The size of the average American family has diminished in recent years. But you’d never know it, judging by the king-sized family SUVs fighting for space on the road. According to the Census Bureau, the average U.S. family now consists of about three people, down from roughly four people in 1960.
Families have gotten smaller, but family vehicles haven’t. You might think minivans would be a top choice; however, though they have many family-friendly features, they’ve fallen out of favor with today’s car buyers, who view them as dull and tame.
Today’s parents, though, still seek the space that minivans offer, except they’ve turned to SUVs. While options like the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Expedition offer plenty of room for passengers and cargo, they are big – the Suburban clocks in at just under 19 feet long! And with all that size comes a hefty cost to purchase and a large monthly gas bill.
If you’ve got 4+ kids, you’re going to need a 3-row vehicle. But, if you have one, two or even three kids, do you really need an SUV? Let’s find out.
Family SUVs: Undeniably Great, But…
In recent years, SUVs have become a lot more family-focused. They have features that can make life easier for you and your brood.
For example, some have ceiling vents to maintain pleasant temperatures for kids in the back and rear-seat entertainment systems to keep them occupied on the road. There are even SUVs with in-cabin intercoms to help you communicate clearly with kids in the third row.
Still, some notable drawbacks come with purchasing a family SUV, and they’re worth considering before you sign on the dotted line. Here are some of the cons associated with adding a family SUV to your garage:
- Mammoth size. Bigger may be better for passenger and cargo room, but increased interior volume comes with a vast footprint. Today’s family SUVs are gigantic, making them difficult to maneuver. Navigating narrow city streets becomes stressful, and fitting into certain driveways, garages and parking spots becomes impossible.
- Steep ownership costs. Most of today’s family SUVs have gas engines that can leave you with a hefty fuel bill. Hybrid models exist and are more frugal than gas-only versions, but they still aren’t as fuel-efficient as a hybrid car. Yes, there are efficient, all-electric three-row SUVs, but there aren’t many of them, which means your options are limited if you want to go green. Also, larger and costlier vehicles like three-row SUVs tend to rack up higher insurance premiums, further inflating ownership expenses.
Hatchbacks and Sedans Are Solid Family Options

Hatchbacks and sedans are more suitable for families than you might realize. Here are some reasons why these cars are excellent choices for family transportation:
Competitive Second-Row Legroom
Many drivers choose family SUVs because they want a vehicle with enough second-row legroom to accommodate tall teens and adults. However, sedans and hatchbacks can be just as roomy if you do your research.
Let’s start with sedans. The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan that provides 40.8 inches of legroom for second-row passengers. That’s more rear-seat legroom than you get with the Toyota Highlander, a three-row midsize SUV; Highlander SUVs offer 38.7 inches of second-row legroom.
What about hatchbacks? Volkswagen’s Arteon is a full-size hatchback. It has 40.2 inches of legroom for your loved ones in the second row, which puts it ahead of the Highlander.
Competitive Cargo Capacity
Some hatchbacks offer cargo capacity on par with SUVs. The Arteon has a robust 27.2 cubic feet of cargo room with all seats in place. For comparison, the Chevrolet Traverse midsize SUV has 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space with all three rows of seats in use.
Cars are More Affordable
Cars typically cost less than SUVs. For instance, the Kia Sorento is one of the most affordable three-row midsize SUVs, starting at $33,365. Compare that to a hatchback like the Toyota Prius, which costs $29,085.
In addition, cars usually have lower ownership costs than SUVs. Because they tend to be small, they cost less to fuel. And because they’re often less expensive than SUVs, they typically cost less to insure.
Excellent Safety Credentials
Safety is a big concern for parents seeking capable transportation, and many cars fare just as well in this area as family SUVs.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) uses a five-star rating system to grade overall vehicle safety. Midsize family sedans like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry got a perfect five stars for overall crash protection in NHTSA evaluations.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the Top Safety Pick+ designation to vehicles that achieve the highest scores for safety. Family-friendly cars like the Accord, Camry, and Hyundai Ioniq 6 have all been named a Top Safety Pick+.
Excellent for Student Drivers
Your kids will become teenagers before you know it, and they’ll likely be eager to get behind the wheel. Learning how to drive in a car will be easier for them than learning in a family SUV. Cars are smaller and more agile so that new drivers can pilot them with minimal stress and anxiety. That’s not the case with a large, cumbersome SUV.
The Best Family Cars
Second-guessing getting a new family SUV? These cars have what it takes to ferry your family in comfort:
2025 Honda Accord

The Accord has a spacious cabin with ample rear legroom; second-row passengers have 40.8 inches available to stretch their legs. The cargo capacity is 16.7 cubic feet, which will be enough for many families.
Honda’s Accord has a smooth ride and is available with hybrid powertrains that take it easy at the gas pump. This sedan keeps your family safe with standard driver aids like lane-keeping assist and forward automatic emergency braking.
2025 Chevrolet Malibu

The Malibu costs less than many rivals, which is impressive considering everything it delivers. This Chevy has a spacious cabin with 38.1 inches of rear legroom. Its sizable trunk provides 15.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
Though it doesn’t have a hybrid powertrain like the Accord, the Malibu delivers solid fuel economy. This sedan comes standard with features families love, such as a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2025 BMW 5 Series

The 5 Series has your number if you’re looking for something more luxurious than the typical mainstream family sedan. This midsize luxury car offers potent powertrain options and impressive gas mileage, and it coddles your family in a plush cabin.
The handling is confident, and all-wheel drive is available for improved traction in rain and snow. The 5 Series keeps your loved ones connected and entertained with standard features like wireless device charging and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
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