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Best Family Luxury SUVs for 2024

These are the best family luxury SUVs ranked by iSeeCars' analysis of each vehicle’s reliability and NHTSA and IIHS safety ratings, along with key family-friendly features.

The best family luxury subcompact SUV is the Audi Q3, with the BMW X3 being the best family luxury small and compact SUV. The Acura MDX ranks #1 for the best family luxury midsize SUVs.

The best family luxury large SUV is the Lincoln Navigator and the best family luxury crossover SUV is the Acura MDX. Topping the list for the best family luxury three-row SUVs is the Acura MDX, while the Tesla Model X ranks first for the best family luxury electric SUVs.

iSeeCars has identified the best luxury SUVs for family buyers and ranked them in several categories below. The models are ranked by their Family Car Score, which prioritizes safety and reliability and then considers which family friendly features are available on each model. The luxury SUV categories range from large, full-size SUVs like the BMW X7, Cadillac Escalade, Mercedes-Benz GLS, and Land Rover Range Rover to subcompact models like the BMW X1 and Jaguar E-Pace. You can also read about tech features, mpg ratings, and both used and new car pricing for each SUV listed below. The price tag for luxury SUVs rises quickly as the size increases, so smaller families without the need for a third row of seating will find more budget-friendly starting prices in the smaller categories. Even the smallest luxury SUVs include an impressive array of standard driver assist and safety features, along with advanced infotainment systems and available all-wheel drive. Fuel economy is another selling point in these models, as they feature fuel-efficient, turbocharged powertrains.

Midsize SUVs like the BMW X5 and Genesis GV80 offer an excellent balance of spacious first- and second-row seats and relatively roomy third-row seats. Family buyers who genuinely plan to go off-road should consider the Land Rover Discovery, which is nearly as capable as its larger stablemate, the Range Rover. Conversely, buyers wanting a sports-car-like on-road driving experience while needing a functional rear seat will find the Porsche Cayenne Coupe quite engaging.

Larger families requiring three rows of seats and plenty of interior space will want to stick with large luxury SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade and Jeep Grand Wagoneer. These models not only provide stand out luxury amenities and near-minivan levels of interior volume, they also feature advanced air suspensions to smooth out road imperfections or supplement their off-road capability.

With more electrified vehicle options entering the market, family shoppers might also consider a plug-in hybrid or electric luxury SUV. The instant torque provided by electric motors feels more responsive than a turbo engine at low speeds, though their limited range and the long charging times they require will have to line up with how owners intend to use their SUV.

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How We Rank These Cars

The Best Family Cars rank vehicles by iSeeCars' analysis of each vehicle’s reliability and NHTSA and IIHS safety ratings, along with key family-friendly features.

The best family vehicle is specific to one or more trim levels for a given vehicle model, and has the highest combined reliability and safety score as well as the most important family-friendly features. In the event there is a tie, we use iSeeCars proprietary rating of the overall quality of the car (iSeeCars Score) to break the tie.

Separately, the overall iSeeCars Score shown for each vehicle is an analysis of three factors: reliability, resale value and safety. It is calculated based on the latest research and analysis by our data science team. The data analysis comes from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings.

Vehicles are scored in three categories:

Reliability

The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.

Value Retention

The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.

Safety

The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

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