Pick the Best Family SUV Size: A Practical Guide
Updated October 26, 2026
The short answer: For most families who need three rows, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L is the best all-around family SUV. It seats up to 7, has 17.2 cu ft of cargo space behind the third row, and up to 84.6 cu ft with the second and third rows folded (jeep.com). Choose the Dodge Durango if you tow or want V8 power. Choose the Jeep Grand Wagoneer if you need full-size room for adults in the third row. Choose the Chrysler Pacifica minivan if you'll be loading car seats every day.
If you only need five seats, a compact SUV like the Jeep Cherokee still covers most families of four. Skip the third row unless you'll use it about 20 or more days a year.
Best family SUVs side by side
Jeep Grand Cherokee L | Dodge Durango | Jeep Grand Wagoneer | Chrysler Pacifica (minivan) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Seats | Up to 7 | Up to 7 | Up to 8 | 3 rows; see dealer by trim |
Cargo behind 3rd row | 17.2 cu ft | See dealer | Grand Wagoneer L adds 15.8 cu ft | See dealer |
Max cargo | 84.6 cu ft | 85.1 cu ft | See dealer | Up to 140.5 cu ft |
Car-seat fit / LATCH | Bench or captain's chairs in 2nd row; test your seats | Test your seats | Test your seats | Sliding doors; test your seats |
Starting MSRP (2026) | See dealer | See dealer | From $66,790 (jeep.com) | See dealer |
Best for | All-around families | Towing and performance | Big families, adult 3rd row | Daily car-seat duty |
MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees (jeep.com). Prices change, and the dealer sets the final price. Ask us for current pricing on any model.
Who each one is best for
Jeep Grand Cherokee L: best all-around. It rides like a midsize SUV and drives easily around town, and you still get a usable third row. Trims run from the V6 Laredo to the Summit, and you can choose a second-row bench (7 seats) or captain's chairs (6). Shop Grand Cherokee L.
Dodge Durango: best for towing and power. It seats up to 7 and has up to 85.1 cu ft of cargo space (dodge.com). Models run from the V6 GT up to HEMI V8s such as the R/T 392 and the SRT Hellcat. GT HEMI V8 models with the Tow 'n Go package can tow up to 8,700 lbs (dodge.com), so if you tow a boat or camper on weekends, start here. Shop Durango.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer: best for big families. For 2026, Jeep folded the Wagoneer into the Grand Wagoneer name (Stellantis). It seats up to 8 and starts at $66,790 MSRP (jeep.com). The long-wheelbase Grand Wagoneer L adds 15.8 cu ft of cargo space behind the third row. Shop Grand Wagoneer.
Chrysler Pacifica: the minivan alternative. Sliding doors, available Stow 'n Go seating, and up to 140.5 cu ft of cargo space with the rear seats stowed (chrysler.com) make it the easiest of the four for buckling in toddlers. If you don't need off-road capability or heavy towing, it's worth a test drive. Shop Pacifica.
How to check car-seat fit before you buy
Bring your own car seats and install them in the second and third rows.
Count the LATCH anchors and top-tether points in each row. Don't assume every seat has them.
Fit a rear-facing seat behind the driver's actual seat position.
Check third-row access with a car seat installed in the second row.
Look up the model year on IIHS.org and NHTSA.gov before you sign.
Notes for military families
PCS moves. A Grand Wagoneer or Pacifica holds the most gear for a cross-country drive. A Durango with the Tow 'n Go package can tow up to 8,700 lbs (dodge.com).
Military Bonus Cash. Eligible service members, veterans and family members may get factory Military Bonus Cash on select new Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler models. See our military discounts page.
Close to post. Liberty CDJR is about 5 minutes from Fort Stewart Gate 1 and about an hour from Hunter Army Airfield. Families can test-drive all four on the same visit.
FAQ
What is the best family SUV?
For most families who need seven seats, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L offers the best mix of space, comfort and price. The Durango is better for towing, the Grand Wagoneer is better for large families, and the Pacifica minivan is better if you're loading car seats every day.
What is the best 3-row SUV for a family of 5?
The Grand Cherokee L or the Durango. Both seat up to 7. The Grand Cherokee L keeps 17.2 cu ft of cargo space behind the third row (jeep.com).
Is a minivan better than an SUV for families?
For young kids, it often is, because of the sliding doors, low step-in and flat cargo floor. An SUV is better for towing, AWD/4x4 capability and ground clearance.
Does a compact SUV fit two car seats?
Usually it does. Test the fit with your own seats, and remember that most compacts can't fit a third car seat across the back.
Test-drive them in Hinesville
Browse our new inventory, used inventory or certified pre-owned listings, or call Sales at (912) 581-3440. Liberty Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is at 750 W Oglethorpe Hwy, Hinesville, GA 31313.
Sources: jeep.com (Grand Cherokee L and Grand Wagoneer), dodge.com (Durango), chrysler.com (Pacifica), Stellantis Media (2026 lineup and Grand Wagoneer naming).