Road trips are a favorite way to explore new places, enjoy scenic routes, and create lasting memories. But the success of any road trip depends heavily on the vehicle chosen for the journey.
SUVs have become the preferred option for many travelers due to their spacious interiors, comfortable ride, and ability to handle various terrains.
However, not every SUV is built the same when it comes to enduring long hours on the road without giving its passengers and driver a reason to complain.
Reliability, comfort, fuel efficiency, cargo space, and driving ease are all crucial factors when selecting an SUV that can take on the miles and keep everyone happy.
Choosing an SUV for road trips means thinking beyond just looks or brand popularity. It’s about a vehicle’s ability to keep running smoothly day after day, offering a ride that doesn’t wear down the driver or passengers, and having enough room for luggage, gear, and sometimes pets.
While some SUVs excel in luxury, others focus on ruggedness or efficiency, but the best road trip SUVs find a balance. For families, solo travelers, or groups of friends, having a dependable vehicle can turn a potentially exhausting trip into a relaxing adventure.
In this article, nine SUVs stand out for their proven performance on long journeys. These models have built reputations for endurance, comfort, and minimal maintenance worries, ensuring that drivers don’t have to stop constantly for repairs or complaints from passengers.
The choices range from midsize to larger SUVs, each offering a unique combination of features suited to different kinds of road trips. Whether you’re headed across the country or planning weekend getaways, these vehicles are well-equipped to handle the challenge.
We will explore the strengths of each SUV, focusing on what makes them special for extended travel. From fuel efficiency and cabin comfort to reliability and cargo space, these are the SUVs that can survive road trips without complaints.
This guide aims to help travelers make informed decisions so their journeys are as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
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1. Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander has long been regarded as a reliable and comfortable midsize SUV that performs well on long drives. Its reputation stems from Toyota’s emphasis on building vehicles that last, with many Highlanders reaching high mileage without major issues.
For road trips, this durability is essential. The Highlander provides a smooth ride that absorbs bumps and rough patches with ease, which reduces fatigue on long stretches of highway or winding country roads.
The suspension strikes a good balance between comfort and control, so passengers remain relaxed throughout the trip.
Inside, the Highlander offers ample seating space for up to eight passengers, with an optional third row that can be folded down to create extra cargo room.
This flexibility is perfect for travelers who carry large amounts of luggage or equipment. The seats are supportive and comfortable, which matters when you’re sitting for hours.
Additionally, the interior design prioritizes user-friendly controls and a straightforward infotainment system, reducing driver distraction and making it easy to manage music, navigation, or climate settings while on the move.
Fuel economy is another important factor for road trip vehicles, and the Highlander offers decent numbers for its size.
The hybrid version, in particular, provides an excellent balance between power and efficiency, making it an economical choice for those covering thousands of miles. Being able to save on fuel without sacrificing performance means fewer stops at the pump and more time enjoying the journey.
Finally, Toyota’s reputation for reliability means that the Highlander comes with strong resale value and lower maintenance costs over time.
It has received consistently high marks in reliability surveys and crash test ratings, which adds to peace of mind for families and solo travelers alike. For those seeking an SUV that can withstand the rigors of the road and keep everyone comfortable and safe, the Toyota Highlander remains one of the best choices.
2. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV that has earned widespread acclaim for its practical design and excellent reliability. Its reputation as a vehicle that can handle long trips without issues has made it a favorite for travelers who want a balance between size, fuel economy, and passenger comfort.
The CR-V’s engine delivers enough power to merge confidently on highways and climb steep grades, yet it maintains impressive fuel efficiency, which is a vital consideration for extended journeys.
One of the CR-V’s strong points for road trips is its spacious and thoughtfully designed interior. It offers plenty of headroom and legroom for front and rear passengers, which is essential when spending many hours inside the vehicle. The seats are supportive and comfortable, and the cabin benefits from a quiet ride that minimizes outside noise. This contributes to a less tiring driving experience and allows passengers to enjoy conversations or entertainment without distraction.
Cargo space is generous for a compact SUV, with the rear seats folding down easily to expand the storage area. This flexibility allows travelers to carry everything from suitcases and camping gear to sports equipment.
Additionally, the CR-V’s user-friendly infotainment system integrates with smartphones, making navigation and music streaming straightforward, which is crucial for staying connected and entertained on the road.
Finally, the CR-V has earned a strong reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs. Honda’s engineering focus on durability ensures fewer unexpected repairs, allowing drivers to focus on the trip itself.
Its combination of comfort, efficiency, and dependability makes the CR-V a top contender for those looking for an SUV that can survive road trips without complaints.
