Best SUVs for Families with 3 Kids and a Dog in 2025
Introduction
Finding the ideal SUV for a large family with three kids and a dog requires balancing space, safety, comfort, and pet-friendly features. Key considerations include space, safety, comfort, and pet-friendly features. Vehicles should have advanced safety features, reclining seats, ample legroom, climate control, and entertainment options. Additionally, SUVs should have a flat load floor, low entry height, adequate ventilation, and pet-specific accessories. By focusing on these factors, you can find an SUV that meets your family's needs.
Key Features to Look for in a Family- & Pet-Friendly SUV
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1. Seating Capacity & Comfort
- 3rd-Row Seats: Ensure the SUV has three rows of seating to accommodate a large family. The third row should be easily accessible and comfortable for kids.
- Legroom: Ample legroom in the second and third rows is essential for long trips, ensuring that everyone has a comfortable ride.
- Ease of Access: Look for features like sliding and reclining seats to make getting in and out of the vehicle hassle-free, especially for young children and older family members.
- Room for Strollers & Luggage: The SUV should have enough cargo space to fit strollers, luggage, and other essentials without compromising passenger comfort.
- Pet Essentials: Ensure there's sufficient space for pet supplies, such as a pet carrier, food, and water bowls. A flat load floor can make loading and unloading easier.
- Advanced Driver-Assist Systems: Look for features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking to enhance safety on the road.
- Crash Ratings: Check the SUV's crash test ratings from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to ensure it meets high safety standards.
- Child-Seat Compatibility: Ensure the SUV has LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) systems and enough space to accommodate child seats comfortably.
4. Pet-Friendly Features
- Rear Climate Control: Ensure the vehicle has rear climate control to keep your pet comfortable during trips, regardless of the weather.
- Easy-to-clean Interiors: Look for materials that are easy to clean and maintain, such as leather or durable fabric, to handle pet hair and spills.
- Pet Barriers: Consider SUVs that offer pet barriers or accessories to keep your pet safely confined to a specific area of the vehicle.
- Best Mileage Options: Choose an SUV with good fuel efficiency to reduce the cost of long trips and minimize environmental impact.
- Reliability: Look for brands and models known for their reliability and low maintenance costs to ensure your SUV serves your family well over the years.
Top 5 Best SUVs for Families with 3 Kids and a Dog
1. Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade offers a spacious and comfortable cabin, with three rows of seating that can accommodate up to eight passengers. The second-row seats can slide and recline, making it easier for your kids to get in and out. The Palisade also has a large cargo area that can easily fit all your family's gear, including space for your dog. Safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system.
2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy
Trim Level
Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy
Seating Configuration
Seats: 7 (2nd-row captain's chairs)
Captain's Chairs: Available
3rd-Row Access: Easy access with the push of a button to move the 2nd-row seats forward
Cargo Space
Behind 3rd Row: 16.4 cubic feet
Behind 2nd Row: 46.5 cubic feet
With 2nd Row Folded: 80.1 cubic feet
Pet-Friendly Features
Rear Climate Control: Yes
Tie-Downs: Available
Cargo Area Cleaning: Easy to clean with rubber flooring
Pet Accessories: Available through Hyundai's accessory line
Fuel Economy
Combined: 19 MPG
City: 18 MPG
Highway: 22 MPG
Safety Features
Key Safety Features: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, Driver Attention Warning, Safe Exit Assist, Rear Occupant Alert
Driver-Assistance Systems: Adaptive Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Rear Parking Sensors
Price Range
Starting MSRP: $50,600
2. Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is another great option for families, with seating for up to eight passengers and a versatile interior. The second and third rows offer ample legroom, and the Pilot has a generous cargo space for strollers, sports equipment, and pet supplies. It also comes with a variety of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking. The Pilot is known for its smooth ride and comfortable seating, making long trips more enjoyable.
