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Best Family Small SUVs for 2026

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

See how we rank these cars

The best family small and compact SUV is the Subaru Outback (suv) with an iSeeCars’ Family Car Score of 8.5 out of 10. Family Car Score factors in both the reliability (based on iSeeCars’ proprietary analysis of a vehicle’s longevity) and safety (based on NHTSA and IIHS ratings) of each vehicle. In addition, iSeeCars considers the family friendly features each vehicle has across safety, storage and towing, comfort, and connectivity to rank the best family vehicles. The second best family small and compact SUV is the Honda CR-V with a Family Car Score of 8.5. Ranked third is the Hyundai TUCSON with a rating of 8.3.

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Which is the best family small and compact SUV?
  1. Subaru Outback (suv)
  2. Honda CR-V
  3. Hyundai TUCSON
  4. Subaru Forester
  5. Kia Sportage
  6. Mazda CX-5
  7. Toyota RAV4
  8. Ford Escape
  9. Chevrolet Equinox
  10. GMC Terrain
Models not ranked yet

The best family small and compact SUV is the Subaru Outback (suv) with an iSeeCars’ Family Car Score of 8.5 out of 10. Family Car Score factors in both the reliability (based on iSeeCars’ proprietary analysis of a vehicle’s longevity) and safety (based on NHTSA and IIHS ratings) of each vehicle. In addition, iSeeCars considers the family friendly features each vehicle has across safety, storage and towing, comfort, and connectivity to rank the best family vehicles. The second best family small and compact SUV is the Honda CR-V with a Family Car Score of 8.5. Ranked third is the Hyundai TUCSON with a rating of 8.3.

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1. Subaru Outback (suv)

#1 of 66 Best Off-road Crossover SUVs #1 of 66 Most Reliable Crossover SUVs #1 of 56 Best Crossover SUVs for Snow
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.4 / 10
  • Reliability 8.0 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.1 / 10
  • Safety 9.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 34995 - 47995
USED PRICE 20998 - 36997
MPG 23 - 27 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 34.6 cu ft
Additional Key Info

NHTSA Overall Rating (2025): 5.0 out of 5 stars

IIHS Safety Rating (2025): TOP SAFETY PICK

Seating Capacity: 5

Cargo Volume: 34.6 Cubic Feet


The trim levels with the most family-friendly features are the 2026 Subaru Outback Limited, Limited XT, Touring, Touring XT and Wilderness. Those features include:

Key Safety Features
  • rear seat reminder
  • lane deviation sensors
  • lane-keeping assist
  • blind spot monitoring
  • automatic emergency braking
  • adaptive cruise control
Key Storage and Towing Features
  • flat-folding or removable rear seats
  • hidden storage
Key Comfort Features
  • heated rear seat
Key Connectivity Features
  • A/C power outlets
  • Wi-Fi
  • USB ports
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Other Key Features
  • powered or sensor-activated liftgate
  • cupholders
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2. Honda CR-V

#1 of 66 Best Crossover SUVs #1 of 29 Best Japanese Crossover SUVs #1 of 19 Best Small SUVs
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.5 / 10
  • Reliability 7.9 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.7 / 10
  • Safety 9.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 30920 - 36900
USED PRICE 22673 - 34683
MPG 29 - 30 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 39.3 cu ft
Additional Key Info

NHTSA Overall Rating (2026): 5.0 out of 5 stars

IIHS Safety Rating (2025): TOP SAFETY PICK

Seating Capacity: 5

Cargo Volume: 39.3 Cubic Feet


The trim level with the most family-friendly features is the 2026 Honda CR-V EX-L. Those features include:

Key Safety Features
  • rear seat reminder
  • lane deviation sensors
  • lane-keeping assist
  • blind spot monitoring
  • automatic emergency braking
  • adaptive cruise control
Key Storage and Towing Features
  • flat-folding or removable rear seats
Key Connectivity Features
  • A/C power outlets
  • USB ports
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Other Key Features
  • powered or sensor-activated liftgate
  • cupholders
  • conversation mirror
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3. Hyundai TUCSON

#1 of 55 5-seater SUVs with the Most Legroom #1 of 19 Small SUVs with the Most Legroom #1 of 6 Best Korean 5-seater SUVs
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.1 / 10
  • Reliability 6.8 / 10
  • Value Retention 7.9 / 10
  • Safety 9.7 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 29450 - 40925
USED PRICE 17878 - 30898
MPG 26 - 28 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 38.7 cu ft
Additional Key Info

