Choosing an SUV for your family means looking beyond passenger capacity. You want room for car seats, space for everyday essentials, comfort on longer drives, and features that help make busy schedules easier to manage. Hyundai offers several options to consider, from the versatile Santa Fe to the three-row Palisade and all-electric IONIQ 9.
Hyundai also earned four honors in the Parents Best Family Cars Awards. The Palisade was named Best Mid-Size 3-Row SUV, the Palisade Hybrid earned Best Hybrid SUV, the IONIQ 9 was recognized as Best 3-Row EV, and the IONIQ 5 received Best Electric 5-Passenger Vehicle.* Read below to learn more about the best Hyundai SUVs for families in Columbus, GA, and visit us at Hyundai of Auburn to determine which SUV fits your household.
The Hyundai Santa Fe stands out with its upright design, three-row layout, and thoughtful details that help families manage everyday activities. One distinctive feature is its available C-pillar assist handle, which gives you an extra handhold when reaching the roof to load a cargo carrier or secure outdoor gear. Inside, the available full-display digital rearview mirror can help maintain a view behind the vehicle when passengers or cargo obstruct the rear window.
The Santa Fe is a good match for growing families who need three rows for bring the kids to practice, visiting relatives, or for vacations when you want to also take along the bikes or camping gear.
The Hyundai Palisade is designed for households that regularly use all three rows and need room for more than just passengers. It offers a choice of seven- or eight-passenger seating, depending on configuration, and provides from 19.1 to 86.7 cubic feet of cargo space depending on which seats you fold down. That flexibility is useful when you need to carry luggage for a family vacation, sports equipment for multiple children, or bulky purchases without giving up passenger space permanently.
The Palisade also offers family-focused details that make a difference when everyone is on board. Available heated and ventilated first- and second-row seats help passengers stay comfortable, while high-power USB charging ports in all three rows give passengers more opportunities to charge their devices.
The Palisade is worth considering for larger families, households with multiple children, and parents who frequently carpool or travel with extended family.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 brings a fully electric powertrain to a two-row SUV with a distinctive open cabin layout. Its flat floor and long wheelbase help create a spacious-feeling interior, while the sliding second-row seats let you adjust the balance between passenger legroom and cargo flexibility. That can be particularly useful when you're fitting child seats, accommodating taller passengers, or making room for bags and equipment after the school run.
Another standout is Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability on equipped models, which allows the IONIQ 5 to supply power to compatible electrical devices. For families who enjoy camping, outdoor events, or tailgating, that can mean powering certain equipment without relying on a conventional outlet nearby.
The IONIQ 5 is a strong candidate for smaller families who want an electric SUV, and is especially worth exploring if your household wants to combine family errands with occasional outdoor activities where V2L capability could come in handy.
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 brings three-row seating to an all-electric SUV. It offers seating for up to seven, depending on configuration, and select trims also offer features such as heated second-row seats and automatic second-row climate controls, which can make a difference when children or other passengers need their own space and comfort settings.
The IONIQ 9 also addresses the practical side of electric family travel. It has an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 335 miles, and its 800-volt-capable charging system supports ultra-fast DC charging at compatible stations. For families planning longer drives, the IONIQ 9 provides plenty of range and practical charging capabilities.
The IONIQ 9 is worth a look for larger families who want three rows of seating and prefer a fully electric vehicle.
A two-row SUV like the IONIQ 5 may suit smaller families who prioritize everyday comfort and cargo space. Larger households or families who frequently carpool may prefer a three-row model like the Santa Fe, Palisade, or IONIQ 9.
Yes, several Hyundai SUVs earned the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, including the Palisade, Santa Fe, IONIQ 5, and IONIQ 9. This recognition reflects strong performance in key crashworthiness and crash-prevention evaluations.
Yes, Hyundai SUVs offer LATCH anchor systems to help secure compatible child car seats. Models like the Santa Fe and Palisade also offer family-friendly space across multiple rows, depending on configuration.
The right family SUV depends on how many people you carry, how much cargo you need, and which features matter most in your everyday routine. Explore our Hyundai SUVs near Columbus, GA, to compare the Santa Fe, Palisade, and electrified options. Our Hyundai of Auburn team can help you review available models, compare features, and arrange a test drive so you can see which Hyundai SUV works best for your family. Contact us now or visit us today!
1Source: Parents
2Source: IIHS
*EPA-estimated 335-mile driving range for 2026 IONIQ 9 S trim; EPA-estimated 320-mile driving range for SE and SEL trims; EPA-estimated 311-mile driving range for Limited, Calligraphy, and Calligraphy Design trims. Figures are EPA estimates and based on a fully charged battery. For comparison purposes only. Battery capacity decreases with time and use. Actual range will vary based on a number of factors, including vehicle options, driving conditions and habits, vehicle and battery's condition, battery temperature and outside temperature.
