Top 10 SUVs for Families in Australia | Safety and Comfort

In recent years, SUVs have taken over Australian roads, not just as a trend but as the go-to choice for families. Their elevated seating position, spacious interiors, and versatile features make them the perfect match for busy parents and growing kids. Whether you need extra boot space for school runs, advanced safety technology for long highway drives, or comfort for weekend trips, SUVs strike the right balance between practicality and lifestyle.

With road safety and comfort at the top of priorities for Australian families, choosing the right SUV can feel overwhelming. This guide narrows it down to the top family-friendly SUVs in Australia for 2025, with a deep dive into safety ratings, interior features, technology, and overall value.

What Makes an SUV "Family-Friendly"?

Before diving into the top SUVs, let’s explore what matters most to families in Australia.

Safety First

Nothing is more important than protecting your loved ones. A family SUV must come with excellent ANCAP safety ratings, multiple airbags, electronic stability control, child seat anchor points (ISOFIX), and driver-assist technologies like lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

Interior Space

Families need ample space—whether for multiple child seats, prams, groceries, or sports equipment. A good SUV offers flexible seating configurations, generous boot capacity, and easy-to-access rear seats.

Comfort & Convenience

Comfort isn’t just about cushy seats. Families value climate control for all rows, rear USB charging ports, quiet cabins, and smart storage solutions. Features like hands-free tailgates and sliding second rows can make everyday tasks smoother.

Efficiency & Running Costs

While size matters, families don’t want a fuel guzzler. With petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric options, efficiency plays a big role in long-term ownership costs.

The Best Family SUVs in Australia for 2025

Here are the top SUVs Australian families should consider this year, based on safety, comfort, space, and overall practicality.

Toyota Kluger

The Toyota Kluger has been a family favourite for decades. The 2025 version continues to impress with seven seats, advanced hybrid technology, and Toyota’s reputation for reliability.

• Safety: ANCAP 5-star rating with Toyota Safety Sense suite.
• Interior: Spacious third-row seating, tri-zone climate control.
• Comfort: Smooth ride, large infotainment screen, and premium materials.
• Why Families Love It: Hybrid option keeps fuel costs down without compromising size.

Mazda CX-9 / CX-90

Mazda’s large SUV lineup—especially the new CX-90—is designed with premium comfort in mind. It blends style, performance, and practicality for families seeking refinement.

• Safety: ANCAP 5-star, i-Activsense driver-assist tech.
• Interior: Luxurious feel with leather seating, 6 or 7-seat configuration.
• Comfort: Quiet ride, large infotainment with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
• Why Families Love It: Feels like a luxury SUV without luxury pricing.

Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe is one of the most versatile family SUVs available in Australia. For 2025, it gets a bold redesign and more focus on tech.

• Safety: Advanced safety features like rear cross-traffic alert.
• Interior: Configurable seating with sliding second row.
• Comfort: High-quality finish, panoramic sunroof, and heated/ventilated seats.
• Why Families Love It: Balances affordability and premium features perfectly.

Kia Sorento

The Sorento continues to rival the Santa Fe, offering hybrid and plug-in hybrid options—a big win for eco-conscious families.

• Safety: Five-star ANCAP, highway driving assist.
• Interior: Practical seven-seat layout with easy third-row access.
• Comfort: Quiet cabin, premium sound system, smart parking assist.
• Why Families Love It: Great blend of fuel efficiency, technology, and comfort.

Ford Everest

For families that love road trips and towing caravans, the Ford Everest is a standout choice.

• Safety: ANCAP 5-star, advanced driver aids.
• Interior: Rugged yet refined, plenty of boot space even with 7 seats.
• Comfort: Off-road suspension makes long drives smoother than expected.
• Why Families Love It: Perfect for adventure-seeking families who tow boats or caravans.

Mitsubishi Outlander

A value-packed SUV that doesn’t compromise on essentials.

• Safety: ANCAP 5-star, adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist.
• Interior: Compact yet clever use of space, available with 7 seats.
• Comfort: Smooth ride with family-focused cabin storage.
• Why Families Love It: Affordable entry point to family SUV ownership with plenty of features.

Subaru Outback

Not your traditional SUV, but families love its practicality and safety reputation.

• Safety: Subaru EyeSight driver-assist, ANCAP 5-star.
• Interior: Spacious, high-tech cabin with a massive touchscreen.
• Comfort: Famous for all-wheel drive grip and smooth ride.
• Why Families Love It: Perfect for families that want SUV practicality without full bulk.

Nissan X-Trail

The Nissan X-Trail remains a reliable family choice with plenty of versatility.

• Safety: ANCAP 5-star, ProPILOT driver assistance.
• Interior: Generous seating and boot space.
• Comfort: Hybrid option available, quiet on highways.
• Why Families Love It: Affordable and well-rounded for urban and country families alike.

Honda CR-V

The latest CR-V is bigger, bolder, and more family-friendly than ever.

• Safety: Honda Sensing tech across the range.
• Interior: Class-leading boot space and roomy back seats.
• Comfort: Smooth handling and reliable build.
• Why Families Love It: Dependable choice with an excellent reputation for resale.

Volvo XC90

For families who want luxury alongside practicality, the Volvo XC90 is unmatched.

• Safety: One of the safest SUVs ever tested.
• Interior: Scandinavian design, premium finishes, and roomy 7 seats.
• Comfort: Advanced tech, air suspension, and hybrid options.
• Why Families Love It: Safety and luxury rolled into one.

Key Safety Considerations for Family SUVs

• Child Seat Compatibility: Ensure the SUV has multiple ISOFIX points and top-tether anchors.
• Crash-Test Ratings: Always look for 5-star ANCAP safety ratings.
• Driver Assistance Features: Adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, and blind-spot monitoring are must-haves.
• Visibility & Handling: Large windows, reversing cameras, and parking sensors make city driving manageable.

Comfort Features Families Should Prioritize

• Rear Climate Control: Keeps kids comfortable on long trips.
• Flexible Seating: Split-folding seats for prams, strollers, and bulky luggage.
• In-Car Entertainment: Large infotainment with rear screens or device connectivity.
• Quiet Cabin: Essential for sleeping kids on road trips.

Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid, or Electric?

Australian families now have more powertrain options than ever.

• Petrol SUVs: Widely available, lower upfront cost.
• Diesel SUVs: Great for towing caravans and long-distance road trips.
• Hybrid SUVs: Best for reducing fuel bills without range anxiety.
• Electric SUVs: Ideal for urban families with home charging options.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right SUV for Your Family

The best family SUV isn’t just about size—it’s about matching your family’s lifestyle. Urban families may prefer efficient hybrids like the Kia Sorento or Honda CR-V, while adventurous families will lean towards the Ford Everest or Subaru Outback. For those who want it all, the Toyota Kluger and Volvo XC90 remain standout choices.

In 2025, the market offers more variety, safety, and comfort than ever before. By prioritising safety features, interior flexibility, and long-term running costs, Australian families can confidently choose an SUV that not only protects but also enhances their lifestyle.