Suburbia needs cars that define adaptability, dependability, and comfort. From grocery shopping to shuttling the kids or going out on a family road trip, suburban icons have been there for decades. Here’s a look at 24 suburban vehicles that bring so much more than dependability.
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4, designed by Tokuo Fukuichi, changed the whole compact SUV segment. With a 2.0L inline-four under the hood producing 120hp, it was adequate for suburban needs. Its interior proved practical, with durable cloth upholstery, foldable rear seats, and an area for cargo to fit the car for weekend errands. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 10.8 seconds, so it wasn’t built for speed but thrived in reliability and ease of use in everyday driving conditions.
Honda CR-V
The 2013 Honda CR-V, designed under Toshinobu Minami, featured a 2.4L four-cylinder engine delivering 185hp. Its refined interior boasted high-quality materials, a user-friendly infotainment system, and generous legroom. The split-folding rear seats and low cargo floor made it a favorite for suburban families. The CR-V achieved 0 to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds, offering an efficient and reliable driving experience.
Subaru Outback
The 2008 Subaru Outback, designed by Andreas Zapatinas, was a rugged yet practical vehicle. It had a 2.5L flat-four engine that produced 170hp and was mated to Subaru’s all-wheel drive. The interior featured tough upholstery, heated seats, and lots of cargo space. It could reach 0 to 60 mph in 9.2 seconds, making it a reliable vehicle for suburban families who require off-road ability.
Kia Telluride
Tom Kearns’ Kia Telluride was an overnight suburban phenomenon. The 3.8L V6 produced 291hp, and its smooth, potent ride delivered an unassuming sense of luxury. It had premium materials, three rows of seating, and tech features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen and adaptive cruise control. Its 0 to 60 mph time of 7.1 seconds was quick and delivered both luxury and practicality in one package.
Ford Explorer
The 1997 Ford Explorer, penned by Moray Callum, was a turning point for suburban transportation. Fueled by a 4.0L V6 putting out 160hp, this SUV was built for reliability. It had an expansive, family-friendly interior with cloth upholstery, adjustable seats, and cargo space. Though it might not have been a showstopper in the 0 to 60 mph dash at 10.3 seconds, this rugged, versatile SUV remained a quintessential staple for suburbs. Families could count on it for everything from school carpools to weekend camping trips.
Chevrolet Traverse
The 2017 Chevrolet Traverse, designed by Tim Kozub, became the choice of large suburban families. Its 3.6L V6 engine with an impressive 310hp delivered a smooth and responsive ride. Inside, it had a thoughtful design for three rows of seating, premium materials, advanced tech, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Traverse could sprint to 60 in 6.9 seconds, balancing power and practicality.
Volvo XC90
Peter Horbury’s 2003 Volvo XC90 brought Scandinavian luxury and practical suburban utility. The 2.5L turbocharged inline-five engine put out 208hp, and the XC90 was a good performer on suburban roads. Inside, the XC90 had a minimalist dashboard, wood accents, and leather seats, which added to its elegance. Safety features included roll-stability control and multiple airbags. It delivered 0 to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds for the suburban family more concerned with their peace of mind.
Nissan Rogue
The 2015 Nissan Rogue by Shiro Nakamura was more of a practical and economical choice for the people of the suburb. Equipped with the 2.5L four-cylinder engine, it gave off a good 170hp, rendering a smooth ride for everyday drives. Inside, soft-touch materials surrounded the interior, accompanied by an intuitive infotainment system and Zero Gravity front seats that made life as comfortable as possible. Flexibility and accommodating families with folding rear seats were among its excellent benefits.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, designed by Hiroshi Okamoto, was a frontrunner in changing the game for suburban families—this mid-size SUV combined eco-conscious innovation with everyday practicality. Under the hood, a 3.3L V6 hybrid engine churned out 268 horsepower. This translated to impressive fuel efficiency without compromising on performance. The Highlander Hybrid could zip from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. Inside, the focus was on comfort and functionality. Leather seats provided a luxurious feel, while a JBL sound system ensured premium entertainment.
