An SUV’s enormous interior, huge cargo area, and super convenient rear seats make it the ideal vehicle for long-distance travel.
SUVs have come a long way and now boast luxurious features such as spacious interiors, cutting-edge infotainment systems, top-of-the-line safety equipment, and much more.
Many people still believe that SUVs burn more gasoline for extended trips than sedans or minivans. SUVs have been regarded as less economical for a long journey. But it was a long time ago. Today’s SUV has evolved into a fuel-efficient automobile, comparable to a car in terms of efficiency, and some models are even superior to minivans.
Here are some SUVs that are suitable for long-distance driving.
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Kia Telluride
Kia Telluride SUV has features that make it a great choice for long-distance driving. For starters, the Telluride has a comfortable and spacious interior that can seat up to eight passengers.
These 3-row SUVs also have various safety and driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
In terms of performance, the Telluride is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It also has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
Hyundai Santa Fe
When it comes to the best SUVs for long-distance driving, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a great option. It has plenty of space for passengers and cargo, and its comfortable seats make it a great choice for road trips.
The Santa Fe also has several features that make it a great choice for long-distance driving, including a Blind Spot Detection System, a Rear Cross-Traffic Alert System, and a Lane Departure Warning System.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is a great choice for long-distance driving. It’s comfortable, safe, and has great gas mileage.
The engine is powerful enough to make long trips without any issues, and the driving assistance features make it a great choice for those who want a little help on the road.
Other features that make the CR-V a great choice for long trips include its spacious interior, which is perfect for families or groups of friends, and its wide range of standard and optional features, which make it a great choice for those who want a little bit of everything.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is a great option if you’re looking for a comfortable, safe, and spacious SUV for long-distance driving.
It has plenty of room for passengers and cargo. It comes standard with various features that make it a great choice for road trips, including a rear-seat entertainment system, adaptive cruise control, and a lane departure warning system.
It also has good gas mileage for an SUV, reaching an estimated 29 mpg on the highway.
And if you’re looking for even more comfort and convenience, there are plenty of available upgrades, including a heated steering wheel and second-row captain’s chairs.
Ford Explorer Hybrid
The Ford Explorer Hybrid is one of the most comfortable and efficient midsize SUVs, perfect for long-distance driving.
The spacious interior features plenty of room for passengers and cargo alike, while the advanced safety and driving assistance features make it a great choice for families.
The Ford Explorer’s engine performance is one of the best among its rivals, and the hybrid version is no exception. A 3.3-liter V6 engine and an electric motor combined produce 318 horsepower.
With such a powerful engine, fuel consumption is not as good as other hybrid SUVs, but still better than non-hybrid SUVs. The Explorer Hybrid’s fuel consumption is 27 city and 28 highway mpg for the FWD model, 23 mpg in the city, and 26 mpg on the highway for the Four-Wheel Drive model.
The Explorer Hybrid is a great choice if you’re looking for a comfortable, efficient, and safe SUV for long-distance driving.
Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is a well-rounded and comfortable SUV. It has plenty of features to keep you safe and comfortable on long drives, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a hands-free liftgate.
The Tucson also has great gas mileage for an SUV, getting up to 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Another plus is its spacious interior with plenty of room for cargo.
Toyota RAV4
If you’re looking for a versatile and capable SUV that’s also comfortable for long-distance driving, the Toyota RAV4 is a great option.
It has a smooth and efficient ride, plenty of passenger and cargo space, and a wide range of standard and available features that make driving easy and enjoyable.
The RAV4 is also one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs, with an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in combined city/highway driving.
Kia Sorento
Kia Sorento is a stylish SUV that’s comfortable and safe for long-distance driving. It has a powerful engine that gets good gas mileage, making it a great choice for road trips.
The interior is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of room for passengers and luggage. It also has various features that make it a safe and convenient vehicle, such as blind spot detection and lane keeping assist.
You will love the Kia Sorento’s sleek design and comfortable ride. It’s a great choice for long-distance driving and will get you where you need to go in style and comfort.
Toyota Venza
The Toyota Venza is a great option for long-distance driving. It has plenty of interior space and features that make it a comfortable and safe ride.
The Venza comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. It also has a fuel-efficient engine that gets up to 29 mpg on the highway.
Another feature that makes Toyota Venza a great choice for long-distance driving is its standard eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This system is easy to use and has many features, including a USB port for charging stations or connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility.
Nissan Rogue
Nissan’s Rogue is a comfortable, capable, affordable SUV perfect for long-distance driving. It comes standard with various features that make driving easy and enjoyable, including a comfortable and spacious interior with plenty of legroom for both driver and passengers.
The Rogue also comes standard with various safety features, including automatic emergency braking and a blind spot monitor, making it one of the safest SUVs on the road.
It’s also one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in combined city/highway driving.
What to consider when buying an SUV for long-distance driving
When looking for the best SUV to buy for long-distance driving, there are a few key factors you’ll want to keep in mind.
Interior comfort – You’ll want to ensure the SUV’s interior is comfortable, spacious, and has enough headroom and legroom for all passengers. Look for heated and cooled seats, power-adjustable seats, and a panoramic sunroof to make the drive as comfortable as possible.
Safety – Safety is always a top priority when driving, but it’s especially important when embarking on a long road trip. Look for an SUV with advanced safety features like blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
Driving assistance – Long drives can be tiring, so having an SUV with some driving assistance features is helpful. Look for Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, and Automatic High Beams.
Gas mileage – You’ll want to save as much money on gas as possible when driving long distances. Look for an SUV with good gas mileage, like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4.
Engine performance – You’ll want an SUV with a powerful engine that can handle long drives. Look for an SUV with a V6 engine for plenty of power and towing capacity.
Conclusion
When looking for the best SUV to buy for long-distance driving, consider factors like interior comfort, safety, gas mileage, and engine performance. Look for an SUV with plenty of headroom and legroom, advanced safety features, and a powerful engine. The Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Nissan Rogue are all great choices for long-distance driving. Ensure that you take regular breaks, drive during the daytime, and plan your route to make the most of your road trip.
