Ultimate Guide: Top 15 Minivans and SUVs for Families of 5

Whether it’s a new or a used car, investing in a family vehicle is one of the biggest decisions a family can make. After buying that perfect dream home, whether in the city or the countryside, a car could easily be the second most expensive purchase. With the stakes that high, you have to get it right on the first go. Our ultimate guide covers the top 15 Minivans and SUVs for Families of 5 in 2024. 

There are so many car options on the market today. With so many options, picking one can be a challenge. A big challenge is that the automotive market likes higher prices and limited inventory. The priciest options are typically the most popular cars on the market. That’s why you have to explore diverse and family-friendly options that may not be the most popular but still offer value. But, you want an affordable and reliable family car. If you’re on a tight budget, explore the used car market. It’s all about prioritizing your family’s overall needs, whether you’re navigating a budget or having more flexibility.

This guide will dive into the top 15 minivans and SUVs for families of 5 in 2023. We aim to provide you with insights beyond the conventional choices, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your unique requirements. As you’ve read from the title, our guide eyeballs family-friendly minivans, 3-Row SUV crossovers, and top SUVs for Families of 5. 

From safety features to interior space and fuel efficiency, our car buying guide for families will help you pick the perfect family vehicle. Let’s navigate through the top picks for Family Cars. 

Here are the best 15 minivans and SUVs for families of 5 in 2023.

Chrysler Pacifica

The Chrysler Pacifica (tag) has always been the ultimate family Minivan. Besides offering the best family ride experience, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica family Minivan has an upscale interior that screams luxury, great visibility of the world around you, and excellent all-wheel drive for added traction and a more engaging drive.

And speaking of driving, the Chrysler Pacifica packs an excellent powertrain this year. The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica features a 3.6-liter V6 engine that kicks out 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Its power goes to the front or all wheels via an 8-speed transmission system. The Pacifica accelerates from Zero to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. And for a minivan, the Pacifica feels quite peppy on the highway. City driving is also excellent, with great V6 power, steering, and brake feedback. 

Chrysler Pacifica offers eight seats, with up to 243 different seating arrangements. To top that off, the Chrysler Pacifica offers 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. With the third row folded down, cargo space expands to 87.5 cubic feet and up to 140.5 cubic feet with the second row folded. 

If you need something more advanced, pick a model from the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica lineup, which promises to be the next family Minivan in 2024. We recommend you check it out.  

Honda CR-V

Honda‘s compact crossover, the CR-V, has been a market veteran since its 1997 debut. Now fully redesigned for the 2023 model year, the CR-V received a new exterior and interior. It also gets a fresh set of entertainment and safety technology features. While kicking off the sixth generation, the 2023 Honda CRV maintains everything that makes it awesome: versatility, spaciousness, and a fun-to-drive experience.

The 2023 Honda CR-V offers two powertrain options. The LX, EX, and EX-L trims have a 1.5-liter DI VTEC Turbo engine, which makes 190 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 179 lb-ft of torque at between 1,700 and 5,000 RPM. The Sport and Sport Touring trims have a 2.0-liter DI Atkinson engine that churns out 145 horsepower at 6,100 RPM  and 138 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 RPM. Complementing the 2.0-liter engine is an AC Synchronous Permanent-Magnet Electric Motor, which makes 181 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. 

In terms of space, the 2023 CR-V offers up to 106 cubic feet of passenger volume and 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Folding the rear seats gives you 76.5 cubic feet of cargo space, enough to accommodate a lot of luggage. Unlike the previous generation, this 2023 CR-V has the same load capacity in hybrid and non-hybrid variants.

The pricing for the 2023 CR-V starts at 29,705 for the base non-hybrid LX and $33,695 for the Sport Hybrid model. 

Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 consistently ranks among the top-selling SUVs on the market, and for good reason. The RAV4 delivers a smooth ride, a large interior, and plenty of utility. Behind the wheel, the RAV is fuel-efficient and handles well. Above all, it’s Toyota’s reliability reputation that contributes to the RAV4’s success around the globe.

