Large SUVs are becoming increasingly popular among families who need a spacious interior, a large trunk and advanced safety equipment. But there's no need to go premium - there are several more affordable family SUVs on the market that offer at least 600-liter trunk space and modern technology and comfort for around or under 40,000 euros. Our list of affordable large SUVs for families.
5 affordable large SUV-s for families? In this guide, we present five such models suitable for the European market and compare their key technical specifications (engine power, drivetrain, fuel consumption, boot space, connectivity, safety systems), prices and possible subsidies and financing options. We focus on aspects important to families – cabin space, practical equipment, on-road comfort and safety.
Below we will take a closer look at each selected model: Geely Starray, an ambitious newcomer from China; Dacia Bigster, the brand's upcoming large SUV; Shame on the Kodiaq, a revamped proven family champion; Tesla Model Y, an electric hit with a spacious interior; and Hyundai Santa Fe, a redesigned South Korean SUV with plenty of equipment. Finally, we add a comparison table and conclusions on how these cars rank in the class of "affordable" large SUVs.
5 Affordable Large SUVs for Families
Geely Starray 2025: a Chinese Volvo for half the price
The Geely Starray is the latest player from China to make its way onto European roads. It's a mid-size SUV that Geely (owner of Volvo) is betting on combining affordability with a wealth of equipment. The Starray stands out with its bold futuristic design and spacious interior.
Its luggage compartment is particularly impressive with a basic capacity of 650 liters (up to 1,610 liters with the second row folded), making it a great travel companion for family trips and transporting larger items. Under the hood is a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with approximately 181 hp (133 kW), which transmits power to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. A more powerful 2.0-liter engine with approximately 218 hp is also available for those who want more performance.
Despite its solid power, fuel consumption remains reasonable – around 6.8 L/100 km in the combined cycle. The Starray boasts modern technological equipment: inside, we find a large 13.2-inch central infotainment screen and digital gauges, and connectivity with smartphones is enabled (the European version is expected to support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay). Comfort is ensured by high-quality seats and plenty of space both front and rear. Among the interesting details, it is worth mentioning the adjustable ambient lighting and speakers in the headrests for a special audio experience.
As a family vehicle, it's no surprise that it also has advanced safety features: six airbags, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and a lane-keeping system. The Starray also includes highway driving assistance and a robust body with high torsional rigidity.
The price of the Geely Starray is interesting mainly because it offers a large SUV with rich equipment for a relatively low price - in Europe, the basic versions are said to be around €33,000. Since it has an internal combustion engine, environmental subsidies are not expected for it, but the importer offers competitive financial packages and a warranty of up to 5 years. The advantage of the Starray is its value for money, while the disadvantage is that it is a lesser-known brand with a limited service network and (yet) untested safety according to Euro NCAP standards.
Dacia Bigster: an interesting approach to what really attracts buyers - the price
The Dacia Bigster is the long-awaited large SUV from the Romanian brand known for its affordable and practical vehicles. Announced for 2025, the Bigster will be the bigger brother of the popular Duster, measuring around 4.6m in length and offering a spacious interior for five passengers.
The engine range will include a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder with mild hybrid (around 140 hp) and a full hybrid version with 155 hp. Power will be sent to the front wheels, with select versions also available with all-wheel drive. Consumption will be between 5 and 7 L/100 km, depending on the drivetrain.
The Bigster's main asset is its spaciousness: the trunk measures between 612 and 667 liters, which is more than most competitors. In the passenger compartment, it should surprise with a lot of space in the back seat, especially for legs and head. The equipment follows the Dacia philosophy - functional and without unnecessary luxury. Connectivity with smartphones via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will be included as standard, while higher packages will bring more comfort and additional safety equipment.
The Bigster will come standard with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and parking sensors. The expected price of the base model is around €25,000, while the more expensive versions will reach €30,000. Dacia traditionally offers favorable financing and a 7-year warranty.
The Bigster is ideal for those who want the most space for the least money, but are aware that the quality of materials and equipment will be more basic.
Skoda Kodiaq: the most standard family SUV – boring but still great!
The Škoda Kodiaq is one of the most recognizable family SUVs in Europe. The new generation, introduced in 2024, brings a refreshed design, improved technology and more comfort. The Kodiaq remains one of the largest in its class – measuring approximately 4.75 meters in length and offering a five- or seven-seat configuration.
In the 5-seat version, it offers 910 liters of luggage space, the most of any model under consideration. With the second and third rows of seats folded, the space increases to more than 2,000 liters.
There are various engines available: a 1.5 TSI mild hybrid (150 hp), two 2.0-liter diesel engines (150 and 193 hp) and a plug-in hybrid (204 hp). All engines are connected to an automatic DSG transmission. Consumption ranges between 5.5 and 7 L/100 km, and the plug-in hybrid consumes only around 1 L/100 km with a full battery (in practice around 6 L of petrol plus electricity).
The Kodiaq boasts a number of “Simply Clever” solutions, such as sliding tables, an ice scraper and an umbrella in the doors. The cabin features a large infotainment screen (up to 13 inches), a digital driver display and physical rotary buttons for quick control. Connectivity includes Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and wireless charging.