NHTSA Overall Rating (2025): 5.0 out of 5 stars

IIHS Safety Rating (2025): TOP SAFETY PICK+

Seating Capacity: 5

Cargo Volume: 38.7 Cubic Feet


The trim level with the most family-friendly features is the 2026 Hyundai TUCSON Limited. Those features include:

Key Safety Features
  • rear seat reminder
  • lane deviation sensors
  • lane-keeping assist
  • blind spot monitoring
  • automatic emergency braking
  • vehicle exit safety system
  • adaptive cruise control
Key Storage and Towing Features
  • flat-folding or removable rear seats
  • hidden storage
Key Comfort Features
  • heated rear seat
Key Connectivity Features
  • A/C power outlets
  • Wi-Fi
  • USB ports
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Other Key Features
  • powered or sensor-activated liftgate
  • cupholders
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4. Subaru Forester

#1 of 20 Best Crossover SUVs Under $30k #1 of 19 Best 5-seater SUVs Under $30k #1 of 12 Best Small SUVs Under $30k
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.4 / 10
  • Reliability 7.6 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.5 / 10
  • Safety 9.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 29995 - 39995
USED PRICE 20948 - 35786
MPG 26 - 29 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 27.5 - 29.6 cu ft
Additional Key Info

NHTSA Overall Rating (2026): 5.0 out of 5 stars

IIHS Safety Rating (2025): TOP SAFETY PICK

Seating Capacity: 5

Cargo Volume: 27.5 Cubic Feet


The trim level with the most family-friendly features is the 2026 Subaru Forester Touring. Those features include:

Key Safety Features
  • rear seat reminder
  • lane deviation sensors
  • lane-keeping assist
  • blind spot monitoring
  • automatic emergency braking
  • adaptive cruise control
Key Storage and Towing Features
  • flat-folding or removable rear seats
  • hidden storage
Key Comfort Features
  • heated rear seat
Key Connectivity Features
  • A/C power outlets
  • Wi-Fi
  • USB ports
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Other Key Features
  • powered or sensor-activated liftgate
  • cupholders
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5. Kia Sportage

#2 of 55 5-seater SUVs with the Most Legroom #2 of 19 Small SUVs with the Most Legroom #2 of 6 Best Korean 5-seater SUVs
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.9 / 10
  • Reliability 7.0 / 10
  • Value Retention 7.8 / 10
  • Safety 9.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 28790 - 39690
USED PRICE 16494 - 31995
MPG 24 - 28 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 39.6 cu ft
Additional Key Info

NHTSA Overall Rating (2026): 5.0 out of 5 stars

IIHS Safety Rating (2025): TOP SAFETY PICK

Seating Capacity: 5

Cargo Volume: 39.6 Cubic Feet


The trim levels with the most family-friendly features are the 2026 Kia Sportage SX, SX-Prestige and X-Pro Prestige. Those features include:

Key Safety Features
  • lane deviation sensors
  • lane-keeping assist
  • blind spot monitoring
  • automatic emergency braking
  • vehicle exit safety system
  • adaptive cruise control
Key Storage and Towing Features
  • flat-folding or removable rear seats
  • hidden storage
Key Connectivity Features
  • A/C power outlets
  • Wi-Fi
  • USB ports
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Other Key Features
  • powered or sensor-activated liftgate
  • cupholders
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6. Mazda CX-5

#1 of 20 Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $30k #1 of 12 Most Reliable Small SUVs Under $30k #2 of 54 Best Crossover SUVs for the Money
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.0 / 10
  • Reliability 7.9 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.2 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 29990 - 38990
USED PRICE 20059 - 31998
MPG 24 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 33.7 cu ft
Additional Key Info

NHTSA Overall Rating (2025): 5.0 out of 5 stars

IIHS Safety Rating: 2025, 2026 ratings not available

Seating Capacity: 5

Cargo Volume: 33.7 Cubic Feet


The trim level with the most family-friendly features is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus. Those features include:

Key Safety Features
  • rear seat reminder
  • lane deviation sensors
  • lane-keeping assist
  • blind spot monitoring
  • automatic emergency braking
  • adaptive cruise control
Key Storage and Towing Features
  • flat-folding or removable rear seats
Key Comfort Features
  • heated rear seat
Key Connectivity Features
  • A/C power outlets
  • Wi-Fi
  • USB ports
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Other Key Features
  • powered or sensor-activated liftgate
  • cupholders
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7. Toyota RAV4

#1 of 19 Small SUVs with Best Resale Value #2 of 66 Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value #2 of 55 5-seater SUVs with Best Resale Value
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.3 / 10
  • Reliability 7.8 / 10
  • Value Retention 9.0 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 29800 - 39505
USED PRICE 22093 - 35989
MPG 30 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 37.5 cu ft
Additional Key Info