Part of the fifth generation that debuted in 2019, the 2023 RAV4 remains unchanged, except for new optional features: a larger touchscreen and digital instrument panel display. Under the hood, the RAV4 carries a 2.5-liter inline-4, which makes 203 horsepower at 6,600 RPM and 184 lb-ft at 5,000 RPM. The hybrid model has the same 2.5-liter and two electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. 

The RAV4 offers a large cabin with 41 inches of legroom in the front seats and 37.8 inches in the rear seats. The RAV4 has a maximum cargo volume of 69.8 cubic feet behind the front seats or 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

The 2023 RAV4 pricing ranges between $28,275 for the base LE and $39,230 for the top TRD Offroad model. 

Volkswagen Tiguan

Compared to its several competitors, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan is a fun-to-drive SUV with a sophisticated design and lots of cutting-edge technological features.

It has an exceptional performance, with quick steering and brake feedback. The star of the performance show is an exclusive turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which churns out 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine sends power to the wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission and a Tiptronic® 4MOTION® All-Wheel Drive. The Tiguan accelerates from 0 to 60mph in 8.9 seconds. 

If you want a more sophisticated Tiguan, pick the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan model. It has features like Area View 360° camera system, Travel Assist, and Park Distance Control with Park Assist and Light Assist (automatic high beam control).

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan occupies five passengers when equipped with 4MOTION® all-wheel drive (AWD)or seven passengers with front-wheel drive (FWD). Behind the third row is 12 cubic feet of cargo space. The capacity grows to 33 cubic feet with the last row folded, 65.3 cubic feet with the second row folded, and 73.4 with all seats down. 

Nissan Pathfinder

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder is a roomy midsize family SUV that boldly squares up against the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Kia Telluride in power, and towing capacity. After Nissan redesigned the Pathfinder in 2022, the 2023 Pathfinder received a new trail-inspired Rock Creek trim level and wireless charging on the SL trim, among other tech additions.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder has a 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 engine rated at 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The Rock Creek model, which has standard AWD, delivers 295 hp and 270 lb-ft with premium fuel. The engine sends power to the wheels through a 9-speed automatic transmission. While standard models have a tow capacity of 3,500 pounds, the optional tow package gives the Pathfinder a tow capacity of 6,000 pounds. 

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder occupies up to 8 people comfortably. The cargo space behind the third seat is 16.6 cubic feet, which is cramped. The cargo space expands to 45 cubic feet with the third row folded and up to 80.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows down. 

Honda Odyssey

The Odyssey has been on the market for nearly 30 years, running the segment as a powerful and versatile family Minivan. While Honda Added new colors and technology features on the 2022 Odyssey, the 2023 model year saw a new midlevel Sport trim. The 2023 model also dropped the base LX trim level, leaving the EX, EX-L, Sport, Touring, and Elite trims. 

As a family Minivan, the 2023 Honda Odyssey doesn’t disappoint. Aside from offering seas for up to 8 occupants, the Odyssey has modern safety and tech features. The Odyssey has a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 28 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 262 lb-ft at 4,700 RPM. Beyond the engine, the Odyssey has good handling and a smooth 10-speed auto that relays the power to the wheels. 

The Honda Odyssey’s overall passenger volume is 163.6 cubic feet in the EX model and 160.1 cubic feet in the remainder of the lineup. The cargo volume starts at 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row and expands to 158.0 with all seats folded. 

If you need an Odyssey with a new look, opt for the 2024 Honda Odyssey, which comes with a brand-new refresh on its front grille and new headlights, among other things.  

Hyundai Palisade

In 2022, Hyundai introduced a lot of active safety tech on the Palisade, such as rear cross-traffic collision avoidance and blind-spot collision avoidance. For the 2023 model year, the Hyundai Palisade welcomes an updated front and rear styling with an enhanced instrument panel and a new XRT trim level. 

