ranks: Consistently high owner satisfaction and long warranty

🟢 Also recommended in our guide to hybrid family cars

3. Peugeot 5008 – Modular, Modern, French Genius

The Peugeot 5008 is a real treat for parents: three full-width rear seats (all with ISOFIX), a flat floor, and clever modularity. Great for carpooling or growing families.

• Seats: 5+2
• Boot: 780L (5 seats up)
• USP: Fully adjustable second row, clean cabin layout, sleek i-Cockpit
• Bonus: French-built = lower insurance in France and some EU zones

4. Hyundai Santa Fe – Whisper-Quiet and Well-Equipped

Redesigned for 2025, the new Santa Fe is wider, bolder, and smarter. Rear passengers enjoy generous headroom, heated and ventilated seats, and a whisper-quiet ride.

• Seats: 7
• Boot: 625L
• Quote: “This is the most refined Santa Fe yet,” reports WhatCar in their long-term test reviews.

Also worth noting: this model now features a plug-in hybrid version with 55km of electric-only range.

5. Toyota Highlander – Built for the Long Haul

Large, simple, reliable — the Highlander is Toyota’s answer to the family bus. With adult-sized third-row seating and excellent boot depth, it’s built for bulk and comfort.

• Seats: 7
• Efficiency: ~6.6L/100 km (hybrid)
• Why families love it: Low depreciation, Toyota’s unbeatable reliability
• Smart detail: Sliding second row + rear climate control

6. BMW X5 – Where Luxury Meets Family Practicality

Don’t let the badge fool you — the BMW X5 is surprisingly good at family duties. Soft-touch materials, adaptive air suspension, and excellent infotainment all make for stress-free journeys.

• Seats: 5 (optional 7)
• Boot: 650L
• Ideal for: Premium buyers who don’t want to compromise
• Safety tech: Parking Assistant Plus, front + rear collision mitigation

7. Volkswagen ID.4 – All-Electric Family Hero

Need zero emissions, but also real-world range and room for five? The ID.4 is one of the best EV SUVs for families, with a flat floor, huge backseat space, and intuitive controls.

• Range: Up to 550 km (WLTP)
• Boot: 543L
• EV highlight: DC fast charging: 10–80% in ~28 mins
• Trust factor: Euro NCAP 5-star safety, tested for battery fire safety

🟢 Also featured in our EV alternatives to Tesla Model Y

8. Skoda Kodiaq – The Most Spacious SUV for Large Families

If you need actual usable third-row seating, this is the one. The Kodiaq’s long wheelbase means even adults fit in the back — plus you get all of Skoda’s famously clever details.

• Seats: 7
• Boot: 765L (5 seats up)
• Smart extras: Built-in tablet holders, door edge protectors
• Real value: Lower priced than similarly sized rivals

🟢 Previously mentioned in our guide to comfortable small SUVs

9. Dacia Duster – No-Frills, Family-Ready SUV

It’s not fancy, but it’s affordable, durable, and super easy to live with. For small families or first-time buyers, the Duster remains unbeatable in its price bracket.

• Seats: 5
• Boot: 478L
• Highlight: High ground clearance, simple buttons, and honest build
• EV News: An all-electric Duster is expected by late 2025

✅ Key Comparison Table

📌 Final Thoughts: Which One’s Right for You?

If you’re after a do-it-all SUV with hybrid efficiency and three rows of comfort, the Kia Sorento is hard to beat. Prefer luxury? Go for the Volvo XC90 or BMW X5. Want to keep it green? The VW ID.4 delivers real electric range and family-ready space.

Choosing the best family SUV in 2025 depends on your specific needs — space, budget, fuel type, or brand preference. But every model on this list has been picked because it offers real, everyday value to real families.