10 Best SUVs For Travel, Camping and Long Distance Travel

A large percentage of the population frequently travels for various reasons, including business, pleasure, and official duties. Family vacations are very significant, and most families like taking trips as a unit. SUVs or other suitable vehicles will be required for group travel.

SUVs are convenient for commuting around town and running errands, and their greater room and amenities make them ideal for longer trips.  They have risen in popularity over the past few decades, surpassing even sedans as the preferred mode of family transportation in places like the United States, Africa, and Europe.

There’s more to today’s SUVs than just more room. Recently developed driver-assistance programs, cameras, and entertainment systems have made modern SUVs suitable for long-distance cruising in luxury and style. But if you want something cozy and cheap,

Best Suvs For Travel, Camping, and Long Distance Travel

There’s more to today’s SUVs than just more room. Recently developed driver-assistance programs, cameras, and entertainment systems have made modern SUVs suitable for long-distance cruising in luxury and style. But if you want something cozy and cheap,

1. Jeep Cherokee

The 2018 Jeep Cherokee is one of the most reasonably priced new SUVs thanks to its low beginning price. This is fantastic because Jeep’s new Cherokee has many innovative features and aesthetic improvements.

Semi-digital gauges, a huge touchscreen in the center, a redesigned air filter, ventilated front seats, climate control for separate driver and passenger zones, and a panoramic sunroof are just some of the features found in the redesigned Jeep Cherokee. Everyone in the household can enjoy the night sky together.

The Jeep Cherokee does a great job absorbing the bumps and smoothing out the rough spots on highways, but it struggles a bit with the undulations of more gently paved roads.

Although the seats don’t offer much lateral support, we found them pleasant thanks to the lovely, breathable fabric. Noise from the road and the wind is typical; it’s not loud enough to be a problem, but it’s also not very quiet.

Temperatures are reliably maintained, and the settings are straightforward to find and use. Even though the seat and steering wheel heaters are hidden away in the touchscreen and only become visible after starting the car, this is a lovely addition. Likewise, the seat heaters soon warm up to a comfortable temperature.


2. Ford Expedition

The 2018 Ford Expedition can easily accommodate a group of eight people, making it an ideal choice for those with sizable families. Long-distance driving is a breeze in the new Expedition. The new model comes standard with roof racks and a towbar if you need extra space for your belongings on the road.

The Expedition’s price tag is higher than that of several competing family SUVs, but it’s still reasonable. An Expedition trim level and feature set to meet your specific requirements. There are, however, several characteristics that are universal throughout the entire lineup. The Panoramic Vista Roof, electrically reclining seats, and Bluetooth connectivity for CarPlay and Android Auto are all included.

The Expedition is an excellent choice for transporting large groups of people thanks to its roomy first and second rows, accommodating third-row seats, and abundance of cupholders. On long drives, you may unwind with the offered massage functions and the luxurious, supportive front seats, especially in the more expensive leather upholstery in the upper trim levels.

For 2023, Ford added brand-new displays to the Expedition. Buyers could choose between a base 12.0-inch device running Sync 4 software or an optional 15.5-inch portrait-style display running the brand-new Sync 4A system. These systems are intuitive, reliable, and come standard with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Ford Expedition comes standard with a Wi-Fi hotspot, eight USB ports, and a 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. In addition, for those parents who would rather not have to hold their children’s tablets, there is a rear-seat entertainment option available for the top three trim levels.


3. Chevrolet Transverse

In terms of long-distance SUVs, the Chevrolet Traverse is your best bet. This large SUV has enough room for seven passengers across its three rows of seating. The Traverse is competitively priced with the Jeep Cherokee, but the extra cargo space it provides makes it the better buy.

The maximum freight capacity for the Traverse is 98.2 cu. Feet and a maximum towing capacity of about 5,000 pounds. The Chevy is equipped with the newest driver-support technologies, including lane-keep assist, a 360-degree camera, park sensors, and Chevy Safety Assist.

For the 2023 model year, Chevrolet has updated its three-row Traverse with new standard driver assistance systems and a revamped exterior design. Examples are automatic high beams, lane-keeping assistance, pedestrian recognition, and emergency braking. New upholstery options and a tech upgrade to an 8-inch touchscreen in the instrument cluster spruce up the cabin.

The Chevrolet Traverse SUV is equipped to handle the challenges of driving in the snow and offers enough room for the whole family to travel in luxury. The 3.6-liter V-6 is rather powerful and quite efficient, and both front- and all-wheel drives were available in our testing. The Traverse is a large alternative among mid-size sport utility vehicles.


4. Honda CRV

Regarding SUVs, few names are as well-respected as the Honda CRV. This SUV has been the gold standard in its class for so long that we now consider it to be the ideal vehicle for families.
Few vehicles can match the current CRV’s hybrid option in terms of fuel economy and reduced environmental impact. The CR-V also has a huge touchscreen dashboard display, wireless phone charging, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

Compared to compact SUVs with standard engines, the CR-turbocharged V’s engine offers swift acceleration. Our all-wheel-drive CR-V reached 60 miles per hour in 8.2 seconds in our acceleration tests. Thrilling? Incorrect, but acceptable for regular use to and from work. We’re not usually fans of CVTs due to their clumsy power delivery, but the CR-unit V’s is an exception, feeling rather natural in most driving scenarios.

The CR-V also has exceptional handling and steering. This SUV is very easy to maneuver around turns. Your passengers will appreciate the smooth and responsive steering and the well-controlled motions of your body. In terms of ride quality, the CR-V excels. You may hear the wind and tires, and maybe even the engine revving once in a while when you accelerate, but this is normal and should not be concerning. 

