When it comes to family road trips, not all pickup trucks are created equal.
While many are designed primarily for work or off-road performance, certain models combine comfort, spacious cabins, and modern features that make them excellent for long drives with the whole family.
Key factors to consider include rear-seat space, ride quality, fuel economy, safety features, and storage options.
Trucks with cramped cabins or harsh suspensions may be great for hauling or towing but can quickly become uncomfortable for long-distance travel. With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of the best and worst trucks for family road trips.
Pickup Trucks That Excel on Family Road Trips
Planning a family road trip means finding the right balance of comfort, space, safety, and capability, and today’s pickup trucks deliver all of that and more.
Modern pickups aren’t just workhorses; they’ve evolved into versatile family movers with refined interiors, smooth rides, advanced tech, and plenty of room for everyone and everything.
Whether you’re hauling luggage for a weekend getaway or towing a camper for a cross-country adventure, the best pickup trucks make the journey just as enjoyable as the destination. In this article, we highlight the top models that truly shine when it’s time to hit the open road with the whole family.
1. Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 is widely regarded as one of the most family-friendly trucks on the market. Its smooth suspension and quiet cabin make long drives far more enjoyable than most full-size pickups.
Crew cab versions provide generous rear legroom, perfect for car seats, older kids, or adult passengers.
Higher trims include luxurious touches such as leather seating, advanced infotainment systems, and multiple USB ports, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout the journey.
Although fuel economy is average, the combination of comfort, technology, and capability makes the Ram 1500 an ideal choice for extended family trips.
The Ram 1500 remains one of the top-selling full-size pickup trucks on the market. Known for its robust capability and well-appointed features, it stands as a versatile option that appeals to a wide range of truck shoppers.
Although Ram has long been associated with its legendary Hemi V-8, the brand is now outfitting the 1500 with potent six-cylinder engines designed to deliver better efficiency than the previous V-8s, while also offering increased power.
This next generation of Ram trucks aims to preserve what loyal owners already love while pushing the model forward.
For 2025, the Ram 1500 receives a refreshed exterior along with several enhancements meant to refine the truck’s already impressive formula.
The updated powertrains produce up to 540 horsepower, and upgrades such as a 14.5-inch infotainment screen further elevate the experience.
The 2025 model year also introduces two significant additions: the all-new Ramcharger plug-in hybrid and the Ram 1500 REV electric truck. These new variants broaden the lineup for buyers interested in improved fuel economy or a fully electric pickup powertrain.
Also Read: 10 Crossovers That Actually Deserve Their Popularity
2. Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 is another standout for family travel. Crew cab configurations offer ample rear-seat space, while technology features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and driver-assist systems keep both the driver and passengers entertained and safe.
Hybrid options help improve fuel efficiency on long trips, and the truck’s smooth highway ride ensures less fatigue on extended drives.
While certain trims focus on off-road or towing capabilities, selecting the right version balances power with comfort, making it a reliable companion for families on the road.
3. Toyota Tundra
The Toyota Tundra is a safe and reliable full-size pickup that performs well on family trips. Its CrewMax version offers exceptional rear-seat room and comfort, making it ideal for multiple passengers or car seats.
The Tundra’s reputation for dependability reduces concerns about mechanical issues on long journeys, and its strong safety ratings provide peace of mind.
While the Tundra may be more expensive and slightly less fuel-efficient than other trucks, its combination of space, safety, and reliability makes it an excellent choice for families.
The 2026 Tundra lineup closely mirrors the 2025 range, once again offering SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, TRD Pro, and Capstone trims.
Buyers can choose between Toyota’s i-Force twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 or, on the Limited and higher trims (and standard on the TRD Pro and Capstone), the hybrid-enhanced i-Force MAX version of the same engine.
Output remains unchanged: the gas-powered i-Force produces 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque (or 348 hp and 405 lb-ft on the entry-level SR), while the hybrid i-Force MAX boosts performance to 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft thanks to its 48-hp, 184-lb-ft electric motor positioned between the engine and transmission.
Toyota continues to offer both the Double Cab and the longer Crew Cab configurations, each with four doors, along with three bed lengths: 5.5 feet, 6.5 feet, and 8.1 feet. As before, not all combinations are available across every trim.
Toyota has made the once-optional 32.2-gallon fuel tank standard on all models. The Capstone trim receives a new Shale (light gray) textured leather interior, while the Limited now includes leather seating as standard, offered in black with white stitching or gray with black stitching.
