For decades, Toyota has been renowned for making some of the safest and most fuel-efficient vehicles. If we pride ourselves on one thing in particular, it's the fact that we sell some of the best cars and SUVs for our beloved local families in South Carolina.
Not all families’ needs are the same, though. Many folks need the max amount of interior space, while others prize the best fuel efficiency, and some simply want to have fun.
The good news is that we have something for everyone. If you’re in the family way and wondering which Toyota might be the best fit for you, read on
Most Spacious Vehicle for Families: Toyota Sienna
Not many people would call a minivan particularly glamorous, but then again, that’s not the point. Minivans do one thing incredibly well: they move people from A to B with the most space and comfort possible. In that regard, the Sienna is an absolute workhorse.
Passengers will enjoy three rows of seating for up to eight people, with sliding doors and an easy access third row. There’s also plenty of space to spread out—it has 40.3 inches of legroom in front, 39.9 inches in the middle, and 38.7 inches in the back, which means that even most adults will fit comfortably in the third row. It also has an impressive amount of storage potential, including 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row and a grand total of 101 cubic feet with all the seats folded.
Apart from its cavernous interior, the Sienna comes with plenty of safety features, available all-wheel drive, and a standard hybrid engine that nets up to 36 MPG combined. Oh, and did we mention the available vacuum and FridgeBox™?
Honorable Mention: Toyota Sequoia
The Sequoia takes runner-up for the most spacious Toyota SUV. It may not have quite the legroom of the Sienna in the third row, but it still has three rows of seating for up to eight people, as well as up to 86.9 cubic feet of cargo volume. And that’s before you account for the available rooftop storage.
Where the Sequoia really excels is its capability, though. With the twin-turbo V6 engine that cranks out 437 horsepower, available four-wheel drive, and a max towing capacity of 9,520 pounds, this is the perfect weekend warrior for big families who want a comfortable ride in the city and the campsite.
Best Three-Row SUVs for Families: Toyota Grand Highlander
In many ways, the Grand Highlander is the most well-rounded SUV that Toyota offers. It boasts three rows of seating for either seven or eight to fit comfortably, and its proportions are generous without making the body too long and hard to maneuver. It also has multiple available powertrains, including a regular gas engine and two different hybrid offerings, plus multiple available drive modes and a choice between two kinds of all-wheel drive.
At the same time, it’s one of the most luxurious Toyota models. All grades come with the 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia center touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, compatibility with the full range of Toyota Connected Services including Wi-Fi, and a wealth of other available features. If you’re looking for the complete package, the Grand Highlander is well worth considering.
Honorable Mention: Toyota Highlander
The Highlander has been a staple of the Toyota SUV lineup for a long time now, and it’s widely considered one of the best three-row SUVs on the market. It’s a bit smaller than the Grand Highlander, and it doesn’t have quite as many standard features, but the upside is that it’s eminently affordable, making it an ideal choice for shoppers on a budget. It’s also won an IIHS Top Safety Pick award every year since 2008, which means it has one of the best track records for safety of any vehicle ever made.
Most Fuel-Efficient SUV for Families: Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
The Corolla Cross Hybrid is a relatively new addition to the Toyota fleet, having only been around since the 2023 model year. As the name suggests, this plucky crossover combines the economy and durability of the Corolla with a larger body style, which has a total passenger volume of 94.9 cubic feet and a rear cargo area of 21.5 cubic feet.
But the real headline is that it’s the most fuel-efficient SUV that Toyota makes. The hybrid version comes standard with Electronic On-Demand All-wheel Drive, and it’s capable of an astounding 45 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway. When you consider the fact that it also has a starting MSRP of under $30k, that makes it one of the most affordable SUVs money can buy.
Honorable Mention: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Chances are you probably already know a thing or two about the RAV4—it’s the best-selling SUV in the country, with nearly half a million units sold in 2024 alone. The reasons for its popularity are numerous. It’s surprisingly capable for towing and moderate off-roading, has an easygoing driving manner, and it’s as reliable as they come.
The RAV4 Hybrid upholds all these standards while also saving you gobs of cash at the gas pump. It gets an estimated 41 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway, putting it just behind the Corolla Cross Hybrid.
Best Car for Families: Toyota Camry
The Camry has been around for decades, and it ranks as one of the best-selling cars of all time. For the 2025 model year, it saw some massive upgrades. It’s now exclusively available as a hybrid, and it’s capable of an incredible 51 MPG combined, meaning you could go weeks without having to refill the tank.
Apart from its affordability, the Camry’s expansive and well-appointed interior makes it perfect for a family of four. There’s ample head and leg room in both rows, and the trunk holds over 15 cubic feet of cargo if you need to take a road trip. Throw in a healthy collection of standard infotainment and comfort features, plus the latest and greatest in available safety tech, and you’ve got a winning recipe.
Honorable Mention: Toyota Prius
The Prius has long since outlived its reputation as the butt of every green car joke, and it now commands the respect it deserves in the public eye. This is largely because of its modest pricing, excellent value, and next-level fuel economy—it’s the most efficient hybrid that Toyota makes, with an estimated rating of 57 MPG combined.
The Prius is also deceptively roomy on the inside, and its hatchback body style and fold-flat second row makes it extremely versatile for shopping missions, sporting events, and more.
Best Vehicle for Family Camping Trips: Toyota 4Runner
After about a decade and a half without a major update, the 4Runner is all-new for the 2025 model year. It’s now available with a mighty i-FORCE MAX powertrain, which cranks out 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. It also comes with the choice of rear-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive, or full-time four-wheel drive, as well as a variety of available overlanding specs and features that’ll carry you and your family as far from civilization as you want to go.
The 4Runner is one of the most highly customizable Toyota SUVs, too. It has a range of grades and trims, each with their own unique features, and its interior can be customized with either two or three rows of seating.
Honorable Mention: Toyota Land Cruiser
The Land Cruiser has a lot in common with the 4Runner. It has the same engine with the same specs, as well as a cornucopia of off-road ready features, including burly suspension, high ground clearance, Crawl Control, and available Multi-Terrain Select. It also comes standard with full-time four-wheel drive.
Where the Land Cruiser differs is its overall vibe. The five-seater interior is geared for the utmost comfort, and its exterior has a high-end, almost luxury appeal that fits in the city just as well as the backcountry.
Happy Shopping, from Our Family to Yours
There’s no such thing as a perfect vehicle for everyone, and that’s why we offer such a wide selection for families of all shapes, sizes, and lifestyles. Check out our new vehicle inventory, and if you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for, don’t worry, because we’ll help you build your own Toyota exactly how you want it.
Contact us online or call us at (803) 715-2100 to schedule a test drive today.
