8 Luxury Cars That are Perfect For the Kids and the Dog

Lexus finally added a real 3-row SUV to the lineup last year and it’s a critical and commercial hit. While the brand had several SUVs with a 3rd row, none really provided the room and features that families need on the daily. The Lexus TX adds a full-sized 3rd row, rear features like air vents and USB ports, and a slide and tilt center row seat for easy access, or captains chairs, whichever you prefer.

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As a new model, Lexus had the chance to really think through all the functions and added several things people hauling kids and dogs will appreciate: Voice activated assistance, cupholders than can be removed for cleaning and a console cubby with room for two phones. But go for the top tech package with head up display; the touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel allow you to see an choose system settings in the HUD, and it’s incredible. Priced from $55K-$72K. See our full video here.

We love the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the 3-row L edition, for it’s range of trims, from basic to over-the-top luxury in the Summit edition. That means that no matter your destination, you can get there in the style and comfort of your choice. With the L model, you can add passengers and still climb sand dunes and traverse mountain tops.

Family friendly features in the Jeep Grand Cherokee L include a front passenger screen on the dashboard that can control rear seat entertainment, stream video from a phone and set navigation. There is voice assistance that’s activated by saying “Hey Jeep” to set the temperature, music or a destination. And, carpets are designed to be easy to clean and the 3rd row has USB ports, air vents and cubbies large enough to hold a phone or tablet. Priced from $42-$71K, see what the Jeep Grand Cherokee is all about here.

Cadillac Escalade has long been the ultimate in luxury SUVs for families: Room for 8, 4 wheel drive, a powerful engine and the brand’s distinct leather. Passenger conveniences like automatic running boards, entertainment screens and lots of USB ports added to the appeal. The 2021 redesign added a sophisticated expansive and layered multimedia screen, Super Cruise hands-free driving and power folding 3rd row seats that can be operated on the multimedia screen.

And you may need it; this SUV is so much fun to drive, especially in the Escalade V version with a performance engine producing 682 HP, and all the features in the top of the line Premium Luxury edition offers. Your passengers may find the car so comfortable they may not want to get out when you arrive at your destination!. Priced from $84K-$155K for the Escalade V model, see what this luxury family SUV is all about here.

Lincoln was an early adapter in the family luxury car segment with the Navigator, but a full-size SUV isn’t for everyone. The Lincoln Aviator fills that space with a luxe-appointed 3-row SUV that is easy to drive and easy to ride in. Premium Revel sound, second row seats slide and tilt for easy access and a roomy 3rd row that’s designed for comfort. And, it’s filled with luxuries that everyone will love.

For 2024, Lincoln simplified the lineup, removing the hybrid engine option and opting for a 400 HP V6 for all models. There are more standard features, too, including Google’s operating system with “Hey Google” voice activated assistance, a panoramic sunroof and Blue Cruise hands free driving that is included for 4 years (and is by subscription aftefward). Buyers have the option of center row captains chairs and a large or small console between them for added convenience. Priced from $58K-87K, see what the Lincoln Aviator is all about, here.

The history of the Jeep Wagoneer goes back to the 1960’s and is considered by many to be the first family SUV. By standards at the time it was luxe, with full 4WD capability adding to that luxury legacy; it was the go-to for families with beach or ski houses. Fast forward to 2022 and the Grand Wagoneer (and, the less-luxe but just as capable Wagoneer) is again a staple for families on the move. Features like entertainment screens, a passenger screen, a full-size 3rd row and a panoramic sunroof that spans the cabin and a sunroof over the 3rd row, leave everyone feeling refreshed even after a long drive.

Jeep put everything it had into the Grand Wagoneer: Towing capability (nearly 10K lbs.), 4WD, quilted leather seats with stitching and piping, screens for almost all passengers, even a console between the center row captains chairs for climate controls. It’s powered by Jeep’s new 6-cylinder turbo Hurricane engine that puts out 510 HP. Priced from $92K-$115K, see more about the Grand Wagoneer here.

We are fans of Acura for the brand’s dedication to design and reliability. Inside and out, these cars and SUVs are sporty and beautiful, but the 3-row Acura MDX takes it all a couple of steps further. First, the Type S model adds performance specs including a turbo V6 engine that puts out 355 HP, Brembo brakes, sport mode, paddle shifters, 21″ wheels and all wheel drive.

The sporty interior is designed for everything you need at your fingertips, but don’t let that fool you. Acura added several really popular family features from the Honda Odyssey so families can have the best of all worlds: the center row has a removable middle seat; cabin talk speaker and microphone system lets front seat and 3rd row passengers communicate easily and “social playlist” allows any passenger to control the music from a smart phone. Priced from $50K-$74K, see more about the Acura MDX here.

This one has also been a staple for families who demand more from their vehicles, but the 2022 redesign of the Infiniti QX60 took an even more thoughtful approach to family luxury. New materials, theater style seating—rear seats sit higher than front seats for optimal visibility—and a flexible center row console that can be removed for easier 3rd row access make the cabin an elegant space. Powered by a V6 engine that produces 295 HP, the QX60 delivers a quiet ride and a lot of fun in sport mode.

Priced from $49,650 to $66,100, the Infiniti QX60 may be one of the best values in luxury family cars for all you get: Quilted leather, Pro Pilot Assist drive assistance, a 12″ multimedia screen and up to 6,000 lbs. of tow capacity. You can also add a head up display, a digital rear view mirror and for your own sanity, massaging front seats. See our full take on the QX60 here.

The Genesis GV80 might be the one SUV you have to think twice about before filling it with kids and dogs. The Genesis approach to interiors focuses on elegance first; the leather alone is worth the experience in this SUV. But the panoramic sunroof, elegant textured metal details and the dial gear selector set an elevated tone. But an optional 3rd row with a power fold option on the multimedia touch screen makes it a great choice for families.

The beautiful exterior design of the Genesis GV80, priced from $58,700 to $73,800, is just the start of what you’ll love about this SUV. For 2025, Genesis added hands free highway driving, new paint colors and a “mood curator” that allows you to combine seat massage, fragrance, sound and ambient light to create the perfect environment. You might just forget that there are sweaty lacrosse players in the back seat claiming they have no homework. See more about the Genesis GV80 here.

It takes courage and conviction to buy a luxury car for you family, especially when everyone is still being potty trained. But it’s worth the investment; luxury materials are more resilient and last longer, tech features are more future-forward and designs are timeless. All that helps you to overlook the crachers that crushed into the carpeting.