Road trippers know: Your car matters. It wasn’t that long ago that, as we planned our summer trips—this summer, next and the one beyond, as well college tours and eventually dorm move-ins—we considered our car, too: would it be able to handle the people, the stuff and the miles?
In fact, the more we thought about it, we realized that SUVs for road trips are the ideal way to go more places with the flexibility that air travel just doesn’t allow.
The best road trip SUVs have a few things in common: first, for a family, a 3-row is ideal; this gives you more space for coolers, luggage, shopping and for people to spread out and get comfortable. Many families may want a rear seat entertainment system, though not all SUVs offer them any longer so it’s a consideration if you want one built in. And then, reliability, fuel economy and driver assistance features are important on the road. With all that in mind, and excusing minivans, because we know how well they travel, these are the best SUVs for roads trips for families.
This story is 100% human researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
Reliable, Roomy and Comfortable: Toyota Grand Highlander
Road-tripping families who need space and comfort but also want good fuel economy inspired Toyota to go bigger in 2024, introducing the Grand Highlander, a truly spacious 3-row SUV. The Grand Highlander offers 3 powertrains: A gas model powered by a 4-cylinder hybrid that generates 265HP, a hybrid (245 HP) and a powerful hybrid max generates 362 HP. It’s larger than the Highlander and but smaller than the Sequoia and it has a large 3rd row with sizable cargo room as well as the option of AWD.
New, the Toyota Grand Highlander is priced from about $41,000, though some buyers may find a used 2024 or 2025 model from about $45,000.
All the Jeep Muscle, Plus a 3rd Row: Jeep Grand Cherokee L
We love the Jeep Grand Cherokee for its true 4WD capability and luxe interiors (in a Jeep? Yes!), as well as decent cargo space and a nice, high ground clearance ideal for clearing snow mounds and conquering muddy trails. But for practically forever we’ve wished it was just a tad longer and could seat two more people. Finally, in 2021 Jeep delivered the L, a longer wheelbase version of the Grand Cherokee and granted our wish. And all that extra seating space? It’s a simple $2K addition to the price of a standard Grand Cherokee, as is 4WD.
That makes the starting price of the Jeep Grand Cherokee L about $41,000 for a 3rd row and 4WD, though used you can find ’21 and ’22 models starting right around $30K.
The One to Beat for Space and Versatility: Chevy Traverse
This one is the OG: Chevrolet rolled out the Traverse in 2009 as the SUV alternative to the minivan. The Traverse not only spoiled families who needed to seat lots of people—and tall people at that—but changed the market, inspiring other automakers including Toyota, GMC and Jeep to build similarly sized AWD SUVs. Just last year Chevy introduced the newest version complete with a large front screen, more features and “Hey Google” voice activation.
The newest Traverse model has a starting price of about $41,000 and AWD adds about $2000 to the price; used newer Traverse models can be found for around $28,000 and up.
The Ultimate in Flexible SUVs for Road Trips: Honda Pilot
Honda gets families. As in, really gets them. The Honda Pilot is one of a few SUVs on the road that allows you to have both a center row bench and captains chairs; the middle bench seat can be removed and stowed in the cargo area. So, bench for carpools, captains chairs for road trips. And then, Honda added some of the other family-fave features, such as a passenger camera system and a “Social Playlist” that allows all passengers to play DJ.
New, the Honda Pilot starts at $40,200 and AWD adds $2,100; the removable middle seat is not available in the base or Trailsport models, however. Used (but newer) models start at about $30,000.
The Larger, More Lovely Mazda CX-90 Is a Great SUV For Road Trips
Not long ago, Mazda added a new flagship to its lineup, and made it one of the most flexible 3-rows on the road: The Mazda CX-90 (which replaces the CX-9). Keeping to Mazda’s ethos of performance and style, buyers can opt for 6, 7 or 8 seats, leatherette or with leather, a panoramic sunroof and other luxuries. We love that it preserves the style of Mazda on the exterior but adds even more of a premium feel inside.
The CX-90’s commitment to performance means plenty of engine options: an in-line 6-cylinder that delivers 280 HP, a more powerful 6-cylinder that delivers 340 HP or a plug-in hybrid that delivers 323 HP and 26 miles of all electric driving. The Mazda CX-90 is priced from $38,000.
The Classic Road Trip SUV: Volvo XC90
Volvo has long been the go-to for families thanks to its reputation for safety. And that commitment remains, but Volvo has added even more luxury and elegance to its family-friendly frame. For 2025 Volvo added upgrades to the Volvo XC90 SUV, including subtle new exterior details, new captains chairs (with cup holders in the arm rests!), a new multimedia touchscreen featuring Hey Google voice assistance and a more efficient plug-in electric hybrid powertrain.
