When it comes to family vehicles, the humble minivan or SUV has evolved into something far more exciting than you might expect. Whether you need a spacious interior for a family road trip, a stylish car for city driving, or an efficient cargo mover for weekend projects, today’s multi-utility vehicles (MUVs) are built to do it all. Here are 21 MUVs that don’t just sit around in the driveway – they get things done.
Honda Odyssey
Ah, the classic family minivan that never seems to age. The Honda Odyssey’s expansive interior makes it a crowd favorite. It has clever Magic Slide second-row seats that let you customize the seating layout, even allowing for sibling separation – a necessity on long trips. Also, Odyssey’s built-in vacuum is perfect for tackling snack spills, and the rear-seat entertainment system keeps everyone entertained.
Toyota Sienna
This hybrid minivan breaks the mold with its sleek design, proving that family cars can be chic. Redesigned as a hybrid-only model in 2021, the Sienna achieves an impressive estimated 36 miles per gallon, making it one of the most fuel-efficient minivans available. It comfortably seats up to eight passengers, with options for second-row captain’s chairs.
Ford Explorer
With three rows of seating and a cargo area ready to swallow up any amount of gear, the Ford Explorer takes the utility part of MUV very seriously. Its Terrain Management System adapts to various surfaces, from rocky trails to sandy beaches. Plus, the Explorer’s roomy interior lets you comfortably transport the soccer team.
Subaru Outback
Not your average family car, the Subaru Outback has a rugged look, making it ideal for adventure-loving families. Inside, it boasts up to 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats down, enough to haul camping gear or groceries comfortably. The Outback also comes with Subaru’s Eyesight Driver Assist technology, a suite of safety features that includes adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist. These features enhance driver safety and earn high ratings from the IIHS.
Kia Carnival
This MVP (multi-purpose vehicle) is spacious, sophisticated, and, dare we say, fun. Unlike a traditional minivan, the Carnival’s SUV-inspired look gives it a more premium, modern feel. Its powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine provides 290 horsepower, ensuring smooth drives even when fully loaded. Plus, inside, it offers flexible seating for up to eight passengers, with options for second-row VIP lounge seats that recline and have footrests, transforming the Carnival into a luxury experience.
Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse is a midsize SUV designed to meet family needs, combining space, tech, and performance. Under the hood, the Traverse is powered by a 3.6L V6 engine delivering 310 horsepower and 266 lb.-ft of torque, which gives it enough muscle for light towing (up to 5,000 pounds with the optional towing package). Tech-savvy families will also appreciate features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, plus Chevrolet’s Teen Driver technology, which promotes safe driving habits for young drivers.
Volkswagen Atlas
This roomy three-row SUV is built with families in mind. First introduced in 2018, it quickly gained popularity for its spacious interior, which offers seating for up to seven passengers. With its boxy, sturdy design, the Atlas provides ample cargo space, totaling 96.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded down, making it one of the roomiest in its class. The Atlas also has a V6 engine available for those needing a bit more pep and cargo space.
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
As the only plug-in hybrid minivan on the market, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is as eco-friendly as family-friendly. Offering a range of over 500 miles, it runs up to 32 miles on electric power alone before seamlessly switching to its 3.6L V6 engine. The Pacifica Hybrid achieves an impressive 82 MPEGs, ideal for eco-conscious families wanting lower emissions without range anxiety. Plus, its Uconnect Theater is a favorite among kids, and with the Stow ‘n Go seating, you can transform it from a people mover to a cargo carrier in seconds.
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade might be the answer if you’re after luxury without breaking the bank. Beneath the surface, it has a 3.8L V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, offering smooth, reliable power. Its impressive safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision warning, earning it top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA. And, with heated and ventilated seats, the car keeps everyone comfortable, even on sweltering summer days.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is tough to beat for families with a thirst for adventure. Its broad, seven-slot grille maintains Jeep’s iconic styling while giving it a contemporary feel. Aerodynamic lines add a sense of elegance, enhancing fuel efficiency and stability. The Grand Cherokee is available with up to 21-inch wheels, adding a bold, powerful stance that fits its adventurous personality. Also, the Grand Cherokee’s tech is cutting-edge, with infotainment that works well even off the beaten path.