Hyundai Palisade
Designed by Luc Donckerwolke, the Hyundai Palisade redefined suburban luxury. Its 3.8L V6 engine produced 291hp, ensuring a powerful and refined driving experience. The Palisade’s interior boasted quilted leather seats, ambient lighting, and a 12.3-inch digital cluster for modern sophistication. With an eight-passenger capacity and a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.1 seconds, it was one of the favorite models for families who sought comfort and space.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee, designed by Larry Shinoda, was a rugged and stylish SUV. Powered by a 4.0L inline-six engine producing 190 horsepower, it balanced performance and efficiency. Inside, the Grand Cherokee provided a comfortable and practical interior with leather-trimmed seats, user-friendly controls, and ample cargo space. While it wasn’t the fastest SUV on the block, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.5 seconds
Mazda CX-9
The 2018 Mazda CX-9, under Ikuo Maeda, marked the definition of a new suburban SUV focusing on style and agility. The engine was a 2.5L turbocharged inline-four, which delivered 250hp. The interior didn’t disappoint the expectations of any premium brand: Nappa leather, aluminum trim, and rosewood – all of these elements were within what luxury competitors offer. A 7-inch infotainment screen supported the design, with seamless navigation and entertainment options. The CX-9 sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.1 seconds.
Honda Odyssey
Kunimichi Odagaki created the 2001 Honda Odyssey, a synonym for dependable family transport. Its 3.5L V6 engine, churning 210hp, brought smooth and reliable performance. Inside, it offered spacious seating for seven, versatile configurations, and the innovative Magic Seat for maximum cargo space. The cabin featured durable materials, rear air conditioning, and a user-friendly dashboard. Though it took 9.3 seconds to reach 60 mph, the Odyssey prioritized comfort and practicality.
Kia Telluride
Tom Kearns’s design provided an edge to the 2021 Kia Telluride. It delivered 291hp from its 3.8L V6. The inside is lavish with a quilted Nappa leather seat, dual-pane sunroof, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen for infotainment. It takes 7.1 seconds to go from 0 to 60 miles. Its expansive cargo space and refined design made it a suburban favorite for families seeking style and utility.
Subaru Outback
The 1998 Subaru Outback, designed under the watchful eye of Olivier Boulay, brought all-wheel drive capability to suburban living. Featuring a 2.5L flat-four engine producing 165hp, it was built for reliability and off-road capability. The interior focused on functionality: Vloth upholstery, fold-flat seats, and intuitive controls for day-to-day driving. Even though its 0 to 60 mph time of 10.1 seconds wasn’t sporty, the Outback did its best in versatility, handling school runs and weekend camping excursions. It became the vehicle for families looking for practicality and adventure.
Chrysler Pacifica
Designer Brandon Faurote bridged the gap between minivans and SUVs with the sleek 2007 Chrysler Pacifica, a perfect fit for suburban families. Its 4.0L V6 engine delivered 253 horsepower and respectable fuel economy. The interior was luxurious, boasting leather seats, an integrated entertainment system, and ample legroom across three rows. The Pacifica’s ability to blend style and function was evident in its 0-60 mph time of 8.7 seconds.
Chevrolet Tahoe
The 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe by Chuck Jordan gave the market rugged durability with a suburban-friendly package. Equipped with a 5.7L V8 engine producing 255hp, the vehicle had impressive towing capacity with on-road capabilities. Inside, the Tahoe was roomy enough for nine passengers, with strong materials and intuitive controls. Its 0 to 60 mph time of 8.9 seconds reflected its solid power. It became the bedrock for families needing a vehicle to hold daily life and weekend getaway stuff.
