It’s no secret, Toyotas are one of the most popular manufacturers on the market – and for good reason. They are built to last decades and match pretty much every adventure you throw at them. But with so many options in the SUV lineup, how do you choose which one is best?

If you’re new here – welcome! I’m Kelly the Car Mom, and helping families find the best car for their needs is my thing. I’m a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST), mom of four, and if there’s one thing I know better than anything else – it’s family cars. My goal is to help you make sense of your options so you can feel confident in your decision, regardless of the manufacturer.

Whether you're a die-hard Toyota fan or just exploring your options, here's everything you need to know about every SUV in Toyota’s lineup. Yes, every. Single. SUV. Remember, the car market is more innovative than ever, so don't be afraid to give other brands a test drive too

.Today. I’ll be narrowing down the options I’d recommend for families:

Here is the list of SUVs Toyota has to offer:

Toyota Corolla Cross
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
Toyota Crown Signia
Toyota Venza
Toyota RAV 4
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid
Toyota Highlander
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Toyota Grand Highlander
Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota 4Runner
Toyota bZ4X
Toyota Sequoia

Toyota has a TON of brand loyalty. Here’s why:

Toyota has a well-earned reputation for creating reliable and innovative vehicles, which keeps families coming back every time they’re in the market for a new car. In car consultations, I’ve heard dozens of families say, "I've always driven a Toyota, so my next car will be a Toyota." Typically, this intense brand loyalty comes from a few reasons:

First and foremost, reliability and durability are hallmarks of Toyota cars. Known for lasting hundreds of thousands of miles, they save owners money on repairs and provide peace of mind, especially when it comes to relying on a car for the family.

Toyota is also a leader in innovation, having pioneered hybrid technology with the Prius in the 1990s and consistently introducing advanced safety features across its lineup. This commitment to new technology enhances both efficiency and performance.

Lastly, the resale value of Toyota cars is another strong selling point; they tend to hold their value exceptionally well compared to competitors. So when the time eventually comes to turn your Toyota in, you can negotiate for a better selling price.

All that being said, while Toyota's reputation is stellar and I love a lot of their SUVs, I always recommend comparing similar models from other brands. The car market is more innovative than ever, and some competitors might offer more luxurious interiors or advanced tech features at comparable prices. So while Toyota remains a top choice for many, don't hesitate to test-drive other brands to just see what’s out there.

Two-Row SUV vs. Three-Row SUV: What To Consider

Car seat-stroller combinations like the Doona and Evenflo Shyft are great in specific situations:

When deciding between a two-row and a three-row SUV, it’s essential to assess your family’s needs and lifestyle.

Two-row SUVs are ideal for smaller families (1-2 kids max) who prioritize maneuverability and fuel efficiency.

These SUVs are generally more compact, making them easier to park and navigate. They also tend to have better fuel economy compared to their three-row counterparts. For families with one or two children, two-row SUVs often provide ample passenger space and trunk capacity for daily use or weekend adventures.

Three-row SUVs are designed for larger families (typically 3+ kids) or those who frequently carpool.

With an extra row of seating, these SUVs can accommodate up to eight passengers and can provide a lot more flexibility. However, they often come with trade-offs, including reduced trunk space when all seats are in use and potentially lower fuel efficiency. They’re also larger cars, which results in a whole different driving experience.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to your specific priorities: passenger capacity, cargo space, fuel economy, and ease of use. I HIGHLY recommend test-driving both a two-row and three-row SUV (I’m talking installing the car seats, putting the gear in the trunk, etc…) to see which is better for your family’s lifestyle on an everyday basis.

If you’re looking for a two-row SUV, here are the choices I recommend in the Toyota lineup:

RAV4
Land Cruiser

RAV4

Who It’s Good For:

Families with 1-2 kids.
Small families need a reliable, compact SUV with excellent fuel efficiency (40 MPG for the hybrid).
This could be a GREAT car for teen drivers!

Who It’s Not Ideal For:

Families with 3+ kids needing to fit three car seats across the second row.
Anyone looking for tons of second-row legroom or rear-seat amenities.
Those requiring a larger trunk to haul a large amount of gear frequently.

The Toyota RAV4 is one of the most popular SUVs in not just Toyota’s lineup, but available on the entire car market. That being said, this car only works for families with 1-2 children max.

The RAV4 offers a sleek and sporty design with a solid setup for a five-passenger SUV. It’s available with multiple powertrains, including a hybrid that achieves an impressive 40 MPG combined, and the plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime, which adds some all-electric range. The interior includes modern features like a 10.5-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus thoughtful touches like a panoramic sunroof and large physical controls for climate and fan settings.

