Road Trip Vehicles That Move You in Comfort and Style

The XC90 is one of the best large crossovers we've ever driven, and there's good reason why. Not only does it have a beautiful exterior, it's truly comfortable inside for those seriously long trips on the open road. Step inside, and you're awash in a truly artful cabin that looks like none of its competitors. The top-trim gas model, the T6 Inscription, is truly quick thanks to turbocharging and supercharging. It drives very well but can't compete with the driving dynamics of the current Audi Q7.

This is one road-tripping SUV that takes its role seriously. The Durango is one of our favorite 7-passenger SUVs because it means it, with plenty of space for the family and the gear. For something this size, it actually drives surprisingly well and also provides plenty of utility for the long haul. The superb available dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system keeps the peace.

Don't laugh at the Avalon. What started out as a car geared towards the AARP set is now a great car to drive and supremely comfortable. Set out on the open road in the hybrid version, and you'll get 40 city/39 highway. It also will travel under 20 mph in purely electric mode. There's also plenty of space for everyone, including your luggage.

When it comes to big road trip steeds that cosset you, the GLS Class SUVs are excellent. There's gobs of room in the first two rows, fine leather and wood, as well as one of the best rides in SUV-dom. The new transmission shifts like butter and adds quickness, and if you truly want more, you can add features like a trailer hitch to bring your boat, temperature-controlled cupholders, power-flipping second-row seats, a self-parking system and a surround-view camera, depending on the packages you're willing to pony up for.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the best it's ever been and just right for a family road trip thanks to its comfort, technology, space, and driving manners. The Uconnect infotainment system is easy to operate and can provide endless streaming audio for miles. Seamless controls for audio and climate make it easy to make adjustments while driving (and while the kids are screaming), and should you desire to go off-roading on your vacation, you're ready with the available Selec-Terrain Traction Control System with five modes.

The Pilot is a capable vehicle for bigger families that need to tote a lot on vacation. The current generation has true 7-passenger capability and a whopping 83.9 cubic feet of storage with the 2nd and 3rd rows folded flat. You can even get a rear entertainment system that will ensure the kiddos remain entranced mile after mile. Just don't expect a lot from the front infotainment controls, which can be frustrating to use.

The Touareg is going away, and the new Atlas is here, created for the American market and our large tastes. It couldn't come soon enough for the embattled VW brand, and it's just right for a family road trip with its ample space, real three-row capacity, and composed driving manners. It also happens to have an excellent 6-year/72K-mile bumper-to-bumper transferable warranty.

The Q7 is one of those 7-passenger SUVs whose driving enjoyment is beyond expectation. Rather than dreading thousands of miles of open road, you'll look forward to helming this. It's even better with the great (but expensive) Adaptive Chassis package that gives the Q7 tauter handling. It also happens to be really, really comfortable, especially in the first and second rows.