6 of the Best SUVs for Road Trips in 2026

Choose from among these top safety-rated SUVs for comfort and ease for long trips.

Elliot Rieth | 

May 4, 2026 | 4 min read

James Riswick

We selected six SUVs that are among the best for safety, but also deliver on advanced driver assistance tech and other criteria. As anyone knows, a successful road trip starts with having the right vehicle. 

Because safety is so important for long distance driving, every SUV on our list is an  Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick or Safety Pick+. They also meet other road trip-worthy criteria, including:

• 4WD/AWD: All offer either four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) for confidence navigating rough terrain or inclement weather.
• Driver assistance: Each comes equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to include lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. 
• Entertainment: Inside features include AI assistants and/or advanced entertainment systems, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to keep passengers happy for miles on end.

If you're ready to hit the road, explore these SUVS listed below in alphabetical order. The vehicles highlighted are 2026 or 2027 models. Features may vary if you purchase a different model year. 

• Ford Explorer
  
• Honda Pilot
  
• Kia Telluride
  
• Mazda CX-50
  
• Nissan Pathfinder
  
• Subaru Forester
  

Ford

1. Ford Explorer

Starting at $43,750 with destination fees for the 4WD version, the 2026 Ford Explorer is an IIHS Top Safety Pick and is equipped with the Co-Pilot 360 Assist+ suite of driver-assistance features. It also includes built-in Wi-Fi (free for the first year), so you can stream, play games, and more. If your adventure includes some off-roading, the Ford Explorer Tremor offers a rugged aesthetic and off-road performance features, such as a specially tuned suspension and six selectable drive modes.

Mark Takahashi

2. Honda Pilot

Available starting at $45,790 with destination fees for the AWD version, the 2026 Honda Pilot features optional Bose 12-speaker premium audio, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and easy-to-clean interior surfaces to minimize damage from road-trip spills. Additionally, the CabinTalk feature in the Pilot allows the driver to use the audio system as an intercom to talk with rear passengers.  

The 2026 Pilot is an IIHS Top Safety Pick, featuring advanced safety options such as hill descent control and the Honda Sensing suite of driver safety features. This includes forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

Kia

3. Kia Telluride

The 2027 Kia Telluride makes our list of top SUVs for road trips, since Kia skipped the 2026 model year. Starting at $45,635 (including destination fees) for the Telluride S AWD version, it's the most expensive vehicle on this list, but it comes with notable safety credentials that justify its spot and give drivers peace of mind on the road.

While the 2027 Kia Telluride is not yet rated by IIHS as of publication, the 2025 Telluride is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.

The Telluride offers drivers superior safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot collision warning, and highway driving assistance. It also comes in a hybrid version (pictured).

Mazda

4. Mazda CX-50

Another IIHS Top Safety Pick+, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 starts at $31,395 with destination fees, making it not only the most affordable option on this list but also one of only two that feature standard AWD.

The CX-50 features Mazda's iActive AWD technology, which optimizes traction by continuously sensing and responding to driving conditions to deliver the best possible control and fuel economy. This same iActive technology is built into the CX-50's safety system. 

The model also features a hybrid option with an  EPA-rated mpg is 38 for city and highway driving.

Additionally, the vehicle has a built-in Alexa, making it easy and convenient for road trips.

Perry Stern

5. Nissan Pathfinder

With available 4WD, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder starts at $43,445 with destination fees. This mid-sized SUV is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ that comes packed with features to enhance your trip, including a Wi-Fi hotspot that supports up to seven compatible devices at once.

The 2026 Pathfinder can even tow up to 6,000 pounds, making it perfect for hauling small campers or trailers on a cross-country road trip.

Christian Wardlaw

6. Subaru Forester

The 2026 Subaru Forester is equipped with a standard AWD drivetrain and starts at $31,445, including destination fees. As an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, the 2026 Forester is packed with features, including standard Subaru EyeSight driver-assist technology, a 360-degree surround-view monitor, and available automatic emergency steering.  

The Forester is available with off-road (Wilderness) and hybrid trims, so you can choose the version that best fits your road-trip needs. Also available in upper trim packages is Wi-Fi for your car trip needs.

Elliot Rieth

Born and raised in Michigan — the center of the American automotive industry — Elliot's fate of becoming a writer in the automotive space was seemingly predetermined. In addition to covering cars and personal finance for Capital One, he's worked directly with dealers and OEMs to create digital content meant to educate consumers. He's also passionate about music and has written for outlets like In Review Online. When he isn't writing about the latest financial, automotive, and insurance trends, he can be found enjoying a new book or record alongside his two greyhounds.