Top 10 SUVs for Family Road Trips
When planning a family road trip, it’s essential to select an SUV that can comfortably accommodate all your needs and make the miles between destinations more enjoyable. Whether you’re taking a long drive through the mountains or hitting the roads across America, here are 10 top-rated SUVs for all of your family road trip necessities.
1. Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is a three-row SUV that provides room for up to eight passengers. Powered by its turbocharged engine and hybrid powertrain, it boasts impressive fuel economy and performance numbers.
For 2023, the Highlander receives a minor upgrade that adds a 12.3-inch infotainment display to higher trim levels and larger digital gauge clusters on Limited and Platinum models. Furthermore, XLE and XSE versions gain power-folding exterior mirrors.
2. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is an impressive family SUV that’s fun to drive and offers great comfort – which have helped it become one of the world’s best-selling vehicles.
With so many trims and options to choose from, there’s sure to be a RAV4 that meets your needs and lifestyle perfectly. There are also plenty of great features that will make your next road trip easier, like the available wireless smartphone charging system and Smart Key System.
3. Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is a top choice among families due to its array of features and benefits, such as ample cargo space, an impressive list of safety components, and various trim levels to choose from.
The Explorer is one of the world’s best-selling SUVs, and for good reason. It can easily accommodate seven passengers or fold down both second and third rows to make it ideal for family road trips.
4. Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is an ideal family road trip companion, providing plenty of room and a comfortable ride. Plus, it boasts impressive safety ratings at an unbeatable value price point.
The 2023 Subaru Outback boasts a number of safety features, such as EyeSight version 4 with stereoscopic cameras and lane centering, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking system and redesigned infotainment system with physical controls.
5. Mercedes-Benz GLE
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is an ideal family vehicle, boasting plenty of features and technology. Additionally, it’s one of the most dependable SUVs on the market.
The GLE boasts an array of safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, active braking and automatic emergency braking. Plus, it comes equipped with a semi-autonomous driving mode for added peace of mind.
6. Chevrolet Tahoe
If you need a large SUV that can transport both people and cargo, the Chevrolet Tahoe is worth considering. This heavy-duty truck-based model offers an impressive set of features and technologies designed to keep everyone safe.
Every 2022 Chevy Tahoe comes standard with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, as well as lane keeping assist and lane departure warning. These are in addition to high beam assist, front/rear park assist and blind-spot monitoring.
7. Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is a top choice among families seeking an SUV that provides off-road capability. Plus, its intuitive technology makes driving more enjoyable for drivers of all ages.
The Wrangler boasts a powerful V6 engine that delivers plenty of power both on and off the road. Plus, it’s fuel efficient for its size and performance level; averaging 18 mpg in city, 23 mpg on the highway for automatic models, and 16 mpg when manual is selected.
8. Nissan Pathfinder
For a rugged SUV that’s ready to tackle all kinds of road trips, the Nissan Pathfinder is your perfect match. Not only is it built to handle serious miles and changing weather conditions, but also provides plenty of comfort and luxury for everyone in your family.
The 2018 Pathfinder boasts a sleek exterior and the newest driver-assist tech. Plus, its second row bench can be folded flat and slides forward for extra cargo room.
9. Toyota 4Runner
If you’re searching for a vehicle to take your family on road trips, the Toyota 4Runner is an ideal option. This midsize SUV features impressive off-road capability and provides plenty of room in its spacious cabin.
Toyota Safety Sense P package boasts a variety of safety features to protect you while you drive.
10. Kia Telluride
Kia’s three-row Telluride is one of the top family SUVs on the market, boasting a stylish interior, impressive fuel economy and plenty of convenience and safety features.
The Telluride is equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower and connects to an 8-speed automatic transmission. It also offers all-wheel drive as well as a top towing rating of 5,500 pounds.