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At ScoopOk, we’re a team of car enthusiasts and travel lovers dedicated to helping families find the perfect vehicles for their adventures. With years of experience analyzing automotive trends and testing vehicles, we’ve crafted this article to guide you in choosing the best SUV for family road trips.
Table of Contents
We’ve scoured expert reviews, user feedback from platforms like Reddit, and industry insights to ensure our recommendations meet your needs for comfort, space, and budget.
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Key Points of the Article
- Top SUVs offering space, comfort, and safety for family road trips.
- Budget-friendly options with pricing in USD and INR for affordability.
- Practical features like cargo space and tech for long-distance travel.
Why Choose an SUV for Family Road Trips?
SUVs are the go-to choice for families planning road trips due to their spacious interiors, versatile seating, and advanced safety features.
Whether you’re a family of 4, 6, or 7, or looking for a vehicle to sleep in during a camping adventure, SUVs offer the perfect balance of comfort and functionality. For tips on choosing safe vehicles, check out our guide on the safest cars in India under 20 lakhs.
Best SUV for Family Road Trips:
Here’s our curated list of the best SUV for family road trips, tailored to different family sizes and budgets. Each model is evaluated for comfort, cargo space, safety, and affordability.
1. Toyota Highlander: Best for Families of 6 or 7
Brief: The Toyota Highlander is a reliable midsize SUV with ample seating and a smooth ride, perfect for long-distance family trips.
- Seating: Up to 8 passengers with a third-row option.
- Cargo Space: 84.3 cu. ft. with rear seats folded.
- Comfort Features: Tri-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a quiet cabin.
- Safety: Toyota Safety Sense with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
- Fuel Economy: 23 MPG (combined) for gas models, 36 MPG for hybrids.
- Price: $39,000–$50,000 (₹32.5–41.7 lakhs).
- Why It’s Great: Its hybrid option saves fuel, and the spacious interior suits large families. For more family-friendly vehicles, see our article on interesting cool family cars.
2. Kia Telluride: Best Affordable Family SUV
Brief: The Kia Telluride combines premium features with a budget-friendly price, making it ideal for families seeking value.
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- Seating: Up to 8 passengers.
- Cargo Space: 87 cu. ft. with rear seats folded.
- Comfort Features: 10.25-inch touchscreen, USB ports in all rows, and optional rear-seat entertainment.
- Safety: Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking.
- Fuel Economy: 22 MPG (combined).
- Price: $36,000–$47,000 (₹30–39.2 lakhs).
- Why It’s Great: Offers luxury-like features at a lower price, perfect for families of 6 or 7. Learn about other affordable options in our guide to 5 luxury SUVs that will become affordable.
3. Honda Pilot: Best for Families of 4 or 6
Brief: The Honda Pilot is a versatile midsize SUV with a smooth ride and family-oriented features.
- Seating: Up to 8 passengers, with captain’s chairs available.
- Cargo Space: 83.9 cu. ft. with rear seats folded.
- Comfort Features: Rear-seat entertainment system, multiple USB ports, and adjustable second-row seats.
- Safety: Honda Sensing suite with collision mitigation and adaptive cruise control.
- Fuel Economy: 22 MPG (combined).
- Price: $37,000–$48,000 (₹30.8–40 lakhs).
- Why It’s Great: Its flexible seating and reliable performance make it a top pick for medium-sized families.
4. Chevrolet Suburban: Best for Large Families and Sleeping
Brief: The Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV with massive cargo space, ideal for families of 7 or those needing a vehicle to sleep in.
- Seating: Up to 9 passengers.
- Cargo Space: 144.7 cu. ft. (best-in-class).
- Comfort Features: 17.7-inch touchscreen, heated/ventilated seats, and optional magnetic ride suspension.
- Safety: Super Cruise hands-free driving system (optional).
- Fuel Economy: 17 MPG (combined).
- Price: $62,000–$80,000 (₹51.7–66.7 lakhs).
- Why It’s Great: Its huge interior and fold-flat seats make it perfect for camping or long trips. For more on top-selling SUVs, read our article on the best-selling SUVs.
5. Subaru Ascent: Best for All-Weather Adventures
Brief: The Subaru Ascent offers standard all-wheel drive and a comfortable ride, great for families tackling diverse terrains.
