Finding an affordable family SUV that delivers long-term value can be tough in today’s market. Rising new car prices and frequent recalls can make choosing the right SUV for your family complicated. At USA TODAY Cars, we test new vehicles and critique their pricing, performance, build quality and more to help consumers make the best leasing and purchasing decisions possible.
Our team has tested dozens of brand-new vehicles in 2026, ranging from affordable hatchbacks and sedans under $30,000 to luxury vehicles with six-figure price tags. Here are two family SUVs that stood out to our team of expert car reviewers this year.
2026 Subaru Outback: Roomy and Built for Long-Term Value
I’ve driven several new Subaru models in recent years, but the Outback left a lasting impression on me for a few reasons. After driving it for a week, I realized it was a vehicle I’d personally buy because of its affordable starting price, cabin space and Subaru’s reputation for producing reliable vehicles.
The 2026 Outback is a rugged daily driver that works for commuters but can also make a great road-trip vehicle because of its generous cargo space (34.6 feet) and comfortable ride. I’m not a parent, but I couldn’t help but marvel at how roomy its second row of seats was. The Outback is a midsize SUV with the utility of a wagon.
Subaru’s midsize SUV starts at $34,995, which is far below the average new-vehicle price of nearly $50,000. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to produce 180 horsepower and achieves around 27 mpg combined.
The Outback has strong build quality, comes standard with all-wheel drive and is designed for taking the road less traveled. If I were looking for a new family SUV under $40,000 for long-term ownership, it would be one of the models at the top of my list.
2026 Volkswagen Tiguan: A Comfortable, Affordable Choice
Volkswagen has long been known for its sporty sedans that have dotted American roadways since the late 1970s. But as midsize SUVs dominate the U.S. auto sales market, the company known for sedans such as the Jetta and Passat had to pivot and begin making crossovers with the American driving audience in mind.
The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan stands out from rivals in its segment for its unique exterior and interior designs. It also has a strong value proposition for a compact family car, starting at just over $31,000 for a base model, which propels it to the top of ranking lists at a time when the average new car costs nearly $50,000, according to Cox Automotive.
The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan offers a smooth, comfortable ride with sturdy handling. It handles well, and its acceleration is quick enough to keep daily driving fun.
A daily driver might easily forget they are driving an SUV because the Tiguan handles like a car. The Tiguan gets an estimated 22 mpg in city driving and 29 mpg on highways. The model I tested got over 350 miles on a single tank of gas in mostly local driving. The Tiguan comes with a 2-liter engine. Volkswagen said it offers up to 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.
The Volkswagen Tiguan starts just over $31,000 before taxes and additional fees, a relatively low price compared with many new crossover SUVs on the market. The Tiguan is available in four trims, ranging from the entry-level S, starting at $30,805, to the SEL R-Line Turbo retailing for $43,085. The SEL R-Line Turbo model I tested comes with 20-inch wheels and leather seats that can be heated or ventilated and offer full back massages for front-seat passengers.
I enjoyed the fully loaded SEL R-Line Turbo Tiguan I tested but probably would opt for the slightly cheaper middle SE or SE R-Line Black trims if I were looking to get the most bang for my buck. The SE of the Tiguan starts at just $33,605; the SE R-Line Black retails for more than $37,245.
How the Two New Family SUVs Compare
There are a few key differences between the 2026 Subaru Outback and 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan. Subaru’s family SUV is larger, more expensive and more spacious. The Tiguan has a more powerful base engine than the Outback thanks to a turbocharger.
The Outback may be the pricier model, but it offers more value to families that require a bit more cabin and cargo space than compact SUVs such as the Tiguan can offer. Additionally, it’s more adept at off-roading than the Tiguan and suits drivers who appreciate rugged SUVs. Subaru also boasts a better reputation for reliability than Volkswagen in recent years.
The Tiguan is worth considering if you need a sporty SUV with sturdy handling and a powerful engine that appeals to car enthusiasts. It can also haul a family of up to five people. Volkswagen’s foray into the family SUV space feels true to the German automaker’s roots as a company that appeals to driving enthusiasts.
The SEL R-Line Turbo Tiguan comes with a 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system that has wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity.
If you’re in the market for a new family SUV for 2026, there are plenty of great options whether you’re hunting for a long-lasting bargain or looking for a sporty daily driver that can accommodate your loved ones.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at [email protected]. Keith Laing is an automotive reporter on the National Trending Desk at USA TODAY. Contact Keith at [email protected].
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