Family road trips can be quite the logistical undertaking. Between determining your travel schedule and accommodations, it can be a bit of a project. Throw kids into the mix, and you’ve got a full on production! Finding the right vehicle that’s capable of getting you and your family to your final destination safely and comfortably is paramount, which is exactly why we compiled the list below. Below are our picks for the top SUVs for family road trips.
2013 Ford Escape
- If you’re looking for the perfect choice when it comes to those long, family road trips, the Escape is a great investment. With plenty of legroom, headroom and storage space (34.3 cubic feet, 67.8 cubic feet including seat area), the Escape stands out amongst competitors in its class.
- It may reside on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to fuel economy (22 mpg city/30 mpg hwy), but the 2013 Ford Escape delivers top-level performance. (Received a 4.2 consumer rating out of 5, according to Edmonds.)
- With prices typically ranging between $16,000-$19,000 on Carvana.com, the Escape is on par with the Mitsubishi Outlander when it comes to comfort and a feeling of luxury.
- Per Edmunds: “The 2013 Ford Escape is a winner in the segment of small crossover utility vehicles thanks to athletic driving dynamics, an inviting cabin and plenty of useful high-tech features.”
2014 Chevrolet Traverse
- The cargo capacity for the Chevy Traverse registers in the upper tier for family-sized three-row crossover SUVs. Even with third-row seating in place, the Traverse has 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space. With the second and third row folded down, the Traverse allows for just over 116 cubic feet (116.3) of storage area.
- In Edmunds brake testing, the Traverse came to a stop from 60 mph in 119 feet; a better than average distance for vehicles in this segment. Additionally, the Traverse took home a five-star rating for overall performance in government crash tests, as well as the IIHS’ highest rating of “Good” in its moderate frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests.
- According to Autotrader.com, “Both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions of the Traverse earned the NHTSA’s top rating. That’s not always the case; some vehicles require pricier all-wheel-drive systems to deliver the highest crash-test scores.”
- Per Edmunds: “The 2014 Chevrolet Traverse checks nearly all of the right boxes for a large crossover SUV and remains a worthy choice for consumers who need three rows of seating.”
2013 Buick Enclave
- The Enclave comes with spacious three-row seating with enough room to comfortably seat full-sized adults in each row. Additionally, the Enclave offers an impressive 23 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seating.
- Along with its impressive marks in crash testing, the Enclave comes with the standard OnStar system, which includes automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, and stolen vehicle locator, among other safety and security features.
- The Buick Enclave is a top safety pick for individuals in the market for an SUV or Crossover. In government crash testing, the Enclave was a standout, earning a top five-star rating for overall performance. The Enclave also swept the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests, earning the highest rating of “Good” in moderate frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests.
- Along with the typical list of front, side and curtain airbags, Buick offers a front-center airbag in the Enclave, adding that feature as standard equipment in 2013. The airbag is designed to prevent the driver and front-seat passenger from colliding with each other in the event of a harsh side-impact crash.
2015 Infiniti QX60
- The cargo capacity available with QX60 isn’t bad, but it does take a backseat to its competitors with 76.5 cubic feet of space with the second and third-row seats folded.
- For large families, the 2015 Infiniti QX60 is one of the top options available in its class due to its flexible seating. The second row is capable of sliding 5.5 inches moving forward and back, which allows passengers to reach and exit from the third row with little restriction. Also, to add to the novelty, the second and third row seatbacks also recline.
- Though it receives some demerits for feeling a bit sluggish when attempting to pass on the open road, the QX60 offers a smooth, comfortable ride once it settles into freeway speed. However, the luxurious ride is offset some with the feeling of heavy steering going through turns.
- Per Edmunds: “With its roomy seating and comfortable ride, the 2015 Infiniti QX60 is a good choice for a family-oriented, seven-passenger luxury crossover SUV.”
2015 GMC Acadia
- Compared to other rivals in its class, the Acadia is a leader when it comes to cargo space offerings. With the Acadia’s third-row taken out, there’s room for 116.1 cubic feet of cargo, large enough to fit 25 bags of golf clubs.
- In government crash test scores, the Acadia earned a top five-star rating for overall performance. Standard safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front seat side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, a rearview camera and rear parking sensors.
- Though it receives a slight knock for being a bit cumbersome, the overall driving impressions of the Acadia are solid, delivering a quality balance between secure handling and a luxurious ride.
- Per Edmunds: “With a big cargo hold, a comfortable ride and generous standard features, the three-row 2015 GMC Acadia ably meets the needs of crossover SUV shoppers. It’s one of our top picks.”