- Seating: Up to 8 passengers.
- Cargo Space: 86.5 cu. ft. with rear seats folded.
- Comfort Features: EyeSight driver-assist system, Wi-Fi hotspot, and heated seats.
- Safety: Adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane-keeping assist.
- Fuel Economy: 21 MPG (combined).
- Price: $34,000–$45,000 (₹28.3–37.5 lakhs).
- Why It’s Great: Its AWD and rugged design suit adventurous families in snowy or rough conditions.
Comparison Table: Top SUVs for Family Road Trips
| SUV Model | Seating | Cargo Space (cu. ft.) | Fuel Economy (MPG) | Price (USD/INR) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Highlander | 8 | 84.3 | 23 (gas), 36 (hybrid) | $39,000–$50,000 (₹32.5–41.7L) | Families of 6 or 7 |
| Kia Telluride | 8 | 87 | 22 | $36,000–$47,000 (₹30–39.2L) | Affordable family SUV |
| Honda Pilot | 8 | 83.9 | 22 | $37,000–$48,000 (₹30.8–40L) | Families of 4 or 6 |
| Chevrolet Suburban | 9 | 144.7 | 17 | $62,000–$80,000 (₹51.7–66.7L) | Large families, sleeping in SUV |
| Subaru Ascent | 8 | 86.5 | 21 | $34,000–$45,000 (₹28.3–37.5L) | All-weather adventures |
Features to Look for in a Family Road Trip SUV
When choosing an SUV, prioritize features that enhance comfort, safety, and convenience for long drives.
- Spacious Interior: Look for ample legroom and cargo space for luggage, strollers, or camping gear.
- Comfort: Heated seats, tri-zone climate control, and smooth suspension reduce fatigue.
- Safety Tech: Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring are must-haves.
- Infotainment: Touchscreens, USB ports, and Wi-Fi keep passengers entertained.
- Fuel Efficiency: Hybrids or efficient gas engines save money on long trips.
For more insights, check out Car and Driver’s SUV rankings for expert reviews.
Tips for Sleeping in an SUV During Road Trips
For families planning to camp or sleep in their SUV, consider these tips:
- Fold-Flat Seats: SUVs like the Chevrolet Suburban offer flat-folding seats for a comfortable sleeping area.
- Mattress or Pads: Use inflatable mattresses or foam pads for added comfort.
- Ventilation: Crack windows or use a portable fan for airflow.
- Privacy: Window shades or curtains ensure privacy at campsites.
Reddit users on r/roadtrip suggest the Subaru Ascent and Honda CR-V for their fold-flat seats and spacious interiors (Reddit thread).
Budget Considerations for USA and Indian Families
Families in the USA and India have different budget constraints. The Kia Telluride and Subaru Ascent are excellent affordable options under $40,000 (₹33.3 lakhs). For luxury seekers, the Toyota Highlander’s hybrid model offers premium features without breaking the bank. Always factor in fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs. For Indian buyers, our article on the TVS RTX 300 launch highlights budget-friendly automotive trends.
FAQs About Best SUV for Family Road Trips
What is the most fuel-efficient SUV for family road trips?
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers up to 36 MPG, making it a top choice for saving fuel on long drives.
Can I tow a camper with a family SUV?
Yes, SUVs like the Jeep Wagoneer (up to 10,000 lbs.) and Ford Expedition (9,300 lbs.) have strong towing capacities.
Are minivans better than SUVs for road trips?
Minivans like the Honda Odyssey offer more cargo space, but SUVs provide better ground clearance and AWD for diverse terrains.
Which SUV has the best safety ratings for families?
The Kia Telluride and Subaru Ascent earn top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA for their advanced driver-assist systems.
How do I prepare my SUV for a long road trip?
Check tires, brakes, and fluids, pack emergency kits, and ensure your infotainment system is updated for navigation.
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A Sweet Ending
Planning a family road trip is all about creating memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re cruising through the Grand Canyon or exploring the hills of Himachal Pradesh, the right SUV can make every mile comfortable and fun. With options like the Toyota Highlander for efficiency or the Chevrolet Suburban for space, your family is ready for the journey ahead. Pack your snacks, crank up the music, and hit the road with confidence—your adventure awaits!