Mazda CX-9
Stylish and surprisingly sporty, the Mazda CX-9 proves family vehicles can still be fun. The car’s layout prioritizes driver engagement with an intuitive infotainment display and controls. Three rows of seating also provide ample space, while the rear cargo area expands with folded seats, balancing family comfort with practicality. This combination of refined aesthetics and practical design has won the CX-9 numerous awards for style and functionality.
GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia is practical. At its heart, the latest Acadia offers two engine options: a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a more powerful 3.6-liter V6 for those who believe in zoom-zoom over MPG. The interior is plush enough to make you reconsider your couch at home, and the tech includes everything from touchscreen infotainment to enough USB ports to keep even your pickiest teenager happy.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V may be a compact SUV but has a surprising amount of cargo space. According to Honda, its aerodynamic design isn’t just for show; it’s supposed to save you some gas money. The interior? Think IKEA meets tech—simple, stylish, and smart. In short, it’s practical, reliable, and as exciting as a well-made spreadsheet.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is the “soccer mom’s chariot,” combining rugged SUV vibes with minivan sensibilities. Since its debut in 2001, this midsize crossover has been Toyota’s answer to “Honey, we need more space!” While it looks tough enough to scale Everest, most owners are more likely to conquer Costco parking lots. Under the hood, you get a punchy 2.4L turbo engine or a hybrid option that’ll save you some gas money.
Ford Expedition
The Ford Expedition is Ford’s way of saying, “What if we turned a house into a car?” This full-size SUV has been cruising the streets (and guzzling gas) since 1996, evolving into a hulking behemoth perfect for transporting your entire family, their friends, and possibly your neighbor’s dog. And, with its latest refresh in 2022, it comes with a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine that’s surprisingly fast for something its size.
Nissan Pathfinder
In its latest 2024 iteration, the Pathfinder boasts a burly 284-horsepower V6 engine and an all-wheel-drive option, ready to tackle snow-covered driveways and that one dirt road behind your cousin’s house. And hey, it can tow up to 6,000 pounds, perfect for hauling boats or showing off. It’s like an SUV that matured but still knows how to have fun.
Chevrolet Suburban
The Suburban is practically an icon among large SUVs. As the longest-running vehicle nameplate in the universe, it’s survived wars, disco, and Y2K, so you know it’s reliable. This hefty beast can also haul up to nine passengers. Plus, it’s powered by a V8 engine so that you can zoom past those compact cars. With over 144 cubic feet of cargo space, you can fit everything from camping gear to the hopes and dreams of a small country.
BMW X7
The BMW X7 is what happened when BMW decided their SUVs needed to lift more weights at the gym. This beastly, full-sized luxury SUV seats seven (or six if you opt for captain’s chairs), and it’s like driving your living room—if your living room could hit 60 mph in under 5 seconds. The latest 2024 model also boasts a flashy illuminated grille. Inside, you’ll find tech galore with dual curved displays and more leather than a high-end shoe store.
Hyundai Santa Fe
This midsize SUV is more compact, making navigating urban areas a breeze. It has been around since 2000, and in 2024, it got a facelift that turned it into an absolute chiseled, boxy beast. The Santa Fe also boasts safety features so advanced that they practically yell, “I got your back!” Basically, it’s practical, powerful, and posh—a triple threat you didn’t see coming from an SUV.
Land Rover Discovery
Designed for adventure but refined for everyday use, the Land Rover Discovery is ideal for families who want to explore. Equipped with more tech than a teenager’s backpack, it boasts a Terrain Response system that adjusts to mud, sand, or snow to handle a spontaneous drive across the Sahara. The latest models, like the Discovery 5, also pack a punch with a supercharged V6 or turbocharged diesel. So, whether off-roading or picking up groceries, this beast has you covered—preferably in mud splatters.
Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X brings a futuristic edge to the family car market. It debuted in 2015 and made jaws drop with those flashy falcon-wing doors, basically the automotive version of peacocking. This all-electric SUV can zoom from 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds (in the Plaid version) because it hates being late as much as it loves being fancy. Oh, and range anxiety? Not here. The latest models boast a range of about 330 miles per charge, which is like driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles on a single gulp of electrons. The cherry on top? Zero emissions. So, you get to save the planet and look good doing it.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
Reliability is a core feature that defines a vehicle. Over the last few decades, some vehicles have emerged as a reliable and durable option, standing out as workhorses that never quit. These vehicles not only prove themselves in terms of performance but transcend their role and become reliable partners, always fulfilling their role. Here are 12 Cars known for their unbreakable reliability.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
