"One of my favorite lists!" - Car Pro Show host Jerry Reynolds
U.S. News & World Report is sharing its 2025 Best Cars for Families award winners. This year there were 100 contenders from the 2025 model year, with winners named in nine categories. Three vehicles capture first-time wins: the Mazda CX-70, Kia EV9 and Jeep Wagoneer L.
"When it comes to shopping for the right car, those with families have an array of considerations that will play a vital role in their decision-making," said Alex Kwanten, U.S. News managing editor, Autos. "Whether a family's needs call for a midsize sedan, a large three-row SUV or something in between, the 2025 Best Cars for Families offer something for everyone. The awards recognize new models from nine automotive segments, and each winner offers an outstanding blend of space, safety, reliability, convenience and connectivity."
Honda and Kia tied for the most awards this year, with two each. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the Best Hybrid SUV for Families for the sixth-consecutive year and the 12th time overall. The Hyundai Tucson continues its winning streak as well, as the Best Compact SUV for Families for the fourth time. This year marks the second consecutive win for Chrysler Pacifica as the Best Minivan for Families.
Honda captured the car category. Both winning Honda vehicles took home trophies in their respective categories for the first time since 2022. The Honda Accord captured Best Midsize Car for Families. High marks in safety and fuel efficiency helped the Honda Accord Hybrid take home Best Hybrid Car for Families.
The Kia Telluride won Best 3-Row Midsize SUV for Families for the sixth year in a row. The three-row Kia EV9 SUV made the list for the first time, winning Best Electric Vehicle for Families. U.S. News says its win was due in part to its spacious, comfortable and nicely equipped cabin.
Other first-time winners include the Jeep Wagoneer L for Best Large SUV for Families and the Mazda CX-70 for Best 2-Row Midsize SUV for Families. U.S News says the Wagoneer L, a stretched version of the Wagoneer, boasts a vast amount of room for people and cargo. The CX-70 was noted for its strong fuel economy, high-end interior and excellent safety scores.
Here's a look at all the winners:
2025 U.S. News Best Cars for Families
- Honda Accord: Best Midsize Car for Families
- Honda Accord Hybrid: Best Hybrid Car for Families
2025 U.S. News Best SUVs for Families
- Hyundai Tucson: Best Compact SUV for Families
- Mazda CX-70: Best 2-Row Midsize SUV for Families
- Kia Telluride: Best 3-Row Midsize SUV for Families
- Jeep Wagoneer L: Best Large SUV for Families
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid: Best Hybrid SUV for Families
2025 U.S. News Best Electric Vehicle for Families
- Kia EV9: Best Electric Vehicle for Families
2025 U.S. News Best Minivan for Families
- Chrysler Pacifica: Best Minivan for Families
Methodology
The 2025 Best Cars for Families award criteria looks at each vehicle's overall rating from the U.S. News Best Car Rankings to determine quality, incorporating elements like safety data, predicted reliability ratings, passenger and cargo space and the consensus opinion of the automotive press. The award methodology also considers the availability of family-friendly features such as in-car wireless internet, teen driver controls, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert and hands-free cargo area access. The winners were selected based on the highest composite score in each of the nine vehicle categories. Read more here.
Photo: CarPro.