Best Vehicles to Buy if You Don’t Want a Minivan
Minivans are great family vehicles. They offer plenty of space and functionality. However, if you are looking for alternatives, there are several vehicles to meet your needs. Wagons, crossovers, and SUVs have grown in popularity as alternatives to minivans. Some of these choices may not have the same seating capacity as a minivan, but they offer other advantages.
This list provides a curated look at compelling alternatives, keeping in mind that reviews and rankings are updated throughout the year.
2025 Subaru Outback
Price: $28,895 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.0/10
While the Subaru Outback ranks lower compared to some luxury wagon models, it remains a fantastic option for families. Consider upgrading the infotainment system and engine for an even better experience. The Outback offers comfortable accommodations for five and boasts impressive cargo capacity, even exceeding that of some smaller SUVs. The Outback provides 32.6 cubic feet behind the liftgate and a total of 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down.
2024 Kia Telluride
Price: $36,190 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.4/10
The Kia Telluride is a top pick in the midsize and three-row SUV categories. It won the 2024 Best 3-Row SUV for the Money and 2024 Best 3-Row SUV for Families awards, showcasing its family-friendly nature. The Telluride offers stylish accommodations for up to eight passengers.
Cargo space is also a strong point for the Telluride, boasting 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the second row folded, and 87 cubic feet behind the first row.
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
Price: $33,950 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.3/10
The redesigned 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe offers more space and comfort. A great alternative for those considering a minivan, it provides seating for up to seven occupants. The Santa Fe’s cargo capacity further enhances its appeal. It delivers 14.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 40.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 79.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded down. Additionally, a hands-free power liftgate comes standard.
2024 Mazda CX-90
Price: $37,845 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.1/10
The 2024 Mazda CX-90 is an all-new, three-row crossover that is available as a plug-in hybrid. It offers upscale features, excellent engines, and seating for up to eight passengers. Cargo space varies a bit depending on the third-row configuration. With the three-passenger rearmost row, there is 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the liftgate.
2024 Audi A6 Allroad
Price: $69,300 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.3/10
The Audi A6 Allroad is a sleek, stylish, and upscale wagon that offers a smooth and comfortable driving experience. Its posh interior enhances the overall feel. This wagon comes with a standard power liftgate and can hold 30 cubic feet of gear behind the second row. Folding the rear seats down opens up even more space.
2025 Rivian R1S
Price: $75,900 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.1/10
The 2025 Rivian R1S, now in its second generation, showcases improvements to its powertrain and suspension. It ranks highly among luxury electric SUVs. The R1S is particularly suitable for those needing ample storage. Its cargo hold has 17.6 cubic feet, which increases to 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded. With the second row folded, the interior offers a total of 88.2 cubic feet. The frunk provides an extra 11 cubic feet, and a compartment in the floor adds 5 more.
2025 Genesis GV80
Price: $57,700 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.0/10
The Genesis GV80 is a premium midsize crossover offering excellent value. It is more upscale than a minivan and is priced accordingly. The GV80 provides comfortable seating and features a wealth of standard tech, safety, and infotainment options. It’s also available with a third row of seating to boost total capacity to seven. In a two-row arrangement, the GV80 offers 36.5 and 71.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second and first rows, respectively. Adding the third row reduces cargo space to 11.6.
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5
Price: $41,800 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.9/10
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a great choice if you don’t need three rows of seating. It has been recognized as a top electric SUV for both value and families. The Ioniq 5 offers spacious and comfortable seating, impressive tech features, and efficient powertrain options. Cargo space is 27.2 cubic feet behind the second row and a total of 59.3 cubic feet behind the first row.
2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Price: $36,800 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.8/10
While not usually considered, some pickup trucks can provide the space and utility that families need. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500, in its Crew Cab configuration offers seating for six, a spacious cabin, and modern features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Silverado 1500 also has varied powertrain options and multiple bed lengths that would also appeal to families.
2024 Kia EV9
Price: $54,900 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.8/10
The Kia EV9 is one of the first all-electric three-row vehicles on the market. It offers a stylish design, well-equipped features, and seating for up to seven passengers. The EV9 has an upscale cabin with sustainable materials. The cargo area measures 20.2 cubic feet and extends to 81.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down. It also has a frunk with varying sizes depending on the drive configuration.
2025 Subaru Forester
Price: $29,695 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10
The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV that is a solid pick for families. It has a boxy design that maximizes interior space. The 2025 model has been redesigned and now includes more standard safety features, combined with all-wheel drive. While not matching some competitors, the Forester provides 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, with an impressive 74.4 cubic feet when the second row is folded down.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
Price: $40,035 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.9/10
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L builds on the Grand Cherokee’s practicality, offering more interior space. The Jeep seats up to seven people. The Grand Cherokee L features cloth upholstery across its three rows, a cargo space of 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row seats, and a maximum of 84.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.