3. Subaru Outback
While technically classified as a wagon, the Subaru Outback often falls into SUV discussions due to its ruggedness, spaciousness, and all-wheel-drive system.
The Outback is designed to handle diverse terrains, which makes it a favorite for road trip enthusiasts who venture off the beaten path. Its standard all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction in rain, snow, or gravel, enhancing safety and control during long drives that may include unpredictable road conditions.
The Outback offers a comfortable and quiet cabin, designed to reduce driver fatigue over extended trips. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, with enough room for five adults to travel comfortably.
The ride quality is smooth, absorbing most bumps and road imperfections. The vehicle’s elevated ground clearance also allows it to tackle rougher roads without compromising comfort or risking damage.
Cargo space is impressive, with a large rear cargo area and flexible storage solutions. This is especially important for road trips that require carrying bulky gear such as bicycles, camping equipment, or ski gear.
Subaru’s reputation for reliability and the Outback’s robust build quality make it a trustworthy companion for long-distance travel.
The Outback’s fuel economy is competitive for its class, and its suite of safety features, including driver assistance systems, provides additional reassurance during lengthy drives. It is an SUV alternative that combines utility, safety, and comfort, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile vehicle that won’t complain on the road.
4. Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is a classic American SUV with a long history of being a solid choice for families and road travelers alike.
It offers a spacious interior with three rows of seats, accommodating up to seven passengers, which is a significant advantage for larger groups or those who need extra seating. The Explorer’s ride quality is tuned to absorb road imperfections, delivering a comfortable experience even on extended trips across varied terrain.
The Explorer comes with powerful engine options, including turbocharged and V6 variants, allowing it to handle highways, steep inclines, and towing needs without struggling.
This power contributes to a confident driving experience that reduces stress during long hauls. Although it’s a larger SUV, the fuel efficiency remains reasonable for its size, particularly with the EcoBoost engine options.
Inside, the Explorer boasts a modern infotainment system with large touchscreens and smartphone integration, which enhances the convenience of navigation and entertainment.
The cabin also offers multiple USB ports and ample storage compartments, which help keep passengers’ belongings organized on the road. Additionally, advanced safety features come standard or as options, making it a dependable choice for family trips.
Cargo space behind the third row is adequate, and folding down rear seats can create a significant cargo area for luggage and gear.
For travelers who want a roomy, powerful, and comfortable SUV that can withstand the demands of long road trips, the Ford Explorer is a reliable pick that balances capability and comfort.
5. Chevrolet Tahoe
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV that excels when it comes to space, power, and towing capacity. For road trips involving large families, groups, or hauling trailers and boats, the Tahoe offers an abundance of room and performance to get the job done.
Its robust V8 engines provide strong acceleration and the ability to tow heavy loads, which is valuable for adventurers who bring along additional equipment.
The Tahoe’s interior is roomy, with three rows of seats designed to accommodate up to nine passengers, depending on the configuration. The seats are generally comfortable for long drives, although some passengers may prefer higher trims for upgraded cushioning and luxury touches.
The ride is smooth despite the SUV’s size, thanks to advanced suspension systems that manage to keep road vibrations to a minimum.
Cargo space is vast, and the flexibility to fold down seats allows for carrying large items without issue. This capacity makes the Tahoe a practical choice for extended road trips where gear and luggage volumes tend to increase.
Technology features in the Tahoe, such as large touchscreen displays and connectivity options, ensure that drivers and passengers remain entertained and informed throughout the journey.
Fuel economy is understandably lower compared to smaller SUVs, but the Tahoe compensates with its strength, durability, and ample room.
For travelers prioritizing space and towing ability on long trips, the Chevrolet Tahoe stands out as a vehicle that can handle road trips without complaints.
6. Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact SUV known for its driving dynamics, comfortable interior, and refined design. It offers a more engaging driving experience compared to many SUVs in its class, which can make long highway miles feel less monotonous.
The CX-5’s precise steering, responsive engine options, and composed handling contribute to a confident ride, especially on winding roads.
Comfort inside the CX-5 with well-contoured seats that support the body over long distances. The cabin is quiet, which helps reduce fatigue and allows for easy conversation or listening to music without interference from road noise.
Although it is a compact SUV, the CX-5 manages to offer sufficient rear seat space for adults and reasonable cargo capacity for luggage or outdoor gear.
Fuel efficiency is one of the CX-5’s strengths, making it an economical choice for travelers who want to minimize stops and costs. The Mazda’s fuel economy figures compare favorably to those of others in the segment, making it a practical option for those who want both style and substance.