Double Cab models also gain rear-seat air vents integrated into the back of the center console, and every Tundra now comes standard with a towing hitch and a 7/4-pin trailer connector.
Narrowing in further, Platinum and 1794 Edition models equipped with the TRD Off-Road package can now be optioned with power-deployable running boards.
Meanwhile, the SX package available on lower trims now features 20-inch wheels instead of the previous 18-inch set, in addition to the body-color accents it already included.
Tundras equipped with the TRD Rally package can now be ordered with a bundled TRD 3-inch Lift Kit and Tow Tech package, combining the TRD Rally components, the 3-inch lift, and the Tow Tech offerings into a single (and likely $10,000-plus) package.
The most significant updates come to the TRD Pro trim. It debuts a new exclusive color for 2026, “Wave Maker,” a bold light blue also offered on other 2026 TRD Pro models including the 4Runner, Tacoma, and Sequoia.
Toyota has also brought over the “Iso Dynamic” shock-absorbing front seats from the Tacoma TRD Pro.
You can read about how these seats function here, and it’s worth noting that a major drawback they had in the Tacoma, the significant space they require, appears to be resolved on the larger Tundra.
With its more generous rear-seat area, the Iso Dynamic seats and their complex shock-absorbing hardware are far less likely to encroach on rear passenger legroom compared with their impact in the Tacoma.
4. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a versatile and family-friendly truck with roomy crew cab configurations and a user-friendly infotainment system.
Its smooth ride, coupled with spacious seating, ensures passengers remain comfortable over long distances. Some trims offer advanced technology such as wireless charging and multiple USB ports, which is ideal for keeping kids occupied on road trips.
While some Silverado trims are designed for towing and may sacrifice comfort slightly, choosing a family-oriented version provides a strong balance of utility and convenience.
5. Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline is unique among midsize trucks for its car-like ride and family-oriented features. Its unibody construction ensures a smooth, quiet drive, while the interior offers ample space for passengers and gear.
Bed storage is versatile, making it practical for luggage, sports equipment, or picnic supplies.
While it doesn’t match full-size trucks in towing capacity, the Ridgeline excels in comfort, reliability, and practicality, making it an ideal choice for families who prioritize a pleasant driving experience on long trips.
The Honda Ridgeline received its last major update in 2021, which brought bolder styling, revised gearing, and the more aggressive-looking HPD package. It carries over into 2023 without any changes, and for this midsize pickup, that’s not necessarily a drawback.
The Ridgeline’s pleasant road manners and smart overall design continue to stand out. For 2023, it competes most directly with other midsize options such as the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Chevrolet Colorado.
The Honda Ridgeline delivers everything most buyers truly need in a pickup. Beyond clever touches like the in-bed trunk that can also be used as a cooler, its unibody platform enables car-like handling and ride comfort.
This is further supported by its fully independent suspension setup. The Ridgeline also offers respectable fuel economy and quick acceleration.
The 2023 Ridgeline isn’t without its drawbacks. Its towing capacity and off-road performance lag behind the segment leaders, and while the latest exterior updates give it a more rugged appearance, it may not fully convince shoppers who prefer the look of a traditional body-on-frame truck.
The Ridgeline remains a strong contender for buyers who prioritize everyday comfort and drivability over top-tier capability. It continues to handle most typical truck tasks while maintaining smooth dynamics and a refined driving experience.
Every 2023 Honda Ridgeline is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
Honda pairs this engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Since the 2021 update, the Ridgeline features shorter gearing, enabling a quick 0–60 mph time of 6.3 seconds. The EPA rated the 2022 model at 18/24 mpg city/highway.
Also Read: 10 Least Reliable Cars With CVT Transmissions To Avoid
Pickup Trucks Less Suited for Family Road Trips
Not every pickup truck is built with family comfort or long-distance travel in mind. While many modern trucks offer refined cabins and road-trip-ready features, others still prioritize rugged capability over passenger comfort, efficiency, or ride quality.
For families planning long highway journeys, certain pickups may fall short when it comes to space, smoothness, tech, or overall convenience.
In this article, we take a closer look at the trucks that are less ideal for family road trips, so you know which models might leave you wanting more when the miles start adding up.
1. Jeep Gladiator
While the Jeep Gladiator is excellent off-road, it is not the best choice for extended family trips. Rear-seat space is limited, and the ride can be harsh, especially on highways or with removable doors and roof panels.
