Top 10 SUVs for Long Distance Travel

When it comes to long-distance travel, comfort, reliability, and fuel efficiency matter most. These 10 SUVs are designed to conquer miles with ease, offering plush interiors, smooth rides, and impressive endurance. Whether you’re hitting the highway or exploring off-road, these models make every journey effortless and enjoyable.

Toyota Highlander

So, the Highlander… yeah, this one’s like that reliable friend who never flakes. It doesn’t scream luxury, but it’s super comfy, has that smooth V6 (or hybrid if you’re trying to save on gas), and the interior’s just… nice, you know? The seats feel supportive for those long drives, and the cabin’s quiet enough that you can actually hear yourself think. It’s around 40 grand-ish, give or take, but it feels like it’ll last forever like Toyota just builds these things to outlive civilizations.

Kia Telluride

Okay, I’ll admit, the Kia Telluride surprised me. I used to kinda look down on Kias, not gonna lie, but this one? Total glow-up. The inside feels way more premium than its price tag, about $37,000, and the seats? Chef’s kiss. It’s also big but not annoyingly huge, so you can actually park it in normal places. Highway drives feel super solid, like you’re floating. The only downside? Everyone seems to have one now, so you’re not exactly standing out.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Ah, the Jeep Grand Cherokee. This one’s kinda the rugged-but-refined type. It’s like it could go camping but also roll up to a nice restaurant right after. The interior’s gotten a massive upgrade in the last few years with screens everywhere, nice materials, and that comfy plush ride. It’s pricey though, around 44 to 45 grand. Oh, and gas mileage is… well, let’s just say you’ll know every gas station on the route.

Subaru Outback

The Outback’s a bit of a wildcard because technically it’s a wagon, but like, come on, it’s SUV enough for me. It’s roomy, comfy, and has that vibe of “I go hiking sometimes but also have a Costco membership.” The ride’s smooth, and the standard all-wheel drive just feels reassuring in bad weather. It’s around $30k to start, which feels like a steal for something this capable. Plus, those huge windows? Perfect for sightseeing while you’re zoning out to your playlist.

Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade’s kinda like the Telluride’s twin but with slightly different styling. Some folks prefer its fancier vibe. The cabin is straight-up amazing for the price, like full-on luxury-SUV energy without the luxury-SUV cost. Starts somewhere near $38k. The seats are mega comfortable on long drives, and the ride’s buttery smooth. Oh, and the infotainment system actually makes sense, which is rare these days.

Ford Expedition

Now, if you’ve got a big family or, I don’t know, a small band to haul around, the Ford Expedition is your guy. It’s massive. Like, seriously huge. The upside? You could live in it for a week if the road trip goes that long. Around $55k, so not cheap, but it just feels like it was built to swallow up miles. The turbo V6 pulls like a beast, and the cabin’s got that “let’s move across states in one go” kind of comfort.

Honda Pilot

So the Pilot… I used to think it was boring. Then I actually rode in one on a long trip and I was like, oh wow, this is nice. Smooth ride, tons of space, and nothing feels awkward or over-designed. It’s around $38k, and honestly, it might be one of the best balanced choices, not too flashy, super dependable, and easy to live with. It just works.

BMW X5

Okay yeah, fancy pick here, but hear me out. The BMW X5 makes long-distance driving feel like an event. The seats hug you, the steering’s sharp, and it’s quiet in that “I could be in a luxury cocoon right now” kind of way. It starts around 66 grand, so your wallet might cry, but your back won’t. If you’re the type who enjoys driving as much as the destination, this one’s got your name on it.

Volvo XC90

Volvo’s XC90 just feels classy in a calm, Scandinavian way. The design is so clean it’s almost soothing. The seats? Easily some of the best in the business. I swear they could fix posture issues. Starts around $57,000, which isn’t bad considering it looks and feels high-end. The plug-in hybrid version’s a cool touch too if you want to save a few fuel bucks and feel slightly better about the planet.

Toyota Land Cruiser

And then there’s the Land Cruiser, the legend. Yeah, it’s back, and it’s still kind of that unstoppable off-road tank wrapped in a family SUV body. Around $57k, and while it’s less flashy than before, it’s built like a tank with old-school durability that never goes out of style. It’s the one you’d take if you’re not sure whether your “long-distance trip” might turn into “let’s cross the continent.”