Like the Kia Telluride, the Hyundai Palisade changed the SUV game upon its debut. It’s among the most beloved three-row SUVs, offering an expanded cabin with comfortable seats and many standard and optional features. 

Every 2023 Palisade comes standard with a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 horsepower at 6,000 RPM. The power goes through an 8-speed automated transmission. That’s enough power for any city or highway drive. 

As for the passenger volume, the SE and SEL trim levels seat eight passengers, while the Limited and Calligraphy trim levels have second-row captain’s seats that lower passenger capacity to seven. In any case, there is plenty of room for occupants in all three rows. The trunk has 18 cubic feet behind the third row and 87 cubic feet with both rows folded down. Aside from that, the Palisade offers a lot of storage compartments in the cabin. 

If you want a more stylish Palisade, pick the 2024 Hyundai Palisade, which adds the new Calligraphy Night Edition trim. This version features a blacked-out exterior trim, black roof rails, and unique black wheels.

Toyota Sienna

Part of the fourth iteration of the Sienna that debuted in 2021, the 2023 Toyota Sienna is an adorable hybrid Minivan that is spacious, versatile, and fuel-efficient.  You also get the standard Sienna benefits, like optional all-wheel drive and seating for up to eight people. After introducing unique trim and badges, a JBL stereo, and an all-wheel drive on the Woodland trim in 2022, the 2023 Toyota Sienna gets an all-new limited-production 25th Anniversary Edition

The powertrain consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors for a combined 245 horsepower output. An all-wheel drive is an option that adds a third electric motor.

Thanks to the 120.5-inch wheelbase, the Sienna offers a passenger volume of 193.2 cubic feet. The cargo capacity expands from 33.5 cubic feet with all seats in place to 101.0 cubic feet with seats folded. And hey, the new 2024 Toyota Sienna is here with Toyota’s latest 9.0-inch touchscreen and many more features. Check that out.

Mazda CX-30

Mazda introduced the CX-30 to fill the gap between the little Mazda CX-3 and the bigger CX-5 and CX-50. The result was an SUV that is versatile enough to cater to the needs of every family families. 

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 is among the most luxurious and well-equipped vehicles crossover SUVs. For the 2023 model year, the CX-30 gains more power and better fuel economy. It also drops the 2.5 Turbo trim. 

On the power side, the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine gains five horsepower in 2023, bringing the total to 191 hp. On the fuel economy side, the new CX-30 features improved cylinder deactivation technology, providing an additional 2 MPG in city and highway driving. The 2.5 Turbo Premium gets a Turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, which makes 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on gas. With 93 Octane fuel, the CX-30 turbo engine produces 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque.

The Mazda CX-30 has a 5-passenger seating capacity and 94.1 passenger volume. Behind the rear seat is a 20.2-cubic-foot cargo space. 

Kia Telluride

The new 2024 Kia Telluride mid-size SUV recently made its debut. Carrying on from the 2023 model year, the 2024 Telluride makes minor styling tweaks and refreshes some tech. 

The Kia Telluride has been a popular choice for many customers looking for a three-row midsize SUV, and this one is no different. Going up against the new Mazda CX-90 and the redesigned Honda Pilot, the new Telluride offers well-shaped seats, a large cabin, and lots of driver-assist technology.

Under the hood, the Kia Telluride packs a naturally aspirated V-6, which produces 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. 

There are eight seats available in this daring mid-size SUV. It has a 114-inch wheelbase, leading to an interior volume of 178 cubic feet. Cargo space is ample, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row and 87 cubic feet with the seats down.

Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer is one of the most popular SUVs in America. It is also a flagship 3-row SUV in Ford’s portfolio. For the 2023 model year, the brand maintained the Ford Explorer with no significant changes. That didn’t stop Ford from selling 154,736 units of the 2023 Explorer model. The Ford Explorer will proceed to the 2024 model year with minor changes, except for updated infotainment screens (possibly).

