Best 5-Seater SUVs Of 2024

As some of the most popular cars in the USA, sports utility vehicles are available in a variety of forms and configurations, with 5-seater SUVS considered the best in terms of practicality and city-centric convenience. An SUV in 5-seat configuration is great for single young professionals who appreciate the value of practicality, but it’s just as good for growing families that know the necessity of it. Just about every automaker has a few entrants in the segment, from subcompact crossovers all the way up to full-size SUVs, though the latter often boast even more seating. To help you find the right one that suits your needs, we have ranked all the best 5-seater SUVs of 2024 in the USA.

Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work
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Cadillac Lyriq

Think of Cadillac SUVs, and the popular Escalade probably springs to mind first, but not everyone needs the space of that full-size model. The Lyriq fits into the mid-size segment and accommodates five occupants across two spacious rows. When we drove it, we found rear legroom and headroom to be suitable for even taller adults, and the trunk is a good size, too. The Lyriq is undoubtedly more luxurious than sporty, and driving it is a relaxing affair, thanks to the composed ride, active sound canceling tech, and the powerful electric motors. The base model makes 340 horsepower, but the all-wheel-drive model boasts 500 hp. It’s an excellent first crack at the electric SUV segment for Cadillac.

Kia EV6

The Kia EV6 is one of those SUVs that blurs the lines between mass-market and luxury brands. Available or standard features like heated front/rear seats, ventilated front seats, dual 12.3-inch displays, an augmented reality head-up display, and a driver-assistance system that can help with steering on the highway could fool you into thinking you’re in something other than a Kia. The MSRP ranges between $42,600 and $57,600, and the flat floor opens up ample space in the five-seater EV6’s cabin. It can achieve over 300 miles on a full charge, and outputs range from 167 to 320 hp. For supercar-like acceleration, there is the 576-hp EV6 GT.

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

Good luck if you’re shopping for a compact crossover like the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid; there are so many options in this segment, it’s a maze. Rivals to this capable Korean include the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, both of which are available as hybrids. The Tucson Hybrid offers either a conventional 226-hp hybrid or a 261-hp plug-in hybrid. The PHEV achieves 80 MPGe/35 mpg combined and can be driven for up to 33 miles on electric power alone. Over 41 inches of rear legroom and up to 41.2 cubic feet of space behind the second row contribute to a practical five-seat crossover. Do note that the PHEV version has quite a bit less cargo space at 31.9 cu-ft, due to the added electric components.

Volvo XC40

No longer the baby Volvo SUV – the new EX30 has filled that role – the XC40 is one of the most effortlessly stylish vehicles in its segment. Volvo’s seat design deserves praise for its ergonomic and supportive design, but the rear center passenger won’t be as comfortable in the compact XC40. And, at just over 20 cu-ft, the XC40’s trunk isn’t the largest. However, it’s a perfect choice for the young executive who doesn’t need that much space. The 247-hp turbocharged engine and eight-speed automatic are a good match, and the interior is well insulated from external noises.

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

This no-frills SUV is the quintessential Toyota. It’s hardly exciting to drive or look at, but it’s exceptionally efficient, good value, and should last for many years with adequate maintenance. The Corolla Cross Hybrid manages 45/38/42 mpg city/highway/combined, so it’s a great option if you spend a lot of time in traffic but don’t want the range anxiety that comes with owning an EV. With 196 hp, it’s more powerful than the non-hybrid Corolla Cross, too. It’s easy to drive and operating the controls requires no learning curve. This is as sensible as it gets for five-seater SUVs.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

One of the most popular hybrids in the country, the RAV4 Hybrid is more expensive than the Corolla Cross, but it’s a larger and more powerful vehicle. The combination of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor results in 219 hp, and the hybrid can manage 41/38/39 mpg. The RAV4 has more masculine, interesting styling than the Corolla Cross, and it’s good both on and off the road. A large number of trims and a solid reliability record make the RAV4 Hybrid a difficult SUV to criticize.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

With sporty styling and up to 480 hp, the Mach-E is anything but a passionless EV. It rides smoothly and quietly and doesn’t fall apart when the road starts to twist. Depending on the model, it has a range of between 230 and 320 miles, which is competitive in its segment. For the 2024 model year, Ford introduced a new off-road-focused trim called the Rally, which starts at nearly $60k. It has special all-season tires, increased ground clearance, and a more rugged look.