2025 Honda Pilot EX-L
Trim Level
Honda Pilot EX-L
Seating Configuration
- Seats: 8 (2nd-row captain's chairs available)
- Captain's Chairs: Available
- 3rd-Row Access: Easy access with the push of a button to move the 2nd-row seats forward
Cargo Space
- Behind 3rd Row: 16.5 cubic feet
- Behind 2nd Row: 46.2 cubic feet
- With 2nd Row Folded: 83.9 cubic feet
Rear Climate Control: Yes
Tie-Downs: Available
Cargo Area Cleaning: Easy to clean with durable materials
Pet Accessories: Available through Honda's accessory line
Fuel Economy
Combined: 20 MPG
City: 18 MPG
Highway: 23 MPG
Safety Features
- Key Safety Features: Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Vehicle Stability Assist
- Driver-Assistance Systems: Honda Sensing® Suite (includes Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, Lane Keeping Assist System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow)
Price Range
- Starting MSRP: $43,200
3. Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander provides a comfortable and roomy interior, with three rows of seating that can accommodate up to eight passengers. The second-row seats can slide and recline, offering flexibility for passengers. The Highlander has a spacious cargo area that can easily fit your family's belongings and your dog. It also includes safety features like a pre-collision system, pedestrian detection, and dynamic radar cruise control. The Highlander is known for its reliability and fuel efficiency.
2025 Toyota Highlander Platinum
Trim Level
Toyota Highlander Platinum
Seating Configuration
Seats: 8 (2nd-row captain's chairs available)
Captain's Chairs: Available
3rd-Row Access: Easy access with the push of a button to move the 2nd-row seats forward
Cargo Space
Behind 3rd Row: 16 cubic feet
Behind 2nd Row: 42.3 cubic feet
With 2nd Row Folded: 84.3 cubic feet
Pet-Friendly Features
Rear Climate Control: Yes
Tie-Downs: Available
Cargo Area Cleaning: Easy to clean with durable materials
Pet Accessories: Available through Toyota's accessory line
Fuel Economy
Combined: 21 MPG (Hybrid)
City: 20 MPG (Hybrid)
Highway: 23 MPG (Hybrid)
Safety Features
- Key Safety Features: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Vehicle Stability Control
- Driver-Assistance Systems: Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ (includes Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Automatic High Beams)
- Starting MSRP: $53,675
4. Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is a stylish and spacious SUV with seating for up to eight passengers. The second-row seats can slide and recline, making it easy for your kids to get comfortable. The Telluride has a large cargo area that can accommodate all your family's gear, including space for your dog. It comes with a variety of safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system. The Telluride is known for its comfortable ride and upscale interior.
2025 Kia Telluride SX Prestige X-Pro
Trim Level
Kia Telluride SX Prestige X-Pro
Seating Configuration
Seats: 8 (2nd-row captain's chairs available)
Captain's Chairs: Available
3rd-Row Access: Easy access with the push of a button to move the 2nd-row seats forward
Cargo Space
Behind 3rd Row: 21 cubic feet
Behind 2nd Row: 46 cubic feet
With 2nd Row Folded: 87 cubic feet
Pet-Friendly Features
Rear Climate Control: Yes
Tie-Downs: Available
Cargo Area Cleaning: Easy to clean with durable materials
Pet Accessories: Available through Kia's accessory line
Fuel Economy
Combined: 20 MPG
City: 18 MPG
Highway: 22 MPG
Safety Features
- Key Safety Features: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, Driver Attention Warning, Safe Exit Assist, Rear Occupant Alert
- Driver-Assistance Systems: Adaptive Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Rear Parking Sensors
Starting MSRP: $53,385
5. Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent offers a roomy interior with three rows of seating that can accommodate up to eight passengers. The second and third rows provide ample legroom, and the Ascent has a large cargo area for your family's belongings and your dog. It also includes safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. The Ascent is known for its all-wheel-drive system, making it a great choice for families who enjoy outdoor adventures.
2025 Subaru Ascent Touring
Trim Level
Subaru Ascent Touring
Seating Configuration
Seats: 8 (2nd-row captain's chairs available)
Captain's Chairs: Available
3rd-Row Access: Easy access with the push of a button to move the 2nd-row seats forward
Cargo Space
Behind 3rd Row: 17.8 cubic feet
Behind 2nd Row: 47.5 cubic feet
With 2nd Row Folded: 86.5 cubic feet
Pet-Friendly Features
Rear Climate Control: Yes
Tie-Downs: Available
Cargo Area Cleaning: Easy to clean with durable materials
Pet Accessories: Available through Subaru's accessory line
Fuel Economy
Combined: 21 MPG
City: 19 MPG
Highway: 23 MPG
Safety Features
- Key Safety Features: Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Vehicle Stability Control
- Driver-Assistance Systems: Subaru Safety Sense® (includes Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and more)
Starting MSRP: $44,895
These SUVs provide a combination of space, comfort, and safety features that make them ideal for families with multiple kids and a pet. Each vehicle offers a unique set of features, so it's worth checking them out to see which one best fits your needs and preferences. Do any of these models stand out to you now?
