- Safety, flexibility, and fuel efficiency are central to choosing family SUVs.
- The most popular family SUVs in Australia include the RAV4, Outlander, Prado, Everest, and CX‑5.
It’s no easy feat to determine the best family cars available on the market today, given each family and their vehicle needs are different. From small to large SUVs, hatchbacks to utes, wagons to people movers, vehicle manufacturers have evolved their offerings over the years to help cater for families of all sizes.
Australians however love flexibility in their lifestyles and if the past few years have taught us anything, more families than ever before are willing to pack their bags and hit the road to experience their own backyard. This means vehicles that cater for the hustle and bustle of suburbia, yet provide enough comfort and rigour to withstand long-road trips - and tackle the odd light camping trail - are currently leading the charge in Australia.
Analysing recent ‘VFACTS’ data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, below you’ll find a list of the top five family cars in Australia.
In the market for a new family car? The table below features car loans with some of the lowest interest rates on the market.
| Lender | Car Loan | Interest Rate | Comparison Rate* | Monthly Repayment | Interest Type | Vehicle Type | Maximum Vehicle Age | Ongoing Fee | Upfront Fee | Total Repayment | Early Repayment | Instant Approval | Online Application | Tags | Features | Link | Compare | Promoted Product | Disclosure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5.94% p.a. | 7.07% p.a. | $579 | Variable | New | $8 | $400 | $34,749 |
| Promoted | Disclosure | |||||||||
5.67% p.a. | 6.10% p.a. | $575 | Fixed | New | $0 | $350 | $34,524 |
| Promoted | Disclosure | |||||||||
5.95% p.a. | 5.95% p.a. | $579 | Fixed | New | $0 | $0 | $34,757 |
| Promoted | Disclosure |
1. Toyota RAV4
One of the most well-known models of the Toyota lineup is the RAV4, considered by many manufacturers as the measuring stick for mid-sized SUVs. In recent years, the RAV4 has faced some stiff competition, threatening to dethrone the RAV4 from atop its perch, yet VFACTS data continues to show that you cannot keep a good thing down. The RAV4 is the second best-selling car of 2025, sitting behind heavyweight Ford Ranger in the number of vehicles sold.
Starting price: From $45,990.
Key Features:
Five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.
Available in both Hybrid (HEV) and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) variants.
Five star ANCAP safety rating.
4.7L per 100km fuel economy for hybrid variants; 7L per 100km for all-wheel drive petrol.
580L of boot capacity.
2. Ford Everest
The Ford Everest is one of Australia’s most popular family SUVs, sitting just behind the Ranger among Ford's sales. Its seven-seat layout and flexible cargo space make it perfect for school runs, weekend trips, or long journeys. Modern tech like the SYNC 4A touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring can help keep families protected. With comfortable interiors, dual-zone climate control, and strong towing ability, the Everest blends practical family space with rugged performance.
Starting price: From $59,490.
Key features:
Five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.
Five star ANCAP safety rating.
7.2L per 100km fuel economy.
259 L of boot capacity with all seven seats in use, 898 L with the third row folded, and over 1,800 L when both rear rows are down.
3. Toyota LandCruiser Prado
Definitely one of the more expensive cars in this list, the Toyota Prado is the second most popular Toyota SUV in 2025, according to VFACTS data. It proved its appeal as a family car, with sales jumping over 166% despite its premium price. For decades the Prado has been a go-to option for families looking to strike the balance between transporting families, off-road aspirations, and the ability to tow anything come time for a holiday. Combined with Toyota's legendary reliability, the LC Prado boasts a seven-seat layout, flexible cargo space, and roomy cabin making it ideal for families.
Starting price: From $72,500.
Key features:
Five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.
Five star ANCAP safety rating.
7.26L per 100km fuel economy.
182 L of boot capacity with all seven seats in use, 906 with the third row folded, and over 1,829 L when both rear rows are down.
4. Mazda CX-5
Selling like hotcakes in Australia, the Mazda CX-5 remains one of the most popular cars for families across the nation. The Mazda CX-5 has built a reputation as a semi-premium offering in a segment where functional motoring goes hand-in-hand with affordability. The Mazda CX-5 currently sits behind the RAV4 among medium-sized SUVs according to the latest VFACTS data, and has maintained steady year-on-year sales.
Starting price: From $36,740.
Key Features
Five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.
Five star ANCAP safety rating.
8.1L per 100km fuel economy.
438L of boot capacity.
5. Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander stands out as a family car by combining practical versatility, safety, and value in a way that suits everyday Australian life. It offers optional seven-seat seating with a flexible cargo area, making school runs, grocery trips, and weekend getaways hassle-free. Families can feel confident with modern driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision mitigation, and lane-keeping assist. With efficient petrol engines and a plug-in hybrid option, it keeps running costs and emissions low, while still offering towing capacity for caravans or boats.
Starting price: From $39,990
Key features
Five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.
- Available in PHEV variant.
Five star ANCAP safety rating.
7.5L per 100km fuel economy.
478L of boot capacity.
