Finding the perfect family SUV in 2025 is all about striking a balance between space, safety, comfort, and value. With numerous options now available to Australian families, selecting the right SUV can feel overwhelming. At New Car Sale, we’re here to help simplify the process with this detailed guide to the top family SUVs on the market right now.
Modern family SUVs have evolved to offer impressive technology, fuel efficiency, and a level of comfort that rivals premium sedans. Whether you’re tackling the school run, weekend road trips, or simply need extra space for growing kids, there’s an SUV to suit your lifestyle.
SUVs have become the vehicle of choice for families across Australia for several key reasons:
Spacious Interiors
Ample legroom, wide-opening doors, and flexible seating make SUVs practical for passengers of all ages
Flexible Cargo Space
From sports gear to prams, SUVs offer boot space that adapts to your needs.
Advanced Safety
Leading safety features, including autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, are standard on many models.
Towing Capability
Many SUVs are capable of towing caravans, trailers, or boats for weekend getaways.
All-Terrain Options
Many family SUVs are available with all-wheel or four-wheel drive for added versatility.
If you’re still deciding whether an SUV or ute is better for your family, be sure to read our guide Modern SUVs vs. Dual-Cab Utes: A True Head-to-Head.
The Best Family SUVs Available in Australia for 2025
1. Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 combines sporty handling with premium interior finishes, making it one of Australia’s most popular mid-size family SUVs.
- Seating for 5
- Petrol and turbocharged petrol options
- Stylish interior with quality materials
- Intuitive infotainment system
- Advanced safety features
- Up to 442 litres of boot space
The CX-5 is ideal for parents seeking a practical, safe vehicle with a touch of luxury and engaging driving dynamics.
3. Hyundai Santa Fe
Need extra space? The Hyundai Santa Fe offers family-friendly versatility with an option for 7 seats.
- Seating for 5 or 7
- Petrol and diesel engines are available
- Comfortable, high-quality cabin with family-friendly features
- Strong safety credentials, including rear occupant alerts
- Generous boot space of up to 782 litres (5-seat configuration)
Its combination of space, comfort, and refinement makes the Santa Fe an ideal choice for growing families.
5. Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a top pick for eco-conscious families, thanks to its popular plug-in hybrid option and flexible seating arrangements.
- Seating for 5 or 7
- Petrol and plug-in hybrid options
- Smooth ride and quiet cabin
- Practical boot space up to 478 litres with all seats in use
- Great warranty and running costs
- All-wheel drive is available on higher trims
Families seeking to reduce their fuel bills while maintaining practicality should consider the Outlander, especially the plug-in hybrid model.
7. Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is one of the most spacious family SUVs available, offering generous seating for up to 8.
- Seating for 7 or 8
- Petrol engine with smooth automatic transmission
- Luxurious, spacious interior with leather options
- Full suite of advanced safety technologies
- Up to 704 litres of boot space (7-seat configuration)
- Ideal for large or extended families
If maximum space and comfort are your priorities, the Palisade ticks all the boxes.
2. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 remains Australia’s best-selling SUV for good reason. Known for reliability, comfort, and impressive hybrid fuel efficiency, it’s a top pick for families.
- Seating for 5
- Petrol and hybrid options
- Leading safety tech as standard
- Excellent resale value
- Smooth, comfortable ride
- Up to 580 litres of boot space
For families focused on fuel savings and practicality, the hybrid variant is a standout choice.
4. Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage offers outstanding value, modern design, and generous equipment levels, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious families.
- Seating for 5
- Petrol, diesel, and hybrid options
- 7-year warranty for peace of mind
- Comprehensive safety tech including AEB and lane assist
- Spacious, well-designed interior
- Up to 543 litres of boot space
The Sportage stands out for its mix of affordability, practicality, and long-term reliability.
6. Mazda CX-80
The all-new Mazda CX-80 brings a premium feel to large family SUVs, perfect for those needing 7 seats and refined styling.
