Road trips are a rite of passage for many families — and the right vehicle can make or break the experience. Whether you’re heading to the coast, exploring countryside lanes, or embarking on a cross-country adventure, your SUV needs to be more than just spacious. It needs to be a roadworthy SUV that’s built for comfort, safety, and endurance.

So, what makes a truly great road trip SUV in 2025? It’s all about blending space, tech, fuel efficiency, and ride comfort — because nobody wants a stiff back, bored kids, or an overflowing boot halfway through the journey.

In this guide, we explore the best family SUVs for trips, showcasing models that go the distance — literally and figuratively — for long-haul family travel.

A person sitting on the tailgate of a car in a forest, reading a map with sunlight filtering through the trees.

What to Look for in a Road-Trip-Ready SUV

Before diving into specific models, here’s what separates a decent SUV from the best when it comes to road trips:

1. Ride Comfort

A smooth, quiet ride with supportive seats is essential when you’re driving for hours.

2. Cabin Space

Ample legroom in all rows, flexible seating configurations, and clever storage help keep the whole family comfortable and organised.

3. Fuel Economy

Good MPG means fewer petrol station stops and more money for snacks and attractions.

4. Advanced Safety Tech

Long drives demand focus. Features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring are lifesavers on motorways.

5. In-Car Entertainment

Whether it’s built-in screens or wireless Apple CarPlay, entertainment is the key to peaceful backseats.

A silver SUV parked on a grassy hillside, with small trees and domes on the distant hill under a partly cloudy sky.

Top 5 Family SUVs for Road Trips in 2025

Here are the best of the best when it comes to roadworthy SUVs that turn travel time into quality time.

1. Toyota Grand Highlander

Why it’s ideal: Toyota’s newest three-row SUV is tailor-made for road trips — with extra space, hybrid efficiency, and a serene ride.

Road-Trip Highlights:

  • Available hybrid and turbo-hybrid powertrains (up to 36 MPG)
  • Generous third-row and boot space
  • Tri-zone climate control and panoramic roof
  • Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard across all trims

Perfect For: Big families who want space without full-size bulk.

“There’s room for all our bags, the dog, and still space to stretch. It’s our new road trip favourite.” — Sarah, mum of four in Kent

2. Kia Telluride

Why it’s a winner: The Telluride continues to dominate the family SUV segment with exceptional comfort, tech, and long-haul reliability.

Road-Trip Highlights:

  • Luxurious ride with ventilated seats and ample legroom
  • Quiet cabin perfect for napping passengers
  • Excellent navigation and driver-assist features
  • Rear seat quiet mode — perfect for little sleepers

Perfect For: Families who want a premium feel at a budget-friendly price.

“It’s the only SUV we’ve owned where all three kids nap peacefully in the back.” — Jason, dad from Manchester

3. Honda Pilot

Why it delivers: With a 2023 redesign, the Pilot now offers better road manners, more space, and a refreshed, modern interior.

Road-Trip Highlights:

  • Magic Slide™ second-row seats make accessing the third row a breeze
  • Configurable interior perfect for luggage, coolers, and gear
  • Smooth, quiet ride with confident handling
  • CabinTalk intercom system — speak to back seats without yelling

Perfect For: Practical families who value comfort, space, and usability.

“We took it across Scotland and back — no complaints, even from the kids!” — Louise, family of five in Edinburgh

4. Chevrolet Traverse

Why it stands out: A full-size crossover with enormous interior space, ideal for road warriors.

Road-Trip Highlights:

  • Class-leading cargo volume (up to 98.2 cu ft)
  • Spacious third row even for adults
  • Available rear entertainment and wireless charging
  • Advanced adaptive cruise and lane-keeping assist

Perfect For: Families that pack heavy or travel with multiple generations.

“It’s our mobile home on wheels. We never run out of space — or patience!” — Jake, parent from Birmingham

5. Mazda CX-90

Why it’s fresh: Mazda’s all-new 2025 flagship SUV blends driving pleasure with upscale comfort — great for parents who love the open road.

Road-Trip Highlights:

  • Inline-6 engine or plug-in hybrid option
  • Classy, minimalist interior with wide seats
  • Excellent sound insulation and premium feel
  • Configurable second and third rows with luxury trims

Perfect For: Families who want road trip comfort and a bit of driving excitement.

“Finally — an SUV that parents and kids love equally!” — Priya, mum of two from Bristol

Honourable Mentions

These SUVs narrowly missed the top five but are still strong contenders for best family SUV trips:

  • Hyundai Palisade – Plush interior, user-friendly tech, and spacious third row
  • Ford Expedition MAX – Massive cargo space and towing capacity for campers
  • Subaru Ascent – AWD standard, great for mountain or off-road adventures
  • Volkswagen Atlas – Adult-friendly third row and wide boot opening
  • BMW X7 – High-end comfort and performance for luxury road trippers

A driver's hand holds a smartphone displaying navigation directions, next to a car dashboard with a GPS map screen.

Must-Have Features for Road Trips

Whatever SUV you choose, make sure it’s equipped with:

  • Multiple USB ports in all rows
  • Panoramic sunroof for scenic drives
  • Rear air vents and climate control
  • Built-in navigation or smartphone integration
  • Heated and ventilated seats for year-round comfort
  • Ample cupholders and storage bins for drinks, snacks, and devices

Drive Far, Travel Well

Choosing the right road trip SUV means more than just picking a car — it’s about creating a mobile environment that’s comfortable, safe, and fun for every family member. Whether you’re crossing counties or just heading up the coast, the right SUV can transform the journey into part of the adventure.

From the feature-rich Toyota Grand Highlander to the versatile Chevy Traverse and stylish Mazda CX-90, the best options of 2025 are all about long-distance comfort, storage, and seamless travel.

Planning your next adventure?

Test drive a few of these SUVs, check how they feel with the whole family aboard, and see which model fits your road-tripping style best. Already have a favourite SUV for family trips? Share your experience in the comments — your insight could steer another family in the right direction.

Would you like a downloadable road trip checklist to pair with this post? I can prepare one for family-friendly SUV essentials!