8 Great Used SUVs for Growing Families

When you’re looking for a family car, you want to get a good value for your money. You need a quality model that will keep your kids comfortable and secure, but you also don’t want to spend more money than necessary, since every dollar counts in your family’s budget. As your trusted used car dealership, we here at Ruge’s Chevrolet are here to provide you with pre-owned vehicles that are both competitively priced and thoroughly vetted for quality, so you can have the best of both worlds.

Many parents opt for SUVs because they’re versatile and spacious, perfect for driving kids to school or picking up new furniture as they outgrow their beds. In our used inventory, we sell models from a variety of automakers, so you have plenty of options to choose from. To give you a good place to start your search, we’ve compiled this list of eight great SUVs for growing families.

Since every family is unique, we’ve provided you with several different choices that cover a range of categories. No matter your budget or your needs, our team will help you find a model that’s a perfect fit for you and your kids.

Well-Rounded

If you don’t need to seat more than five people total in your car all at once, then a quality compact crossover SUV is a solid choice. These models are easy to maneuver in tight spaces, from toy-strewn driveways to parking garages, but still have enough space to keep the kids from feeling cramped on longer drives. Here are two well-rounded options that can handle all of life’s ups and downs.

#1 – Chevrolet Equinox

With a comfortable cabin, a great lineup of tech features, and even a stylish exterior, the Equinox has a lot to offer. This model has been around for a while, so there are plenty of model years to choose from. Whether you opt for something older and more affordable or newer with all the latest innovations, you’ll be sure to have a good time on the road.

#2 – Hyundai Tucson

The Tucson comes in a variety of trim levels, so you can take advantage of the low prices of used models to opt for a lush top-tier trim if you want to add luxury to the base Tucson’s comfortable ride and practical set of features. While this model doesn’t have the best fuel economy in the class, it offers solid value overall and is a great fit for many families.

Rugged

If your idea of family bonding involves the great outdoors, you may well want a family car that can handle some rugged terrain. Luckily, you don’t have to get a notoriously rough-riding and unreliable Jeep to enjoy the wilderness. There are plenty of more family-friendly SUVs that can give you what you’re after. Here are just two examples:

#3 – Subaru Forester

With standard all-wheel drive and plenty of ground clearance, the Forester has the capability to leave the pavement behind for fun adventures. But when you are on paved streets, you’ll have a comfortable ride for you and your family. Newer models come with a great variety of driver assists too, helping you stay aware of your surroundings so you can avoid danger and keep your precious cargo safe and sound.

#4 – Ford Bronco Sport

When the legendary off-road Ford Bronco SUV returned for the 2021 year, it wasn’t alone. It made its debut alongside a smaller and more family-friendly version called the Bronco Sport. This version may not have removable doors for open-air riding, but it still has some serious off-road chops, especially on higher trim levels. It’s versatile enough to handle both weekend camping trips and weekly errands around town, making it perfect for an active family. Because it’s a fairly recent addition to the Ford lineup, every used model you find is sure to have a modern infotainment system to help you stay connected on the go and a solid array of standard driver assist features.

Efficient

Keeping growing kids fed, clothed, and well-cared-for can be incredibly rewarding, but it can be expensive, too. You shouldn’t have to worry about your budget every time gas prices spike, which is why getting an efficient hybrid SUV is a smart idea. These models can cost a bit more up front, but buying a used model cushions that and helps you get more value from the stellar fuel economy that an efficient powertrain provides. While gas-powered models tend to be more efficient on the highway, hybrids are often more efficient on city streets, which can come in handy if you run a lot of errands for yourself and your kids around town.

#5 – Honda CR-V Hybrid

Another five-seater, the Honda CR-V has a great reputation for reliability, which means you can count on it to run well for many years and many miles. The CR-V Hybrid pairs that longevity with impressive fuel economy ratings that will have you gliding past the gas station time and time again. In recent years, the hybrid powertrain has only been available on top-tier trims with other luxury features, like extra creature comforts. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, buying used is a good idea, since you might be able to find more accessible hybrid trims from the 2020-2022 model years.

#6 – Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Finding an efficient three-row SUV can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. Toyota has a long history of making fantastic hybrid powertrains, and they’ve used them on more than just the Prius. The Highlander Hybrid, for instance, seats up to seven or eight (depending on the model year) and gets great fuel economy compared to non-hybrid compact SUVs, let alone three-row models. It also has a solid standard setup, with plenty of useful features across all trims, especially in more recent model years.

Spacious

If your family is growing beyond you, your partner, and 1-3 kids, then it’s time to start looking for a larger vehicle. Luckily, there are some great three-row SUVs out there that give everyone room to stretch out without costing an arm and a leg. When you don’t have all of the seats filled with passengers, they turn into handy cargo haulers that are great for carrying bulky items across town. They tend to have solid towing capacities as well.

#7 – Kia Telluride

Massive yet refined, the Telluride checks a lot of boxes for large families, from the ability to seat up to eight comfortably to the power to tow a trailer for extra cargo space. It comes in a wide variety of trim levels, from basic to off-road capable to luxurious, so you should be able to find something that’s right for your family’s needs. Its third row should even be able to handle growth spurts without making your growing kids feel cramped on longer drives.

#8 – Chevrolet Traverse

With a proven track record for reliability and value, the Traverse is a model you can’t go wrong with. Whether you pick an entry-level, sporty, luxurious, or rugged trim, you’ll get a versatile SUV that can handle all of your family’s driving needs, from buying groceries to taking summer road trips. Its cabin provides plenty of space for both passengers and cargo, and if that’s not enough for you, you can always tow a trailer or attach a cargo box to the available roof racks. Newer models have Chevy’s trusted suite of driver assist technologies, but even older models are well-rounded and ready for action. With no bad choices, it’s easy to put your stress at ease and pick your favorite model.