Many buyers are drawn to SUVs for their elevated ride height, all-wheel drive, off-road ability, and interior versatility. SUVs are also evolving to better suit the needs and wants of today’s driver and their families. They are the go-to vehicles these days; so there’s a constant stream of new models making their debut. Whether you are looking for something sporty, luxurious or rugged, there’s an SUV out there for you. We did the research on a variety of both mid-size and full-size SUVs available. Read on to learn more about some of the top family-friendly SUVs for 2023.
Mid-sized family-friendly SUVs
1. 2023 Nissan Pathfinder
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder is ready and reporting for family transportation duty! It’s quiet inside, and delivers a smooth ride that drivers will appreciate on both long road trips and daily commutes. It sports a modern and truck-like interior design with comfortable front seats and convenient controls. Three rows of seating can accommodate up to eight riders or the second row can be replaced with captain’s chairs. Additionally, its V-6 engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. An all-wheel drive option is also available. It offers an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen and runs the latest version of the NissanConnect software interface. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard. With a host of driver-assistance features, including automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high-beam headlamps, the Pathfinder will check all your boxes.
Starting price: $49,535, nissan.ca
2. 2023 Subaru Ascent
The Ascent SUV is proof that Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system and flat-four Boxer engine can make any kind of vehicle handle well. None of the other SUVs in its category can perform like a Subaru during a tough Canadian blizzard. As a result, the Ascent base model includes an eight-way power driver seat, tri-zone front and rear automatic climate control. Additional features include heated exterior mirrors, power windows and side mirrors.
On the inside, there is a 11.6 inch standard screen, offering wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. It also offers a security system with engine immobilizer and a rear vision camera with a washer to ensure a clear view while backing up. Buyers get the latest version of the EyeSight system as standard. Additionally, it includes emergency steering assistance, which works with the pre-collision braking function to prevent collisions. The Ascent also gives drivers a 360-degree overhead camera view around your vehicle for extra safety. What more can you want?
Starting price: $40,995, subaru.ca
3. 2023 Kia Telluride
The popularity of the 2023 Kia Telluride is no surprise, given the SUV’s well-rounded package with handsome styling and bargain price. A smooth-running V-6 engine, a quiet cabin, and confident handling give the Telluride a refined feel on the road, too. A 5,500-pound towing capacity makes the Telluride useful for hauling around a small boat or camper. Its spacious and comfortable cabin is ideal for long-distance cruising. In addition, every Telluride boasts a robust infotainment system that features a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Popular content includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto capability, in-dash navigation and onboard Wi-Fi. A feature called Driver Talk amplifies the driver’s voice through speakers in the back two rows to better communicate with passengers. Offering generous interior space, a long list of features and pleasant handling, the Telluride is a well-rounded family-friendly SUV.
Starting price: $49,995, kia.ca
4. 2023 Honda Pilot
If you are looking for a tried and tested SUV that performs like a sports car and seats up to eight passengers, we’ve v got theehicle for you. The well-rounded Honda Pilot is a good minivan substitute. The Pilot has been entirely redesigned for 2023. Complete with updated styling, it matches the newest models in the Honda lineup, like the smaller CR-V. There’s plenty of space around the cabin, including ample third-row seating.
The 2023 model comes with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine. Honda equips all Pilot models with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features it calls ‘Honda Sensing’. It includes automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and more. The seven-inch infotainment touchscreen and an accompanying digital gauge cluster are standard on the Pilot. The base model features both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Add to all that impeccable build quality, storage solutions and Honda’s reliability and resale value, and it’s clear to see why the Pilot is still the king of mid-size family-friendly SUVs.
Starting price: $46,920, honda.ca
5. 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a beautiful family support vehicle that’s built to go basically anywhere. It’s one of the top choice among mid-size family-friendly SUVs. With a comfortable ride, a spacious cabin, and plenty of convenient luxury features, even the entry-level models are affordable and well-equipped. Like the two-row Grand Cherokee, the three-row Grand Cherokee L is available with either 290-hp V-6 (6200-pound tow rating) or 357-hp V-8 (7200 pounds) with either rear or all-wheel drive. Both engines come with an eight-speed automatic.
A 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen sits atop the Grand Cherokee’s dashboard and offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio as standard. In addition, the new standard driver-assistance technology includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L supplies generous room for passengers in all three rows. As a result, it outmatches competitors by a significant margin with available off-road and towing capabilities.
Starting price: $41,395, jeep.ca
Large/full-sized family-friendly SUVs
If you have a growing family but aren’t ready to take the minivan route, fear not! There are plenty of family-friendly SUV options that are capable alternatives:
6. 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe
A solid choice for multiple generations, the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV that has continually gotten bigger as tastes and requirements have evolved. These days, the Tahoe has three rows of seats, with seating for eight passengers. This super-sized Tahoe now has Super Cruise available as well, allowing for hands-free highway driving. The Tahoe has more than 42 inches of headroom and more than 44 inches of legroom in the front row, allowing practically any human to feel like there’s space to stretch out. All of this comes at a substantially lower base price than other higher-end full size SUVs on this list.
This family-friendly SUV is big in all the ways you want it to be—but it feels more agile on the road than other large SUVs. Three engine options are available, and the Tahoe delivers decent towing capacity with any one of them. Cargo capacity is excellent for the class, and its tech features are competitive. The Tahoe’s robust infotainment and connectivity features include a 10.2-inch touchscreen. This includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, along with various interior charging ports. In addition, the Chevy offers several high-tech towing assists along with its loaded roster of standard driver-assistance technology.
Starting price: $54,200, chevrolet.ca
7. 2023 Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is one of the best in its class, and this year’s changes and additions should make it even more attractive. The Palisade checks all of the boxes required of three-row SUVs. It’s easy to drive, with room for up to eight passengers. A 3.8-liter V-6 engine resides under the Palisade’s hood, and delivers its smooth 291 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic transmission. This family-friendly SUV is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the dealer-installed trailer hitch. No matter what you’re towing around, the Palisade is a spacious, comfortable place for a road trip.
A 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, in-dash navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity is standard on all trims. Up to seven USB ports are available, and you can connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. When equipped with Hyundai’s Blue Link app service, the Palisade can be locked, unlocked, and started remotely through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The Hyundai Palisade is a smooth ride and has all of the latest technology you’ll want. It’s also priced lower than some rivals and comes with the industry’s most generous warranty. It’s easy to drive and gets you a lot of features for your money, while distinguishing itself with a more luxurious style and personality.
Starting price: $34,950, hyundaicanada.com
8. 2023 GMC Yukon
The 2023 GMC Yukon is one of the most accommodating and luxurious passenger vehicles in the brand’s history. As a result, this large family-friendly SUV offers tons of space across three rows of seats for eight passengers. Most models are powered by a V-8 engine; either a 5.3 or 6.2-litre variety. Towing capacity and acceleration are both strong with any of the available engines. In addition to two gasoline-burning engines, GMC also offers a diesel option. The 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline-six makes a whopping 460 pound-feet of torque and is the choice for buyers who intend to tow heavy items. All Yukon models come with a large infotainment display with GMC’s latest infotainment interface. It includes Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration and a Wi-Fi hotspot standard. A host of driver-assistance features are also offered, but GMC only offers basic tech as standard for the base model.
Starting price: $68,997, gmccanada.ca
We hope this list of top 2023 family-friendly SUVs help you in your quest for a new car! As always, we are here to update or create your auto policy.
