Most Reliable Midsize SUVs for Families in 2025: Top Picks for Safety and Comfort

Midsize SUVs continue to dominate the family vehicle market due to their versatility and practicality. These vehicles offer a perfect balance between passenger space and maneuverability, making them ideal for both city driving and long-distance travel. Modern midsize SUVs come equipped with advanced safety technologies, fuel-efficient engines, and luxurious interiors that cater to families of all sizes. Below, we explore the top midsize SUVs for families in 2025, highlighting their standout features and why they are worth considering.
Top Midsize SUVs for Families in 2025
The following midsize SUVs have been selected based on their reliability, safety ratings, and family-friendly features. Each model offers unique advantages, ensuring there is an option for every type of family.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander remains a top choice for families due to its legendary reliability and spacious interior. With seating for up to eight passengers, the Highlander is perfect for larger families. It comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of driver-assistance features that includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Highlander also boasts a smooth ride and impressive fuel efficiency, making it a practical option for daily use.
Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is another excellent midsize SUV for families, known for its comfortable seating and user-friendly technology. The Pilot offers a roomy cabin with ample legroom in all three rows, ensuring passengers remain comfortable on long trips. Honda’s Sensing suite of safety features comes standard, providing peace of mind for parents. Additionally, the Pilot’s V6 engine delivers strong performance without sacrificing fuel economy.
Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe stands out for its upscale interior and extensive list of standard features. With seating for five (or seven in the three-row Santa Fe XL), this SUV is perfect for smaller families. The Santa Fe comes equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, which includes forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Its stylish design and affordable pricing make it a compelling choice in the midsize SUV segment.
Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent is a great option for families who prioritize all-weather capability. With standard all-wheel drive and Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, the Ascent offers excellent safety and traction in various driving conditions. The three-row seating configuration provides plenty of space for passengers, while the turbocharged engine ensures responsive performance. Families will also appreciate the Ascent’s generous cargo capacity.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer combines rugged capability with modern technology, making it a favorite among families. The Explorer offers a spacious interior, powerful engine options, and an intuitive infotainment system. Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features comes standard, including automatic high beams, lane-keeping assist, and a rearview camera. With its towing capacity and off-road-ready trim levels, the Explorer is a versatile choice for adventurous families.
Comparison Table: Midsize SUVs for Families
Model | Seating Capacity | Starting Price (USD) | Standard Safety Features | Fuel Economy (MPG) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Toyota Highlander | 8 | $36,420 | Toyota Safety Sense | 21 city / 29 highway |
Honda Pilot | 8 | $38,080 | Honda Sensing | 20 city / 27 highway |
Hyundai Santa Fe | 5-7 | $28,200 | Hyundai SmartSense | 25 city / 28 highway |
Subaru Ascent | 7-8 | $33,895 | EyeSight Driver Assist | 21 city / 27 highway |
Ford Explorer | 7 | $34,010 | Co-Pilot360 | 21 city / 28 highway |
When selecting a midsize SUV for your family, consider factors such as seating capacity, safety features, and fuel efficiency. Each of the models listed above offers unique benefits, so take the time to test drive and compare them before making a decision.
Final Thoughts
Midsize SUVs provide an ideal combination of space, safety, and reliability for families. The Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Ascent, and Ford Explorer are among the best options available in 2025. By evaluating your family’s specific needs and preferences, you can choose the SUV that best fits your lifestyle. For more information, visit the official websites of these manufacturers or consult trusted automotive review sources.
References:
Toyota Official Website
Honda Official Website
Hyundai Official Website
Subaru Official Website
Ford Official Website