Crossovers and SUVs comprised almost 53% of US car sales last 2022. At 7.3 million units sold in one year, SUVs are clearly the most sought-after vehicles in the country, even more than pickup trucks, sedans, and hatchbacks combined. This popularity is due in part to American families' preference for SUVs. Why so?
Unibody crossovers and truck-based SUVs combine the strong points of sedans and compact pickups in one package. To illustrate, some 3-row SUVs offer the passenger capacity and comfort of minivans, as well as the vehicle handling characteristics that approximate those of some sedans. At the same time, these SUVs can also have ground clearance, cargo capacity, and utility that would come close to those of compact pickup trucks. Finally, studies about frontal vehicle crashes revealed that crossovers and SUVs often protect their occupants better than sedans and hatchbacks can.
If you've been planning to buy the best SUV for your family, now might be a good time to make your purchase. Although global factors have driven new vehicle prices up for the past few years, Kelley Blue Book reports that as of May 2023, new vehicles are selling below the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). Electric cars cost approximately $9,000 less than they did last year, and car manufacturers are doling out an average of $1,900 in incentives to increase vehicle sales.
Whether you have a small family of 3 or a household of 8, there is an SUV for your needs.
Using vehicle specifications and pricing data from manufacturers' websites, as well as vehicle reviews and assessments from Kelley Blue Book (KBB), JD Power, Edmunds, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), we've compiled a list of 10 of the best new family SUVs for 2023.
10 2023 Kia Niro
Maximum Cargo Space: 63.7 Cubic Feet
For 2023, the Kia Niro hybrid small crossover underwent a full redesign, and the nameplate also received new PHEV and fully-electric variants. Apart from getting a new exterior look, the all-new 2023 Kia Niro also flaunts a bigger cabin space, an upgraded infotainment system, and better fuel economy figures from its 1.6-liter hybrid engine (139 hp, 195 lb-ft, 53 MPG). The new 2023 Kia Niro PHEV leverages the same gasoline engine but gets a total of 180 horses, 195 lb-ft of twist, and a 33-mile pure-electric range courtesy of its 11.1-kWh drive battery. Last but not least, the 2023 Kia Niro EV derives 201 hp, 188 lb-ft, a 253-mile range, and a 113-mpge rating from its electric motor and 64.8-kWh traction battery.
- Seating rows: 2
- Seats: 5
- Cargo Space Behind 1st and 2nd row: 63.7 cubic feet and 22.8 cubic feet
- Safety Rating: Not yet rated by NHTSA for 2023; 4/5 Stars (NHTSA) and Top Safety Pick (IIHS) for 2022 model year
- Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
The 2023 Kia Niro hybrid models received an "average" 77/100 quality and reliability score from JD Power, a convincing 4.5/5 expert review score from KBB, and an 8.0/10 verdict from Edmunds. The all-electric 2023 Kia Niro has yet to receive ratings from JD Power and KBB, but it did receive a very decent 8.2/10 Edmunds review verdict.
Pricing
| Trim | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| Hybrid LX | $26,590 |
| Hybrid EX | $29,190 |
| Hybrid EX Touring | $31,490 |
| Hybrid SX | $32,590 |
| Hybrid SX Touring | $34,890 |
| PHEV EX | $33,840 |
| PHEV SX Touring | $39,590 |
| EV Wind | $39,550 |
| EV Wave | $44,550 |
9 2023 Kia Sorento
Maximum Cargo Space: 75.5 Cubic Feet
The 2023 Kia Sorento is a midsize 3-row SUV, although it's a bit smaller than popular rivals like the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, and the Toyota Highlander. The 3rd-row seats are a little cramped, so they may only be suitable for smaller passengers. Nevertheless, the 2023 Sorento's interior has a premium feel and is loaded with plenty of standard tech and safety features such as the Kia Drive Wise safety suite and an 8-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The gas-only 2023 Kia Sorento uses either a 2.5-liter Smartstream GDI I-4 engine (191 hp, 181 lb-ft) or a turbocharged version of the same engine (281 hp, 311 lb-ft). The 2023 Kia Sorento hybrid trims, in turn, use a 1.6-liter turbo-four engine and a full-parallel hybrid system to produce 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
- Seating rows: 3
- Seats: 6 to 7 (2nd-row captain's chairs for turbocharged variants)
- Cargo space behind 1st, 2nd, and 3rd row: 75.5, 38.5 to 45, and 12.6 cubic feet
- Safety Rating: 4/5 Stars (NHTSA), Top Safety Pick (IIHS)
- Fuel Economy: 26 mpg combined (gasoline) and 37 mpg combined (hybrid)
- Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
The 2023 Kia Sorento received a "great" 83/100 quality and reliability score from JD Power, a 4.7/5 rating from KBB's expert reviews, and an 8.2/10 verdict from Edmunds.