NHTSA Overall Rating (2025): 5.0 out of 5 stars

IIHS Safety Rating: 2025, 2026 ratings not available

Seating Capacity: 5

Cargo Volume: 37.5 Cubic Feet


The trim level with the most family-friendly features is the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Limited. Those features include:

Key Safety Features
  • rear seat reminder
  • lane deviation sensors
  • lane-keeping assist
  • blind spot monitoring
  • automatic emergency braking
  • adaptive cruise control
Key Storage and Towing Features
  • flat-folding or removable rear seats
Key Connectivity Features
  • A/C power outlets
  • Wi-Fi
  • USB ports
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Other Key Features
  • powered or sensor-activated liftgate
  • cupholders
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8. Ford Escape

#1 of 54 Best Crossover SUVs for the Money #1 of 19 Best Crossover SUVs for Moms #1 of 18 Best Small SUVs for the Money
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.8 / 10
  • Reliability 7.8 / 10
  • Value Retention 7.6 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 30350 - 38935
USED PRICE 15997 - 32540
MPG 26 - 30 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 37.5 cu ft
Additional Key Info

NHTSA Overall Rating (2026): 5.0 out of 5 stars

IIHS Safety Rating: 2025, 2026 ratings not available

Seating Capacity: 5

Cargo Volume: 37.5 Cubic Feet


The trim levels with the most family-friendly features are the 2026 Ford Escape Active, Platinum, ST-Line, ST-Line Elite and ST-Line Select. Those features include:

Key Safety Features
  • lane deviation sensors
  • lane-keeping assist
  • blind spot monitoring
  • automatic emergency braking
  • adaptive cruise control (available)
Key Storage and Towing Features
  • flat-folding or removable rear seats
Key Connectivity Features
  • A/C power outlets
  • Wi-Fi
  • USB ports
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Other Key Features
  • powered or sensor-activated liftgate
  • cupholders
  • powered or sensor-activated liftgate (available)
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9. Chevrolet Equinox

#2 of 5 Best American Small SUVs #4 of 12 Most Reliable Small SUVs Under $30k #5 of 20 Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $30k
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.6 / 10
  • Reliability 7.2 / 10
  • Value Retention 7.7 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 28800 - 35600
USED PRICE 16799 - 32042
MPG 26 - 27 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 29.8 cu ft
Additional Key Info

NHTSA Overall Rating: 2022, 2023 ratings not available

IIHS Safety Rating: 2025, 2026 ratings not available

Seating Capacity: 5

Cargo Volume: 29.8 Cubic Feet


The trim levels with the most family-friendly features are the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV and RS. Those features include:

Key Safety Features
  • rear seat reminder
  • lane deviation sensors
  • lane-keeping assist
  • blind spot monitoring
  • automatic emergency braking
  • adaptive cruise control
Key Storage and Towing Features
  • flat-folding or removable rear seats
  • hidden storage
Key Connectivity Features
  • A/C power outlets
  • Wi-Fi
  • USB ports
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Other Key Features
  • powered or sensor-activated liftgate
  • cupholders
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10. GMC Terrain

#1 of 19 Most Comfortable Small SUVs #3 of 5 Best American Small SUVs #4 of 55 Most Comfortable 5-seater SUVs
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.6 / 10
  • Reliability 7.1 / 10
  • Value Retention 7.7 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
Vehicle Image
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 30200 - 41900
USED PRICE 18887 - 33490
MPG 25 - 27 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 29.8 cu ft
Additional Key Info

NHTSA Overall Rating: 2022, 2023 ratings not available

IIHS Safety Rating: 2025, 2026 ratings not available

Seating Capacity: 5

Cargo Volume: 29.8 Cubic Feet


The trim levels with the most family-friendly features are the 2026 GMC Terrain AT4, Denali and Elevation. Those features include:

Key Safety Features
  • rear seat reminder
  • lane deviation sensors
  • lane-keeping assist
  • blind spot monitoring
  • automatic emergency braking
  • adaptive cruise control
Key Storage and Towing Features
  • flat-folding or removable rear seats
  • hidden storage
Key Connectivity Features
  • A/C power outlets
  • Wi-Fi
  • USB ports
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Other Key Features
  • cupholders
  • powered or sensor-activated liftgate (available)
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Volkswagen Tiguan

#1 of 33 Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows #1 of 4 Best German Crossover SUVs #1 of 3 Best German 5-seater SUVs
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.4 / 10
  • Reliability 6.9 / 10
  • Value Retention 7.8 / 10
  • Safety 7.5 / 10
Vehicle Image
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 30805 - 43085
USED PRICE 16622 - 30392
MPG 25 - 28 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 33.8 cu ft
Additional Key Info

NHTSA Overall Rating (2026): 5.0 out of 5 stars

IIHS Safety Rating: 2025, 2026 ratings not available

Seating Capacity: 5

Cargo Volume: 33.8 Cubic Feet


The trim level with the most family-friendly features is the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo 4Motion. Those features include:

Key Safety Features
  • rear seat reminder
  • lane deviation sensors
  • lane-keeping assist
  • blind spot monitoring
  • automatic emergency braking
  • vehicle exit safety system
  • adaptive cruise control
Key Storage and Towing Features
  • flat-folding or removable rear seats
  • hidden storage
Key Comfort Features
  • heated rear seat
  • rear climate control
Key Connectivity Features
  • A/C power outlets
  • Wi-Fi
  • USB ports
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Other Key Features
  • powered or sensor-activated liftgate
  • cupholders
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Nissan Rogue

#1 of 19 Best Gas Mileage Small SUVs #2 of 66 Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs #3 of 19 Best Small SUVs for Tall People
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.5 / 10
  • Reliability 7.2 / 10
  • Value Retention 7.7 / 10
  • Safety 7.6 / 10
Vehicle Image
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 29090 - 38990
USED PRICE 17677 - 29335
MPG 29 - 32 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 31.6 - 36.5 cu ft
Additional Key Info

NHTSA Overall Rating (2026): 5.0 out of 5 stars

IIHS Safety Rating: 2025, 2026 ratings not available

Seating Capacity: 5

Cargo Volume: 36.5 Cubic Feet


The trim level with the most family-friendly features is the 2026 Nissan Rogue Platinum. Those features include:

Key Safety Features
  • rear seat reminder
  • lane deviation sensors
  • lane-keeping assist
  • blind spot monitoring
  • automatic emergency braking
  • adaptive cruise control
Key Storage and Towing Features
  • flat-folding or removable rear seats
  • hidden storage
Key Connectivity Features
  • A/C power outlets
  • Wi-Fi
  • USB ports
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Other Key Features
  • powered or sensor-activated liftgate
  • cupholders
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Mazda CX-50

#4 of 19 Small SUVs with the Most Horsepower #4 of 18 Best Small SUVs for Snow #6 of 66 Safest Crossover SUVs
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 8.1 / 10
  • Safety 10 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 29900 - 42900
USED PRICE 22248 - 35789
MPG 25 - 26 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 31.4 cu ft
Additional Key Info

NHTSA Overall Rating (2026): 5.0 out of 5 stars

IIHS Safety Rating (2025): TOP SAFETY PICK+

Seating Capacity: 5

Cargo Volume: 31.4 Cubic Feet


The trim levels with the most family-friendly features are the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. Those features include:

Key Safety Features
  • rear seat reminder
  • lane deviation sensors
  • lane-keeping assist
  • blind spot monitoring
  • automatic emergency braking
  • vehicle exit safety system
  • adaptive cruise control
Key Storage and Towing Features
  • flat-folding or removable rear seats
Key Comfort Features
  • heated rear seat
Key Connectivity Features
  • A/C power outlets
  • Wi-Fi
  • USB ports
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Other Key Features
  • powered or sensor-activated liftgate
  • cupholders
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Mitsubishi Outlander

#1 of 29 Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money #1 of 29 Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows #1 of 25 Most Affordable 7-Seater SUVs
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.3 / 10
  • Reliability 7.2 / 10
  • Value Retention 7.6 / 10
  • Safety 7.1 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 29995 - 44845
USED PRICE 18500 - 31500
MPG 26 - 27 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 10.9 cu ft
Additional Key Info

NHTSA Overall Rating: 2022, 2023 ratings not available

IIHS Safety Rating: 2025, 2026 ratings not available

Seating Capacity: 7

Cargo Volume: 10.9 Cubic Feet


The trim levels with the most family-friendly features are the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Black Edition and SEL. Those features include:

Key Safety Features
  • rear seat reminder
  • lane deviation sensors
  • lane-keeping assist
  • blind spot monitoring
  • automatic emergency braking
  • adaptive cruise control
Key Storage and Towing Features
  • hidden storage
Key Comfort Features
  • heated rear seat
  • rear climate control
Key Connectivity Features
  • A/C power outlets
  • USB ports
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Other Key Features
  • powered or sensor-activated liftgate
  • cupholders
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Toyota Corolla Cross

#1 of 18 Most Affordable Small SUVs #2 of 19 Best Gas Mileage Small SUVs #2 of 19 Small SUVs with Best Resale Value
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 8.9 / 10
  • Safety 7.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 25035 - 31410
USED PRICE 20900 - 30990
MPG 30 - 32 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 21.5 - 24.0 cu ft
Additional Key Info

