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Top 5 family-friendly SUVs for holiday road trips
With the holiday season on the horizon, now’s the perfect time to plan your next getaway and the car you’ll trust to get you there. For families, friend groups, and adventure seekers, an SUV offers the ideal blend of comfort, practicality, and road-trip-ready versatility without breaking the bank. In this guide, we'll explore the best family SUVs that are ideal for road-tripping, hauling luggage (and loved ones), and tackling everything from rugged mountainscapes to sunny coastlines.
The Toyota Prado is our Director of Buying and car expert, Peter Willis’ top pick and for good reason. He says: “It’s the holy grail when it comes to family SUVs. It’s versatile for on-road and off-road adventures, offers genuine comfort with seven seats, and has Toyota’s rock-solid reliability behind it. Plus, the resale value is hard to beat. It’s a car that truly delivers for families year after year.”
So when it comes to families who want serious adventure with serious comfort, the Toyota Prado delivers on all fronts. Known for its robust off-road ability, the Prado’s rugged 2.8L turbo-diesel engine, 8-speed transmission and 4500kg braked towing capacity make it ideal for caravans, trailers, and holiday gear.
Newer models include Toyota’s Stabiliser Disconnect Mechanism, improving wheel articulation and smoothing out rough terrain ideal for outback tracks or remote camping spots. Inside, it balances toughness with comfort: a huge 12.3-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and plush seating keep passengers entertained and relaxed.
With up to 1895L of boot space when the second row is folded, plus roof racks and optional bull bars, the Prado is built for big families, big adventures and big memories.
The Toyota RAV4 remains one of Australia’s favourite family SUVs, and for good reason. Its airy cabin comfortably seats five with generous legroom, making long hours on the road far more pleasant. The flexible cargo area is another standout, with adjustable rear seats that create extra room for camping gear, sports equipment, or bulky prams.
Hybrid models deliver excellent fuel economy, keeping holiday costs down without compromising power from the 2.5L engine. With roof rails and 1500kg of towing capacity, the RAV4 easily handles bikes, kayaks, and small trailers.
Toyota Safety Sense brings confidence to every trip, with a pre-collision system, lane departure alert with steering assist, blind spot monitoring and more, perfect for busy holiday highways or unpredictable country roads.
A long-time favourite for adventurous families, the Subaru Outback blends wagon-like comfort with genuine off-road capability. Its symmetrical all-wheel drive system evenly distributes power across all wheels, providing exceptional stability on wet roads, gravel tracks and uneven terrain.
Safety is a major selling point too. Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology uses dual cameras for adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking and lane-keep assist, helping reduce fatigue on long trips.
Inside, the Outback offers impressive legroom for both front and rear passengers, plus reclining back seats for added comfort. With a wide boot opening, large storage area, and roof rails for everything from paddle boards to hiking gear, it’s purpose-built for families who love exploring.
The Mazda CX-5 stands out as the stylish pick of the group, perfect for families who want comfort and refinement without paying luxury-car prices. Premium trims feature Nappa leather, ambient interior lighting, real wood touches and a Bose® sound system that makes road-trip playlists feel concert-level.
Mazda’s suite of safety features includes radar cruise control, a 360° view monitor, Smart City Brake Support and child-safety rear door locks all aimed at simplifying long-distance driving. The cabin is surprisingly roomy for a mid-sized family SUV, offering around 1.04m of front legroom and 1.01m in the rear.
With i-Activ all-wheel drive and Mazda’s Intelligent Drive Select, the CX-5 adapts to changing terrains effortlessly, ensuring a smooth, composed drive whether you’re navigating twisty mountain roads or unsealed tracks.
The Kia Sportage is one of the most practical family SUVs on the market, offering 543L of boot space (expanding to 1829L with the rear seats folded) plus smart touches like retractable cup holders and extra storage for snacks, toys, or devices. Wide-opening rear doors make it easier to load child seats or pack bulky holiday gear, while Kia’s clever Quiet Mode silences rear speakers so kids can nap undisturbed.
A full suite of safety tech helps keep chaos under control, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring and a 360° camera, all backed by a 5-star ANCAP rating. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert is especially helpful for parents who may get distracted. The Sportage helps keep family life moving smoothly on the road.
Bonus: Ford Ranger Wildtrak Double Cab
Okay, it’s not an SUV, but the Ranger Wildtrak earns a spot thanks to its immense practicality for families who prefer a dual-cab ute. Its part-time 4x4 system, 2.0L Bi-Turbo (or optional 3.0L V6 diesel) engine and 3500kg towing capacity make it perfect for caravans, boats and off-road holidays.
Trail Turn Assist gives sharper manoeuvrability on tight tracks, while the cabin feels surprisingly premium with dual-zone climate control, heated eight-way adjustable front seats and a large 12-inch touchscreen. The Wildtrak blends rugged capability with comfort, making it a strong family holiday contender for outdoor-loving Aussies.
Whether you’re tackling winding coastal roads or heading off the beaten track, the RAV4, Subaru Outback, CX-5, Kia Sportage, and Prado offer the perfect mix of space, comfort, and versatility for your holiday road trips. With features like advanced safety systems, roomy interiors, and tech to keep everyone entertained, these family SUVs help to make every journey smoother, more enjoyable, and packed with memorable moments.
P.S. If you're planning on bringing along the four-legged family members, we’ve got the perfect guide to the best dog-friendly camping spots in NSW .
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