Driving across country is one of the quintessential American vacations. Because the country is so large and there’s so much to see and do, it’s easy to hop in your car and roam the roads. Whether it’s sightseeing in a big city, stopping at roadside attractions, or enjoying the view on a stretch of scenic highway, road trips can be a fun and relaxing way to take a family vacation. If you have a lot of kids, if you’re doing a lot of outdoor activities, or if you’re a chronic over-packer, you need a used car that can go the distance.
The best used cars or SUVs for road trips will have a lot of cargo space, get good gas mileage, have features that will keep your family safe, and have the tech you need to make you feel at home when you’re on the road. For most larger families, a used SUV is the perfect fit for a long vacation spent on the road. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of some of the best used SUVs for traveling and doing activities. With these SUVs, you can focus on what really matters: enjoying time with your family.
Nissan Pathfinder
The Nissan Pathfinder is one of the best crossovers on the market and also has three rows. The Pathfinder was just updated and redesigned for the 2017 model year, so you can be confident that newer Pathfinders have all the latest and greatest technology and modern features you expect from your SUV, and you’re likely to find a fully loaded model for a used car price. If you have small children, the Pathfinder’s EZ Flex Seating System allows the second row to move up to 5.3 inches forward or backward, giving you easier access to the second row. Plus, there is plenty of legroom for, great for stretching out on long car rides. There are also storage compartments in the floor so there’s no need to pack light when you take the Nissan Pathfinder on a road trip.
Chevy Tahoe
When you’re on a road trip, you want a car you can rely on. The Chevy Tahoe has taken home Kelley Blue Book’s awards for five-year cost to own, best resale value, and best family car. The SUV also won the Edmunds buyers’ most wanted large SUV. The Tahoe was also named the most dependable large SUV by J.D. Power’s 2017 Vehicle Dependability Study.
Keep boredom at bay with up to seven USB ports, a 110-volt three-prong outlet, and an available wireless charging station, keeping your family is powered up and ready to go. There is also an available 4G LTE Wi-Fi connection. Utilize all 94.7 cubic feet of storage space when you fold down the second and third rows or seat up to nine people in the premium leather seats with heated first and second-row seats.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Go longer between filling up at the pump with the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s impressive 730 miles of range using the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine. This turbocharged engine and its 24.6-gallon fuel tank deliver an impressive 25 MPG combined–not bad for a large SUV. The leather seats and heated and ventilated front row will also keep you nice and comfy on those long drives. Your family will also never be bored with entertainment features like the 19 speaker, 825-watt Harman Kardon audio system, available built in Wi-Fi hotspot, and available Bluray capable rear seat entertainment system.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is one of the top-selling three-row SUVs in the nation and is one of the most capable crossovers currently available. The Highlander offers the perfect balance of cargo space and passenger accommodations, meaning you can take everything you want with you without worrying about being cramped. The hybrid engine also gets an impressive EPA-estimated 30/28 MPG in the city and on the highway.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is a highly decorated vehicle, having ranked towards the top of U.S. News and World Report’s awards for best compact SUV, best compact SUV for the money, and best compact SUV for families. It comes with a large cargo area that’s easy to load because of the vehicle’s low floor height. If you choose the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the CR-V will get up to 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway, saving you money at the pump. The EX trim or higher also gets you an array of safety features and other aides.
GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia has also recently been redesigned for the 2017 model year, meaning you can get more bang for your buck on a used vehicle. The Acadia is also well-known for providing a lot of legroom for its passengers, so it will be comfortable for everyone on those long drives. Plus, your family will never be bored with all of the available entertainment features. The GMC IntelliLink system comes with Apple Carplay and Android Auto capabilities, giving you easy access to music, directions, and more. There is also an available built-in Wi-Fi connection, saving your family’s data plan from overuse, and available rear seat entertainment system to keep the kids occupied. Say “Goodbye” to hours upon hours of, “Are we there yet?”
Chevy Equinox
The Chevy Equinox was designed to give you the best of everything. This versatile crossover won the J.D. Power Dependability Award for most dependable compact SUV in 2015. Enjoy up to 39 MPG on the highway and haul all you want with 63.5 cubic feet of storage space. Unloading will be a breeze with the available hands-free gesture liftgate that opens with the simple wave of your foot.
Stay connected with the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto capabilities, and don’t worry about the family’s data plan when you use the available 4G LTE Wi-Fi connection. Your family will thank you on those long car rides. Plus, the Chevy Equinox uses cutting-edge technology to keep everyone in the car safe, as it has ten different safety features available.
Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango is spacious, quiet, and comfortable, blending utility and creature comforts. The eight-speed automatic transmission has improved the performance and fuel economy in both the V6 and V8 engines available for the model. The optional Uconnect 8.4-inch infotainment system includes intuitive operation, making it easy to use when you’re on the go. The Durango has generous cargo space and can tow 1,000 to 2,000 pounds more than competitors in its class, making it the ideal choice for vacations involving boats or toys.
No matter where you’re headed, there is a used car or SUV for your family that is the perfect blend of price, performance, fuel economy, and features. Whether you need a compact, midsize, or full-size SUV, there are plenty of options to choose from that will meet all of your individual quirks and wants. To learn more, contact your local dealership and schedule a test drive today.