When it comes to car seats, the RAV4 has two sets of lower LATCH anchors on the outboard seats and three tether anchors across the second-row bench. However, the narrow middle seat and some overlap between seatbelt positions make fitting three car seats across nearly impossible.

If you like the RAV4, here are other options to consider:

Honda CR-V
Subaru Forester
Mazda CX-5
Nissan Rogue
Hyundai Tucson
Kia Sportage

Land Cruiser

Who It’s Good For:

Families with 1-2 kids.
Those who want a reliable family car, but still have all the off-roading capabilities you need for weekend trips.

Who It’s Not Ideal For:

Families with 3+ kids need to fit three car seats across the second row, especially rear-facing ones.
Anyone looking for tons of second-row legroom or rear-seat amenities.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser marks the return of an iconic car, but it has now been redesigned to blend its legendary off-road capability with a more accessible price point. After a three-year hiatus, Toyota returned to the Land Cruiser to appeal to a broader audience while staying true to its rugged roots.

The new Land Cruiser is powered by the i-FORCE MAX turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine, delivering 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. Its retro styling pays homage to earlier models, combining boxy lines with modern touches like LED lighting and a 12.3-inch touchscreen.

Inside, the Land Cruiser seats five passengers across two rows. The second row includes two sets of lower LATCH anchors and three top tether anchors, making car seat installation straightforward. However, it cannot accommodate three car seats across due to limited width. Rear-facing seats may also impact front passenger legroom.

While I wouldn’t consider this the ultimate family hauler, if you have one of two children and LOVE an off-roading adventure, this is a great option to test drive.

If you like the Land Cruiser, here are other options to consider:

Ford Bronco
Honda Passport
Nissan Pathfinder
Jeep Grand Cherokee L
Kia Telluride (X Pro)
Land Rover Defender

If you’re looking for a three-row Toyota SUV, here are your choices:

Highlander
Grand Highlander
4Runner
Sequoia

Highlander

Who It’s Good For:

Families with 1-2 kids who do not need a flexible car seat setup.
Those who use the third row occasionally and do not need car seats installed back here.

Who It’s Not Ideal For:

Families with 3+ kids needing to fit three car seats across the second row.
Anyone who needs the third row up on an everyday basis.

The 2024 Toyota Highlander is a smaller midsize SUV, but it’s not the best choice for families who need more space and flexibility. While it offers a comfortable ride and a range of safety features, the Highlander falls short in several areas that are crucial for family use.

One of the main drawbacks is its limited interior space, particularly in the third row. The third row has little to no legroom, and there isn't much cargo space left when all seats are in use. This is a huge issue for families needing to transport both passengers and gear regularly.

In terms of car seat setup, the Highlander provides LATCH anchors in the second row, but the narrow middle seat and lack of tether anchors in the third row can make installing multiple car seats challenging. This lack of flexibility is frustrating for parents who need to accommodate various car seat configurations.

Instead of the standard Highlander, I MUCH prefer the Grand Highlander - it’s the Highlander’s bigger, more equipped sister.

If you like the Highlander, here are other options to consider:

Toyota Grand Highlander
Kia Telluride
Hyundai Palisade
Jeep Grand Cherokee L
Ford Explorer
Mazda CX-90
Hyundai Santa Fe

Grand Highlander

Who It’s Good For:

Families with 3+ kids
Those who use the third row consistently and needs a flexible car seat setup that can grow with their family.
Anyone who values trunk space that can haul gear.

Who It’s Not Ideal For:

Families who do not frequently use a third row.
Those interested in a smaller SUV.

Now this is a Toyota SUV I will never get sick of talking about! The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is truly a standout in Toyota's SUV lineup, offering a perfect blend of space, comfort, and versatility. This SUV is significantly larger than the standard Highlander, providing ample room for passengers and cargo alike. With up to 153.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, the Grand Highlander ensures that everyone can travel comfortably, even in the third row, which offers impressive legroom.

One of the Grand Highlander's key strengths is its flexibility in seating configurations. It can seat up to eight passengers with a second-row bench or seven with captain’s chairs, making it adaptable to different family needs. The second-row seats slide on tracks, allowing you to adjust legroom between rows as needed—especially useful when juggling car seats and passenger comfort. The SUV also includes top tether anchors for all seating positions in the second and third rows, enhancing safety for child seats.

In terms of performance, the Grand Highlander offers multiple powertrains, including a hybrid option that delivers excellent fuel efficiency—perfect for families who value fewer trips to the gas station and still want some zip in their drive.

