The Top Three Best Family SUVs
Family vehicles come in all shapes and sizes, but many families prefer the room, flexibility and safety of an SUV. The three best Family SUV choices include:
Hyundai Santa Fe
This affordable SUV offers families a 2.4 liter, 175 horsepower engine with a six speed manual transmission. The engine provides 169 pounds of torque and the fuel efficiency is rated at 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg when driving highway speeds. Cargo space is plentiful with 78 cubic feet of capacity.
Unfortunately, the interior seating isn’t particularly comfortable and the driver cushions should be longer and higher. Additionally, the second row doesn’t recline or slide as conveniently as other similar sized SUVs. The vehicle doesn’t perform as well as other SUVs in the same class, but is one of the most affordable ones. The second row of seating is more comfortable and overall this SUV seats five. The vehicle is outfitted with 17 inch alloy wheels, side rails for roof storage and privacy glass.
Toyota RAV 4
This comfortable mid-size SUV is large enough to seat seven with plenty of storage space. However, the third row of seating is tight for adults and is more suited for children. Also, the interior isn’t as high of quality as other SUVs and the cargo door has convenience issues for some reviewers. Consumers have two options, the four cylinder and V6 versions. The vehicle comes with 16-inch steel wheels on the four cylinder or 17-cast aluminum wheels with the V6. This best family SUV offers an adjustable driver’s seat and four-wheel drive in the V6.
Consumers will receive 22 mpg during city driving and 28 mpg on the highway for the four cylinder vehicle and 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway with the V6 model. The tow package will pull 3,500 pounds. Additional features include heated mirrors, keyless entry and two zone climate control.
Lincoln MKX
The exterior of this SUV is sharp with a streamlined frontend and sleek overall look. Standard features include 18-inch wheels, leather interior and two zone climate control. Additional conveniences that consumers will appreciate include seats that can be cooled or heated, reverse parking assistance and satellite radio. This SUV will comfortable seat five with plenty of added cargo space.
Safety benefits for the Lincoln include stability control and traction with enhanced control to prevent rollovers. Airbags are an added safety measure with front seat side impact and full-length side curtain airbags. Fuel economy is 17 mpg for city driving and 23 mpg at highway speeds for the all¬-wheel drive model and 19 mpg and 26 mpg for the front-wheel drive version. This luxurious SUV has a high-end price tag and will run consumers $39,415 to $41,265, so it isn’t in everyone’s price range. The Lincoln MKX has had trouble competing with the Ford Edge due to their similarities and the Edge’s lower price tag.
The engine is a 3.5 liter V6 with 265 horsepower and 250 pounds of torque. Additionally, the transmission is a six speed automatic. The road noise is minimal and the back cargo area with the rear seat in use provides 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space and 68.9 feet with the back seat folded down.
When choosing the best family SUV, a variety of options are available depending on the size of the family in need of transport and the overall budget.
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