Pricing
| Trim | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| LX | $30,090 |
| S | $32,590 |
| X-Line S AWD | $34,590 |
| EX | $35,990 |
| X-Line EX AWD | $39,690 |
| SX | $38,890 |
| SX Prestige AWD | $43,490 |
| X-Line SX Prestige AWD | $43,690 |
| Hybrid EX | $36,690 |
| Hybrid SX Prestige | $42,490 |
8 2023 Subaru Ascent
Maximum Cargo Space: 75.6 Cubic Feet
The 2023 Subaru Ascent upper midsize SUV received a styling refresh, additional driver aids in its Subaru Eyesight safety suite, and new tech updates such as the Cabin Connect intercom system. Like most other Subies, the 2023 Subaru Ascent uses a boxer engine (2.4-liter turbo flat-4, 260 hp, 277 lb-ft) and an AWD configuration.
- Seating rows: 3
- Seats: 7 to 8
- Cargo space behind 1st and 2nd row: 75.6 and 43.5 cubic feet
- Safety Rating: 5/5 Stars (NHTSA), Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)
- Fuel Economy: 21-22 mpg combined
- Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
The 2023 Subaru Ascent earned a "great" 81/100 quality and reliability score from JD Power and a 4.2/5 rating from KBB's expert reviews.
Pricing
| Trim | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| Base 8-Passenger | $33,895 |
| Premium 8-Passenger | $36,495 |
| Premium 7-Passenger | $37,955 |
| Onyx Edition 7-Passenger | $41,295 |
| Limited 8-Passenger | $41,595 |
| Limited 7-Passenger | $41,595 |
| Onyx Edition Limited 7-Passenger | $46,295 |
| Touring 7-Passenger | $48,195 |
7 2024 Honda CR-V
Maximum Cargo Space: 76.5 Cubic Feet
The 2024 Honda CR-V is the latest installment in a long-running and best-selling compact crossover SUV nameplate. For the 2024 model year, the Honda CR-V came with hybrid trims (204 hp and up to 40 mpg combined) and gas-only variants (190 hp, 179 lb-ft, up to 30 mpg combined). With a thoughtful blend of ride quality, advanced tech features, and ample interior space, the 2024 Honda CR-V remains to be America's benchmark family compact SUV. JD Power hasn't given the 2024 Honda CR-V a reliability rating yet, but KBB expert reviews returned an impressive 4.8/5 rating and Edmunds awarded a decent 8.1/10 verdict.
- Seating rows: 2
- Seats: 5
- Cargo space behind 1st and 2nd row: 76.5 and 39.3 cubic feet
- Safety Rating: Not yet rated by NHTSA and IIHS; Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS) for same-generation 2023 CR-V
- Fuel Economy: 30 mpg (gas) and 40 mpg (hybrid)
- Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
Pricing
| Trim | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| LX | $29,500 |
| EX | $32,010 |
| Sport Hybrid | $33,350 |
| EX-L | $34,660 |
| Sport-L Hybrid | $36,350 |
| Sport Touring Hybrid | $39,500 |
6 2023 Kia Telluride
Maximum Cargo Space: 87 Cubic Feet
As the 4th model year of its pioneer generation, the 2023 Kia Telluride upper-midsize SUV received a mid-cycle refresh. Aside from getting exterior and interior design updates, the roomy 2023 Kia Telluride also received an infotainment system upgrade (12.3-inch screen in the base trim), an automatic tailgate, and enhanced driver assist features. The 2023 Kia Telluride gets power from a 3.8-liter V6 engine (291 hp, 262 lb-ft), and has enough muscle for a 5,000-lb tow rating.
