These SUVs offer comfort and space and are the ideal vehicles for adventurous road trips that will accommodate the entire family.
Although SUVs are great for city driving and everyday errands, the extra space and comfort also make them perfect for long-distance journeys. While many families used to prefer sedans, SUVs have become increasingly popular in the United States, Africa, and Europe over the last few decades. This has led to the further development of the SUV segment and the creation of compact SUVs, such as the T-Roc from Volkswagen, the Q2 from Audi, and the X2 from BMW.
Updated May 2023: Do you frequently take long journeys? Then you’ll be happy to know we have updated the content of this list with the latest information regarding the best SUVs to use for a long road trip. SUVs offer all the practicality and comfort –coupled with the taller ride height – to make long-distance road trips feel like they happened in the blink of an eye. Thanks to the longer suspension travel over a sedan or wagon, the SUV is a great machine for both highway driving and traversing more rugged terrain when the situation calls for it.
The mid-size and large SUV segment also got a bump in style and desirability, with automakers such as Kia and Hyundai delving into the market with their affordable Telluride and Palisade models. BMW created the large X7 to battle the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS and even high-end automakers like Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Ferrari have their own interpretations of an SUV. Most new electric cars launched to follow the crossover-SUV body style in some shape or form, as it is what customers want most.
The modern SUV comes with more than just extra space. New driver-assist software, cameras, and infotainment systems have made SUVs comfortable and luxurious for long-distance traveling. The SUVs on this list, however, are fun to drive, comfortable, and affordable, with space for the entire family.
13.2023 Jeep Cherokee
At a conservative starting price of $37,695, the new Jeep Cherokee is one of the most affordable new SUVs on the market. This is particularly great due to the amount of new technology and design that Jeep managed to pack into its new Cherokee. These include an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, four USB ports, navigation, satellite radio, and a six-speaker sound system.
The 2023 Jeep Cherokee also comes standard with a broad array of niceties, including power-adjustable heated front seats, leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a power lift gate. Those wanting even more luxuries should consider the optional Lux Elite package, which adds niceties like ventilated front seats, memory settings for the driver’s seat, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a hands-free power lift gate, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium audio system.
12.2023 Ford Expedition
The new Ford Expedition is perfect for large families, as it can comfortably fit up to eight people. The new Expedition is specially designed for long-distance traveling and, as such, comes standard with roof racks and a tow bar in case you need more storage space along the journey. These should come in handy, given the Expedition’s rather paltry cargo volume (20.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 63.6 cubic feet with the third-row seats down, and 104.6 cubic feet with the third and second-row seats folded down).
While the Expedition is more expensive than other family SUVs, $55,725 (starting price) is not a bad price for the vehicle you’re getting. The Expedition comes in a variety of different versions to fit your exact needs. However, there are a few features that are standard across the entire range. These include the Panoramic Vista Roof, power-reclining seats, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Base Expedition models also feature a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a manually adjustable passenger seat, keyless entry with push-button start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster display, LED headlights, and more. All these features make the Expedition a great large SUV for long-distance driving.
11.2023 Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse is the perfect long-distance SUV from Chevrolet. This spacious SUV has three rows of seats and is perfect for the entire family. Although Chevy prices the Traverse similarly to vehicles such as the Jeep Cherokee, the midsize SUV is arguably the better deal due to the generous amount of space it provides.
The Traverse has 23 cubic feet of room behind its third row, 57.8 cubes behind the second row, and a maximum cargo volume of 98.2 cubic feet. This midsize SUV can also tow 5,000 pounds. What’s more, the 2023 Traverse also comes with many driver-assist technologies, including lane-keep assist, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and rear-seat alert.
10.2023 Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V has a long and trusted history in the SUV market. Having dominated the affordable segment of the market for decades, this family car has cemented its place in the hearts and minds of consumers as being the perfect family SUV. Starting at only $28,410, the compact SUV – having undergone a redesign for the 2023 model year – comes standard with an efficient 190-hp turbocharged four-cylinder mated to a smooth continuously variable automatic transmission.
The CR-V is not only one of the most fun-to-drive SUVs, but it also comes with numerous amenities, including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration via wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Those desiring more advanced technologies should consider the range-topping Honda CR-V EX-L (starts at $34,260), which has a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless device charging, and an eight-speaker audio system.
9.2023 Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 is one of the most underrated vehicles in the entire automotive industry. While Volvo has maintained a fairly low profile, its XC90 has consistently made headlines for being a safe and elegant family SUV – possessing some rather potent performance figures from the hybrid models. It is also a bit higher-end than most on this list, possessing a more up-market interior and build quality.
In addition to being a favorite of Jeremy Clarkson – who has owned three over the years – the large SUV from Volvo comes with space for up to seven people, all-wheel-drive, a panoramic roof, leather seats, 360-degree cameras, lane-keep assist, modern air filters, and even a Bowers & Wilkins sound system. This combination of minimalist styling, excellent sound quality, and frugal fuel economy makes the XC90 a brilliant daily driver – no matter if it’s in the snowy forests of Sweden or the warm sunshine of Florida.
8.2023 Toyota Highlander
Toyota has made a name for itself in the SUV market over the last few years. One of the well-regarded SUVs from the brand is the Highlander. This midsize SUV comes in both hybrid and gas-powered models. Depending on the trim level, the Highlander can have everything you can ever dream of for your entire journey.
These include a panoramic moon roof, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a hands-free power lift gate, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Qi-compatible wireless chargers, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless smartphone charger, navigation, and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The 2023 Toyota Highlander also has a respectable amount of space for your cargo. With all seats upright, you get 16 cubic feet of room. However, if that’s not sufficient, you can fold down the third row to increase the cargo-carrying capacity to 48.4 cubic feet or fold down both rear rows to create 84.3 cubic feet of room.