The 2024 Ford Explorer offers three powertrain options. The first engine is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The top-range engine is a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Select Explorer trims have a 3.3-liter V6 hybrid engine that produces 318 horsepower.

Thanks to the PowerFold third-row seats, users will get 47.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. The cargo capacity expands to 87.8 cubic feet behind the first row. The Ford Explorer has good handling and an impressive set of engines. More than worth the money.

Land Rover Defender

In a standard guise, the Land Rover Defender has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 296 horsepower. There is an optional turbocharged six-cylinder engine, which supplies up to 395 horsepower, making it more capable for off-road adventures. The 2023 Defender lineup also offers a 518-horsepower supercharged V8 engine, allowing the Defender to hit 60mph acceleration in 5 seconds and a achieve top speed of 149 mph.

While the two-door Defender 90 has a maximum cargo space of  58.3 cubic feet, the four-door Land Rover Defender 110 offers up to 69 cubic feet at best. The four-door Defender is better suited as a family SUV than the two-door version. The 2024 Defender is also well-equipped and capable of taking you anywhere you need to go.

Subaru Ascent

With a large cabin, seating for eight, unrivaled safety, and 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space, the 2023 Subaru Ascent is an unmatched family SUV. The 2023 Subaru Ascent is part of the Ascent’s first generation, which debuted in 2019. For the 2023 model year, the Subaru Ascent features an updated exterior and interior styling, with a larger infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

The Subaru Ascent, like the smaller Forester and Outback siblings, comes standard with all-wheel drive and ample ground clearance. This way, you’ll easily manage in bad weather or on off-road adventures.

Propelling the Subaru Ascent is a single turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which makes a good 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Power goes to all wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). 

As Subaru’s largest model, the 8-seater Ascent has 153.2 cubic feet of passenger volume. The cargo room ranges from 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 43.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75.6 cubic feet behind the front row. 

Ford Bronco

Thanks to its long legacy and outstanding features., the Ford Bronco is one of the most popular SUVs ever made. The Bronco also has all-terrain capabilities that challenge the legendary Jeep Wrangler.

The Broncos’ lineup remains the same for 2024. The Bronco Raptor now has a new Code Orange kit. It includes orange accents and attractive orange graphics on the rear door, quarter panel, and window. The Raptor now comes in Shelter Green and Velocity Blue paint schemes. 

If you recall, production of the Everglades trim paused midway through the 2023 Bronco lineup. For 2024, the Bronco Everglades trim is back. Also, the previously available 12-inch touchscreen is now standard. 

The base model has a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. The engine pairs with a seven-speed manual transmission or an optional 10-speed automatic. If you need something with a little more oomph, pick the Bronco’s optional engine: a turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 with 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque.

Comfort-wise, the 4-door 2024 Ford Bronco accommodates up to 5 occupants and is perfect for families. You get 35.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. The cargo capacity expands to 77.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Chevrolet Traverse

After a 2023 Chevy Traverse run, Chevrolet introduced an all-new, redesigned 2024 Chevrolet Traverse, which looks sleek, stylish, and sophisticated inside and out. The new Traverse has the Bow Tie brand’s “High Brow” design language. It has a truck-inspired front end with an attractive dual-tier headlight configuration. The new in has forward-leaning C-pillars. It also has 22-inch gloss black wheels for the range-topping RS trim. 

On the inside, all Traverse models get a standard 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen and a redesigned cockpit and steering wheel. The Traverse offers 57.80 cubic feet of cargo space. The maximum Cargo Space with all seats down is 98.20 cubic feet.

Under the hood, the 2024 Traverse has a turbocharged 2.5-liter LK0 Inline-4 engine that produces 315 horsepower. Unlike the expected GM 9-speed auto, the Traverse’s Power goes to the wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission with a TBD Axle Ratio. According to the brand, the Traverse can tow up to 5000 pounds when equipped with a towing package.

We hope you found our list helpful.