Comparison Table of the Best SUVs for Families & Pets
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| SUV Model | Price Range | Seating Capacity | Cargo Space | Pet-Friendly Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Palisade | $35,000 - $50,000 | 8 | 18 cubic feet | Flat load floor, rear climate control |
| Honda Pilot | $32,000 - $48,000 | 8 | 16.5 cubic feet | Rear climate control, pet barrier |
| Toyota Highlander | $35,000 - $50,000 | 8 | 16 cubic feet | Rear climate control, easy-to-clean interiors |
| Kia Telluride | $36,000 - $50,000 | 8 | 21 cubic feet | Rear climate control, pet barrier |
| Subaru Ascent | $35,000 - $50,000 | 8 | 17.8 cubic feet | Rear climate control, all-wheel drive |
This table provides a quick overview of the key features that make these SUVs suitable for families with three kids and a dog. Each model offers ample seating capacity, generous cargo space, and various pet-friendly features to ensure a comfortable and safe ride for everyone.
Tips for Traveling with Kids and a Dog in an SUV
Safety Measures for Kids and Pets
Kids:
Ensure all child seats are properly installed and secured using the LATCH system or seat belts.
Make sure children are buckled up at all times and that the seat belts fit correctly.
Use window shades to protect kids from direct sunlight and reduce glare.
Keep sharp or heavy objects out of reach to prevent injuries during sudden stops or turns.
Pets:
Use a pet harness or carrier to secure your dog and prevent them from moving around the vehicle.
Place a pet barrier to keep your dog in the cargo area or back seat, away from the driver.
Ensure your pet has access to water, especially on long trips.
Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car, as temperatures can quickly become dangerous.
Pet Harnesses: Look for crash-tested pet harnesses that can be attached to the seat belt to keep your dog safe and secure.
Cargo Liners: Use a durable, waterproof cargo liner to protect your SUV's interior from dirt, hair, and spills.
Sunshades: Install sunshades on the windows to keep the interior cool and protect your kids and pets from direct sunlight.
Seat Covers: Invest in easy-to-clean seat covers to protect your upholstery from spills, crumbs, and pet hair.
Pet Ramps: If you have a large or older dog, a pet ramp can help them get in and out of the SUV more easily.
Road Trip Essentials
Snacks: Pack a variety of healthy snacks for your kids, such as fruit, granola bars, and nuts. Bring along some treats for your dog, too.
Toys: Bring a selection of toys and activities to keep your kids entertained during the trip, such as coloring books, puzzles, and handheld games. Don't forget to bring your dog's favorite toys to keep them occupied.
Emergency Kits: Prepare an emergency kit that includes first aid supplies, medications, extra water, a flashlight, and a blanket. Include a pet-specific first aid kit with items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and a spare leash.
Comfort Items: Bring along comfort items such as pillows, blankets, and a familiar stuffed animal for your kids. For your dog, pack their bed or blanket to help them feel at ease.
By following these tips and being well-prepared, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable road trip for your entire family, including your furry friend! 🚙
Conclusion: SUVs with advanced safety features for families and pets 2025
Choosing the right SUV for a family with three kids and a dog requires careful consideration of various factors such as seating capacity, cargo space, safety features, comfort, and pet-friendly options. Here are the top picks that stand out:- Hyundai Palisade: Offers a spacious and comfortable interior with ample cargo space and pet-friendly features like a flat load floor and rear climate control.
- Honda Pilot: Known for its versatile seating options, generous cargo space, and safety features, making it a reliable choice for families.
- Toyota Highlander: Provides a comfortable and roomy interior with advanced safety features and easy-to-clean materials.
- Kia Telluride: Combines style, space, and safety features with pet-friendly options like a pet barrier and rear climate control.
- Subaru Ascent: Offers a roomy interior, all-wheel drive, and rear climate control, making it ideal for families who enjoy outdoor adventures.
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