The XC90 is powered by a 4-cylinder mild-hybrid that generates 247 HP, tows up to 5,000 lbs. and is priced from just under $60,000. Newer used models are priced from about $30,000.
Smart, Stylish and Comfortable: VW Atlas
When VW introduced the Atlas in 2018 we were instantly smitten: its chiseled good looks—which have hardly changed since—its roomy interior and a design that was truly intended for families won us over (the story of how VW developed the Atlas is a good one!). But the company didn’t stop there; each year and with each update, this 3-row SUV just gets better; it now has more exterior lighting, standard leatherette seating, more interior light choices and voice-activated assistance, as well as better technology.
The VW Atlas, powered by a 4-cylinder turbo that generates 269 HP, starts at $38,200 and AWD can be added for $1,900. Newer but still used models start at about $25,000.
We Knew Kia Loved Us When They Brought Us the Telluride
This is the SUV that was missing from the world of nicely made, nicely-equipped Korean cars, but we weren’t ready for what Kia had up its sleeve when it introduced the Kia Telluride in 2020: A modern SUV with old-school appeal. This baby ‘Rover’ looked posh and rugged, but on the inside delivered all the tech and comforts we’ve come to love about Kia, as well as winning top honors for quality. The world was smitten; it took a few years for Kia to catch up with demand. Production is on track and Kia even added a few new models to the lineup for more style and capability.
The Kia Telluride, powered by a V6 that delivers 291 HP, is priced from about $36,000 and AWD adds about $2,000. Used models with lower mileage start at about $30,000
The Elegant, Modern and Affordable Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai redesigned the formerly 5-passenger Santa Fe recently and really surprised us with this modern, rugged, boxy 3-row design that is truly all about comfort and space. Three ample rows of seating, lots of passenger comforts and top tech are complimented by things like an optional panoramic sunroof, quilted leather seats in the top of the line and an easy to drive powertrain—the 4-cylinder turbo engine generates 277 HP, AWD can be added for $1,800, and there’s a hybrid option, too.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is priced from $34,300, but don’t bother shopping it used yet, unless the old body style without a 3rd row is what has your eye.
The Big Daddy of SUVs: Ford Expedition
Ford gave the Expedition a makeover for 2025 making it not just road-trip worthy, but also possibly the ultimate overlander, camp-site friendly and off-road natural in the Tremor edition. We love all the travel-friendly features, including the picnic table that tucks into the cargo area, the work lights and versatile seats that allow for maximum cargo stowage.
New, the Ford Expedition is priced from $62,000 and is powered by a V6 engine that generates 400 HP and can tow up to 9,600 lbs.; we found 2020 models with about 60K miles selling for about $36,000.
The Original Family SUV: Chevy Suburban
Who doesn’t know someone who grew up being carpooled in a Suburban? Or who carpooled their kids in a Suburban? This full-size SUV built on the same platform as the Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck is all that: 3 spacious rows of seating, lots of passenger comforts and true 4WD. For 2024, Chevy redesigned the Suburban (and it’s slightly shorter sibling, the Tahoe) to add more passenger comforts, new screens and more luxe details. Powered by a V8 engine, it delivers 355 HP and 7,400 lbs. of tow capacity.
The 2025 Chevy Suburban starts at $62,000 and 4WD adds about $3,000 to the price; newer used models start in the mid-$40K range.
The New Classic: Nissan Armada
Nissan was the lucky duck that got the best name for an SUV: The Armada. And the name says it all: A ship-like SUV that is ready for any sort of battle, even if it’s just highway traffic. or the carpool pick-up lane at school. But the Armada, which was redesigned for 2025, is truly capable for families with great seating, legroom and headroom, a new multimedia system with a screen that spans the front dashboard, a spiffy new look outside and standard 4WD drive capability.
Powered by a turbo V6 engine that generates 425 HP, the Nissan Armada can tow up to 8,500 lbs. and is priced from $56,500. Newer used models can be found from about $25,000.
A Classic Returns Even More Classically: Jeep Wagoneer
If adding the Grand Cherokee L to the lineup didn’t demonstrate Jeep’s commitment to families enough, the company cemented the deal with the addition of the Wagoneer (and its posher sibling, the Grand Wagoneer, above). This heritage brand, the original family SUV, was brought back in 2022 to fill the need for a truly full-sized SUV that fits everything a family needs, from space for knees and elbows to room for sport bags full of kneepads and elbow guards.
Then, Jeep added plenty of Easter Eggs, something the brand is known for, making the interior not just luxe, but also a fun hunt for iconography. Powered by a 6-cylinder engine that generates 420 HP and can tow up to 5,890 lbs., the Jeep Wagoneer is priced from about $63,000; add $3,000 for 4WD. Used, the Wagoneer can be found starting in the high $30K range.
Well, now you have a lot more to think about. But having a lot of choices is a good thing. Happy road trip planning!