Ford Edge
The 2016 Ford Edge perfectly balanced sporty style with suburban practicality. Its 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 engine delivered 315 horsepower, propelling the SUV from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds. Inside, the Edge offered a premium cabin with supportive seats and a user-friendly Sync 3 infotainment system. Its stylish exterior, inviting interior, and thrilling performance made it popular for families seeking a modern and versatile SUV.
Toyota Land Cruiser
Sadayoshi Koyari meticulously hand-crafted the 1990 version of the Toyota Land Cruiser with perfect accuracy, giving it benchmark-level robustness and ability. Its 4.0L inline-six rugged engine produced 155 hp, guaranteeing smooth but stable performance anywhere on ground – city streets or mountain trails. Inside, it was practical yet comfortable with its rugged vinyl material, ample eight-person seating, and folding rear seats that expanded cargo space for road trips or grocery runs. Although its 0 to 60 mph time was hardly exciting at 11.2 seconds, the game of the Land Cruiser lay in endurance rather than speed.
Volkswagen Atlas
The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, designed by Klaus Bischoff, was a perfect example of a modern suburban family vehicle. It combines stylish looks with the practicality families need. Under the hood, a 3.6L V6 engine provided smooth acceleration and reliable power, making it an excellent choice for commuting and road trips. With 276 horsepower on tap, the Atlas could handle whatever you threw at it—the interior prioritized family comfort. Leatherette upholstery offered a luxurious feel, while a panoramic sunroof and a 10-inch digital cockpit added a touch of modern sophistication. With three rows of seats, there was plenty of space for up to seven passengers.
Chevrolet Suburban
The 2005 Chevrolet Suburban was a workhorse designed for suburban families. Its powerful 5.3L V8 engine, generating 295 horsepower, made it capable of towing trailers or hauling heavy loads without sacrificing a smooth ride. The spacious interior catered to families’ needs with three rows of durable cloth or leather seats, rear climate control, and ample storage. While its 0-60 mph time of 8.5 seconds wasn’t exactly thrilling, the Suburban’s true strengths lay in its reliability and versatility.
Honda CR-V
The 1997 Honda CR-V quickly became a suburban favorite. Its 2.0L inline-four engine, while not a powerhouse at 126 horsepower, offered reliable performance and fuel efficiency. It wasn’t a speed demon with a 0-60 mph time of 10.5 seconds, but its practicality and versatility made it a hit. Inside, the CR-V was thoughtfully designed with a clever picnic table hidden under the cargo floor, comfortable seating for five, and a simple, durable dashboard.
Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride, which Tom Kearns launched into the market in 2020, redefined the idea of a family SUV: An upscale feel but practical as well. Powered by a 3.8L V6 engine that churns out 291hp, it had a smooth ride with a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.1 seconds. The interior rivaled luxury vehicles, featuring Nappa leather seats, ventilated front and rear seating, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. With its three-row seating configuration, the Telluride comfortably accommodated up to eight passengers while leaving room for luggage.
Volvo XC90
The 2016 Volvo XC90, Thomas Ingenlath’s concept, perfectly blends Scandinavian elegance and practicality for the suburban family. The 2.0L supercharged and turbocharged inline-four engine would give it an astonishing 316hp and get it from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.1 seconds. The interior of the XC90 is a masterclass in both minimalism and luxury; they came in leather seats, a crystal gear shifter, and a 9-inch Sensus touchscreen display. Of course, they didn’t forget safety: the whole system of Pilot Assist and all collision avoidance reassured buyers.
18 Budget-Friendly Electric Cars That Last Longer Than Their Loans — Economical Electrics
Electric vehicles are no longer a luxury for the elite—they’re a smart investment for the everyday driver. With manufacturers stepping up to the plate, affordable EVs now deliver on reliability, range, and modern comforts. Here’s a look at 18 economical electric cars engineered to outlast their payment plans.
18 Budget-Friendly Electric Cars That Last Longer Than Their Loans — Economical Electrics
