SUVs have seen significant evolution since their origins as rugged, utilitarian vehicles built for off-road adventures.
Initially conceived in the 20th century as raised station wagons with higher ground clearance, they merged elements from both trucks and cars over time.
Today, SUVs have become a dominating presence on roads, with their popularity attributed to several key benefits.
Their increased seating position provides a commanding view of the road and a greater sense of security, akin to that of a truck.
Additionally, they offer spacious interiors capable of comfortably seating five or more passengers, with ample space for items such as camping equipment, luggage, and souvenirs.
Modern SUVs have become the ideal vehicles for family road trips, blending practicality with trendiness.
The following is a selection of SUVs that earn top marks for family road trip readiness. These vehicles excel in fuel efficiency, safety, cargo space, rugged aesthetics, and comfortable seating for all passengers.
Ford Expedition
Starting at $55,525, the Ford Expedition is a full-size, three-row SUV available in ten trims: XL STX, XLT, XLT Max, Limited, Limited Max, Timberline, King Ranch, King Ranch Max, Platinum, and Platinum Max.
Every Expedition is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The XL STX and XLT trims produce 380 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, while the Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum trims increase output to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque.
The Timberline trim features a high-output tune, delivering 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque.
Standard rear-wheel drive is available on all trims, except for the Timberline, which includes intelligent four-wheel drive as a standard feature.
This 4WD system is also optional on all other trims.Fuel economy for the EcoBoost engine stands at 17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined.
The Expedition also boasts a five-star NHTSA safety rating, featuring five-star front and side ratings and a four-star rollover rating.
Ford has equipped the Expedition with various standard safety features, including rear parking sensors, a 360-degree view camera, and dual-stage front airbags.
Genesis GV80
The 2024 Genesis GV80 stands out with its athletic powertrain, three-row interior, and luxury features. Priced from $57,700, the GV80 offers two engine choices.
The base engine is a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, producing 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
There is also an optional 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
The four-cylinder model achieves 20 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, while the V6 variant rates at 18 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined.
Inside, the GV80 comfortably seats up to seven passengers, with 108.7 cubic feet of passenger volume and up to 34.9 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the second row.
Safety features include blind spot monitoring and parking collision avoidance assist, earning the GV80 both a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot, a midsize three-row SUV, is ideal for families with a starting price of $37,090. Its six trims include LX, Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, and Elite.
The cabin offers spacious second and third-row legroom, measuring 40.8 and 32.5 inches, respectively. Removable middle seats and optional captain’s chairs add versatility.
A 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Standard front-wheel drive is available, with all-wheel drive as an option.
Its fuel economy stands at 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. The Honda Sensing suite provides advanced safety, earning it a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick.
Hyundai Palisade
Hyundai’s largest SUV, the Palisade, combines luxury with a competitive starting price of $36,650.
Six trims—SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, Calligraphy, and Calligraphy Night—offer configurations from bench seating to captain’s chairs, with 42.4 inches of legroom in the second row and 31.4 inches in the third.
Cargo space measures 18 cubic feet behind the third row and 45.8 behind the second. All Palisade trims use a 3.8-liter V6 producing 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel economy is 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. Safety features include rear-side impact airbags, lane following assist, and forward collision avoidance assist, earning it an IIHS Top Safety Pick.
Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride, starting at $36,190, offers a refined three-row interior and excellent safety ratings.
With ten trims powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive is standard with all-wheel drive as an option.
The Telluride’s fuel economy rates at 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined.
With standard safety tech, including smart cruise control and blind spot view monitor, the Telluride earns an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star NHTSA rating.
Lincoln Aviator
Competing with models like the GV80, the Aviator offers luxury and power. Starting at $53,340, it’s available in Premier, Reserve, and Black Label trims.
Its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 produces 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel economy is 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.Equipped with airbags throughout and advanced safety tech, the Aviator earns a five-star NHTSA rating.
Inside, it boasts comfortable, adjustable seating, soft-touch materials, and a premium sound system.
Mazda CX-90
Mazda’s flagship three-row SUV starts at $37,845, featuring a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine producing 340 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard. Fuel economy is 24 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.
A plug-in hybrid model with a 2.5-liter engine and electric motor delivers 323 hp. With safety features earning it an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, the CX-90 is ready for family journeys.
Toyota Highlander
Starting at $39,270, the Highlander offers 11 trims, including hybrid models. Its spacious cabin seats up to eight, and safety tech like Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ earns it an IIHS Top Safety Pick and a five-star NHTSA rating.
The base model has a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 265 hp, while hybrid options offer 36 mpg combined, making it an economical choice for family trips.
Volkswagen Atlas
The Atlas, priced at $37,995, is a three-row SUV with six trims powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 269 hp.
With fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, it features advanced tech like adaptive cruise control and wireless charging.
Its MQB chassis and safety features secure a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick.
Volvo XC90
Volvo’s flagship SUV, the XC90, starts at $56,600. It offers a choice of B5 and B6 powertrains, 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, or the plug-in hybrid T8 with 455 hp. The Recharge plug-in hybrid variant provides up to 58 MPGe.
Its elegant interior, robust safety systems, and NHTSA five-star rating make the XC90 a standout family SUV option.