The Gladiator is fun for weekend adventures, but families seeking comfort on long drives may find it tiring and noisy.
The Honda Ridgeline underwent its most recent major update in 2021, gaining a tougher exterior design, revised gearing, and the more aggressive-looking HPD package. For 2023, it returns unchanged, and for a midsize truck like this, that’s not necessarily a drawback.
The Ridgeline continues to impress with its friendly on-road behavior and well-thought-out packaging. In this segment, the 2023 Ridgeline most directly competes with rivals such as the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Chevrolet Colorado.
The Honda Ridgeline offers everything most buyers realistically need from a pickup. Beyond clever touches like the in-bed trunk that can double as a cooler, its unibody design gives it handling and ride comfort similar to a crossover.
This is further enhanced by its fully independent suspension. The Ridgeline also provides respectable fuel economy and strong acceleration.
That said, the 2023 Ridgeline isn’t without shortcomings. Its towing capacity and off-road capability remain below that of some competitors.
And even though the updated styling gives it a more assertive look, it still may not satisfy shoppers who want a truck with the traditional body-on-frame aesthetic.
Ultimately, the Ridgeline is a compelling choice for those who value everyday comfort and drivability more than segment-leading capability. It handles the typical truck duties while maintaining a smooth, composed driving experience.
All 2023 Honda Ridgelines come equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
A nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard on every model. Since the 2021 update, the Ridgeline features shorter gearing, enabling a quick 0–60 mph run of 6.3 seconds. The EPA rated the 2022 model at 18/24 mpg city/highway.
2. Toyota Tacoma (Older Models)
Older Toyota Tacoma models, especially pre-2024 versions, have tight rear seats and a less comfortable seating posture, which can make long drives uncomfortable for passengers.
While reliable and capable, their small cabins limit space for multiple passengers or gear, making them less practical for family road trips.
The 2022 Toyota Tacoma excels at work tasks and shines in off-road environments, but its tight cabin and less polished driving characteristics make it feel rougher around the edges compared to many other midsize pickups.
It remains the only truck in its class to offer a manual transmission, yet both its underpowered four-cylinder engine and the 270-hp V-6 deliver merely average performance. A six-speed automatic is available, though it lacks refinement.
Still, the Tacoma benefits from Toyota’s renowned reliability, and its off-road-focused trims are impressively capable. With a compliant suspension and durable hardware, it performs exceptionally well in challenging terrain, preserving its status alongside icons like the Jeep Wrangler and its pickup variant, the Gladiator.
The 2022 Tacoma doesn’t offer the same level of customization as those Jeeps, and it falls short of the driving manners demonstrated by the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, but it remains a rugged truck loaded with standard driver-assistance features.
Lifted Tacoma trims receive an extra boost for 2022. Both the Trail Edition and TRD Pro ride higher than before, gaining an additional half-inch of lift at the rear and 1.1 inches and 1.5 inches at the front, respectively.
These adjustments improve approach, breakover, and departure angles, making it even easier to tackle uneven terrain. The TRD Pro also introduces an eye-catching exclusive paint color, Electric Lime, while the Trail Edition now offers Lunar Rock, previously limited to TRD Pro models.
Visual enhancements for the Trail Edition include bronze 16-inch wheels and bronze lettering on the grille. The TRD Pro gains a debossed “TRD Pro” logo on the bedsides along with updated hood graphics.
We recommend choosing the TRD Off-Road crew cab (also called the Double Cab) for the 2022 Tacoma. It comes standard with an electronic locking rear differential, and we’d opt to pair it with the available four-wheel drive.
We would skip the underpowered base four-cylinder engine and upgrade to the more capable V-6. Although choosing the manual transmission eliminates access to certain features, we prefer shifting gears ourselves and avoiding the automatic transmission’s awkward behavior.
However, selecting the manual confines you to the 5.0-foot cargo bed, as Toyota doesn’t offer it with the 6.0-foot bed for reasons unknown. This choice also disqualifies the Premium packages.
Even so, every TRD Off-Road includes 16-inch wheels, black over-fenders, a wide array of driver-assistance features, and an infotainment system equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot.
We’d also add the Technology package, which includes upgraded LED front lighting, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors.
3. Ram 3500 – Heavy-Duty Trucks (¾-Ton Models)
Trucks like the Ram 3500 or other heavy-duty pickups are designed for towing and payload, not passenger comfort. Their stiff suspension and large size make them less maneuverable and tiring for long-distance travel.