7.2023 BMW X5.
The BMW X5 wasn’t the start of the SUV craze, but it was the vehicle that elevated the SUV segment into the stratosphere by showing that a tall-riding model can be just as comfortable and luxurious as a sedan. BMW likes to categorize its X5 model as a sports activity vehicle (SAV) instead of an SUV. While this is mainly creative marketing, the X5 does differentiate itself from the rest of the segment in its performance and styling. While many other SUVs are clean and minimal on the exterior, the BMW is loud, aggressive, and proud – especially in the X5 M trim.
The X5 has some seriously impressive numbers behind it as well. The 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-6 in the base xDrive40i makes a respectable 330 hp, with the hybrid 45e and 50e models bumping this to 390 and 480 hp respectively. The V8 xDrive50i makes 450 hp with the M50i going to 530 hp – just before the outrageous 591 and 617 hp of the X5 M and X5 M Competition models. The X5 is one of the best SUVs on the market today, offering excellent performance and handling, but also comfortable driving – both in town and on the highway.
6.2023 Cadillac Escalade
The Cadillac Escalade is the go-to American luxury SUV and the current fifth-generation model is the best it has ever been. The Escalade gets various seating arrangements, including the awesome second-row ‘Captain’s Chairs’, which are simply great to spend a lot of time in. While the previous model was great, the current one just looks better and more regal – less like a re-bodied GMC Sierra and more like a proper luxury SUV worthy of the name.
The Escalade comes – as standard – with the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 hp. For the first time ever, the Escalade also gets a turbo-diesel engine and a supercharged V8. The turbo-diesel is a 3.0-liter straight-6 producing 305 hp, while the supercharged V8 on the other side of the spectrum produces an incredible 682 hp for the top-spec Escalade-V model. We wouldn’t at all mind spending hours on end driving the big sports SUV.
5.2023 Lincoln Navigator
Although Lincoln isn’t as popular as Jeep and Chevrolet, their Navigator is a serious competitor in the premium segment. Stacking up to larger SUVs such as the Cadillac Escalade and GMC Yukon XL, the Navigator can comfortably seat eight people and achieve over 20 miles to the gallon. The Navigator doesn’t get a V8 engine like most of its rivals, but the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged Ecoboost V6 does a pretty good job of powering this beast.
The interior of the Navigator is where it sets itself apart from the competition. The Lincoln features one of the biggest and brightest digital displays on the market – both on the center console and in front of the driver, with an all-digital gauge cluster. It also sports near-infinitely adjustable electric seats, helping to get just the right position for long trips. The Navigator may be getting on now for around five years, but its replacement is definitely in the works and will likely show the Cadillac Escalade how to do American luxury.
4.2023 Kia Telluride
The Telluride from Kia is one of the most exciting midsize SUVs in years, especially after undergoing a mid-cycle refresh. This SUV embraces the future from its design through to the entire cabin. This Kia comes standard with a head-up display, space for eight passengers, a large 12.3-inch touchscreen, five USB ports, and the latest in safety technology from Kia.
In addition to this, the Telluride features high-quality materials for the ultimate luxury finish. Plus, Kia paid great attention to the fit and finish of this vehicle, making it a bargain at $35,890. The price makes the 2023 Kia Telluride one of the most affordable new large SUVs on the market – without losing any of the things that makes it a great vehicle.
3.2023 Bentley Bentayga
The Bentley Bentayga is still in its first generation but received an update in 2020 that upped the luxury and styling. The Bentayga is the Bentley model with the most engine options, ranging from a 446 hp V6 hybrid to a mighty 540 hp V8 and topping off with a big 626 hp W12. All engines are twin-turbocharged and the model even gets a diesel engine in Europe.
The Bentayga is nearly the last word in SUV luxury – only out-purified by the Rolls-Royce Cullinan – and is one of the fastest high-riders on the market. It also has supremely comfortable suspension tuning to iron out the bumps and undulations, as well as soft leather seats and a dashboard swathed in leather, metal and wood. The Bentayga is a great place to spend hours upon hours, crossing continents and mountains in the process.
2.2023 Genesis GV70
While the Bentley Bentayga is great, it costs from an eye-watering $200,000 – or enough money for nearly ten Toyota Corollas. For around a quarter of the price, the Genesis GV70 is available. It is slightly smaller than the Bentayga, but it offers all the luxury and practicality you would ever need.
Granted, the performance isn’t quite there, but the 2.5- and 3.5-liter turbocharged engines provide enough oomph to keep things interesting. The GV70 has the same level of design intrigue as the Bentayga – even more so according to many journalists – and it is definitely more dependable than the European luxo-barge. All-in-all, the GV70 is a brilliantly designed SUV and one of the best value-for-money deals on the market.
1.2023 Land Rover Range Rover
The Range Rover is currently the best SUV on the market. It is the SUV equivalent to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class – fancy enough to get noticed, but not glitzy like the Bentley Flying Spur or Rolls-Royce Phantom. The current Range Rover is more minimalist than the previous model, but features better technologies and performance.
Under the hood there is a choice of 6- and 8-cylinder engines – the latter borrowed from BMW. The hybrid now gets the new straight-6 and there is even a fully-electric version coming in the near future. The interior is as minimalist as the exterior, with big screens on the dashboard and supple leather adorning the entire interior. The Range Rover may cost from a ridiculous $108,750, but it is worth the expense, especially when traveling long distances.