In terms of safety, the Kodiaq is among the best: it comes standard with pedestrian and cyclist detection systems, lane keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, up to nine airbags and ISOFIX mounting points on the front passenger seat.
Prices start at around €38,000, with seven-seat, all-wheel drive or plug-in hybrid versions costing more. But given the quality, space and technology, the Kodiaq offers excellent value for money.
Tesla Model Y: for IT dads who think differently
The Tesla Model Y is the only all-electric SUV in this selection and one of the most spacious. It offers more than 850 liters of space in the rear trunk and an additional 117 liters in the front. With the second row of seats folded, it offers more than 2,100 liters of space - which is more than many minivans.
The basic rear-wheel drive version develops 220 kW (299 hp) and offers a range of around 450 kilometers on a single charge. Electricity consumption is just 15 kWh/100 km. The Long Range and Performance versions add four-wheel drive and even more power, but are more expensive than our price threshold.
The interior is extremely minimalist – without classic buttons, all functions are controlled via a 15-inch central screen. This displays navigation, climate control, cameras, multimedia and more. Tesla does not support CarPlay or Android Auto, but it does have its own comprehensive connectivity, including streaming services and remote updates.
The Model Y is very safe: it receives the highest scores in Euro NCAP tests and includes a wide range of assistance systems – from autopilot with active lane guidance to automatic braking and pedestrian recognition.
The price of the Model Y RWD is around €45,000, but with government subsidies in some countries it can be reduced to around €40,000. Maintenance and fuel costs are significantly lower than those of classic SUVs. Tesla thus presents a modern, environmentally friendly family car with exceptional space and advanced technology.
Hyundai Santa Fe: a special one that is in this selection only for the brave – and we would choose it with pleasure
The Hyundai Santa Fe has undergone a design and technical overhaul in its fifth generation. The new boxy design offers the most spacious interior ever. The Santa Fe measures around 4.8 metres in length and is available with five, six or seven seats.
In the 5-seat version, the boot measures over 700 litres, and in the 7-seat version with the third row folded down, it measures 628 litres. When all the seats are folded down, it offers around 2,000 litres of space.
In Europe, only the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are available, both based on a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. The hybrid develops 230 hp, while the PHEV develops 265 hp and allows for up to 50 km of electric driving. Consumption is between 6 and 7 L/100 km, while the PHEV consumes around 1.8 L/100 km in optimal conditions.
The Santa Fe's interior is luxurious: quality materials, soft upholstery, heated and cooled seats, a large center screen and plenty of storage space. It offers a wide range of safety equipment as standard - from automatic braking to a 360-degree camera and highway driving assistance. A special feature is the display of a blind spot image on the digital dashboard when the turn signal is activated.
The price of the basic hybrid version starts at around €55,000, which is the highest on our list. But Hyundai offers a lot of equipment as standard, and an additional advantage is the 7-year factory warranty. Otherwise, our hidden favorite in the list – affordable large SUVs for families.
Comparison table: power, trunk, price
| Model | Power | Trunk | Price (EU) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geely Starray | 181 HP | 650L (1610L) | ~33.000 € |
| Dacia Bigster | 140–155 hp | 612–667 L | from ~25,000 € |
| Shame on the Kodiaq | 150–204 hp | up to 910 L | from ~35,000 € |
| Tesla Model Y | 299 hp | 854 L + 117 L front | ~40.000 €* |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | 230–265 hp | 628–711 L | from ~€55,000 |
Conclusion
In the class of affordable large SUVs for families, the differences are mainly in priorities:
- Geely Starray: offers the most equipment for the least money, but is an unproven brand.
- Dacia Bigster: maximizes usability and spaciousness at an extremely low price.
- Shame on the Kodiaq: an all-round winner – proven, spacious, economical and modern.
- Tesla Model Y: a technologically advanced electric choice with the most luggage space.
- Hyundai Santa Fe: a luxurious feel with top-notch amenities and spaciousness, but a higher price.
Final Thought: 5 Affordable Large SUVs for Families
Today, there is no longer a need to compromise between space, safety and price. The five SUVs presented prove that for less than €40,000, a modern family can find a vehicle that will serve as a reliable companion on all routes – from kindergarten and school to vacations and weekend getaways.
If you are looking for the most for the least money, it is Dacia Bigster an unbeatable choice. For those who want bolder design and rich equipment, but it might surprise you Geely Starray. Shame on the Kodiaq remains the golden mean – proven, spacious and versatile, with the option of seven seats. If you’re thinking about an electric future, it offers Tesla Model Y the best combination of range, technology and spaciousness. Hyundai Santa Fe is for those who want comfort that smells like premium class - without the price of premium brands.
Every family has its own priorities – so the choice cannot be generalized. But it is gratifying that the choice exists at all. Today, a family SUV is no longer a luxury, but a thoughtful investment in safe, comfortable and sustainable mobility.
We hope you found our list of 5 affordable large SUVs for families helpful. Which one will be yours? Maybe the one in which you first hear laughter from the back seat on the way to the seaside. Or the one that will get you home safely every day. Either way – have a good trip!
