The Best SUVs for Family Road Trips in 2025
As 2025 approaches, the automotive landscape continues to evolve, offering families more options than ever when it comes to finding the perfect SUV for road trips. With advancements in technology, safety features, and fuel efficiency, the choices can be overwhelming. To help you navigate this terrain, we’ve compiled a list of the best SUVs for family road trips in 2025, considering factors like comfort, space, reliability, fuel economy, and the latest tech features.
1. The All-New 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Toyota has long been synonymous with reliability and practicality, and the 2025 Grand Highlander is poised to be a top contender for family road trips. This SUV boasts a spacious third row, making it comfortable for adults and teenagers alike. With ample cargo space, you can pack all your essentials without feeling cramped.
Key Features:
- Spacious Interior: The Grand Highlander offers best-in-class third-row legroom and generous cargo space, ensuring everyone travels comfortably.
- Hybrid Powertrain Options: Toyota’s hybrid technology delivers excellent fuel economy, reducing gas costs on long journeys.
- Advanced Safety Features: Equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and pre-collision system, ensuring peace of mind on the road.
- Infotainment System: A large touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration keeps everyone connected and entertained.
- Comfort: Comfortable seating and a smooth ride quality make long hours on the road more enjoyable.
Why It’s Great for Road Trips:
The Toyota Grand Highlander excels in providing a comfortable and spacious environment, essential for long road trips. Its hybrid options offer significant fuel savings, and the advanced safety features provide added security. The intuitive infotainment system keeps passengers entertained, making it a well-rounded choice for families.
2. The Redesigned 2025 Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot has always been a reliable choice for families, and the redesigned 2025 model takes it to the next level. With a focus on ruggedness and versatility, the Pilot is perfect for families who enjoy outdoor adventures.
Key Features:
- Rugged Design: A more robust exterior design gives the Pilot a bolder look, ready for any adventure.
- Spacious Cabin: The Pilot offers three rows of seating with enough room for passengers and cargo.
- Improved Off-Road Capability: With available all-wheel drive and a terrain management system, the Pilot can handle various road conditions.
- Honda Sensing Suite: Comprehensive safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking system, ensure a safe journey.
- Entertainment System: An updated infotainment system with wireless connectivity and available rear-seat entertainment keeps everyone engaged.
Why It’s Great for Road Trips:
The Honda Pilot’s combination of space, reliability, and safety features makes it an excellent choice for family road trips. Its rugged design and improved off-road capabilities allow you to explore beyond the beaten path, while the comfortable interior and advanced tech keep everyone happy.
3. The Luxurious 2025 Acura MDX
For families seeking a touch of luxury without sacrificing practicality, the 2025 Acura MDX is a standout option. This SUV offers a refined driving experience, premium materials, and advanced technology.
Key Features:
- Premium Interior: High-quality materials, comfortable seating, and elegant design create a luxurious cabin environment.
- Powerful Engine: A strong engine provides ample power for confident highway driving and towing capabilities.
- Advanced Technology: Acura’s intuitive infotainment system, premium audio system, and driver-assist features enhance the driving experience.
- Spacious Cargo Area: While not as large as some competitors, the MDX still offers ample cargo space for luggage and gear.
- Safety Features: AcuraWatch suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and road departure mitigation, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride.
Why It’s Great for Road Trips:
The Acura MDX offers a luxurious and comfortable ride, making long journeys more enjoyable. Its powerful engine ensures confident performance, while the advanced technology and safety features provide peace of mind. The premium interior and refined driving experience make it a top choice for families who appreciate the finer things.
4. The Eco-Friendly 2025 Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade has quickly become a favorite among families for its spacious interior, upscale features, and excellent value. The 2025 model continues this trend with even more enhancements.
Key Features:
- Spacious Interior: With three rows of seating and plenty of legroom, the Palisade is comfortable for passengers of all ages.
- Upscale Features: Available features like quilted leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system elevate the driving experience.
- Advanced Safety Technology: Hyundai SmartSense includes forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane keeping assist, ensuring a safe journey.
- User-Friendly Infotainment: A large touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration makes it easy to stay connected.
- Value for Money: The Palisade offers a lot of features for its price point, making it an excellent value for families.
Why It’s Great for Road Trips:
The Hyundai Palisade provides a comfortable and spacious environment at an affordable price. Its upscale features and advanced technology make long drives more enjoyable, while the comprehensive safety features ensure peace of mind. The Palisade’s excellent value makes it a smart choice for budget-conscious families.
5. The Electric 2025 Kia EV9
As electric vehicles become more mainstream, the 2025 Kia EV9 is a compelling option for families looking to reduce their carbon footprint. This all-electric SUV offers a spacious interior, long driving range, and advanced technology.
Key Features:
- All-Electric Powertrain: Zero emissions and a long driving range make the EV9 an eco-friendly choice for road trips.
- Spacious Interior: Three rows of seating and a roomy cabin provide ample space for passengers and cargo.
- Fast Charging: Quick charging capabilities allow you to replenish the battery quickly on the go.
- Advanced Technology: Dual 12.3-inch displays, wireless connectivity, and a suite of driver-assist features enhance the driving experience.
- Unique Design: A modern and stylish exterior design sets the EV9 apart from other SUVs.
Why It’s Great for Road Trips:
The Kia EV9 offers a sustainable and technologically advanced option for family road trips. Its long driving range and fast charging capabilities make it practical for long journeys, while the spacious interior and advanced features ensure a comfortable and enjoyable ride. The EV9 is perfect for families who want to embrace electric mobility without sacrificing practicality.
6. The Versatile 2025 Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent is known for its reliability, safety, and all-weather capability, making it a great choice for families who enjoy outdoor adventures.
Key Features:
- Standard All-Wheel Drive: Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction in all weather conditions.
- Spacious Interior: Three rows of seating and ample cargo space accommodate passengers and gear.
- EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: A comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and pre-collision braking, enhances safety.
- Durable and Reliable: Subaru’s reputation for reliability ensures peace of mind on long road trips.
- Comfortable Ride: A smooth and comfortable ride quality makes long hours on the road more enjoyable.
Why It’s Great for Road Trips:
The Subaru Ascent’s combination of all-wheel drive, spacious interior, and advanced safety features makes it an excellent choice for family road trips, especially in areas with challenging weather conditions. Its reputation for reliability ensures a worry-free journey, while the comfortable ride quality keeps everyone happy.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an SUV for Road Trips:
- Space: Ensure the SUV has enough room for passengers and cargo.
- Fuel Efficiency: Look for models with good fuel economy to save money on gas.
- Safety Features: Prioritize SUVs with advanced safety technologies like adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist.
- Comfort: Consider features like comfortable seating, a smooth ride, and climate control.
- Technology: Choose an SUV with an intuitive infotainment system, wireless connectivity, and available rear-seat entertainment.
- Reliability: Research the SUV’s reliability ratings to ensure a worry-free journey.
Conclusion
Choosing the right SUV for family road trips in 2025 depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize space, fuel efficiency, luxury, or technology, there’s an SUV on this list that will meet your requirements. By considering the factors mentioned above and researching the available options, you can find the perfect SUV to create unforgettable memories on your next family road trip.