- Seating for 7
- Petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid options
- Upscale interior with cutting-edge tech, including large digital displays
- Smooth, quiet ride ideal for longer trips
- Flexible seating configurations with rear accessibility
- Up to 750 litres of boot space with seats folded
The CX-80 is ideal for families seeking extra space, versatility, and premium finishes.
8. Nissan X-Trail
The Nissan X-Trail offers versatility, fuel efficiency, and optional 7 seats in a compact, city-friendly package.
- Seating for 5 or 7
- Petrol and e-Power hybrid options
- Modern safety tech, including 360-degree cameras
- Compact exterior for easy city driving
- Up to 585 litres of boot space
- Smooth, economical performance
For families needing flexibility in a more compact SUV footprint, the X-Trail delivers.
The Best Family SUVs Available in Australia for 2025
1. Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 combines sporty handling with premium interior finishes, making it one of Australia’s most popular mid-size family SUVs.
- Seating for 5
- Petrol and turbocharged petrol options
- Stylish interior with quality materials
- Intuitive infotainment system
- Advanced safety features
- Up to 442 litres of boot space
The CX-5 is ideal for parents seeking a practical, safe vehicle with a touch of luxury and engaging driving dynamics.
2. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 remains Australia’s best-selling SUV for good reason. Known for reliability, comfort, and impressive hybrid fuel efficiency, it’s a top pick for families.
- Seating for 5
- Petrol and hybrid options
- Leading safety tech as standard
- Excellent resale value
- Smooth, comfortable ride
- Up to 580 litres of boot space
For families focused on fuel savings and practicality, the hybrid variant is a standout choice.
3. Hyundai Santa Fe
Need extra space? The Hyundai Santa Fe offers family-friendly versatility with an option for 7 seats.
- Seating for 5 or 7
- Petrol and diesel engines are available
- Comfortable, high-quality cabin with family-friendly features
- Strong safety credentials, including rear occupant alerts
- Generous boot space of up to 782 litres (5-seat configuration)
Its combination of space, comfort, and refinement makes the Santa Fe an ideal choice for growing families.
4. Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage offers outstanding value, modern design, and generous equipment levels, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious families.
- Seating for 5
- Petrol, diesel, and hybrid options
- 7-year warranty for peace of mind
- Comprehensive safety tech including AEB and lane assist
- Spacious, well-designed interior
- Up to 543 litres of boot space
The Sportage stands out for its mix of affordability, practicality, and long-term reliability.
5. Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a top pick for eco-conscious families, thanks to its popular plug-in hybrid option and flexible seating arrangements.
- Seating for 5 or 7
- Petrol and plug-in hybrid options
- Smooth ride and quiet cabin
- Practical boot space up to 478 litres with all seats in use
- Great warranty and running costs
- All-wheel drive is available on higher trims
Families seeking to reduce their fuel bills while maintaining practicality should consider the Outlander, especially the plug-in hybrid model.
6. Mazda CX-80
The all-new Mazda CX-80 brings a premium feel to large family SUVs, perfect for those needing 7 seats and refined styling.
- Seating for 7
- Petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid options
- Upscale interior with cutting-edge tech, including large digital displays
- Smooth, quiet ride ideal for longer trips
- Flexible seating configurations with rear accessibility
- Up to 750 litres of boot space with seats folded
The CX-80 is ideal for families seeking extra space, versatility, and premium finishes.
7. Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is one of the most spacious family SUVs available, offering generous seating for up to 8.
- Seating for 7 or 8
- Petrol engine with smooth automatic transmission
- Luxurious, spacious interior with leather options
- Full suite of advanced safety technologies
- Up to 704 litres of boot space (7-seat configuration)
- Ideal for large or extended families
If maximum space and comfort are your priorities, the Palisade ticks all the boxes.
8. Nissan X-Trail
The Nissan X-Trail offers versatility, fuel efficiency, and optional 7 seats in a compact, city-friendly package.
- Seating for 5 or 7
- Petrol and e-Power hybrid options
- Modern safety tech, including 360-degree cameras
- Compact exterior for easy city driving
- Up to 585 litres of boot space
- Smooth, economical performance
For families needing flexibility in a more compact SUV footprint, the X-Trail delivers.