An SUV’s spacious interior, expansive cargo area, and versatile rear seats make it an ideal choice for long-distance travel.
Modern SUVs have transformed dramatically, offering luxurious features like roomy cabins, state-of-the-art infotainment systems, advanced safety technologies, and much more.
While some still believe that SUVs consume more fuel on extended trips than sedans or minivans, this notion is outdated. In the past, SUVs were less fuel-efficient, but that’s no longer the case. Today’s SUVs have evolved into fuel-efficient vehicles, often matching or even surpassing cars and minivans in terms of efficiency.
Here’s a look at some SUVs that excel in 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 stands out as one of the most capable and efficient midsize SUVs, making it an excellent option for long-distance travel.
Its spacious interior provides ample room for both passengers and cargo, while advanced safety and driver assistance features make it particularly appealing to families.
When it comes to engine performance, the Ford Explorer Hybrid holds its own against competitors. Powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine paired with an electric motor, it delivers an impressive 318 horsepower.
Although its fuel efficiency isn’t as strong as some other hybrid SUVs, it still outperforms traditional non-hybrid models. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) version offers 27 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the four-wheel-drive (4WD) model achieves 23 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
For those seeking a comfortable, efficient, and reliable SUV for long-distance journeys, the Ford Explorer Hybrid is a top contender.
Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is a versatile and comfortable compact SUV, perfect for long drives. It’s packed with features designed to keep you safe and at ease, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a convenient hands-free liftgate.
One of the Tucson’s standout qualities is its impressive fuel efficiency, delivering up to 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, great numbers for an SUV. Additionally, its spacious interior offers ample room for passengers and cargo, making it an excellent choice for road trips and daily commutes alike.
Toyota RAV4
If you’re seeking a versatile and capable SUV that’s also perfect for long-distance driving, the Toyota RAV4 is an excellent choice.
It offers a smooth, efficient ride, ample passenger and cargo space, and a host of standard and optional features designed to make your journey easy and enjoyable.
One unique feature of the RAV4 is its integration with the Toyota Safety Sense system. This includes a driver fatigue alert that displays a coffee cup symbol and provides steering wheel vibrations when the system detects signs of drowsiness. It’s a simple yet highly practical feature, especially for extended trips.
The RAV4 also excels in fuel efficiency, delivering an impressive EPA-estimated 30 mpg in combined city and highway driving, making it a strong contender among fuel-conscious SUVs.
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 nice 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 shopping for the best SUV for long-distance travel, there are several important factors to keep in mind to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free journey.
Interior Comfort
The interior should prioritize comfort, with plenty of space for passengers and cargo. Look for features like heated and ventilated seats, power-adjustable seating, and generous headroom and legroom. A panoramic sunroof can also make the cabin feel more open and enjoyable for all passengers.
Safety
Safety is crucial, especially on extended road trips. Opt for SUVs with advanced safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. These features can provide added peace of mind on the highway.
Driving Assistance
Long drives can be exhausting, so having driving assistance features is a major plus. Adaptive cruise control helps maintain a steady pace, lane-keeping assist prevents unintentional drifting, and automatic high beams improve visibility during nighttime driving.
Fuel Efficiency
Good gas mileage is essential for saving money on fuel during long trips. Models like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are known for their impressive fuel economy, making them great options for extended travel.
Engine Performance
A powerful engine ensures a smooth ride and the ability to handle demanding driving conditions. Consider SUVs with a robust V6 engine if you need extra power for towing or steep climbs.
By considering these factors, you’ll be better equipped to choose an SUV that fits your needs and makes every road trip an enjoyable experience.
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.
