As a seasoned road-tripper with a penchant for both automotive know-how and dragging my three teenage accomplices across continents, I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the cramped when it comes to vehicles suited for family adventures. Here’s my no-nonsense guide to the best cars for your next family road trip.
And if you decide your road trip car should permanently become your dream vehicle, you can affordably ship the car from a dealer or a private seller from anywhere!
Table of Contents
The Ultimate Road Trip Cars
1. Honda Odyssey – The Family Fortress on Wheels
Eden flying a kite in Gearhart Beach with our Odyssey behind her. She’s 20 now!
I have owned a Honda Odyssey for 17.5 years. Yes, you read that correctly. When I was pregnant with Jonah, my 3rd child, I ended up swapping my Ford Explorer out for a minivan. It’s so convenient when I need it that I’ve just kept it. It’s got 245,000 miles on it and it is still going strong. That’s why I am kicking the list off with it.
Space Galore: Enough room to keep the peace among warring siblings, with seating for up to 8 and generous legroom.
Magic Slide Seats: Because apparently, kids can’t sit next to each other for more than five minutes without an international incident.
Rear Entertainment System: For those “Are we there yet?” moments, which start approximately 10 minutes into any drive.
Built-in Vacuum: For all the snacks that will inevitably end up everywhere but their mouths. (Mine is so old that I don’t have this feature, but all the newer ones do.)
2. Subaru Outback – The Adventurer’s Dream
2023 Subaru Outback
While babysitting my nieces in NY, I ended up driving around my brother in laws Subaru Outback and it kicked butt. I may or may not have off roaded it a tiny bit in the snow….sorry Ross.
All-Wheel Drive: For when the road less traveled isn’t actually a road. (I know because I may have off-roaded my brother-in-law’s Outback while he was out of town. Turns out it has plenty of power. Don’t tell him!)
EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: Because herding kids is enough work without worrying about the other drivers.
Spacious Cargo Area: Fits enough luggage to satisfy even the most overprepared parent (yes, including the kitchen sink).
X-Mode with Hill Descent Control: For navigating those mountain passes like a boss.
3. Toyota Sienna – The Cool Parent’s Choice
We’ve done several road trips now in the Toyota Sienna, and like my Odyssey it can do no wrong. It’s a great choice.
All-Wheel Drive Option: For families who don’t let a little weather ruin their plans.
Flexible Seating for Up to 8: And by “flexible”, I mean you can practically do yoga with how those seats move around.
Dual Power Sliding Doors: Because asking kids to close the door softly is a lost cause.
Kick-Activated Sliding Doors and Liftgate: For when your hands are full (so, always).
EcoBoost Engine: Who said a beast can’t be gentle on the fuel?
Seating for 8 with Room to Spare: You can literally separate the kids by an entire row. Peace at last.
Advanced Towing Capabilities: For those who can’t leave home without their second home.
Panoramic Vista Roof: Because sometimes the best part of the trip is looking up.
5. Volkswagen Atlas – The Euro Chic Wanderer
We’ve taken multiple trips in the Volkswagen Atlas because it is just so roomy. The most recent road trip we did in this was to Bend, Oregon.
Three Rows of Adult-Sized Seating: Because teens magically grow 6 inches overnight.
Digital Cockpit: Keep track of all your important info while the kids argue over whose playlist is better.
Ample Cargo Space: Fits everything from suitcases to sports equipment to the inevitable souvenir collection.
Adaptive Cruise Control: For when you need to rest your foot but not your vigilance.
High-end Features: Ventilated Front Seats, heated steering wheel, and IQ.Drive assistance.
6. Chevrolet Suburban – The Road Trip Behemoth
2025 Chevrolet Suburban
Enormous Cargo Space: Because packing light is for amateurs.
Seating for 9: Finally, a car that fits your family and the dog. Or two.
Rear Seat Media System: Because peace is priceless.
Advanced Safety Features: Keeps your most precious cargo safe.
7. Kia Telluride – The Underdog Turned MVP
2023 Kia Telluride
Spacious Seating for 8: With room left for the family pet to stretch out.
Driver Talk: Broadcast your voice to backseat occupants, because why yell?
Quiet Mode: Front audio plays only in the front, for when the backseat passengers finally nap.
Smart Power Liftgate: For hands that are always full.
Wi-fi Hotspot: Compatible with iPhone, Apple Watch, and Samsung Galaxy smartphones.
8. Chrysler Pacifica – The High-Tech Haven
The kids and I took this hybrid minivan on a super long trip through Oregon and down into the Redwood National Park in California. Despite the long journey, it was a comfortable ride for the entire family.
Stow ‘n Go Seating: Because sometimes you need more cargo space than seating.
Uconnect Theater: Dual 10-inch HD touchscreens with built-in games and apps.
Advanced SafetyTec Group: Because your family’s safety isn’t optional.
Plug-In Hybrid Option: For the eco-conscious family.