- Seating rows: 3
- Seats: 7 to 8
- Cargo space behind 1st, 2nd, and 3rd row: 87, 46, and 21 cubic feet
- Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick+ Awardee (IIHS)
- Fuel Economy: 21 to 23 mpg combined
- Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
The 2023 Kia Telluride received a great 85/100 quality and reliability score from JD Power, a 4.8/5 expert review rating from KBB, and an 8.4/10 verdict from Edmunds.
Pricing
| Trim | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| LX | $35,990 |
| S | $37,890 |
| EX | $41,590 |
| EX X-Line | $45,885 |
| SX | $45,790 |
| SX X-Line | $49,285 |
| SX X-Pro | $50,285 |
| SX Prestige | $50,690 |
| SX Prestige X-Line | $52,185 |
| SX Prestige X-Pro | $53,185 |
5 2023 Hyundai Palisade
Maximum Cargo Space: 86.4 Cubic Feet
Like its mechanically-similar corporate twin, the Kia Telluride, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade is a 3-row upper midsize SUV that offers a roomy and comfortable ride for up to 8 people. For its 2023 mid-cycle refresh, the Hyundai Palisade received new interior and exterior styling, as well as new tech and safety features such as a WiFi hotspot, a camera mirror, and rear side-impact airbags. The 2023 Hyundai Palisade also shares the Telluride's 3.8-liter V6 engine (291 hp, 262 lb-ft).
- Seating rows: 3
- Seats: 7 to 8
- Cargo space behind 1st, 2nd, and 3rd row: 86.4, 45.8, and 18 cubic feet
- Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)
- Fuel Economy: 21-22 mpg combined
- Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
JD Power has given the 2023 Hyundai Palisade a "great" 84/100 quality and reliability score, and KBB expert reviews tallied up to a 4.6/5 rating.
Pricing
| Trim | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| SE | $35,900 |
| SEL | $38,900 |
| XRT | $41,200 |
| Limited | $47,450 |
| Calligraphy | $49,850 |
4 2023 Toyota Highlander
Maximum Cargo Space: 84.3 Cubic Feet
Sharing Toyota's midsize SUV stable with the rough-and-tumble Toyota 4Runner is the family-friendly Toyota Highlander. For 2023, the Toyota Highlander received a hands-free tailgate option for mid-level XLE and XSE grades, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen for the top trims, and a new 2.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine (265 hp, 310 lb-ft). The 2023 Highlander Hybrid trims, on the other hand, get 243 hp, 175 lb-ft of twist, and up to 36 mpg - an impressive fuel economy for a 3-row midsize crossover.
- Seating rows: 3
- Seats: 7 to 8
- Cargo space behind 1st, 2nd, and 3rd row: 84.3, 48.4, and 16 cubic feet
- Safety Rating: 5/5 Stars (NHTSA), Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)
- Fuel Economy: 23-25 mpg combined (gasoline), 36 mpg combined (hybrid)
- Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
The 2023 Toyota Highlander earned a "great" 81/100 quality and reliability score from JD Power, a 4.5/5 expert review score from KBB, and a 7.9/10 verdict from Edmunds.
Pricing
| Trim | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| L | $36,620 |
| LE | $39,020 |
| Hybrid LE | $40,620 |
| XLE | $42,020 |
| Hybrid XLE | $43,620 |
| XSE | $43,615 |
| Limited | $46,275 |
| Hybrid Limited | $47,875 |
| Platinum | $49,475 |
| Hybrid Platinum | $51,075 |
| Bronze Edition | $46,380 |
3 2023 Chevrolet Traverse
Maximum Cargo Space: 98.2 Cubic Feet
At almost 206 inches in length and close to 79 inches in width, the upper midsize Chevrolet Traverse crossover is larger than some full-size SUVs on the market (e.g. the 2023 Lexus LX is only 200.5 inches long and 78.3 inches wide). The 2023 Chevy Traverse's generous dimensions make for a roomy 3-row SUV, even for 8 adults. Although its lower trims don't have all the bells and whistles of rivals like the Kia Telluride and the Honda Pilot, the 2023 Chevy Traverse boasts a potent 3.6-liter V6 engine (310 hp, 266 lb-ft) that still returns a respectable 20-21 mpg rating.