The CR-ride V’s quality is excellent regardless of the road condition. This is true even for the Touring model with its larger 19-inch wheels and shorter (less cushioned) tire sidewalls.
Relaxing in the front seats is easy because they offer plenty of support and comfort. The back seats are similarly serviceable, with some reclining back support and adequate legroom.

A minor annoyance with the Honda CRV is that the automated climate control doesn’t always keep the cabin at the exact temperature you’ve set. However, the central vents in the back will help distribute the airflow evenly to the backseat.


5. Volvo XC90

To this day, the Volvo XC90 remains one of the most underappreciated SUVs on the market. While the Swedish automaker as a whole has kept a low profile, its XC90 luxury crossover SUV has been making headlines for all the right reasons.

Volvo’s SUV portfolio comprises the XC60 and XC40 in addition to the XC90, the flagship model. It has three rows of seats for as many as seven people and comes with a choice of three engines (including a plug-in hybrid). The XC90 stands out in the competitive midsize luxury SUV class thanks to its sumptuous and meticulously designed cabin, economical powertrains, and extensive suite of standard driving aids and technology systems.

The huge Volvo SUV has room for as many as seven people, all-wheel drive, a panoramic roof, leather seats, 360-degree cameras, lane-keep assist, cutting-edge air filters, and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system.


6. Toyota Highlander

Over the past few years, Toyota has become well-known as a manufacturer of sport utility vehicles. The Highlander is a newer crossover SUV from the manufacturer. Hybrid models of this cutting-edge SUV can earn up to 35 mpg.

The Toyota Highlander can be equipped with every convenience imaginable for a trip, depending on your chosen model level. This includes Qi-enabled wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, leather upholstery, a sunroof, a central touchscreen display, and even armrests for those sitting in the second and third rows.

The Highlander now has better cornering abilities. The SUV’s body roll is minimalized during turns. The available torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system further aids in this regard by selectively distributing engine torque to the vehicle’s rear wheels.


7. BMW X3

BMW markets the X3 not as an SUV but as a sports activity vehicle. Aside from clever advertising, the X3 stands out from the competition in terms of performance and design.

The BMW stands out from the crowd because it is brash, forceful, and proud, unlike the sleek minimalism of many SUVs.

The X3 also comes with some very astounding statistics. Fast acceleration and 248 horsepower come from the turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine that displaces 2.0 liters. BMW’s slick 8-speed automatic transmission manages the powertrain and provides seamless gearshifts.

The BMW X3 is a car that will make every driver happy. Genuine BMW parts and accessories are available to cater to individual preferences. Custom upgrades and accessories for the BMW X3 ensure you get the most bang for your buck.


8. Chevrolet Suburban 

Consider Chevrolet’s robust Suburban as yet another powerful SUV option. Because of its large size, this SUV can accommodate several people and their belongings. In the Chevy, you may choose from various powerful engines, including turbo-diesel six-cylinder and V8s producing 355 and 420 horsepower.

When it comes to full-size SUVs, few can match the quality of the Chevrolet Suburban. The load capacity of the three-row Suburban is more than that of any other SUV, and it can comfortably accommodate up to nine people. The interior is plush and tastefully furnished, and it comes standard with numerous user-friendly technological and driving aid features like General Motors’ Super Cruise hands-free driving system. The Suburban offers a comfortable ride and responsive handling on the highway, with a selection of strong gas and diesel engines.

In Chevrolet’s lineup, the Suburban is one of the more luxurious and costly sport utility vehicles. On the other hand, the Suburban has a cargo capacity of over 144.7 cu. Feet of storage space, a spacious dashboard with a touchscreen interface, ample legroom in the second and third rows, and a 360-degree video system.


9. Lincoln Navigator 

Even though Lincoln’s relative obscurity compared to rivals like Jeep and Chevrolet, the brand’s Navigator is a formidable opponent in the luxury market. Compared to other large sport utility vehicles (SUVs), such as the Cadillac Escalade and the GMC Yukon XL, the Navigator holds eight passengers in luxurious comfort and achieves over twenty miles per gallon on the highway.

The Lincoln Navigator only comes with one engine/transmission option, but its 440 hp is more than plenty for any situation. The 10-speed automatic in the Lincoln Navigator shifts gears smoothly and quickly enough to not wake any snoozing passengers.

The Navigator stands out from the crowd on the inside. The Lincoln has an all-digital gauge cluster and one of the center console’s largest and brightest digital displays on the market.


10. Kia Telluride 

Kia’s Telluride is one of the most interesting new SUVs to come out in a long time. From its futuristic exterior to its cutting-edge interior, everything about this SUV screams “now.” The Kia includes Kia’s newest safety technology, a head-up display, seating for eight, a huge 10-inch navigation display, USB-C charging outlets, and more.

In terms of SUVs, the Telluride is one of the most enjoyable to pilot. Despite a quick V6 engine, the SUV’s outright acceleration is only about par for a three-row vehicle. The Telluride has powerful brakes that can bring it to a stop quickly. They are also simple to manage, allowing for reliable, smooth braking.

When going slow, the steering is rather light, but when you get going, it weighs up nicely in the curves. The Telluride does not have a significant body roll when navigating turns. The engine’s stop-start functionality, which helps save fuel without disrupting the ride, is also a big plus.

What’s more, the Kia Telluride is constructed from premium materials for an opulent final product. Although the cabin of the Telluride has been meticulously designed, it has a surprisingly modest starting price. Because of this, it is one of the least expensive brand-new big SUVs available.


Conclusion 

Due to high demand, various manufacturers have upgraded their SUVs with various features and specs.

This guide will help you select the ideal SUV for your long-distance travels by highlighting key characteristics such as passenger space, handling, fuel economy, acceleration, and more. 

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