Best Family SUVs in Australia | Space, Comfort & Safety Features

Family SUVs have become the go-to choice for Australian households, blending practicality, space, safety, and modern comfort into one versatile package. Whether you’re doing the school run, tackling a long road trip, or hauling sporting gear for the weekend, today’s SUVs deliver features that make family life easier.

Australia’s SUV market is crowded, with dozens of models ranging from budget-friendly compacts to premium seven-seaters packed with luxury. Choosing the right one can feel overwhelming, but the good news is that there are excellent options across all budgets.

This guide explores the best family SUVs in Australia by focusing on what matters most to parents and families: safety features, interior space, comfort, running costs, and long-term value.

Why SUVs Are the Family Favourite in Australia

Australian families are gravitating toward SUVs more than any other vehicle type. Reasons include:

• Space for kids and gear – Ample cabin and boot space.
• Versatility – Folding seats, seven-seat options, and roof racks.
• Safety – Advanced driver assistance and ANCAP 5-star ratings.
• Comfort – Smooth rides, plush interiors, and climate control.
• Fuel & hybrid options – Choices between petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric SUVs.

Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Family SUV

Safety First

• Look for ANCAP 5-star ratings.
• Features like autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control are must-haves.

Interior Space

• Families with young kids may need wide rear doors and ISOFIX anchor points for car seats.
• Bigger families should consider seven-seat SUVs for flexibility.

Comfort & Convenience

• Rear-seat air vents, USB charging ports, and adjustable seating improve family journeys.
• Quiet cabins and soft suspension make long trips more relaxing.

Fuel Efficiency

• With rising fuel prices, efficiency is critical.
• Hybrid SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid or Kia Sorento Hybrid are popular.

Long-Term Value

• Consider resale value, warranty coverage, and servicing costs.
• Brands like Toyota, Mazda, and Hyundai have strong reputations in Australia.

Best Family SUVs in Australia – Top Picks

Toyota RAV4

One of Australia’s best-selling SUVs, the Toyota RAV4 has long been a family favourite.

• Why it’s great: Available in petrol and hybrid, outstanding fuel economy, excellent resale value.
• Safety: ANCAP 5-star, Toyota Safety Sense suite.
• Interior: Comfortable seating for five, 580L boot capacity.
• Best for: Families wanting reliability and hybrid efficiency.

Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 stands out for its stylish design, refined cabin, and enjoyable driving dynamics.

• Why it’s great: Premium feel without luxury pricing.
• Safety: 5-star ANCAP, packed with driver assistance tech.
• Interior: High-quality finishes, supportive seats, mid-size SUV practicality.
• Best for: Families who value style and driving comfort.

Kia Sportage

The latest Kia Sportage offers bold styling, tech-packed interiors, and excellent practicality.

• Why it’s great: Value for money, long 7-year warranty.
• Safety: Full 5-star ANCAP, advanced driver safety aids.
• Interior: Spacious rear seat space, generous boot.
• Best for: Families wanting affordability with premium-like features.

Hyundai Tucson

Sibling to the Sportage, the Hyundai Tucson balances affordability, safety, and interior comfort.

• Why it’s great: Stylish, efficient, and reliable.
• Safety: 5-star ANCAP, SmartSense safety suite.
• Interior: Strong build quality, wide rear space, tech-rich cabin.
• Best for: Families who want practicality without overspending.

Toyota Kluger

The Toyota Kluger (Highlander overseas) is one of Australia’s most popular seven-seat SUVs.

• Why it’s great: Hybrid option available, Toyota reliability, family-sized.
• Safety: 5-star ANCAP, Toyota Safety Sense included.
• Interior: Flexible 7-seat layout, massive boot with rear seats folded.
• Best for: Larger families needing a dependable, long-lasting SUV.

Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento blends family practicality with modern tech and efficiency.

• Why it’s great: Petrol, diesel, and hybrid options.
• Safety: 5-star ANCAP, smart safety features standard.
• Interior: Seven seats, premium cabin feel, 12.3-inch digital cluster.
• Best for: Families who want SUV versatility with a touch of luxury.

Hyundai Palisade

For big families, the Hyundai Palisade offers one of the most spacious interiors on the market.

• Why it’s great: Seats up to eight passengers, luxurious comfort.
• Safety: ANCAP 5-star, comprehensive safety tech.
• Interior: Wide cabin, ventilated seats, premium finishes.
• Best for: Families with multiple kids or those who need max space.

Subaru Forester

Known for reliability and safety, the Subaru Forester is a strong family contender.

• Why it’s great: Standard AWD, durable and safe.
• Safety: ANCAP 5-star, EyeSight driver assistance.
• Interior: Spacious for its class, good visibility, practical boot.
• Best for: Families who enjoy weekend adventures and road trips.

Nissan X-Trail

The all-new Nissan X-Trail brings modern tech, hybrid options, and family-focused practicality.

• Why it’s great: Hybrid e-Power option, roomy, versatile.
• Safety: Full safety suite, 5-star ANCAP.
• Interior: Comfortable seating, improved tech, strong boot.
• Best for: Families wanting a fresh SUV with efficiency and value.

Mitsubishi Outlander

The Mitsubishi Outlander is another value-packed SUV with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option.

• Why it’s great: Long warranty, hybrid efficiency, 7-seat practicality.
• Safety: 5-star ANCAP, comprehensive safety tech.
• Interior: Spacious seating, modern cabin, user-friendly infotainment.
• Best for: Families seeking hybrid tech with flexible seating.

Honda CR-V

The latest Honda CR-V is versatile, comfortable, and reliable.

• Why it’s great: Strong reputation for reliability, family practicality.
• Safety: Honda Sensing suite included, 5-star ANCAP.
• Interior: Flexible cabin, roomy rear seating, large boot.
• Best for: Families after fuss-free practicality and comfort.

Comparing Family SUVs: Compact vs Mid-Size vs Large

• Compact SUVs (Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, Kia Sportage):
  Great for small families or city driving. Easier to park but limited in boot space.
• Mid-Size SUVs (Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail, Hyundai Tucson):
  Balance of space and practicality, suitable for most average-sized families.
• Large SUVs (Toyota Kluger, Kia Sorento, Hyundai Palisade):
  Ideal for large families needing 7–8 seats. Bigger running costs but more versatility.

Safety Features That Matter Most

Today’s SUVs go beyond airbags and ABS. Look for:

• AEB with pedestrian & cyclist detection
• Lane departure warning & lane-keeping assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• 360-degree camera systems

These features significantly reduce risks during busy school runs and family road trips.

Fuel Options for Family SUVs

• Petrol: Affordable upfront but higher running costs.
• Diesel: More torque, better for towing and long trips.
• Hybrid: Best blend of economy and convenience.
• Electric SUVs: Growing in Australia (Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5) but charging infrastructure is still maturing.

Tips for Choosing the Right Family SUV

• Test drive different sizes to ensure your kids fit comfortably.
• Check boot capacity with a pram or sports gear inside.
• Look at warranty and servicing packages.
• Prioritise safety tech if you’re buying a base model.
• Consider resale value — Toyota and Mazda are strong performers.

Conclusion

Finding the best family SUV in Australia depends on your family’s unique needs. Smaller families may prefer a practical Mazda CX-5 or Toyota RAV4, while larger households will find value in the spacious Toyota Kluger, Kia Sorento, or Hyundai Palisade. No matter your budget, today’s SUVs come loaded with safety features, comfort, and technology that make them the ultimate family car choice.

Whether you’re upgrading for more space or choosing your first family SUV, this guide provides the insights you need to make a smart decision for years of safe and comfortable driving.