While off-road jaunts and green all-electric driving don’t always go hand in hand, the Mach-E is, overall, a competent five-seater SUV.

Lexus RX Hybrid

Lexus finally has a spacious three-row SUV in its range in the form of the new TX, but the RX has been a staple of the luxury marque’s lineup for decades. In current RX Hybrid guise, both normal and plug-in hybrid versions are available. The 350h makes 246 hp, followed by the RX 450h PHEV with 304 hp and the RX 500h with 366 hp. The 350h returns 36 mpg combined, but the RX 450h is unique in its ability to drive on electric power alone (for up to 37 miles). Front and rear seating is comfortable in the RX, with standard NuLuxe upholstery that can be substituted for perforated leather or semi-aniline leather. In Lexus style, the RX puts the emphasis on refinement and comfort rather than sportiness.

Genesis GV60

The Genesis GV60 is a high-tech and impressively luxurious five-seater SUV. Thanks to a flat floor and the ability of the rear seats to recline by a few degrees, all but the tallest passengers will be comfortable in the back seats. The same goes for the front seats. However, cargo space is on the average side at 24 cu-ft. This likely has something to do with the sloping roofline, but it does add to the GV60’s distinctive silhouette. Dual-motor Performance variants make 429 hp – or 483 hp for brief spurts – and can reach 60 mph in below four seconds.

Kia Soul

It may be one of the smallest SUVs on this list, but the bargain-priced Kia Soul shows that cheap can also be cheerful. Starting at $20,190, the Soul’s boxy styling is something different in its segment. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes 147 hp, so it’s not that quick, but the combined EPA rating of up to 31 mpg is what matters more at this price point. Legroom is a decent 38.8 inches in the second row, and the rear seat is quite comfy despite its inability to recline. The wide door openings also improve ingress and egress.

Best Of The Rest

There is no shortage of five-seater SUV options in America. The below models have all received good ratings from us:

Characteristics Of The Best SUVs For 5 Passengers

Since you can find a 5-seater in just about every subsegment, from economical mainstream brands to the top names in luxury, defining traits can vary significantly. That said, there are some things the best SUV for 5 passengers shouldn’t skimp on:

• Power: Though high levels of performance are possible in an SUV, they are not necessary. However, these cars are heavier than your run-of-the-mill sedan, so they do need more power. Turbocharged four-cylinder and V6 engines are common, balancing effortless driving with a certain degree of fuel economy that only reinforces the all-rounder strength of the segment.
• Practicality: The primary reason SUVs sell so well is their superior levels of practicality. A decent length and a raised height give them excellent cargo capacity. The top models, however, take a broader view and need to ensure that there is enough head- and legroom and that getting in and out of the car is easy. All of this needs to be done without sacrificing on cargo space behind the back row.
• Comfort: Classic SUVs were rugged off-roaders, but the modern breed is all about urban living, and this is where comfort is king. Even entry-level models have superior ride quality, but premium models turn it up to eleven and also do a much better job of shutting out wind and road noise. High-quality materials and comfy seats are a must.
• Price and cost: Depending on the automaker and trim level, the price of a five-seater SUV can range from very reasonable to expensive. A subcompact crossover from Toyota can start at $20k, and while Infiniti is a relatively affordable premium brand, you can expect to pay upwards of $50k for its SUVs. These large vehicles are also heavier on fuel than a sedan or coupe.

What To Consider When Buying A 5-Seater SUV

Even the best 5-seater SUV may not be exactly what you’re looking for. That is to say, every car has its strengths and weaknesses. So, here are a few things to consider if you’re thinking of buying one of these SUVs.

What is the best five-seater SUV?

This all depends on how much you’re willing to spend. Some of the more premium models are objectively better, but looking at popularity and sales values, the Toyota RAV4 is easily one of the best 5-seat SUVs, offering great value for money.

Which SUV can fit the most people?

There are more than a few three-row SUVs out there that can seat as many as nine passengers across three rows. Even midsize SUVs may offer a 3rd row of seating, and when this row is folded down, they make for some of the most accommodating 5-seaters with immense amounts of cargo capacity.

What is the biggest 5-passenger SUV?

The Cadillac Lyric is an electric SUV that impresses with not only its high levels of luxury and excellent fuel economy figures but also the fact that it is eminently spacious and comfortable. The Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe offer excellent accommodations, too.