Best Family Cars for Long Road Trips

Family road trips are a timeless tradition, filled with opportunities for adventure, bonding, and memory-making. However, for a successful trip, it’s essential to choose a vehicle that not only accommodates everyone comfortably but also ensures safety, fuel efficiency, and enough storage space for luggage. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended journey, the best family cars for long road trips should meet several criteria. Let's take a closer look at the top vehicles designed to enhance your road trip experience.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Family Car for Long Road Trips

Before we dive into the list of the best family cars, it's important to understand the key factors that make a vehicle ideal for long-distance travel:

1. Comfort: Long hours on the road demand a car that offers maximum comfort for both driver and passengers. Look for cars with ergonomic seats, plenty of legroom, and rear-seat entertainment options for the kids.

2. Safety: Road trips often involve various driving conditions, from highways to rugged back roads. A family car must have advanced safety features such as lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and a high safety rating.

3. Fuel Efficiency: High fuel efficiency is a must for long trips to reduce fuel costs and minimize stops for refueling. Hybrid and electric options are becoming increasingly popular for road trips due to their extended range and lower environmental impact.

4. Cargo Space: A spacious trunk and flexible seating arrangements are essential for packing all your gear, from suitcases to sports equipment.

5. Technology: Modern cars come equipped with useful tech like built-in GPS, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, multiple USB ports, and driver assistance features, all of which make for a more enjoyable road trip experience.

6. Entertainment: Keeping the whole family entertained is critical during long hours on the road. Cars with rear-seat entertainment systems, multiple charging outlets, and Bluetooth connectivity can make all the difference.

Now, let’s explore the best family cars that check all these boxes and more, perfect for your next long road trip.

1. Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is one of the top choices for families who prioritize fuel efficiency without sacrificing space or comfort. With seating for up to eight passengers and excellent fuel economy for an SUV, the Highlander Hybrid can easily accommodate a large family. It offers up to 35 MPG combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient options in its class, perfect for long road trips.

In addition to its impressive gas mileage, the Highlander Hybrid boasts a spacious cabin with plenty of legroom, a large cargo area for luggage, and a suite of advanced safety features such as Toyota Safety Sense, which includes pre-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure alert. This SUV ensures that both parents and kids are comfortable and entertained, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple USB ports.

Pros:

• Excellent fuel economy for its size

• Spacious and comfortable interior

• Advanced safety features

Cons:

• Can get expensive with higher trims

• Limited off-road capabilities

2. Honda Odyssey

The Honda Odyssey is a long-time favorite for families, and it’s easy to see why. Minivans are perfect for road trips thanks to their exceptional passenger space, storage flexibility, and family-friendly features. The Odyssey offers seating for up to eight people, with a configurable second and third row for easy access and extra storage.

What sets the Honda Odyssey apart is its focus on family convenience. The Magic Slide second-row seats allow easy access to the third row, and the CabinWatch camera system lets the driver keep an eye on the back seats without turning around. Rear-seat entertainment with a Blu-ray player keeps the kids occupied, while Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple charging points ensure that everyone's devices are connected and powered up.

For safety, the Honda Odyssey includes Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced features such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and collision mitigation braking. The Odyssey is an all-around excellent choice for families, especially those planning long road trips.

Pros:

• Spacious and versatile interior

• Rear-seat entertainment options

• Magic Slide seats for easy access

Cons:

• Not the best fuel economy in its class

• Lacks all-wheel drive option

3. Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer is another excellent option for families who need a balance between space, comfort, and off-road capability. This midsize SUV offers three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven passengers, and provides ample cargo space for all your road trip essentials. For families planning to venture off the beaten path, the Explorer's available all-wheel-drive system and terrain management system are ideal.

The Explorer shines in terms of technology and safety features. It comes equipped with Ford's Co-Pilot360 system, which includes a variety of driver assistance technologies such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. Its infotainment system is intuitive, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available rear-seat entertainment for long drives.

The Explorer also offers a hybrid version, which combines the practicality of an SUV with better fuel economy. The hybrid model can achieve up to 27 MPG combined, making it a solid choice for families concerned about fuel costs on long road trips.

Pros:

• Off-road capabilities

• Plenty of passenger and cargo space

• Available hybrid option

Cons:

• Can feel bulky to drive in tight spaces

• Higher trims can get expensive

4. Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride has quickly become one of the most popular family SUVs on the market, and for good reason. With its spacious and luxurious interior, advanced safety features, and smooth ride, the Telluride is perfect for long road trips. It offers seating for up to eight passengers and has a cavernous cargo area to fit all your luggage.

One of the highlights of the Telluride is its technology. It comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen (with an available 10.25-inch screen on higher trims), Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple USB ports. The Telluride also comes equipped with a suite of driver-assistance features, including lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Telluride is competitive for its class, delivering around 20 MPG city and 26 MPG highway. With its luxurious feel, advanced tech, and excellent safety ratings, the Kia Telluride is a fantastic option for families embarking on long trips.

Pros:

• Spacious and well-appointed interior

• Advanced technology and safety features

• Smooth and quiet ride

Cons:

• No hybrid option

• Lower fuel economy compared to smaller SUVs

5. Subaru Outback

For families that enjoy road trips with a bit of adventure, the Subaru Outback is a versatile and reliable choice. While not as large as the SUVs on this list, the Outback offers impressive cargo space, especially with its fold-flat rear seats, and it comes standard with all-wheel drive, making it perfect for families who plan to explore various terrains.

The Outback also excels in terms of safety, with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist system, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. The vehicle’s high ground clearance and rugged design make it suitable for off-road adventures, while its comfortable interior and advanced infotainment system ensure everyone enjoys the ride.

Fuel efficiency is another strength of the Subaru Outback, with up to 33 MPG on the highway. For families looking to combine comfort with a bit of off-road capability, the Outback is a solid contender.

Pros:

• Standard all-wheel drive

• Excellent fuel efficiency

• Comfortable and rugged

Cons:

• Less passenger space than larger SUVs

• No hybrid or electric option

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the best family car for long road trips, comfort, safety, and space are paramount. Whether you prioritize fuel efficiency with the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, the versatility of the Honda Odyssey, or the adventure-readiness of the Subaru Outback, each of these vehicles is designed to make your family road trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Before you set out on your next adventure, consider your family’s specific needs, driving habits, and destinations to choose the best road-trip vehicle for your journey.