In the market for a new family car? Why go the cliche, minivan route when you can find an SUV with those same kinds of creature comforts? We've gathered 8 family-friendly SUV models that have been getting great consumer reviews for 2016.

8. GMC Yukon

According to US News, “The 2016 GMC Yukon has the best combination of interior space, safety and reliability ratings, and available family-friendly features in its class”, and according to Kelly Blue Book’s consumer reviews, the general consensus is that it offers a smooth ride with great handling. Besides being comfortable and versatile, consumers rate it as stylish and luxurious, made with higher end materials compared to other SUVs in its class.

The V8 engine delivers plenty of power, and it earns an EPA-estimated 16/23 mpg city/highway.

Standard features include front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, satellite radio, HD Radio, a nine-speaker Bose audio system, tri-zone automatic climate control, OnStar with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and a touch-screen infotainment system.

7. Toyota Highlander

Even with only minor upgrades, and essentially unchanged from last year’s model, the Toyota Highlander continues to be a strong performer and a top pick, ranking as one of the best family SUV’s in its class. With its V6 engine and the capacity to seat up to 8 people, the Highlander delivers a smooth, quiet ride with comfort and convenience. It also offers good fuel economy (EPA-estimated 20/25 mpg city/highway), and an above average towing capability, in line with what consumers have come to expect with the Toyota brand.

According to consumer reviews, the third-row seating isn’t quite as roomy as other full-sized SUV’s in this market, but what it lacks in roominess, it makes up for with a long-standing reputation for reliability.

6. Chevrolet Suburban

“If your needs include a cavernous capacity, incredible interior, prodigious power for terrific trailer towing and delightful driving, go no further than the 2016 Chevy Suburban”, says Don Fuller, Contributing Editor at KellyBlueBook.com. This 9-seater SUV can tow just over 8,100 lbs and still reigns as one of the most affordable full-size SUVs for families. When it comes to overall utility, the Chevrolet Suburban can get the job done. A 5.3-liter V-8 good for 355 horsepower is standard, as is a six-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive can be added as an option. The fuel economy is estimated at 16/22 mpg city/highway.

5. Dodge Durango

This 7-passenger, 3-row large crossover SUV is one good-looking utility vehicle. With a new 8-speed automatic transmission, the Durango offers two engine options; the 5.7 Liter HEMI V8 engine (with up to 7,400 lbs towing capacity) or the 3.6 Liter V-6 with engine stop-start technology for better fuel economy. Both are wrapped up in an attractive, modern package. As the website states, “Even the rugged enjoy some good pampering”. The Durango offers a refined cabin look giving it a luxurious feel, and it achieves a nice blend of practicality and style, providing a smooth ride that truck-based SUVs just can't match.

Buyers will be happy with features such as 84.5 cubic feet of storage, LED headlamps, adaptive cruise control with stop, forward collision warning with active breaking, backup assistance, and advanced breaking technology. The fuel economy is estimated at 19/27 mpg city/highway.

4. Buick Enclave

For those looking for a few extra perks and safety features in their family SUV, look no further than the Buick Enclave. This crossover SUV is sleek with aesthetic details like chrome accents and signature LED lighting and also offers advanced safety technologies like the Front-Center Airbag, blind-spot monitors and a rear cross-traffic alert system. It may seem slightly smaller than other full-size SUVs, but it can actually fit up to 8 passengers.

This attractive crossover also doesn't sacrifice comfort or style for practicality. The cabin features high-end trim and comes with a 3.6 liter V-6, equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission, 116 cubic feet of total cargo space, and the ability to tow up to 4,500 lbs. All-wheel drive can be added as an option, and the fuel mileage is listed at 17/24 mpg city/highway.

3. Ford Explorer Sport

Edmunds.com gives the 2016 Ford Explorer Sport an “A” rating for the 2016 model. Updated this year to include a refreshed exterior and interior, with improved safety features like revised suspension tuning and a new top-end trim, the Explorer Sport provides buyers with a solid option in the mid-size range. With seating up to 7, this sporty SUV meets the requirements of a larger family that needs space, like a roomy third row (with the option to fold down completely into a lower cargo floor). The V8 engine was swapped for a powerful and efficient turbocharged “EcoBoost” six-cylinder engine, great for towing (5,000 lbs), and the suspension is considered to be very maneuverable.

Standard safety equipment includes a rearview camera, stability and traction control, trailer sway control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, a front passenger knee airbag and MyKey, which allows parents to specify limits for vehicle speed and stereo volume, according to Edmunds.com. The Expedition also earned good crash-test scores from the NHTSA. Estimated EPA is 16/22 mpg city/highway.

2. Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot was completely redesigned for 2016, with a sleek new shape that is slightly smaller, yet still ranks as one of the top 3-row midsize SUVs for families. In addition to the generous in-cabin storage and higher-end materials used for the interior, the Pilot has several family-friendly features like a rear entertainment system, heated 2nd-row Captain’s chairs, an 8-inch display audio touch-screen, a spacious third row which can fold down for extra cargo space when needed, and an under-floor hidden cargo area to boot.

USNews.com gave it a 9.3 safety rating, and according to KellyBlueBook.com, it has driving aids like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, crash mitigation and a rear-view camera. It runs on a 3.5 Liter V-6 engine with an estimated EPA of 19/27 mpg city/highway.

1. Chevy Tahoe

The 2016 Chevy Tahoe is modern in style, powerful in handling. It seats up to 9 passengers, but still delivers on value with cargo space, comfort and roominess. This SUV uses a 355 horsepower V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission and offers 383 lb-ft of torque for great towing.

To add to its versatility, there are some nice family-friendly features such as a tri-zone automatic climate control, five USB ports, Bluetooth, HD Radio, a Wi-Fi hot spot and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay. And, for added safety, it offers a rearview camera and rear parking sensors, which come standard. Additional safety options include rear cross traffic alert, front parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning and active lane-keep assist. Estimated EPA is 16/23 mpg city/highway.

With the largest selection of inventory in Utah, find your next family-friendly SUV, or whatever vehicle style you're looking for, at KSL Cars.

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