9. Tesla Model X – The Electric Explorer
All-Electric Range: Long enough to forget gas stations exist.
Falcon Wing Doors: For easy loading in tight spaces, and because they’re cool.
Autopilot: For when the driver deserves a break too.
Spacious Interior: Comfortably seats 7 with room for luggage.
10. Volvo XC90 – The Scandinavian Sanctuary
Luxurious Interior: Because comfort is key on long drives.
Pilot Assist: Semi-autonomous driving because even parents need a co-pilot.
Integrated Booster Seats: For the little ones growing up too fast.
Large Cargo Capacity: For all of life’s essentials, and then some.
Top-Notch Safety Features: So you can focus on the journey, not the hazards.
Advanced Tow Assist: For bringing along anything from boats to trailers.
13. Jeep Grand Wagoneer Summit Obsidian 4×4 – The Family Road-Trip Palace
2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Summit Obsidian | Photo by Meagan Wristen
The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Summit Obsidian 4×4 is for families who want the space of a full-size SUV but do not want to sacrifice luxury. I spent a day driving one around Austin and out to a ranch with Scotty from A Girls Guide to Cars, and I was genuinely impressed by how easy it was to live with. It is a big vehicle, but it does not feel like you are piloting a small building.
A genuinely comfortable third row: This is one of the biggest reasons I would put the Grand Wagoneer on a family road-trip list. The third row has enough headroom and legroom that adults can sit back there comfortably, which is a big deal when your children are no longer small enough to fit anywhere.
Huge interior with room for passengers and luggage: The Grand Wagoneer has an enormous amount of space, and I was surprised that it felt even more spacious than my minivan. That is saying something, because I drove a minivan for 17 years and know a thing or two about carrying a family and all their stuff.
Power running boards: These automatically extend when you unlock the vehicle, making it easier for passengers to get in and out. It is a small detail, but it makes a big difference when you are dealing with a tall SUV and a family full of people who may or may not be paying attention.
360-degree bird’s-eye camera: This was one of my favorite features. I parallel parked the Grand Wagoneer in Austin and did it easily. That is not a sentence I expected to write about a full-size luxury SUV, but here we are.
Up to 10,000 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped: For families who bring their boat, camper, or other toys along for the adventure, the Grand Wagoneer has the capability to handle it. Just remember that towing capacity depends on the vehicle’s equipment and configuration.
Heads-up display: This was especially useful when I was driving in an unfamiliar city. Navigation information and other important driving details were right in front of me, which meant I did not have to keep looking down at the center screen.
Rear-seat entertainment screens: The second-row passengers can have their own screens, which is a great way to keep kids entertained on long drives. There is also a front passenger display, so the person next to you can have their own screen without taking over the driver’s screen.
Massaging front seats and premium leather: The Grand Wagoneer is a luxury SUV, and the interior feels like it. The massaging seats are especially welcome on long road trips, and the premium materials make the cabin feel like a place you actually want to spend time.
Off-road capability: The Grand Wagoneer is not just a luxury vehicle with a Jeep badge. It has the capability to handle rougher roads and off-road adventures, which makes it a great option for families who want to combine comfort with a little more adventure.
Best for: Families who need serious space, want a comfortable third row, and like the idea of a luxury SUV that can handle both long highway trips and a little off-road adventure.
14. Audi Q7 – The High-Tech Highway Star
Luxury Seating for 7: So everyone gets a window seat (or close enough). With leather and comfort that spoil you.
Virtual Cockpit: For navigation and entertainment at your fingertips.
Generous Cargo Space: Plus, electric folding seats for easy configuration.
Quattro All-Wheel Drive: For when the weather turns as quickly as your teen’s moods.
Luxurious Interior: Because comfort should never be compromised.
Advanced Safety Features: Audi’s got your back (and front, and sides).
15. Toyota Highlander – The Reliable Roadmate
2021 Toyota Highlander XSE
Seating for 8: Room for the family and then some.
Driver Easy Speak: Voice amplification through rear speakers.
5 USB Ports: Because every device needs to stay charged.
Safety Sense P: Keeping an extra eye out for you.
16. Mercedes-Benz GLS – The Pinnacle of Road-Trip Luxury
Three Rows of Sumptuous Seating: Travel in first-class comfort, with room for the extended family or an entire soccer team’s worth of kids.
E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL: Glide over bumps and dips as if you’re floating on air, ensuring even the most motion-sensitive passenger enjoys the ride.
MBUX Infotainment System: A user-friendly interface that responds to natural voice commands, because sometimes you need to keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel, especially with a carload of distractions.
Panoramic Sunroof: Offers a sky view for passengers, turning every drive into a scenic journey, and perhaps providing a peaceful distraction from backseat quarrels.
Heated and Ventilated Seats: Keep everyone comfortable, no matter the season. Because the war over the thermostat doesn’t need to extend to the vehicle.
Ample Cargo Space: With easy-fold rear seats, there’s plenty of room for luggage, sports equipment, and the occasional large, impulsive purchase from roadside attractions.