Mazda’s focus on quality materials and attention to detail ensures the CX-5 has an upscale feel not always found in compact SUVs. Safety features are also well-represented, with driver assistance technologies that enhance confidence and reduce stress on long trips.
For individuals or small families looking for a compact SUV that is fun to drive and reliable, the Mazda CX-5 is an excellent pick.
7. Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a midsize SUV celebrated for its off-road capabilities, comfortable interior, and powerful engine options.
Its rugged nature makes it a favorite among travelers who plan to explore less-traveled roads, yet it remains equally comfortable for highway driving. The Grand Cherokee’s ride quality is smooth, and its suspension can be adjusted in higher trims to enhance comfort or off-road performance.
Inside, the Grand Cherokee offers roomy seats with a mix of comfort and support, suitable for extended hours on the road. The materials used throughout the cabin are generally high quality, contributing to an upscale feel.
Technology features include a user-friendly infotainment system with smartphone integration, navigation, and various safety aids that add to driver confidence during long trips.
The SUV’s towing capacity is also significant, enabling users to haul trailers, boats, or campers, which is valuable for certain types of vacations. Cargo space is adequate, and folding down the rear seats allows for additional storage when needed.
The Grand Cherokee’s blend of luxury, ruggedness, and technology makes it a versatile option for those who want an SUV capable of enduring long road trips in comfort.
Fuel economy is average for the class but balanced by the power and capabilities offered. The Jeep Grand Cherokee remains a popular choice for travelers who want a vehicle ready for both paved roads and adventurous detours without complaint.
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8. Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is a relatively new entrant in the midsize SUV segment but has quickly gained praise for its spacious, upscale interior and solid reliability.
Designed with families and groups in mind, the Palisade offers three rows of comfortable seats and abundant features that enhance the road trip experience. Its ride quality is smooth and composed, absorbing bumps and rough pavement to keep passengers relaxed.
One of the Palisade’s standout qualities is its well-designed cabin, which includes soft-touch materials, intuitive controls, and a large infotainment display. Passengers enjoy generous legroom and supportive seating, making even the longest journeys pleasant.
The Palisade also boasts a host of standard safety features, including driver assistance technologies that reduce stress and improve confidence on highways and unfamiliar roads.
Fuel economy is competitive for a vehicle of its size, and the engine provides enough power to handle loaded trips and towing without feeling strained.
The cargo area is generous, especially with the third row folded, allowing ample room for luggage, sports equipment, or other essentials. Reliability ratings for the Palisade are strong, reflecting Hyundai’s growing reputation for quality and dependability.
The Hyundai Palisade represents a well-rounded, comfortable, and capable SUV that can endure long road trips with ease, making it a worthy consideration for families and groups seeking a modern and reliable vehicle.
9. Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride has quickly become a favorite in the SUV market thanks to its blend of style, comfort, and capability.
Its spacious three-row seating accommodates families and groups comfortably, while its refined interior and advanced technology features make long trips more enjoyable. The Telluride’s smooth ride quality helps reduce driver and passenger fatigue, which is crucial on extended journeys.
Power comes from a robust V6 engine that provides confident acceleration and the ability to handle highway passing and mountain roads without issue.
Despite its size, the Telluride offers fuel efficiency numbers that compare well within its class. This efficiency translates into fewer fuel stops and more uninterrupted travel time.
The interior design is modern and practical, with ample storage compartments and user-friendly infotainment options.
Passengers have access to multiple charging ports and creature comforts like heated seats in higher trims, all of which contribute to a pleasant travel environment. Safety ratings for the Telluride are strong, with numerous standard and available driver assistance features to keep occupants safe.
Cargo space is generous, and the seats fold down to expand the storage area for luggage, gear, or larger items. Kia’s reputation for reliability and long warranty coverage adds extra peace of mind, making the Telluride an SUV that can handle road trips without complaints, combining comfort, style, and dependability.
10. Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas is a midsize SUV designed with spaciousness and comfort in mind, making it a solid option for long road trips. Its standout feature is the roomy interior, which comfortably seats seven passengers across three rows.
The second-row seats slide and recline, allowing passengers to adjust their space and maximize comfort on extended journeys. The third row is also surprisingly spacious for adults, which is an advantage compared to many competitors.
On the road, the Atlas offers a composed and smooth ride that absorbs road imperfections well. Its handling is stable and predictable, giving drivers confidence behind the wheel during long hours of driving.
The engine options, including a turbocharged four-cylinder and a V6, provide sufficient power for highway cruising, merging, and hill climbs, while maintaining reasonable fuel economy for a vehicle of its size.
The cabin includes user-friendly technology with an infotainment system that integrates well with smartphones, making navigation and entertainment easy to manage during a trip.
