Regarding family road trips, we know that not all SUVs are equal. Some are just glorified grocery-getters, while others have truly stepped up their game, making them more like luxury hotels on wheels than mere transportation. Imagine trading in the cramped backseat squabbles for ample legroom and the relentless “Are we there yet?” for the calming purr of a finely tuned engine. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, these 15 SUVs are here to make that dream a reality.
Tesla Model X
Tesla Model X has redefined the concept of an electric SUV. With its falcon-wing doors and advanced autopilot features, the Model X is as much about making a statement as it is about efficiency and performance. The spacious interior comfortably seats seven, making it ideal for large families. The SUV’s 351-mile range on a single charge is impressive, and its performance rivals that of many luxury sedans. The Model X’s all-electric powertrain means lower running costs and a quieter, smoother ride, a crucial consideration for families on long trips.
Volvo XC90
Volvo has long been synonymous with safety; the XC90 is a testament to this reputation. It was one of the first SUVs with autonomous driving features and advanced safety systems like collision avoidance and lane-keeping assist. The XC90 offers a sophisticated interior with seating up to seven, making it a family favorite. The hybrid variant provides fuel efficiency and power, allowing eco-friendly long-distance travel without compromising performance.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer, launched in 1990, is a popular mid-size SUV known for its versatility. It has evolved through six generations, with the latest model introduced in 2020. The Explorer offers a range of powertrains, including a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo in the ST model, and a hybrid option, delivering 300 to 400 horsepower. It features rear-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive, enhancing its off-road capability. Inside, the Explorer seats up to seven, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and SYNC 4 infotainment system. Its towing capacity reaches 5,600 pounds, making it suitable for heavy-duty use. Its available hybrid version makes it a practical choice for those who want to save on fuel costs without sacrificing space or power.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander, the family SUV that practically screams, “We’ve got snacks and a good playlist,” has undergone design transformations that would make a caterpillar jealous. Launched in 2000, its latest iteration, the 2024 model, flaunts a more aggressive front fascia with a bold grille that could host a reality TV show. The sleek, aerodynamic lines enhance its aesthetic appeal and improve fuel efficiency. Inside, the Highlander embraces spaciousness like your uncle at Thanksgiving dinner, offering three rows of seating and a tech-laden dashboard that even your tech-savvy teen will approve of. Plus, safety? It’s covered with Toyota Safety Sense—think of it as your bodyguard on the road.
BMW X7
The BMW X7 is the epitome of luxury in the full-size SUV category. The car has a 3.0-liter, 375-hp, 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger and variable valve control. It has an 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission with paddle shifters, Launch Control, and an Adaptive 2-axle air suspension that can automatically adjust to the load and be manually raised or lowered. For that pop of color on the road, the X7 comes in various shades. The interior has features like a panoramic sunroof, advanced infotainment systems, and BMW’s iDrive interface, making it a haven for families during long drives.
Kia Telluride
Kia’s Telluride has quickly become a family favorite thanks to its affordability, luxury, and practicality. It has torque-vectoring All-Wheel Drive and bold 20-inch alloy wheels. Its increased towing capacity with heavy-duty cooling and 18-inch all-terrain tires deliver impressive capability.
Chevrolet Tahoe
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV with a commanding presence on the road and ample space for large families. The Tahoe can tow up to 8,400 pounds with the 5.3L V8 and rear-wheel drive, the 6.2L V8 can tow up to 8,300 pounds, and the Duramax diesel can tow up to 8,200 pounds. These features make it perfect for long family road trips. The latest model features an independent rear suspension, significantly improving ride comfort and handling. The Tahoe also has many driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking.
Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 is a luxury SUV that’s like a 5-star hotel on wheels, with enough tech to make you feel like you’re driving a spaceship. Under the hood, it packs a 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged engine, producing 335 horsepower. If that doesn’t get you moving, the 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds will. Inside, the Q7 is a rolling Wi-Fi hotspot with three rows of comfier seats than your couch. Need to haul groceries or a small village? The cargo space is a whopping 69.6 cubic feet with the seats down. Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system ensures you won’t be like Bambi on ice in bad weather. And with up to 23 MPG on the highway, it’s not just powerful, it’s pretty efficient too—for a big, fancy SUV.
Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating, and it was manufactured by Honda in 2002. It is also the largest SUV produced by Honda. The new models of the car feature Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system, which can deactivate up to three cylinders. To help control the noise in the system, Honda added an active control engine mount system (ACM) and active noise cancellation. The Pilot’s V6 engine provides a good balance of power and efficiency, making it a solid choice for long-distance travel.
Range Rover Sport
The Range Rover Sport is the suave cousin in the Land Rover family, effortlessly blending luxury with rugged performance. The car features a choice of diesel and turbo-petrol engines. The 2025 model also has a plug-in electric hybrid (PHEV) option. The Range Rover Sport has advanced off-road technologies, including Terrain Response 2, which adjusts the vehicle’s settings based on the terrain. Despite its rugged capabilities, the Range Rover Sport offers a smooth, comfortable ride with an 86-liter fuel tank, making it an excellent option for families who want the best of both worlds.
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is like that well-dressed, multitasking friend who can do everything. The Palisade has nine airbags, including a curtain, a side, and a knee airbag for the driver. It also has driver assistance features like blind spot collision avoidance, lane keeping assist, and driver attention warning. The Palisade has a 3.8-liter GDI V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, making it a safe option for people. In short, the Palisade is an SUV that’s brawn and brains, with a touch of class thrown in for good measure.
Mercedes-Benz GLS
The Mercedes-Benz GLS is often called the S-Class of SUVs and for a good reason. This full-size SUV offers a DYNAMIC SELECT feature that lets you switch between ECO, Comfort, Sport, and Off-Road driving modes. The GLS is equipped with multiple engine options, including a 3.0L turbocharged i6 engine that can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 5.9 seconds. Additionally, the SUV also has several safety features, including an anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), brake assist (BA), and electronic stability program (ESP), making it a standout in the luxury SUV segment.
Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban, America’s favorite behemoth, is the SUV hauling families, furniture, and the occasional farm animal since 1935. The 2024 model, however, comes with more bells and whistles than a carnival. Under the hood, you can choose between a 5.3L V8 engine with 355 horsepower or a 6.2L V8 offering 420 horsepower—grocery runs need speed. It’s paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and it can tow up to 8,300 pounds, perfect for when you need to tow… another Suburban.
Mazda CX-9
The Mazda CX-9 is elegant, versatile, and surprisingly sharp. It packs a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, delivering up to 250 horsepower with premium fuel (227 hp on regular). Despite its sporty demeanor, it won’t guzzle gas like a frat boy at a keg party—expect 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Adding to its charm is its infotainment system, which includes a 10.25-inch display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, keeping you as connected as a teenager on TikTok. Safety isn’t overlooked either, with features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring coming standard. In short, the CX-9 is the SUV equivalent of a well-tailored dress—stylish, functional, and always ready for action.
Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent is designed for families who love adventure. Powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine, it packs 260 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft of torque, ensuring you’ll never be late again. This family hauler seats up to eight people, with enough cupholders (19!) to hydrate a small village. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive, it can tackle off-road trails—or just that lousy pothole on Main Street. Cargo space is generous, maxing out at 86.5 cubic feet with the rear seats down.
14 Supercars Under $100K That Deliver Breathtaking Speed and Style
When you think of supercars, names like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren often come to mind, along with their staggering price tags. However, high-performance vehicles aren’t exclusively reserved for the super-rich. There exists a sweet spot where speed, style, and (relatively) sensible pricing converge, offering thrilling rides without completely obliterating your bank account. Hop in as we explore 14 underrated supercars under $100K.
14 Supercars Under $100K That Deliver Breathtaking Speed and Style
