12 Of The Best SUVs For Family Road Trips
Last summer, our family piled into our trusty SUV for a cross-country adventure that changed how I view road trips forever. The right SUV can transform a regular vacation into an unforgettable journey with enough space for kids, luggage, and those inevitable roadside treasures.
Whether you’re tackling mountain passes or cruising coastal highways, these family-friendly SUVs offer the perfect blend of comfort, safety, and fun for your next memory-making expedition.
1. Kia Telluride: The Value-Packed Champion
Crowned the darling of family SUVs, the Telluride delivers luxury vibes without the luxury price tag. The spacious interior comfortably seats eight passengers with room to spare for that overpacked cooler.
USB ports scattered throughout ensure no device goes uncharged during those “are we there yet?” moments. Plus, the driver-assist features practically navigate those winding mountain roads for you!
2. Honda Pilot: The Reliable Road Warrior
Reliability isn’t just a feature with the Honda Pilot—it’s practically baked into the chassis! Generations of families have crossed state lines in these trusty steeds, collecting memories and zero maintenance headaches along the way.
The configurable seating allows for endless arrangements of kids, coolers, and camping gear. Those hidden storage compartments? Perfect for stashing emergency snacks away from hungry little passengers!
3. Toyota Highlander Hybrid: The Eco-Friendly Explorer
Say goodbye to budget-busting gas station visits! The Highlander Hybrid sips fuel like a polite dinner guest while hauling your crew across state lines.
Those savings can fund extra ice cream stops—parenting win! Smooth handling makes mountain switchbacks feel like suburban streets.
The panoramic moonroof transforms backseat boredom into stargazing adventures when the sun sets on your day of exploring.
4. Subaru Ascent: The All-Weather Adventurer
Mother Nature throwing a tantrum? The Ascent just shrugs. With standard all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, this SUV transforms treacherous conditions into minor inconveniences.
Nineteen cup holders mean every family member’s hydration needs are covered twice over! The three-zone climate control prevents the age-old battle of “I’m freezing” vs. “I’m burning up” that seems to plague every family journey.
5. Chevrolet Traverse: The Space Master
Who needs a moving van? The Traverse boasts cargo space that borders on ridiculous—98.2 cubic feet with seats folded flat! Family of basketball players? No problem—headroom for days. Smart Slide seating makes accessing the third row a breeze, not an Olympic event.
The hidden storage compartment under the rear cargo floor is perfect for hiding souvenirs from curious kids until you get home.
6. Ford Expedition: The Road Trip Royalty
Feeling like your family needs separate zip codes? The Expedition’s massive cabin might just be your sanity saver. This road-dominating beast turns 10-hour drives into comfortable cruises with seats that could make your living room furniture jealous.
Power-folding everything means no more wrestling with stubborn seats. The independent rear suspension smooths out bumps so effectively that sleeping kids stay sleeping—and that’s worth its weight in gold!
7. Hyundai Palisade: The Tech-Loaded Traveler
Digital natives, rejoice! The Palisade packs enough tech to make Silicon Valley jealous. The intercom system lets you speak to third-row passengers without shouting—perfect for when you spot that moose without waking the baby.
Heated and ventilated seats in both first AND second rows? Revolutionary for ending sibling climate wars! The quiet mode feature redirects audio to the front seats only, allowing parents to enjoy music while kids snooze in blissful silence.
8. Volkswagen Atlas: The German-Engineered Giant
German precision meets American-sized proportions in this spacious autobahn-worthy hauler. The Atlas offers a third row that actually fits adults—no contortionist certificate required! Flat-folding seats create a cargo floor so level you could practice your putting.
The digital cockpit displays navigation right between the gauges, so you’ll never miss that crucial exit while the kids are having a meltdown in the back.
9. Jeep Grand Cherokee L: The Off-Road Luxury Liner
Mud-splattered adventures by day, fancy restaurant parking by night—the Grand Cherokee L plays both roles flawlessly. The legendary 4×4 capability means that scenic overlook without a proper road? Totally accessible.
Quadra-Lift air suspension adjusts your height based on terrain, like automotive platform shoes. The McIntosh sound system transforms your playlist into a concert hall experience, making those long stretches of highway fly by in acoustic bliss.
10. Nissan Pathfinder: The Reinvented Classic
Back and bolder than ever, the redesigned Pathfinder reclaims its adventure-ready heritage while adding modern family essentials. The EZ Flex seating system lets kids access the third row even with car seats installed—a small miracle in the parenting universe!
Towing capacity that handles your boat with ease means lake vacations just got more exciting. The motion-activated liftgate opens with a kick—incredibly helpful when your arms are full of groceries, camping gear, or overtired toddlers.
11. Volvo XC90: The Safety Superstar
Swedish safety obsession meets family-friendly design in this Scandinavian standout. The XC90 wraps your precious cargo in more safety features than a bubble wrap factory, with collision avoidance that seems almost clairvoyant.
The crystal gear selector adds a touch of luxury that makes you feel fancy even with Cheerios crushed into the carpet. Four-zone climate control means everyone gets their perfect temperature—potentially preventing at least seven arguments per hour of driving.
12. GMC Yukon: The Full-Size Fortress
Traveling with an entire soccer team or just want to feel like you’re commanding a luxury yacht on wheels? The Yukon’s massive presence and plush interior turn ordinary journeys into first-class expeditions.
The power-sliding center console creates flexible storage options that adapt to your needs. Magnetic ride control suspension reads the road 1,000 times per second, delivering a ride so smooth your full coffee cup won’t spill even on pothole-riddled highways.