Family life in Australia often means juggling school runs, weekend sports, grocery trips, and road trips across our vast landscapes. For many households, the SUV has become the go-to vehicle type because it blends practicality, space, comfort, and safety. Among these, family SUVs—particularly spacious 7-seaters—stand out as the ultimate choice for growing families.

This guide takes a deep dive into the best family SUVs in Australia in 2025, their key features, how they stack up in safety, and why they’re considered the top picks for parents who refuse to compromise.

Why Family SUVs Dominate the Australian Market

SUVs now outsell sedans and hatchbacks in Australia, and for good reason. They offer higher driving positions for confidence, larger boot capacity for strollers and groceries, and flexible seating arrangements that suit the needs of multi-generational families.

Lifestyle Fit

In cities like Sydney and Melbourne, SUVs make school drop-offs less stressful thanks to wide-opening rear doors and ISOFIX anchor points. For regional families, models with AWD or 4x4 capability provide peace of mind on dirt tracks and highways alike.

Safety Priorities

Families value crash protection, and modern SUVs deliver with features like AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking), lane-keeping assist, and multiple airbags. Australia’s ANCAP safety ratings are now a deciding factor in purchase decisions.

Long-Term Investment

Although SUVs may cost more upfront than hatchbacks or sedans, their versatility, durability, and resale value make them a sound choice for families planning to hold onto a vehicle for 7–10 years.

Key Features Families Look for in SUVs

Before diving into the best models, let’s unpack what Aussie families actually want:

• Seating Flexibility: True 7-seaters with fold-flat third rows.
• Boot Space: At least 500–600 litres with seats up, more with them folded.
• Comfort & Ride Quality: Suspension that balances city smoothness with highway stability.
• Entertainment Tech: Rear-seat USB ports, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and rear screens.
• Fuel Efficiency: Hybrids and smaller turbo engines to reduce fuel bills.
• Safety Standards: 5-star ANCAP rating with advanced driver assistance systems.
• Affordability: A sweet spot between purchase price, servicing costs, and insurance premiums.

Best Family SUVs in Australia (2025 Lineup)

Let’s look at some of the top-performing SUVs that Australian families should consider this year.

Toyota Kluger (Highlander Overseas)

The Kluger continues to dominate the family SUV space thanks to its hybrid option and legendary Toyota reliability.

• Why Families Love It: Hybrid efficiency (as low as 5.6L/100km), roomy third row, and Toyota Safety Sense package.
• Standout Feature: Quiet, smooth drive perfect for long road trips.
• Boot Space: 241 litres with 7 seats up, expanding to over 600 litres with rows folded.

Kia Sorento

A practical, stylish SUV that packs premium features at a mid-range price.

• Why Families Love It: Available in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and diesel options.
• Standout Feature: One of the most comfortable third rows in the class.
• Safety: 5-star ANCAP, with blind-spot view monitor and adaptive cruise control.

Hyundai Palisade

A luxury-leaning large SUV without the hefty Euro badge price.

• Why Families Love It: Huge interior space, optional 8-seater configuration.
• Standout Feature: Nappa leather seats, premium audio, and panoramic sunroof in higher trims.
• Boot Space: Excellent luggage room even with all seats up—ideal for larger families.

Mazda CX-9 / CX-90

Mazda’s reputation for premium interiors makes the CX-9 (soon being succeeded by the CX-90) a top contender.

• Why Families Love It: Beautiful cabin, engaging drive, and efficient turbo engines.
• Standout Feature: Driver-centric interior feels closer to luxury brands like Lexus.
• Technology: Wireless smartphone mirroring and smart safety aids standard across range.

Nissan Pathfinder

The Pathfinder’s latest generation has reinvented itself with a bolder design and improved space.

• Why Families Love It: True 7-seater with wide rear access doors, perfect for kids.
• Standout Feature: ProPilot driver assist for semi-autonomous driving.
• Practicality: Flat-folding third row for family camping trips.

Mitsubishi Outlander

A budget-friendly option that still packs hybrid tech.

• Why Families Love It: The PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid EV) version offers electric-only school runs.
• Standout Feature: Flexible cabin with sliding second row.
• Boot Space: Respectable 463 litres with all seats up.

Honda CR-V (2025 Model)

The all-new CR-V now offers 7-seater trims, appealing to value-conscious families.

• Why Families Love It: Honda’s track record for reliability, with a fresh modern design.
• Standout Feature: Strong hybrid efficiency in the e:HEV model.
• Interior: Clever cabin storage makes it perfect for everyday use.

Luxury Options for Families

Some buyers want luxury without compromising family practicality:

• Volvo XC90: Scandinavian safety leader, hybrid options, minimalist cabin.
• Audi Q7: Performance-driven luxury SUV with quattro AWD.
• BMW X7: Huge presence, advanced tech, and excellent rear comfort.
• Mercedes-Benz GLS: The “S-Class of SUVs,” best for families wanting maximum prestige.

SUV Safety in Focus

ANCAP Ratings

All of the SUVs highlighted here achieve either 5-star ratings or the latest test compliance. For families, this means protection in real-world crash scenarios.

Driver Assistance Tech

• Lane departure warning
• Adaptive cruise control
• Traffic sign recognition
• AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection

Child Safety

All models provide ISOFIX and top-tether points, but the ease of installation varies. Models like the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Palisade make installing three child seats across the middle row possible—something parents love.

Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs

While fuel efficiency may not be the first thing parents consider, it quickly matters when driving kids to sports and school events daily.

• Hybrid Leaders: Toyota Kluger, Kia Sorento Hybrid, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
• Diesel Efficiency: Kia Sorento Diesel, Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel.
• Luxury Efficient Picks: Volvo XC90 Recharge, BMW X5 xDrive45e (plug-in hybrid).

Servicing packages like Toyota Service Advantage and Kia’s 7-year warranty add peace of mind for long-term ownership.

Choosing the Right SUV for Your Family

Every family’s needs are different, so the right SUV depends on priorities:

• Budget-Conscious: Mitsubishi Outlander, Honda CR-V 7-seat trims.
• Big Families: Hyundai Palisade, Kia Carnival (technically an MPV but a popular alternative).
• Luxury-Oriented: Volvo XC90, Audi Q7, Mercedes GLS.
• Eco-Friendly: Toyota Kluger Hybrid, Kia Sorento PHEV, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
• Tech Lovers: Nissan Pathfinder with ProPilot, Hyundai Palisade with digital cockpit.

Practical Buying Tips for Families

• Test Drive with the Whole Family: Check car seat placement, ease of third-row access, and comfort.
• Look Beyond Purchase Price: Insurance, servicing, and fuel costs matter more long-term.
• Check Boot Space in Real Scenarios: Stroller, groceries, and sports gear all together.
• Safety First: Always prioritise 5-star ANCAP rated SUVs with child-friendly features.

Conclusion

Family SUVs in Australia are more advanced than ever in 2025. Whether you need a budget-friendly Outlander, a versatile Kluger Hybrid, or a luxury-packed Volvo XC90, there’s an SUV that fits every Australian family. Comfort, safety, and flexibility are no longer luxuries—they’re essential standards.

By weighing your budget, family size, and long-term needs, you can confidently pick the right SUV that will serve your family for years of school runs, adventures, and road trips across this beautiful country.