Drum roll please! Parents magazine is sharing the winners of its 2026 Best Family Cars Awards, recognizing vehicles that stand out for safety, comfort, convenience and overall family friendliness. According to Parents, more than 150 judges — all of them parents and automotive experts — evaluated vehicles across multiple categories, assessing safety technology, car-seat compatibility, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value and everyday usability.
Among large three-row SUVs, the Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet Suburban earned top honors as Best Full-Size 3-Row SUV. Parents cited their spacious cabins, strong safety features and updated 17.7-inch multimedia screen with Google built-in capability. The SUVs offer seating for seven or eight passengers and substantial cargo space.
The redesigned Hyundai Palisade was named Best Mid-Size 3-Row SUV. Judges highlighted its modern interior, flexible seating and upscale features, including a floating center console and dual-pane sunroof, noting that it balances comfort with practicality for families.
In the minivan category, the Honda Odyssey won Best 3-Row Minivan. Parents praised its configurable seating, voice-activated assistant and wireless smartphone integration, emphasizing its versatility and family-focused design. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was recognized as Best Hybrid 3-Row Minivan. As the only plug-in hybrid minivan in its class, it offers both electric and gasoline driving capability along with premium finishes and flexible seating.
The Cadillac Escalade was selected as Best Luxury Full-Size 3-Row SUV. Parents pointed to its powerful V8 engine, spacious seating for seven or eight and advanced technology, including premium multimedia systems and available massaging seats.
2026 Best Family Cars Awards:
• Best Full-Size 3-Row SUV: Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban
• Best Mid-Size 3-Row SUV: Hyundai Palisade
• Best 3-Row Minivan: Honda Odyssey
• Best Hybrid 3-Row Minivan: Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
• Best Luxury Full-Size 3-Row SUV: Cadillac Escalade
• Best Luxury Mid-Size 3-Row SUV (tie): Infiniti QX60, Volvo XC90
• Best 3-Row EV: Hyundai Ioniq 9
• Best Mid-Size 5-Passenger SUV: Honda Passport
• Best Compact SUV: Honda HR-V
• Best Luxury 5-Passenger SUV: Genesis GV80
• Best Electric 5-Passenger Vehicle: Hyundai Ioniq 5
• Best Luxury Electric 3-Row SUV: Cadillac Vistiq
• Best Luxury Electric 5-Passenger Vehicle: Cadillac Lyriq
• Best Plug-In Hybrid SUV: Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid
• Best Luxury Hybrid/Plug-In SUV: Volvo XC90 T8 Plug-In Hybrid
• Best Family Pickup: Chevrolet Silverado crew cab
• Best Value SUV: Honda HR-V
• Best Family Sports Sedan: BMW 5 Series
• Best Family Sedan: Honda Accord
• Best Vehicle for a Teen Driver: Toyota Corolla
In the Best Luxury Mid-Size 3-Row SUV category, the Infiniti QX60 and Volvo XC90 tied for top honors. The QX60 was noted for its stadium-style seating and upscale interior, while the XC90 earned praise for its refined design and emphasis on safety.
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 captured the award for Best 3-Row EV. Parents highlighted its spacious layout, modern styling and fast-charging capability, along with NACS-compatible charging.
For two-row SUVs, the Honda Passport won Best Mid-Size 5-Passenger SUV following its redesign. Judges cited its roomy interior, versatile cargo area and standard all-wheel drive. The Honda HR-V earned Best Compact SUV, recognized for its spacious rear seat and strong technology offerings for its size.
The Genesis GV80 was named Best Luxury 5-Passenger SUV. Parents commended its refined cabin, smooth ride and generous cargo capacity.
In the electric two-row category, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 was selected as Best Electric 5-Passenger Vehicle, praised for its fast charging, long range and spacious, tech-forward interior.
Cadillac earned additional recognition in electric luxury segments. The Cadillac Vistiq was named Best Luxury Electric 3-Row SUV, offering three-row seating, standard all-wheel drive and premium amenities. The Cadillac Lyriq was honored as Best Luxury Electric 5-Passenger Vehicle for its refined interior, strong electric range and advanced technology.
The Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid was selected as Best Plug-In Hybrid SUV. Parents cited its nearly 50-mile electric range and roomy cargo area. The Volvo XC90 T8 Plug-in Hybrid was recognized as Best Luxury Hybrid/Plug-In SUV for combining luxury, safety and electric driving capability.
In the pickup segment, the Chevrolet Silverado crew cab was named Best Family Pickup, praised for its spacious rear seating and modern features that appeal to families.
The Honda HR-V also received recognition as Best Value SUV, underscoring its practicality and accessible pricing. In the sedan categories, the BMW 5 Series was chosen as Best Family Sports Sedan for blending performance with comfort and technology. The Honda Accord was named Best Family Sedan for its fuel efficiency, connectivity features and overall value.
Finally, the Toyota Corolla was honored as Best Vehicle for a Teen Driver. Parents noted its strong list of safety features, manageable power and solid fuel economy, making it a confidence-inspiring choice for new drivers.
Parents said this year’s winners reflect the evolving needs of modern families, including growing interest in hybrid and electric vehicles, advanced safety systems and flexible interiors designed to handle busy daily life.