NHTSA Overall Rating: 2022, 2023 ratings not available

IIHS Safety Rating (2025): TOP SAFETY PICK

Seating Capacity: 5

Cargo Volume: 24.0 Cubic Feet


The trim level with the most family-friendly features is the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE. Those features include:

Key Safety Features
  • rear seat reminder
  • lane deviation sensors
  • lane-keeping assist
  • blind spot monitoring
  • automatic emergency braking
  • vehicle exit safety system
  • adaptive cruise control
Key Storage and Towing Features
  • flat-folding or removable rear seats
Key Connectivity Features
  • A/C power outlets
  • Wi-Fi
  • USB ports
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Other Key Features
  • cupholders
  • powered or sensor-activated liftgate (available)
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Ford Bronco Sport

#1 of 19 Best Small SUVs for Tall People #3 of 19 Most Comfortable Small SUVs #5 of 55 Best 5-seater SUVs for Tall People
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 7.9 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 31845 - 40265
USED PRICE 19499 - 36380
MPG 23 - 27 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 29.4 - 32.5 cu ft
Additional Key Info

NHTSA Overall Rating (2026): 5.0 out of 5 stars

IIHS Safety Rating: 2025, 2026 ratings not available

Seating Capacity: 5

Cargo Volume: 32.5 Cubic Feet


The trim levels with the most family-friendly features are the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands, Big Bend, Heritage and Outer Banks. Those features include:

Key Safety Features
  • rear seat reminder
  • lane deviation sensors
  • lane-keeping assist
  • blind spot monitoring
  • automatic emergency braking
  • adaptive cruise control
Key Storage and Towing Features
  • flat-folding or removable rear seats
Key Connectivity Features
  • A/C power outlets
  • Wi-Fi
  • USB ports
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Other Key Features
  • cupholders
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Volkswagen Taos

#2 of 18 Most Affordable Small SUVs #3 of 19 Best Gas Mileage Small SUVs #4 of 19 Best Small SUVs for Tall People
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 7.7 / 10
  • Safety 7.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 26500 - 35900
USED PRICE 16587 - 27994
MPG 28 - 31 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 24.9 - 27.9 cu ft
Additional Key Info

NHTSA Overall Rating (2026): 4.0 out of 5 stars

IIHS Safety Rating: 2025, 2026 ratings not available

Seating Capacity: 5

Cargo Volume: 27.9 Cubic Feet


The trim levels with the most family-friendly features are the 2026 Volkswagen Taos S, S 4Motion, SE, SE 4Motion, SE Black, SE Black 4Motion and SEL 4Motion. Those features include:

Key Safety Features
  • rear seat reminder
  • lane deviation sensors
  • lane-keeping assist
  • blind spot monitoring
  • automatic emergency braking
  • adaptive cruise control
Key Storage and Towing Features
  • flat-folding or removable rear seats
Key Connectivity Features
  • A/C power outlets
  • Wi-Fi
  • USB ports
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Other Key Features
  • cupholders
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Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

#3 of 18 Most Affordable Small SUVs #8 of 19 Best Off-road Small SUVs #8 of 18 Best Small SUVs for Snow
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 7.7 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 27695 - 31845
USED PRICE 15899 - 27325
MPG 25 - 26 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 23.4 cu ft
Additional Key Info

NHTSA Overall Rating (2026): 5.0 out of 5 stars

IIHS Safety Rating: 2025, 2026 ratings not available

Seating Capacity: 5

Cargo Volume: 23.4 Cubic Feet


The trim level with the most family-friendly features is the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SEL. Those features include:

Key Safety Features
  • rear seat reminder
  • lane deviation sensors
  • blind spot monitoring
  • automatic emergency braking
  • adaptive cruise control
Key Connectivity Features
  • A/C power outlets
  • USB ports
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Other Key Features
  • powered or sensor-activated liftgate
  • cupholders
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Last new model year: 2023

Jeep Cherokee

#1 of 19 Best Small SUVs for Towing #1 of 19 Small SUVs with the Most Horsepower #1 of 1 Best Small SUVs Under $40k
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.2 / 10
  • Reliability 7.0 / 10
  • Value Retention 7.7 / 10
  • Safety 7.0 / 10
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NEW PRICE (MSRP) 37695 - 41295
USED PRICE 15995 - 27956
MPG 22 - 24 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 25.8 cu ft
Additional Key Info

NHTSA Overall Rating: 2022, 2023 ratings not available

IIHS Safety Rating: 2025, 2026 ratings not available


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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).