Best SUVs for Roadside Attraction Trips – 2024 Comparison
Six Mammoth SUVs Take on America’s Biggest Roadside Attractions
From the World’s Largest Ball of Twine to oversized statues dotting highways across the U.S., roadside attractions provide quirky fun and unexpected stops on any epic road trip. So, what better way to test six of the largest three-row SUVs than by loading them up, hitting the road, and charting the journey across America’s most unforgettable sights?
According to Car and Driver’s full-scale comparison test, these top contenders—the 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon, Jeep Wagoneer, Nissan Armada, and Toyota Sequoia—round out the current titans of the full-size SUV category. But how do they fare on the open road, loaded with cargo, passengers, and the expectations of reliability, comfort, and performance?
In this post, we break down the strengths and setbacks of these SUVs, while offering smart tips for maximizing peace of mind with trusted support from DriveSmart’s roadside assistance and vehicle service contracts.
What Makes a Full-Size SUV Road Trip-Ready?
Comfort Meets Capacity for Long-Haul Travel
All six SUVs benchmark comfort, space, and capability. The Ford Expedition and GMC Yukon led in third-row roominess and tech integration, making them ideal for families heading toward destinations like Wall Drug or Cadillac Ranch.
On the other hand, the Jeep Wagoneer and Chevy Tahoe stood out for buttery suspension tuning—key for gliding over less-than-perfect highways. When loaded with luggage and roadside snacks, the Toyota Sequoia’s hybrid powertrain positively surprised testers with fuel efficiency in a category known for guzzlers.
Yet, as any driver knows, comfort is only part of the equation. Mechanical hiccups, blown tires, and battery issues don’t schedule appointments—which is where knowing what roadside assistance actually covers becomes vital.
Breaking Down Performance: Powertrain, Towing, and Handling
Torque and Trailering Take Center Stage
When tackling the hills around roadside monuments in the Rockies, power matters. The GMC Yukon and Jeep Wagoneer impressed with potent V8s, while the Sequoia leveraged its twin-turbo V6 hybrid for quick acceleration without sacrificing fuel economy.
Nissan’s Armada provided a decent balance of strength and simplicity, while the Expedition excelled in trailer towing—a bonus for travelers hauling campers or boats. Unfortunately, not every SUV delivered consistent braking performance under load, which becomes risky when navigating through backroads and smaller towns near attractions like Carhenge.
That’s why experienced drivers often protect their investment with a vehicle service contract that covers drivetrain repairs, cracked radiators, and electronic failure in systems like adaptive cruise or infotainment.
Interior Innovation & Tech for the Modern Road Trip
Why “Infotainment” is More Than Just Entertainment
Infotainment and driver assistance tech are no longer luxury add-ons—they’re road trip essentials. Navigating to a lesser-known roadside marvel like the World’s Largest Gnome requires GPS reliability, while keeping kids engaged needs seamless streaming capabilities.
The Tahoe’s Google-based infotainment solution shined with navigation clarity, while Ford’s expansive digital dashboard offered fast-response touchscreen functions. The Expedition even features ‘trail mode’ for dusty detours—plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all models made cabin peace possible.
But what happens when systems freeze? Or your car’s CPU hiccups mid-journey? That’s where having access to 24/7 technical roadside lockout and diagnostics support comes in handy.
Fuel Economy and Range: Who Goes the Distance?
Maximizing MPG Without Compromising Size
At first glance, full-size SUVs and good gas mileage don’t mix. But innovation is changing that assumption—especially with Toyota’s hybrid Sequoia, which not only delivered excellent city MPG but maintained respectable numbers at highway speeds.
The revamped Tahoe and Expedition also utilized cylinder deactivation technology for efficiency. But these gains were modest compared to the Sequoia’s hybrid return. A strong reminder that power doesn’t only come from cylinders.
Still, smart drivers prepare for the unexpected. Having roadside fuel delivery from DriveSmart’s fuel support ensures you’re never stranded between gas stations in rural America.
The Safety Outlook: Keeping Your Adventure Secure
Who Takes the Lead in Advanced Safety Features?
On epic road adventures, safety sees no compromise. The Jeep Wagoneer offered best-in-class lane-keeping and adaptive cruise tech, while the Tahoe and Yukon featured effective auto-braking systems in stop/start traffic near iconic locales like the Mystery Spot or Paul Bunyan’s yard.
Yet, despite built-in tech, mechanical problems and accidents can catch any driver off guard. That’s when having coverage that includes accident recovery towing makes a massive difference to peace of mind and cost savings. After all, being miles from a major town shouldn’t mean a four-figure tow bill.
The Real-World Roadside Challenge: An Often Forgotten Factor
How DriveSmart Stands Out in the Unexpected
As most experts agree, even the most premium SUV isn’t immune from flat tires, electrical faults, or roadside breakdowns. That’s why pairing your dream SUV with DriveSmart’s nationwide roadside plans offers not just protection, but empowerment during trips near the World’s Largest Ketchup Bottle or the unforgettable Corn Palace.
- 24/7 towing that spans across all 50 states
- Battery jump-starts and tire services when you’re off-map
- VSC repair coverage that keeps dashboard lights from draining your budget
It’s the kind of smart backup plan today’s adventurers depend on—especially when traveling in vehicles built for escape and exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which full-size SUV offers the best fuel economy for road trips?
The Toyota Sequoia stands out, thanks to its hybrid powertrain delivering exceptional highway and city MPG—ideal for cross-country routes exploring roadside attractions.
What’s the most comfortable SUV for long drives with a family?
The GMC Yukon and Ford Expedition received top comfort scores in the comparison test, offering third-row spaciousness and superior ride quality.
How can I stay protected during a roadside emergency in a rental or owned SUV?
Signing up for DriveSmart’s roadside assistance programs ensures you’re covered during lockouts, breakdowns, and tows, no matter where you travel.
Do modern SUVs still have reliability issues on long trips?
They’re much improved, but issues with electronics and powertrains do happen. That’s why savvy drivers invest in vehicle service contracts for added security.
What features should I look for in an SUV for road tripping to roadside attractions?
Prioritize cargo space, infotainment reliability, towing power, fuel economy, and supported tech like adaptive cruise for smooth long-haul performance.
What child safety technology is best for SUV travel?
Advanced driver-assist systems, rear cross-traffic alerts, and built-in child lock integration—standard on most full-size SUVs—are essential for family trips.
Where can I learn more about how roadside assistance works?
You can explore how towing and support services function in detail on DriveSmart’s towing process overview.
