The Best Road Trip Cars for Families: Spacious, Comfortable, and Reliable

When planning a family road trip, having the right vehicle can make all the difference. Families need cars that are spacious enough to accommodate passengers and luggage, comfortable for long journeys, and packed with features to keep everyone entertained and safe. Here are the best road trip cars for families that offer the perfect combination of space, comfort, and reliability.

1. Honda Odyssey

The Honda Odyssey is often considered one of the best family minivans on the market, making it perfect for long road trips. With seating for up to eight and a versatile interior, the Odyssey provides ample space for families, while its advanced tech features keep everyone entertained.

Key Features:

Magic Slide® seats for easier access to the third row

• Built-in rear entertainment system with a Blu-ray player

• Spacious cargo area for luggage and road trip essentials

CabinWatch® and CabinTalk®, allowing the driver to communicate with rear-seat passengers easily

Fuel Economy: Up to 28 MPG highway

Why It’s Great for Families: The Odyssey is known for its family-friendly features like the in-car vacuum and rear-seat entertainment, making it ideal for keeping kids occupied during long drives.

2. Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV that offers plenty of space for families while maintaining a smooth and comfortable ride. With three rows of seating and modern safety features, the Highlander is perfect for families that need a bit more room but still want to drive an SUV.

Key Features:

• Seating for up to 8 passengers

• Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite, including adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning

Optional hybrid version for improved fuel efficiency

Multi-zone climate control for added comfort

Fuel Economy: Up to 36 MPG highway (hybrid)

Why It’s Great for Families: The Highlander’s third row and hybrid option make it a great choice for eco-conscious families who don’t want to sacrifice space or comfort.

3. Chrysler Pacifica

The Chrysler Pacifica is another standout minivan that offers a mix of luxury, practicality, and advanced tech. Known for its refined interior and innovative features, the Pacifica provides comfort for long trips while maximizing space for passengers and cargo.

Key Features:

• Available Stow ‘n Go® seating for flexible cargo space

Uconnect® theater system with dual rear touchscreens for entertainment

Hands-free power sliding doors for easy entry and exit

• Available as a plug-in hybrid for fuel efficiency

Fuel Economy: Up to 82 MPGe with the plug-in hybrid model

Why It’s Great for Families: The Pacifica’s versatile seating and hybrid powertrain make it a great road trip option for families who want both comfort and eco-friendliness.

4. Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent is a spacious and reliable three-row SUV designed with family road trips in mind. Known for its safety features and all-wheel drive (AWD), the Ascent offers plenty of room and confidence for driving in various weather conditions.

Key Features:

• Standard all-wheel drive for improved traction on different terrains

EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, including adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking

• Seating for up to 8 passengers

19 cup holders to keep drinks secure for everyone on board

Fuel Economy: Up to 27 MPG highway

Why It’s Great for Families: The Ascent’s AWD and safety features make it an excellent choice for families who plan to travel on diverse terrains or in varying weather conditions.

5. Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride has gained a reputation as one of the top midsize SUVs for families. It offers a luxurious interior, advanced safety features, and plenty of room for both passengers and luggage, making it perfect for extended road trips.

Key Features:

Spacious interior with seating for up to 8 passengers

• Standard forward collision avoidance and blind-spot monitoring

Dual sunroofs and premium interior materials

Large cargo capacity for road trip gear

Fuel Economy: Up to 26 MPG highway

Why It’s Great for Families: The Telluride’s combination of space, luxury, and advanced safety features make it a standout choice for families looking for an upscale road trip experience without sacrificing practicality.

6. Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer is a classic family SUV that has been redesigned to provide more space, better performance, and advanced technology. With three rows of seating and impressive towing capacity, the Explorer is a versatile choice for family adventures.

Key Features:

• Seating for up to 7 passengers

• Available SYNC® 3 infotainment system with voice recognition

• Towing capacity of up to 5,600 pounds, ideal for hauling campers or trailers

PowerFold® third-row seats for additional cargo space

Fuel Economy: Up to 28 MPG highway

Why It’s Great for Families: The Explorer’s balance of space, power, and modern tech features makes it a reliable option for families that need versatility on long trips.

7. Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevrolet Traverse is a family-friendly SUV that offers a spacious interior, advanced safety features, and a smooth ride. With seating for up to eight and plenty of cargo room, the Traverse is an excellent option for road trips with the whole family.

Key Features:

Smart Slide® second-row seats for easy access to the third row

• Available rear-seat entertainment system to keep kids entertained

Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist

• Up to 98.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats down

Fuel Economy: Up to 27 MPG highway

Why It’s Great for Families: The Traverse offers one of the most spacious interiors in its class, making it perfect for families who need room for passengers and luggage on long trips.

Conclusion

When planning a family road trip, choosing a car that offers ample space, comfort, and reliability is essential. Vehicles like the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Highlander, and Kia Telluride combine advanced safety features, roomy interiors, and entertainment options to make long drives more enjoyable for everyone. Whether you prefer a minivan or SUV, these vehicles ensure that your family travels in comfort and style, no matter how far the journey takes you.