Mid-Size vs. Full-Size SUVs: How To Choose What's Right For YOUR Family
Trying to decide if a mid-size SUV (no matter the size) is right for your family? I’m here to help.
The mid-size SUV category is BY FAR the most popular option that families consider, but the variety of cars available makes it difficult to hone in on the right choice. Small and large mid-size SUVs are both great options, but fit the needs of two different types of families. When you bring full-size vehicles into the equation, then things get even more complicated. So, let’s break it down.
Without any further introduction, let’s dive in and discuss how to pick the right SUV for your family, plus which of the largest mid-size SUVs I recommend for families.
What Is A Mid-Size SUV?
A mid-size SUV is a type of sport utility vehicle that sits between compact and full-size SUVs in terms of size and features. This is by far the most popular car option out there and what I get the most questions about as The Car Mom.
The greatest selling point of a mid-size SUV is that it offers a balance of interior space, comfort, and utility without being nearly as large or as expensive as full-size options. That being said, there’s a HUGE range in the mid-size SUV market, and not all sizes work well for all families.
Not All Mid-Size SUVs are the same size
I define a large mid-size SUVs as ANY three row SUV that is not full-size. If you’re curious to see exactly which SUVs are classified as full-size, check out my post - Full-Size SUV Showdown.
So…why do families like a large mid-size SUV? It’s all about the interior space.
These cars typically seat 7-8 passengers across three rows. The extra length and width translate to that extra head and leg clearance, making it much easier to fit three or more kids in safely and comfortably. Lastly, the larger trunk space allows for greater cargo capacity than smaller mid-size SUVs, although it still falls short of what you’d find in a full-size SUV.
Mid-Size vs Full-Size SUVs: What Makes Them Different
A large mid-size SUV differs from a full-size SUV in the following categories:
Overall dimensions
Interior
Price point
Overall Dimensions
While large mid-size SUVs are by no means a small car, they are still shorter in length and narrower in width compared to full-size SUVs. Full-size SUVs also have a longer wheelbase, which will make the third row and trunk larger, especially with an extended wheelbase. To see a complete list of full-size cars with an extended wheelbase, click here.
Interior
The differences between large mid-size and full-size SUVs are most noticeable in the third row and trunk space. A large mid-size SUV might seat 7- 8 passengers, while a full-size SUV can accommodate 7- 9 passengers, depending on the car you choose. This doesn’t necessarily mean more seats make a better bench, but that additional space is available.
Now, some of you may not see the need for a larger interior (then I HIGHLY recommend sticking to the mid-size category), but for those of you still unsure, consider your car seat setup.
For example, all three (soon to be four) of my kids will need to be in car seats, meaning our family car has to be flexible for the foreseeable future. A larger mid-size vehicle may work right now, but with our busy lives and the rotating door of car seats, a full-size SUV is the better option.
Price Point
With more size, you’re looking at a more expensive family car. The starting MSRP for full-size vehicles is typically $5,000 - $10,000 (sometimes more) expensive than a large mid-size SUV. You also have to factor in lower gas mileage, so more trips to the gas station, and a larger tank to fill up.
This is one of the main reasons I recommend exhausting all of your large mid-size SUV options before moving into the full-size SUV market. While the size may sound good, there are still excellent mid-size options that will be able to accommodate your family for your daily routine.
How To Choose The Right Size SUV
Deciding between a large mid-size and a full-size SUV is the number one discussion I have during consultations with families.
The two things I always recommend when debating car size are:
A thorough test drive.
Create a realistic view of your daily, weekly, and monthly routine.
Starting with a test drive, begin by ONLY looking into large mid-size SUVs. Get a feel of how you like it on the road, and more importantly, if your car seats and cargo can fit. If it does, great! If not, no other mid-size SUV will work and a full-size SUV may be your best option.
Second, think long and hard about what the actual needs you have regularly for your car. When I chat with families, they typically give me two sets of needs: one for daily life and one for occasional priorities. This can include that yearly trip to Michigan with cargo to haul or the need for a third row when the grandparents come into town.
Are you really going to consider paying an additional $20,000 to have enough cargo space the 2-3x per year you’ll need it (on top of the added cost of gas for a larger SUV)? This is a decision that only your family can make, but most of the time, it’s much more affordable to make other accommodations for situations like road trips than to have a larger car than you need the other 350 days of the year.
Can you rent a car for the trip? Buy a car that matches your daily routine, not to accommodate these occasional needs - it will save you thousands in the long run.
Largest Mid-Size SUVs For Families
Here are some of the largest mid-size SUVs available that I’ve tested and recommend for families:
If you’re unsure if any of these cars are right for your family, I highly recommend checking out my Best Cars for Families post. I walk you through exactly what your priorities should be when deciding between car categories and individual vehicles.
Which Family Is Right For A Large Mid-Size SUV?
A large mid-size SUV is a great option for most families because of the balance you get between space and functionality. It’s the right option to choose if it fits within your specific needs.
For example, if you have a lot of young kids in car seats (ex: four children under five) you will want the full-size SUV space. However, for families with fewer or older kids, a mid-size SUV will work just as well. The main consideration is trunk space. If you frequently use the third row, you may lose valuable trunk space, so prioritize mid-size SUVs with cargo room.
My advice: evaluate how often you need the extra space. If you only occasionally need more room for carpooling or road trips, a mid-size SUV is more cost-effective than a full-size. On the other hand, if you need trunk space and room for everyone (and even their friends), full-size SUVs will let you accommodate everything.
Ultimately, while full-size SUVs offer more space, a large mid-size SUV can be a perfect fit for many families, balancing daily practicality with occasional needs for extra capacity.
Is your family car a large mid-size SUV? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with the latest car-buying advice for families, check out my recent posts:
