March means spring break travel season across Wisconsin and Illinois. Families are loading up for warmer destinations, tournaments, college visits, and long weekend getaways.
The best road trip SUVs and family vehicles combine comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, and all-weather confidence. At Kunes Auto Group, we call them Championship Level SUVs.
What Makes a Championship Level Road Trip Vehicle
The best family road trip vehicles excel in spacious cargo capacity, comfortable seating for long drives, strong fuel economy, and available AWD for unpredictable Midwest weather.
These vehicles also feature modern conveniences like large touchscreen infotainment systems, smartphone integration, multiple USB charging ports, and advanced driver assistance technologies that help reduce fatigue during long highway drives.
Best Road Trip SUVs for Families
Mid-size and full-size SUVs remain the top choice for families. They offer three rows of seating, flexible cargo space, advanced driver assistance technology, and available AWD for rain or late-season snow.
Popular models at Kunes include:
Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is known for its smooth ride quality, spacious third row, and family-friendly interior design. With seating for up to eight passengers, generous cargo space, and available intelligent AWD, the Pilot makes long drives comfortable while delivering dependable performance and strong reliability.
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade blends upscale interior design with practical family functionality. Premium materials, comfortable captain’s chairs, and a quiet cabin make it feel almost luxury-level. Its strong V6 engine, available HTRAC AWD system, and advanced safety features help families travel confidently in changing Midwest weather.
Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse stands out for its exceptional cargo space and roomy third row. It’s one of the largest midsize SUVs in its class, making it ideal for families carrying sports gear, luggage, or road trip essentials. Its powerful V6 engine and smooth highway ride make long drives effortless.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer balances performance with practicality. Available turbocharged engines and intelligent four-wheel drive provide strong capability, while modern tech features like Ford SYNC infotainment and driver assistance systems keep everyone connected and safe on long trips.
Minivans Still Dominate Family Travel
Minivans remain one of the most practical vehicles for family road trips thanks to their unmatched interior flexibility and convenience. They offer best-in-class cargo space, easy sliding doors for tight parking situations, rear seat entertainment options, and strong highway MPG.
Honda Odyssey
The Odyssey is famous for its ultra-flexible Magic Slide seating, spacious interior, and family-focused technology. Built-in entertainment systems and cabin cameras help parents keep an eye on passengers during long drives.
Chrysler Pacifica
The Chrysler Pacifica offers premium comfort, excellent cargo versatility, and innovative Stow ’n Go seating that folds flat into the floor for massive storage space. Available all-wheel drive and the Pacifica Hybrid option make it one of the most versatile minivans on the market.
Trucks That Travel Like Champions
Modern trucks combine towing capability with refined interiors and surprising fuel efficiency. Many new pickup trucks now feature spacious crew cab seating, large infotainment displays, premium materials, and advanced safety features that rival luxury SUVs.
Ford F-150
America’s best-selling truck continues to dominate thanks to its range of powerful engine options, including efficient EcoBoost engines and hybrid powertrains. With a roomy crew cab, strong towing capability, and available 4x4 systems, the F-150 is ideal for families traveling with trailers, boats, or outdoor gear.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado delivers strong performance, comfortable interiors, and excellent highway stability. Crew cab models provide plenty of legroom for passengers, while the large cargo bed makes it easy to haul everything from luggage to camping equipment.
Fuel Efficiency Matters on Long Drives
Hybrid SUVs such as the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Hyundai Tucson Hybrid deliver impressive MPG without sacrificing versatility. These vehicles combine gasoline engines with electric motors to maximize efficiency while maintaining strong acceleration and available AWD capability. Families increasingly choose hybrid AWD options to balance fuel savings with confident performance on longer trips.
Spring Break Travel Safety
March weather can still be unpredictable in the Midwest. Rain, late snowstorms, and temperature swings make safety features especially important.
AWD systems, traction control, and modern driver assistance technologies such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping assist help reduce driver fatigue and increase confidence on long highway drives.
Find Your Championship Level SUV at Kunes
Whether you need three rows, towing capability, or maximum MPG, Kunes Auto Group offers one of the largest selections of road-trip-ready vehicles in Wisconsin and Illinois.
Visit Kunes Auto Group today and drive home in a road trip champion.