Ample storage compartments throughout the vehicle help keep belongings organized, which is helpful on lengthy trips when passengers tend to bring more items.
Cargo space in the Atlas is generous, especially when the third row is folded flat, offering plenty of room for luggage, outdoor gear, or bulky items.
Volkswagen has also focused on safety, equipping the Atlas with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, which adds to the peace of mind during long drives. For families or groups who prioritize space and comfort, the Volkswagen Atlas is a capable and complaint-free road trip SUV.
11. Nissan Pathfinder
The Nissan Pathfinder is a midsize SUV that balances comfort, power, and capability, making it a dependable choice for extended road trips. It offers three rows of seating that can accommodate up to seven passengers, with ample legroom and headroom in all rows.
The seats are designed for comfort, with supportive cushioning and a layout that allows for easy entry and exit, which is appreciated during frequent stops on long journeys.
Under the hood, the Pathfinder is equipped with a V6 engine that provides smooth acceleration and sufficient power for highway driving and towing.
Its suspension is tuned to offer a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and rough pavement to reduce fatigue for both driver and passengers. The SUV also handles well for its size, offering stable and confident handling on a variety of road conditions.
Inside, the Pathfinder’s cabin includes a well-thought-out infotainment system with smartphone compatibility and easy-to-use controls.
The interior is spacious and quiet, creating a relaxing environment that is especially valuable on long drives. Passengers have access to multiple USB ports and storage areas, which helps keep devices charged and personal items organized.
Cargo capacity is generous, especially with the third row folded flat, allowing travelers to bring along luggage, sports equipment, or camping gear without sacrificing passenger space.
Nissan has made strides in safety as well, offering numerous driver assistance features as standard or optional equipment, enhancing confidence for drivers covering long distances. The Pathfinder’s blend of comfort, power, and versatility makes it an SUV well-suited for enduring road trips without complaints.
12. Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner is a rugged midsize SUV that is popular among outdoor enthusiasts and road trip veterans for its durability and off-road capability.
While its design leans toward adventure and toughness, it remains comfortable enough for long highway drives, making it a versatile choice for travelers who want to combine paved roads with more challenging terrain.
The 4Runner’s body-on-frame construction contributes to its strength and longevity, traits that inspire confidence on extended trips.
Inside, the 4Runner provides comfortable seating for up to seven passengers when equipped with the third-row option. The seats are supportive and built to withstand heavy use, though the interior style is more utilitarian than luxurious.
The cabin is relatively quiet for an off-road SUV, and the ride quality balances firmness with enough cushioning to handle daily driving as well as long-distance cruising.
The 4Runner’s cargo space is generous, particularly when the third row is folded down, allowing for significant storage of luggage and gear.
Its roof rails and available accessories make it easy to carry bikes, kayaks, or additional cargo, which is ideal for travelers planning outdoor adventures during their road trips.
Performance-wise, the 4Runner is powered by a reliable V6 engine that provides solid acceleration and the ability to handle steep grades and rugged paths. The SUV’s four-wheel-drive system, available in many trims, ensures excellent traction in adverse conditions such as mud, snow, or gravel.
Although the fuel economy is lower compared to more road-focused SUVs, the 4Runner’s toughness and dependability make it an ideal vehicle for travelers who want an SUV that can survive the road and off-road challenges without complaint.
13. Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave is a midsize luxury SUV that combines comfort, style, and capability, making it a great choice for long road trips.
Its spacious three-row cabin comfortably seats seven passengers, with plenty of legroom and supportive seating that keeps everyone relaxed even after hours on the road. The interior is crafted with high-quality materials and features a quiet cabin, which minimizes outside noise and helps reduce travel fatigue for both driver and passengers.
Under the hood, the Enclave is powered by a smooth and responsive V6 engine that delivers ample power for highway cruising and overtaking maneuvers.
Despite its size, the Enclave offers decent fuel efficiency for the segment, helping reduce the number of fuel stops on extended trips. The ride quality is excellent, with a suspension system designed to absorb bumps and keep the drive smooth, even on rougher pavement or less-than-ideal roads.
Technology plays a big role in enhancing the road trip experience in the Enclave. It comes equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system, touchscreen controls, smartphone integration, and multiple USB ports, keeping all passengers connected and entertained.
The vehicle also offers numerous safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, which help lessen driver stress on long journeys.
Cargo space is ample, especially when the third row is folded down, allowing travelers to pack all their essentials, from luggage to outdoor gear.
The Enclave’s blend of luxury, comfort, and practical features makes it a strong contender for those who want an SUV that survives road trips without complaints, offering a smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride for all occupants.