- Seating rows: 3
- Seats: 7 to 8
- Cargo space behind 1st, 2nd, and 3rd row: 98.2, 57.8, and 23 cubic feet
- Safety Rating: 5/5 Stars (NHTSA)
- Fuel Economy: 20-21 mpg combined
- Warranty: 3 years or 36 miles
The 2023 Chevrolet Traverse received an 83/100 quality and reliability score from JD Power and a 4.3/5 consumer review rating from both KBB and Edmunds.
Pricing
| Trim | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| LS | $35,915 |
| LT Cloth | $38,440 |
| RS | $46,440 |
| LT Leather | $42,135 |
| Premier | $48,595 |
| High Country | $53,395 |
2 2023 Honda Pilot
Maximum Cargo Space: 113.7 Cubic Feet
The Honda Pilot is the largest and lone 3-row SUV in the Japanese carmaker's lineup. For 2023, the upper midsize Honda Pilot entered its 4th generation with a longer wheelbase, resulting in a more comfortable cabin and a bigger cargo space (up to 113.7 cubic feet without the 2nd-row captain's chairs) than ever before. The 3rd-row seats, however, are still slightly cramped for adults. Power comes from a 3.5-liter V6 (285 hp, 262 lb-ft), which gives the 2024 Honda Pilot a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs.
- Seating rows: 3
- Seats: 7 to 8
- Cargo space behind 1st, 2nd, and 3rd row (without captains' seats): 113.7, 60.1, and 22.4 cubic feet
- Safety Rating: not yet rated, but Honda announced that the Pilot's design is geared towards a 5/5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS
- Fuel Economy: 20-22 mpg combined
- Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
The 2023 Honda Pilot received a "great" 81/100 JD Power reliability rating, a 4.7/5 expert score from KBB, and a 7.9/10 verdict from Edmunds.
Pricing
| Trim | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| LX | $36,300 |
| Sport | $39,500 |
| EX-L | $42,300 |
| TrailSport | $48,700 |
| Touring | $46,800 |
| Elite | $52,380 |
1 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
Maximum Cargo Space: 97.5 Cubic Feet
All-new for 2024, the Toyota Grand Highlander rides on the TNGA-K platform - the same unibody platform used by the standard Highlander but modified for a longer wheelbase and a bigger track width. Roughly 9 inches longer than the midsize Highlander, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is well within full-size SUV territory and boasts a 3rd-row seating configuration that can accommodate passengers up to 6'4" in height.
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander uses both the Highlander's 2.4-liter gas (265 hp, 310 lb-ft) and 2.5-liter hybrid (243 hp, 175 lb-ft) mills. However, the Grand Highlander adds a 3rd powerplant - the 2.4-liter Hybrid Max engine, which produces 362 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. As of June 2023, JD Power, Edmunds, and KBB have yet to release their respective ratings for the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander.
- Seating rows: 3
- Seats: 7 to 8
- Cargo space behind 1st, 2nd, and 3rd row: 97.5, 57.9, and 20.6 cubic feet
- Safety Rating: no ratings yet
- Fuel Economy: 24 mpg combined (gas), 27 mpg combined (Hybrid Max), and 36 mpg combined (2.5-liter hybrid)
- Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
Pricing
| Trim | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| XLE | $43,070 |
| Limited | $47,860 |
| Platinum | $53,545 |
| Hybrid XLE | $44,670 |
| Hybrid Limited | $51,060 |
| Hybrid Max Limited | $54,040 |
| Hybrid Max Platinum | $58,125 |