The best family SUV depends on the family. A couple with one child and a dog has different needs from a household of six with youth soccer, Friday night games and holiday trips to see grandparents. Jeep offers a SUV for each of those situations, from the compact Compass to the three-row Grand Cherokee L and the full-size Wagoneer. Here is how to match the right one to your crew, with notes for Mahoning Valley drivers who juggle Boardman school drop-offs and weekend trips to Mosquito Lake.
| SUV | Seating | Cargo behind last row | Maximum cargo | Towing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compass | 5 | 27.2 cu ft | 59.8 cu ft | Up to 2,000 lbs |
| Grand Cherokee | 5 | 37.7 cu ft | 70.8 cu ft | Up to 6,200 lbs |
| Grand Cherokee L | 6 or 7 | 17.2 cu ft | 84.6 cu ft | Up to 6,200 lbs |
| Grand Wagoneer | 7 | 27.9 cu ft | 116.7 cu ft | Up to 10,000 lbs |
Seating varies by configuration, and our team can confirm the layout on any SUV in stock.
Compass: Compact and Easy for Small Families
The Compass fits a family of three or four who value easy parking and efficient driving. It rates 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, includes standard all-wheel drive and offers 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats for strollers and groceries. The lower step-in height helps when you are buckling toddlers, and it slips into tight spots at Southern Park Mall.
Grand Cherokee: Room to Spread Out
The two-row Grand Cherokee seats five and brings a quiet, comfortable cabin for school runs and long weekends away. Behind the rear seats you get 37.7 cubic feet, and folding them opens 70.8 cubic feet for sports equipment or a camping load. Its 6,200-pound tow rating suits families with a boat or camper, and the available 2.0L turbo adds 324 horsepower for confident merging onto I-680.
Grand Cherokee L: The Three-Row Jeep
When five seats are too few, the Grand Cherokee L steps in with room for six or seven. Captain's chairs are standard in the second row and a bench is available, and the third row folds to open cargo space. It offers 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row and 84.6 cubic feet with every row folded. Carpool days and cousins on the weekend feel easy in a Grand Cherokee L, and the same 6,200-pound towing rating applies.
Wagoneer: Full-Size Space for Big Families
The Grand Wagoneer seats seven, offers 27.9 cubic feet behind the last row and 116.7 cubic feet at maximum, and tows up to 10,000 pounds with its 420-horsepower twin-turbo inline six. It suits large households that tow or travel often. Our Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer comparison explains how the models differ.
Questions to Ask Before You Choose
- How many seats do you fill on a typical week, and how many on a busy weekend?
- Do you need easy access to a third row, or occasional extra seats?
- Will you tow a boat, camper or trailer?
- Does your garage in Boardman, Canfield or Austintown have room for a larger SUV?
Shop Family SUVs in Boardman
Browse our Compass, Grand Cherokee, Grand Cherokee L and Wagoneer inventory. For deeper comparisons, read our Compass vs. Grand Cherokee guide or the Jeep SUV Buying Guide. Explore financing or contact us to schedule a visit, and bring the family so everyone can climb in.
FAQs
What is the best Jeep for a family of five?
The Grand Cherokee is a popular fit, with seating for five, 37.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a smooth ride. If your family expects to grow or carpools often, the Grand Cherokee L adds a third row.
Which Jeep has a third row?
The Grand Cherokee L and the Wagoneer family. The Grand Cherokee L seats six or seven, and the Grand Wagoneer seats seven.
Is the Compass big enough for a family?
For a family of three or four, many drivers find it a great fit. It has 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and standard all-wheel drive, and sitting in it with your child seats is the best test.
Which family Jeep tows the most?
The Grand Wagoneer, rated up to 10,000 pounds. The Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L are rated up to 6,200 pounds.