The ONLY issue I want to mention is that because of an airbag issue earlier in 2024 when manufacturing, it’s harder to find the Grand Highlander at dealerships than usual. Hopefully, this will even out soon, but it is important to mention as this is my top SUV pick in the Toyota lineup.

If you like the Grand Highlander, here are other options to consider:

Kia Telluride
Honda Pilot
Volkswagen Atlas
Hyundai Palisade
Mazda CX-90

4Runner

Who It’s Good For:

Families with 1-2 kids who occasionally need the third row for flexibility.
Off-roading enthusiasts who frequently use its tough terrain capabilities.

Who It’s Not Ideal For:

Families with 3+ kids looking for a ton of car seat flexibility.
Anyone who does not use off-roading capabilities on a consistent basis.

The Toyota 4Runner is a rugged SUV that's perfect for adventure enthusiasts and families alike. Personally, I think this is a very similar option to the Land Cruiser, especially because both can be found in a two-row or three-row setup.

Known for its off-road capabilities, the 4Runner is built to tackle tough terrains while still being practical for everyday use. When it comes to car seats, the 4Runner offers two sets of lower LATCH anchors on the outboard seats in the second row, with tether anchors across the bench. However, the middle seat is narrow, making it challenging to fit three car seats across comfortably.

The high seating position provides excellent visibility, but the narrow rear doors and firm seats can make installing car seats a bit tricky, especially for shorter parents. Despite these challenges, the 4Runner's spacious trunk and durable interior make it a popular choice for families who need both off-road capability and family-friendly features. While its fuel economy is below average at around 17–18 MPG combined, the newest model is going to address a lot of these efficiency issues.

If you like the 4Runner, here are other options to consider:

Ford Bronco
Honda Passport
Nissan Pathfinder
Jeep Grand Cherokee L
Kia Telluride (X Pro)
Land Rover Defender

Sequoia

Who It’s Good For:

Families with 2-3 older kids who do not need a flexible car seat setup.
Occasionally use a third row, but are okay with a lack of trunk space when it’s up.
Will use its towing capacity – this is one of the only reasons I can see someone buying this car.

Who It’s Not Ideal For:

Families with 3+ younger kids looking for a full-size SUV – there are way better options on the market.
Anyone who needs a flexible car seat setup.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia is the biggest SUV in the lineup and has impressive towing capacity and a luxurious interior. However, it falls short for families who need flexibility in their car seat setup.

The second row offers both bench and captain's chair configurations, but the real issue lies in the third row. The Sequoia only provides one tether anchor in the center of the third row, limiting car seat placement options significantly. This setup can obstruct visibility and restrict the third row to essentially one usable seat when a car seat is installed. Additionally, the third-row seats do not fold flat into the floor, which further limits cargo space flexibility—a critical feature for families.

For those needing a more adaptable seating arrangement, other full-size SUVs like the Ford Expedition or Chevrolet Tahoe might be better choices. These models typically offer more comprehensive LATCH systems and flexible seating configurations, making them more suitable for families with multiple car seats. While the Sequoia excels in power and luxury, its lack of car seat flexibility is not great for families who have younger children.

If you like the Sequoia, here are other options to consider:

Ford Expedition
Chevrolet Tahoe
Lincoln Navigator
Cadillac Escalade
Jeep Grand Wagoneer

How To Narrow Down Your Choices In Toyota’s SUV Lineup

Toyota offers a wide range of SUVs, each with various trims, packages, and powertrain options, including all-gas, hybrid, and electric. If you're set on choosing a Toyota SUV, it's essential to narrow down your options based on your specific needs and lifestyle. Here’s how to make the best choice:

Start by considering what you need from your SUV. Do you require ample cargo space, or is fuel efficiency your top priority? Are you looking for a vehicle that can handle off-road adventures, or do you need something more suited for city driving? Once you've identified your priorities, you can begin to explore the models that best fit those needs.

When you're ready to test drive, bring along your car seats, sports gear, and anything else you regularly transport to ensure the vehicle meets your practical requirements. Don't hesitate to ask the salesperson any questions you have about the features and capabilities of each model. This hands-on approach will help you determine which Toyota SUV is truly the best fit for your family.

Remember, while Toyota has a strong reputation for reliability and innovation, the car market is more competitive than ever. It’s wise to compare similar models from other brands to ensure you're making the best decision.

Do you have a Toyota SUV as your family car? Let us know in the comments! And to keep up with all the latest when it comes to family cars on the market, check out my recent posts:

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