Driver Assistance Package: Offers peace of mind with features like active brake assist and blind-spot assist, because safeguarding precious cargo is always a priority.
Impressive Towing Capacity: For those who believe a luxury getaway still can include boats or trailers, proving once and for all that elegance and utility can coexist beautifully.
17. Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit – The Luxury Road-Trip Upgrade
Driving the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit | Photo by Meagan Wristen
If you want a three-row SUV that feels more like a luxury vehicle than a family shuttle, the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit deserves a spot on the list. I drove one to Austin for Eden’s graduation with Noah and Jonah, and after roughly 400 miles, I was still feeling pretty good. That is not something I say about every vehicle, especially after Texas highway traffic has had its way with me.
Massaging, heated, and ventilated front seats: These were the real stars of my graduation road trip. The ventilated seats helped with the Texas heat, while the massage function made several hours behind the wheel considerably more comfortable. Once you experience massaging seats on a road trip, it is difficult to go back to pretending a regular seat is enough.
Heated and ventilated second-row seats: The second row gets some of the comfort upgrades, too, which matters when your passengers are old enough to have opinions about everything. Comfortable teenagers are generally less likely to provide a running commentary on how uncomfortable they are.
Hands-Free Active Driving Assist: On approved highways and when conditions allow, the system can assist with steering, acceleration, and braking while keeping the vehicle centered in its lane. It is not self-driving, and you still have to pay attention, but it can make long highway stretches less tiring.
Quadra-Lift air suspension: This helps the Grand Cherokee L deliver a smooth, composed ride. Rough pavement and expansion joints are handled with a level of comfort that makes a difference when you are spending hours in the car.
Three rows with seating for up to seven: The third row is tight, but it is functional. That makes it a useful option for families who occasionally need the extra seats without necessarily wanting a full-size SUV.
12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay: The infotainment system is easy to use, and the wireless charging pad and USB ports throughout all three rows help keep everyone connected. Because apparently, a road trip is not a road trip until someone asks why their phone is at 12%.
19-speaker McIntosh audio system: This is a particularly nice feature for families who spend a lot of time in the car. Music, podcasts, and audiobooks all sound great, and it makes those long stretches of highway more enjoyable.
Available rear entertainment system: The dual 10.1-inch screens with Amazon Fire TV capability are especially useful for families with younger children. My kids are older now, but I can immediately see how valuable this would be when everyone is still asking, “Are we there yet?”
Surround-view camera system and available head-up display: The bird’s-eye view camera made parking around Austin much easier, while the head-up display kept important information in my line of sight. These are the kinds of features that make a large SUV feel more manageable.
Fuel economy that impressed me: The Grand Cherokee L Summit is EPA-rated at 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, and my real-world experience was even more impressive. We completed the entire graduation trip on a single tank of gas.
18. Kia Sorento – The Underestimated Challenger
Kia Sorento Hybrid
Three Rows in a Compact Frame: Because you need to park this beast eventually.
All-Wheel Drive Capability: For when “off the beaten path” is taken literally.
User-Friendly Infotainment System: Because no one has time for a complicated relationship with their car’s interface.
Surprisingly Affordable Luxury: Who said opulence had to empty your wallet?
Powerful Engine Options: Because a little grunt work never hurt.
Three Rows of Seating: Space for everyone, even the family dog.
Uconnect Infotainment: Keeping everyone connected and entertained.
Towing Capability: For families that bring their adventures with them.
20. Mazda CX-9 – The Stylish Roadster
Turbocharged Engine: Who said a family car can’t have a little zoom-zoom?
Sophisticated Interior: Feel like you’re in a luxury vehicle (even with a car full of kids).
Advanced Safety Features: Mazda’s got your back, side, and front.
Sport Mode: For when you need a little extra fun on the freeway.
21. Nissan Pathfinder – The Path Pioneer
2024 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek 4wd
Four-Wheel Drive: Take the road less traveled, with confidence.
EZ FLEX Seating System: Because getting to the third row shouldn’t require gymnastics.
Tri-Zone Entertainment System: Everyone gets their own screen. Silence is golden.
Motion Activated Liftgate: For when your hands are full of snacks, souvenirs, or sleepy toddlers.
Towing Capacity: Depending on which model you get, you can tow up to 6,000 lbs.
Before you set off on your next epic journey, remember that the best vehicle for your family is one that fits your specific needs, budget, and style. Whether you’re navigating city streets or exploring rugged terrain, there’s a road trip champion out there for you. Just make sure it has enough cup holders – trust me on this one. Happy travels!
Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).
I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.
If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO or Whimstay for last-minute deals. If you are looking for a hostel, I use HostelWorld.
Choose Activities and Tours
To find great activities in any area, I use Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions, I always check CityPass, GetOut, and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available. Groupon also tends to have a lot of local travel deals.
When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour, I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean, I use Apple Vacations.
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