Families may find the ride too harsh, and the fuel economy can be punishing, making these trucks a poor choice for vacation travel.
The 2020 Ram 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty pickup trucks are built for serious towing, hauling, and long-distance comfort. With a strengthened frame and a standard 6.4-liter Hemi V-8, this broad and award-winning lineup can handle everything from demanding job-site duties to weekend family adventures.
Both models also boast the most refined interiors in the segment, featuring luxury-grade materials and an impressive array of technology.
These Rams aren’t just the quietest and most comfortable heavy-duty trucks the brand has ever produced, they’re also the most powerful. The legendary Cummins turbo-diesel delivers a massive 1000 lb-ft of torque, surpassing comparable heavy-duty engines from Chevy and GMC.
Updates for the 2020 Ram 2500/3500 are relatively modest. The newly introduced Ram Heavy Duty Night Edition, available on the Big Horn and Laramie trims, features a monochromatic appearance in multiple body colors, paired with black 20-inch wheels, black badging, and a black interior.
Lane-keeping assist and adaptive steering are now optional across the lineup, while blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage and a trailer tire-pressure-monitoring system also join the options list.
A new auxiliary camera system supports up to two cameras, and a 50-gallon fuel tank is now available for Crew Cab models with the eight-foot bed. The off-road-focused Power Wagon receives black wheels, and the entire lineup gains two new paint colors: Olive Green and Hydro Blue.
While many buyers opt for the diesel engine, the standard 6.4-liter V-8 provides more than enough capability, even in 3500 models. For a balanced combination of performance, cabin space, comfort, and price, the most appealing choice is the popular 2500 4×4 Crew Cab Laramie.
Although the Cummins is preferred by those needing serious towing power, the 410-hp V-8 is quicker in everyday driving and pairs seamlessly with the eight-speed automatic.
The savings from skipping the diesel can be used to add features such as the limited-slip differential and load-leveling air suspension, both of which further enhance the Ram’s already impressive ride.
However, off-roaders should avoid the air suspension and instead add the Off Road package, which includes Bilstein shocks, a skid plate, and hill-descent control.
Ram offers three powertrain options. Standard across the lineup is a 6.4-liter V-8 generating 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, paired with a well-tuned eight-speed automatic transmission.
This is the sole engine available for the Power Wagon, which comes only with four-wheel drive. Other trims can be equipped with a 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel inline-six, available with either rear- or four-wheel drive.
Two diesel versions exist: the first produces 370 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque in both 2500 and 3500 models, while the high-output variant, exclusive to the 3500, makes 400 horsepower and a staggering 1000 lb-ft of torque. Both diesel engines are paired with a six-speed automatic.
The Cummins engine, weighing 1060 pounds, adds 490 pounds over the V-8, making diesel-equipped models less agile around town and slower off the line.
However, they offer substantially greater towing and hauling capability. Ram has refined the diesel remarkably well; although still louder than the V-8, it’s far calmer and more polished than past iterations.
4. Compact or Midsize Trucks with Smaller Cabs
Some compact or midsize trucks, such as older Nissan Frontier models, offer limited rear-seat space and small cabins.
While they may be suitable for short trips or small families, extended journeys can be cramped and uncomfortable, particularly when carrying multiple passengers and luggage.
5. Trucks with Poor Comfort or Reliability
Certain trucks, especially base trims with minimal comfort features, can fall short on long trips. Mechanical reliability, ride quality, and interior comfort are critical for road trips.
Trucks that fail in these areas can turn a vacation into a stressful experience, regardless of their towing or off-road capabilities.
Selecting the right truck for family travel requires more than just looking at horsepower or towing capacity. Crew cab configurations with roomy rear seats, smooth ride quality, and modern infotainment features are essential for comfort.
Fuel efficiency, safety, and everyday usability are equally important to ensure the truck is practical beyond vacation use.
By focusing on these factors, families can find a pickup that delivers both adventure and convenience, making long drives enjoyable for everyone.
In conclusion, trucks like the Ram 1500, Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and Honda Ridgeline excel in comfort, space, and practicality for family road trips.
Conversely, the Jeep Gladiator, older Toyota Tacoma, heavy-duty ¾-ton pickups, smaller midsize trucks, and models with poor ride or reliability should generally be avoided for extended travel.
Prioritizing comfort, safety, and cabin space will ensure a more enjoyable experience on the open road.
