When you have children, your life revolves around ensuring they have a safe and happy environment to grow up in. This also involves making sure that your experience is as streamlined and straightforward as possible. From the car you drive to the home you live in, it’s crucial to find something that meets your needs and fits your budget. Whether you’re a soccer mom who needs enough space for taking sports equipment to and from training, or a family who enjoys long drives and mini-vacations, you need a car that is safe and practical for your children. 

According to JATO.com, compact SUV sales increased by 7% in 2018 alone (1), making them one of the most popular passenger vehicle types on the market. This makes sense, as they combine the spacious interior required by a modern family and the style and fuel-efficiency of today’s consumer tastes.

But what SUV is the best one for your family? And how do you ensure you end up with a vehicle that provides the quality, style, and safety features you require? The good news is that there are plenty of quality vehicles on the market to choose from, and you don’t need to sacrifice style or safety. Affordable SUVs are easier to come by than you may think — as long as you do your research and have a clear understanding of your family’s needs. Here are the top five SUVs that parents should take a look at in 2020.

2020 Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V was voted the top compact SUV in its class by US News and is a well-built, well-equipped, and also extremely affordable SUV. Not only is stylish, but it also offers peace of mind to parents with its many safety features that come as standard. For example, the CR-V’s built-in blind-spot information system is a useful asset when driving on the highway, and it also features a cross-traffic sensor that warns of vehicles approaching the rear and side of the car. If you’re concerned about parking when you size up your vehicle, don’t worry, the Honda CR-V comes with a multi-angle rearview camera that makes reversing a cinch. Starting at $25,050, the 2020 Honda CR-V could be the perfect SUV for your family.(2)

2020 Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is a compact SUV that boasts both style and safety — and is perfect for the modern family. With advanced safety features, such as a pre-collision system with a built-in pedestrian sensor, and “dynamic radar cruise control” that makes cruising safe and straightforward, the 2020 Toyota Highlander has all of the potential to be a parent’s best asset. It also features automatic high-beam lighting, so driving at night is safer and more convenient than ever before. If you’re looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle, it ticks that box too, achieving up to 27MPG. The Toyota Highlander starts at $31,830 for the base model.

2020 Ford Edge

If you prefer American made vehicles, then look no further than the 2019 Ford Edge. A powerful SUV that’s packing plenty of power, the Ford Edge features a twin-turbo V-6 engine that’s enough to handle even the most demanding family — perfect if you’re a family who enjoys long road-trips. Known for their excellent handling, the Ford Edge has a center of gravity that’s lower than most other SUVs, making it easier for little legs to climb in and out without assistance. The 2020 Ford Edge starts at $31,100 and can achieve up to 29MPG on the highway.

2020 KIA Sorento

The KIA Sorento is the perfect marriage between utility and style, with 76 cubic feet of cargo space available, and the ability to tow up to 5000lbs. It also has several safety features, such as blind-spot collision avoidance sensors and a rear-cross traffic collision avoidance system that detects oncoming obstacles. And if the unthinkable happens, you can be safe in the knowledge that the 2020 Kia Sorento is created with a 53% advanced high-strength steel structure, giving it exceptional body rigidity and making it a safe ride for your family. The Kia Sorrento starts at $26,690.

2020 Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is the ideal SUV for large families who need a spacious vehicle — with seating for up to eight people; you’ll never lack room in this stylish SUV. It also has many technology features to ensure the safety of your family, including a Collision and Road Departure Mitigation System to help you avoid fender benders, and a Lane Keeping Assist System if the kids become a distraction. The 2020 Honda Pilot starts at $31,550, which is surprisingly affordable for a large SUV.

Get These Family-Friendly SUVs at an Affordable Price

Whether you want a vehicle that can fit your whole family or one that looks great in the driveway, there is an SUV out there that can fit into your lifestyle. If you’re looking for the best deal possible, it’s essential to narrow down your vehicle preferences and research your options. For example, is it more important for your family to have space, or a car that is fuel efficient? Many websites can help you decide on the best vehicle for your family — from comparison websites to the car manufacturers. Starting your search online can help you save precious time and money before you visit the car showroom!

_{Sources: https://www.jato.com/global-suv-boom-continues-in-2018-but-growth-moderates/, https://automobiles.honda.com/cr-v, http://www.toyota.com/highlander/?srchid=sem:SE_Model_Highlander:GOOGLE:Highlander_General_EXACT::&gclsrc=aw.ds&ds_rl=1273911&gclid=Cj0KCQiA_rfvBRCPARIsANlV66OVEb6wC8f5oTPAdLxuNsAlbgJeSw1-kgjFBr7aUrL7MRhaeBAMFAAaApaQEALw_wcB, https://www.ford.com/suvs-crossovers/edge/?searchid=895336309|44837553756|296216697770|&ef_id=Cj0KCQiA_rfvBRCPARIsANlV66PDmr4cBD3REaH16phJjh0OjFGMarkRemIgbRFRL4LtA9th2zGjbYgaAucGEALw_wcB:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!2519!3!272543486545!e!!g!!ford%20edge&gclid=Cj0KCQiA_rfvBRCPARIsANlV66PDmr4cBD3REaH16phJjh0OjFGMarkRemIgbRFRL4LtA9th2zGjbYgaAucGEALw_wcB, https://www.kia.com/us/en/sorento, https://automobiles.honda.com/pilot}