Best Reliable SUVs for Long Highway Drives

When you’re planning a long road trip, the last thing you want is a vehicle that breaks down. Some SUVs are built to handle thousands of miles with almost no issues. In this list, we highlight the most reliable SUVs that stay strong on highways, rough roads, and long-distance journeys. If you want a stress-free road trip with comfort and durability, these SUVs are the best choices.

Toyota Highlander

Okay, first thing that pops into my head the Toyota Highlander. Like, honestly, you can’t kill this thing. It’s not flashy or insane or anything, but it’s just solid. You could drive across states, through rain, sun, traffic, literal boredom, and it just goes, “Cool, what’s next?” Totally that dependable friend who never cancels plans. Plus, the new hybrid one gets pretty great mileage around 35 MPG combined which is wild for its size. Starting around $40,000-ish, it’s pricey but, like, long-term? Worth it.

Honda CR-V

Ah man, the CR-V. Classic. I feel like every family has either owned one or knows someone who has. Low maintenance, super predictable, and you just… trust it. The seats are comfy, the cabin’s chill, and you get that feeling of “I could probably live out of this thing for a week if I had to.” Around $30k gets you a really nice version, and the hybrid models? Even smoother. Not exciting, but hey, she never lets you down.

Subaru Outback

Now, technically it’s half-SUV-half-wagon, but whatever, it counts. The Outback is like, that outdoorsy friend who hikes but still showers regularly. Great ground clearance, all-wheel drive standard, and it just eats up winding roads. Subaru reliability is kind of legendary too. Around $30k to start, mid-$40s if you want it loaded up. Oh, and the roof rails? Chef’s kiss for road trips. Throw bikes, canoes, random stuff it’s like a mobile storage unit.

Toyota 4Runner

Okay so, this one’s more old-school, but in a good way. The 4Runner’s like that tough uncle who still wears cargo shorts and fixes everything with duct tape. It’s basically a tank, super reliable, especially if you’re hitting dirt trails or camping far out. Sure, gas mileage kinda sucks (like 16–19 MPG), but it’s not pretending to be efficient. It’s pretending to be indestructible which, not gonna lie, it kinda is. Around $42,000 new, but if you keep it clean, it’ll last a decade easy.

Mazda CX-5

So, I gotta give Mazda their flowers. The CX-5? Man, this thing’s smooth. Kinda sporty too, like it’s secretly fun but still super comfy for long drives. Interior feels premium without costing a kidney around $29k base, maybe mid-$30k loaded. And reliability-wise, Mazda’s been killing it lately. Low repairs, chill ownership, stylish design… it’s like if a Honda CR-V and a BMW had a responsible kid.

Lexus RX

Luxury SUV, but it’s a Toyota underneath, which means it just won’t die. The RX is like that calm, confident person who never raises their voice just smooth and drama-free. Super comfy ride, quiet cabin, seats that make you want to nap (but don’t, you’re driving). Around $49,000 starting, hybrids go higher, but they hold value insanely well. Honestly, for road trips, it’s like business-class on wheels.

Hyundai Santa Fe

Okay, real talk Hyundai came outta nowhere with this one. Used to be kinda “meh,” but now? It’s solid. The Santa Fe feels bigger than it looks, ride’s comfy, and the reliability’s seriously strong these days. Plus, the warranty’s crazy 10 years, 100,000 miles so you’re basically covered. Around $33k gets you a nicely equipped one. And the interior design? Surprisingly fancy. You’ll kinda go, “Wait, this is a Hyundai?”

Kia Telluride

Ah yes, the Telluride the SUV that everyone suddenly wants. And for good reason. It’s big, comfy, super reliable, and looks way more expensive than it is. Around $37k starting but feels like a $60k ride. It’s one of those cars that just eats up highway miles, no drama, no weird noises, nothing. Just smooth cruising and you arrive like, “Oh, we’re already here?” It’s that good.

Honda Pilot

The Pilot’s like the grown-up CR-V same reliability, more space, more practicality. I’ll admit, it’s not exciting to look at, but inside? It’s comfy, roomy, and dependable as hell. Great for families or, like, a group of friends doing a long drive. You can load everything in there snacks, luggage, your existential crisis and it’ll still move effortlessly. Around $39k gets you rolling. Boring? Maybe. Reliable? Definitely.

Toyota RAV4

Okay, last one, the RAV4 basically the world’s go-to SUV. It’s like the iPhone of cars, and I mean that as a compliment. Super reliable, great resale, and with the hybrid version, you’re getting around 40 MPG. That’s borderline magic for an SUV. Priced around $30k–$38k, it’s not cheap, but you’ll get back every penny when you resell it. It’s no thrill machine, but for road trips? Oh, it’s perfect. You just gas up, play music, zone out, and roll.