There’s nothing quite like the allure of the open road: the promise of adventure, freedom, and a soundtrack peppered with your best karaoke attempts. But let’s face it—the wrong SUV can turn your dream road trip into a nightmare. So, buckle up and explore 23 SUVs that shine brightest for wanderlust-filled jaunts.
Toyota Highlander
The Highlander is practically the Swiss Army knife of SUVs. The Highlander’s 3.5L V6 engine delivers 295 horsepower, ensuring smooth highway cruising and sufficient power for hilly terrains. For efficiency, the hybrid variant offers an impressive 36 mpg combined, a standout in its class. Add in Toyota’s reliability and cavernous cargo space, and you’ve got a car that can fit everything from camping gear to impulsively purchased antique furniture.
Honda CR-V
Think of the Honda CR-V as the nerdy overachiever in your SUV friend group. Inside, the CR-V shines with a spacious cabin, offering up to 76.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded—perfect for gear-heavy adventures. Safety is a priority, with Honda Sensing® technology standard across trims, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking. Plus, Honda’s stellar resale value is the cherry on top of this reliable sundae.
Subaru Outback
Is it an SUV or a wagon? The Subaru Outback doesn’t care—it’s here to conquer trails, snow, and that off-the-grid cabin you booked without realizing there’d be no cell service. Its 8.7 inches of ground clearance rivals traditional SUVs, ideal for off-road trails or snowy commutes. Also, the Outback’s 2.5L flat-four engine delivers 182 horsepower and 176 lb.-ft of torque, with an optional turbocharged 2.4L engine boasting 260 horsepower for those craving more oomph.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers for those who want a touch of luxury with their mud-splattered adventures. The latest models offer a range of engines, including the base 3.6L V6, a robust 5.7L V8, and a 2.0L plug-in hybrid (4xe) option, with towing capacities up to 7,200 pounds. Its Quadra-Trac 4WD systems and available air suspension make it a trail conqueror, while premium trims like the Summit Reserve add upscale features like quilted leather and massaging seats.
Ford Bronco
The reborn Ford Bronco is the cool kid in the SUV parking lot. Reintroduced in 2021 after a 25-year hiatus, the Bronco combines retro charm with cutting-edge technology. It features body-on-frame construction, available 4×4 systems, and an array of off-road tools like Trail Control and G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) modes. Plus, its removable doors and roof panels add a sense of freedom.
Mazda CX-5
For road trippers who want sporty handling and a dose of luxury without a sky-high price tag, the Mazda CX-5 is a winner. Its standard safety includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist, earning IIHS’s Top Safety Pick+ rating. And, while it’s less spacious than some rivals, its combination of efficiency (up to 30 mpg highway), style, and affordability makes it a standout choice for families and road trippers.
Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride may come with a sash that reads Best in Class. The Telluride shines in interior luxury. It features high-quality materials, a user-friendly 12.3-inch touchscreen (on higher trims), and advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, earning it a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Also, with a competitive starting price of around $37,000 and a fuel economy of up to 26 mpg on highways, the Telluride balances affordability and premium features. It’s no wonder it remains a top choice in its class.
Chevrolet Tahoe
The Chevy Tahoe isn’t just an SUV; it’s practically a mobile fortress. Equipped with a choice of robust V8 engines (355 or 420 horsepower) and a 10-speed automatic transmission, it boasts a towing capacity of up to 8,400 pounds, making it perfect for hauling campers or boats. Its three rows can also comfortably seat up to eight passengers, with a cargo capacity of 122.9 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded.
Hyundai Palisade
Think of the Hyundai Palisade as the Kia Telluride’s equally capable twin that’s slightly better dressed. Powering the Palisade is a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available for added versatility. Also, fuel efficiency is respectable, offering an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city / 27 mpg highway. Not to mention, it even has ventilated seats because sweaty backs are so last decade.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Need an eco-friendly road tripper? The RAV4 Hybrid delivers a wallet-friendly 40 mpg and an impressive range that keeps gas stops to a minimum. It offers a spacious cabin with high-quality materials, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for extra cargo space. Standard all-wheel drive and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 enhance performance and safety, making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious adventurers.
Ford Explorer
As its name suggests, the Ford Explorer was built to discover new horizons—or at least the nearest national park. The SUV comes with a 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine as standard, producing 300 horsepower, though an optional 3.0-liter V6 engine boosts that to 400 hp, ideal for towing up to 5,600 pounds. And, with three rows of seating, intelligent four-wheel drive, and many trims to fit your style, it’s versatile enough for soccer practice and dunes.
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is like the Outback’s slightly nerdier sibling. It’s practical, spacious, and perfect for navigating city streets and off-road trails. The Forester features a high ground clearance of 8.7 inches, perfect for light off-roading, while the standard all-wheel drive gives it excellent traction on various terrains. The front grille is wide, giving it a confident stance, while circular headlights enhance its rugged, utilitarian look.
Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas is here for families that need all the space. The four-cylinder model’s fuel economy is 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, with the V6 slightly less efficient. Standard tech features include a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Atlas also boasts 96.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats down, making it a practical choice for long road trips or hauling large items. Plus, it’s German-engineered, so you know it handles well.
Nissan Rogue
Don’t let its name fool you; the Nissan Rogue plays nice with the family. Inside, the Rogue is like a tech carnival. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and safety features galore—like ProPILOT Assist, which practically babysits your commute. Its cargo space rivals a NYC apartment (74.1 cubic feet with seats folded). And, for 2024, Nissan sprinkles in sleek styling updates, and the Midnight Edition adds a Darth Vader-like vibe. Its ProPILOT Assist even helps steer and brake on highways so you can focus on the playlist.
Chevrolet Suburban
If the Tahoe is a fortress, the Suburban is a castle. This huge SUV has room for the entire clan and then some. The current Suburban (12th generation, launched in 2021) is a behemoth with three rows of seats, massive cargo space, and a rear suspension upgrade to independent coils, so your passengers won’t bounce like popcorn kernels on bumpy roads. It also offers robust V8 engines and even a fuel-sipping diesel option.
GMC Yukon
The GMC Yukon is a cousin of the Suburban and Tahoe but with more refinement. The 2024 model boasts a redesigned front grille, luxurious interiors with Alpine Umber full-grain leather (exclusive to the Denali Ultimate trim), and tech-heavy features like a massive 16.8-inch infotainment system and Super Cruise hands-free driving on certain trims. Additionally, the Yukon can also tow up to 8,000 pounds.
Tesla Model X
Fancy a road trip that feels like stepping into the future? The Tesla Model X offers an impressive range of up to 348 miles; it’s road-trip ready—plan your bathroom breaks around Superchargers. The cabin boasts a “Whoopee Cushion” mode because Tesla never forgets fun (or farts). The panoramic windshield? It’s so massive you might feel like you’re piloting a scenic tour.
Lexus RX
The Lexus RX brings a touch of luxury to your road trip. Safety? Lexus threw in their entire “Safety System+” package because who doesn’t like feeling invincible in traffic? It’s a hit with families thanks to ample space for kids and their infinite snack crumbs. Bonus: the resale value is solid, so it’s like investing in a rolling savings account. Its fuel economy isn’t bad either, so your wallet won’t hate you.
Volvo XC90
Swedish safety meets Scandinavian luxury in the Volvo XC90. First introduced in 2002 and revamped in 2015, the XC90 is a luxury 7-seater that blends style, power, and eco-friendliness. Its engine options range from frugal hybrids to the turbocharged and supercharged T8 Recharge, delivering guilt-free speed. So, whether chauffeuring kids or navigating IKEA parking lots, the XC90 is your stylish and safe companion.
Porsche Cayenne
If your idea of a road trip involves twisty roads and speed limits you pretend not to see, the Porsche Cayenne is your dream ride. Underneath, it shares a platform with the Audi Q7 and Volkswagen Touareg, proving even supercars have cousins in suburbia. It’s also offered various powertrains, from V6s to twin-turbo V8s, and even hybrids, for when you want to save the planet at 150 mph.
Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 is for road trippers who want performance and elegance in equal measure. Its design screams sophistication, with that massive single-frame grille that looks ready to eat up fewer cars for breakfast. Recent iterations (post-2020 facelift) feature sharper styling, revamped interiors, and mild-hybrid tech for eco-brownie points. The aluminum-intensive build reduces weight while keeping it robust, and Quattro AWD ensures you can conquer highways and mud pits.
BMW X5
Refined yet powerful, the BMW X5 is a road trip warrior wrapped in luxury. First launched in 1999, it coined the term “Sports Activity Vehicle” to sound fancier than your average SUV. In its fourth generation (G05, since 2018), the X5 combines luxury, tech, and athletic prowess. Engine options range from efficient turbocharged inline-6s to fire-breathing V8s, plus a plug-in hybrid for the eco-warrior with a champagne taste.
Range Rover Velar
The Range Rover Velar is the SUV equivalent of a French chalet: impossibly chic, incredibly capable, and outrageously expensive. Under the hood, the Velar offers a buffet of engine choices, from efficient turbocharged four-cylinders to a hearty 395-hp inline-six. Inside, it flaunts dual touchscreens and has a minimalist design so you might mistake it for an art exhibit. And, despite its posh demeanor, it can wade through 23.6 inches of water—heels off, nature, here we come!
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
Reliability is a core feature that defines a vehicle. Over the last few decades, some vehicles have emerged as a reliable and durable option, standing out as workhorses that never quit. These vehicles not only prove themselves in terms of performance but transcend their role and become reliable partners, always fulfilling their role. Here are 12 Cars known for their unbreakable reliability.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
