family travel car

What's My Car Worth?
Buyer's Guide

Best Cars for Families

Car and Driver 's rankings are arrived at from the results of our extensive instrumented testing of more than 400 vehicles each year and from our expert editors' subjective impressions gained in real-world driving. We've ranked the Best Family Cars based on roughly 200 data points encompassing acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value, and how enjoyable they are to drive. We take rankings seriously because we want you to know everything about the vehicles that you're interested in.

Best Cars for Families at a glance

2024 Kia Telluride

2024 Honda CR-V

2024 genesis gv70, 2024 porsche macan, 2025 genesis gv80, 2025 ram 1500, 2025 hyundai ioniq 5, 2024 kia ev6, 2024 rivian r1t, 2024 honda accord / accord hybrid.

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15 SUVs and Vans That Are Great for Family Road Trips

Packing the whole family into one car and driving several hours is a big ask in the wrong vehicle but with the perfect balance of entertainment and legroom with good amount of cargo space it doesn't have to be miserable.

A well-executed interior combined with fuel efficiency and a smooth ride all help the cause.

Newsweek has compiled a list of the best vehicles to fit, occupy and keep safe you and your family during a cross-country trek.

Toyota Sienna

The 2021 Toyota Sienna has many of the features of an SUV combined into the convenient body style of a minivan. The 2021 Sienna comes with kick open/close sliding doors similar to a SUVs liftgate and seven standard USB ports throughout the cabin, along with an easy-to-use infotainment system.

This minivan comes standard with tri-zone climate control for maximum comfortability. It has a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The Sienna also has accessories available to carry anything from bike racks to exterior cargo space.

Jeep Grand Wagoneer

Jeep's standard three-row, eight passenger Grand Wagoneer offers room for the whole family, and a ton of high-tech features to keep everyone entertained along with a host of latest safety and driver assist technologies. The Grand Wagoneer comes with satellite radio, navigation and a rear entertainment system.

The high-powered Jeep can tow up to 10,000 pounds of cargo for those looking to lug a camper or a boat on their road trip.

Cadillac XT5

Although only a five seater, this compact luxury SUV delivers broad appeal and plenty of passenger and cargo space. The Cadillac XT5 received several new standard features for the 2021 model year including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa and an upgraded digital display in the gauge cluster.

Cadillac also added USB-C charging outlets, quick smartphone pairing, and new standard features like night vision, rear pedestrian alert and automatic parking assist. The exterior cameras have been upgraded to provide better picture quality.

Toyota Highlander

The spacious 2022 Toyota Highlander is a family SUV that is both practical and stylish. This three-row model offers an array of seating configurations and comes standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa. Navigation, a premium sound system, and rear entertainment system with streaming capability are available.

Tri-zone automatic climate control and a host of standard safety features including lane trace assist, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert with assist are available.

Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Jeep has expanded its Grand Cherokee line up with the all new, three-row Grand Cherokee L . This larger version can seat up to seven passengers. Its cabin is decked out with standard dual-zone automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa.

Premium sound systems, rear entertainment systems with DVD components, navigation and satellite radio are also available. Each Grand Cherokee L also contains seven USB ports throughout the cabin and comes standard with adaptive cruise control and pedestrian detection.

Kia Telluride

The 2021 Kia Telluride is a three-row SUV that's great for shuttling families and it doesn't come with a hefty price tag. The Telluride comes standard with six USB ports, navigation and a 10.25-inch infoainment touch screen. Kia offers a rear entertainment systems with separate remotes.

The Telluride is equipped with several standard safety features including forward collision avoidance, blind spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist and lane following assist.

Hyundai Palisade

A spacious cabin and a smooth powertrain combine to make the 2021 Hyundai Palisade a desirable family hauler. This eight-seater comes standard with a long warranty and a healthy roster of standard driver assist technology. Hyundai outfits all Palisade models with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED headlights and satellite radio.

Nissan Pathfinder

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder can be considered an alternative to the minivan, but with a rugged appearance and added capability. This three-row SUV also has a 6,000- pound towing capacity. The Pathfinder's spacious cabin features comfortable seating with room for up to eight passengers.

The Pathfinder can be equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, Wi-Fi and a DVD rear entertainment.

Several drive modes are available aiding in the Pathfinder's ease in navigating roads in inclement conditions.

Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade is now on its fifth generation. This spacious eight seater can fit the whole family and keep them entertained. The cabin of the Escalades features a curved OLED display that can relieve eye strain with the near-black feature, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Passengers in front and middle rows have the option of heated seats and standard tri-zone automatic climate control. Cadillac also offers available rear entertainment systems.

Kia Carnival

Kia renamed the Sedona minivan the Carnival for the 2022 model year, to match its name in the international market. The minivan's spacious cabin can comfortably fit eight passengers with plenty of cargo space.

Kia offers the Carnivals with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, navigation and USB ports in all three rows. A rear-seat entertainment systems is available.

The 2022 Kia Carnival comes standard with several driver assist features including lane trace assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.

Chrysler Pacifica

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica has family transportation down to a tee with its vast cargo capacity and comfortable seats. The Pacifica comes equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio and USB ports.

Chrysler has installed a new in-cabin air-filtration system and now offers optional Amazon Fire TV as part of its rear-seat entertainment package. The new offering allows passengers to connect to streaming services and watch movies and TV shows without having to use a tablet or smartphone.

Opt for the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid model for the benefit of all-electric driving capability and increased fuel economy.

Honda Odyssey

A roomy and adaptable interior that is perfect for hauling kids, cargo, or both, make the Honda Odyssey great for road trips. The Odyssey offers a collection of inventive features, like a chat system that allows for direction voice microphoning, that are intended to make family life a little easier. It comes loaded up with a good set of safety features as well.

Buick Enclave

The Buick Enclave has plenty of cargo space and three rows of seating. Its front seats offer good support and are available with a massage feature. The Enclave comes with standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and is available with a rear-seat entertainment system.

Buick offers driver-assistance features including automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist as standard on the Enclave.

Chevrolet Traverse

Chevrolet has a number of SUV options with the 2021 Traverse being the most fuel-efficient. To the "pros" list, tack on its spacious cabin that can fit up to eight passengers, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,Bluetooth, a seven-inch touchscreen, plenty of USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hotspot and it's a real winner.

A rear-seat entertainment system, an 8-inch infotainment touch screen, navigation, a 10-speaker Bose audio system and satellite radio are available.

Ford Explorer

The 2021 Ford Explorer now comes with the option of a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain. Inside the cabin sits a standard 8-inch touch screen infotainment system that pairs with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a Wi-Fi hotspot. All SUVs above the base model Explorer have a 12-speaker premium stereo system as standard.

Ford outfitted the Explorer with standard driver safety features including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.

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10 Best Road-Trip Vehicles That You Can Buy Right Now

CR's tests show that these are the best road-trip models across popular categories

Finding the perfect road-trip vehicle means striking a balance among many factors, such as front and rear seat comfort, space, fuel economy, ride quality, and noise. It also should be a vehicle that’s easy to live with when you’re not traveling, and with strong safety and reliability. That is a lot to ask of a single vehicle, but our analysts have scrutinized our test and survey data to find the best road-trip vehicles in 10 popular categories.

To find the standouts, we considered all those factors among models that meet the stringent criteria to be recommended by Consumer Reports . Each vehicle below scores at least average in those factors, plus they provide 500 miles or more of highway cruising range, based on our fuel-economy tests. They also have a sizable trunk or cargo area, based on our measurements. Because of the qualification needed to make a great long-distance runner, we omitted subcompact SUVs and small cars. We also list suitable alternatives, where possible.

All the vehicles featured here, except the Buick, come standard with forward collision warning (FCW) and automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection. (The advanced safety systems are optional on the Buick.)

The 10 models below are road-trip warriors, based on CR data. You can assemble your own list with CR ratings by using our A-to-Z guide . If you’re a Consumer Reports member, the full list is available to you here.

If you haven’t signed up yet, click below and become a member to access this full article and all our exclusive ratings and reviews for each vehicle we buy and test. Joining also gives you full access to exclusive ratings for the other products our experts evaluate in several categories, including electronics and appliances.

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We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.

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The Best Road Trip Cars for Exploring Solo, Sightseeing with Family, and More

By Kym Allison Backer

We’re still working out where to safely travel in the immediate future, but what’s certain is that after months of staying close to home, we couldn’t be more ready to make a move—which means we're officially on the hunt for the best road trip cars. With gas prices holding steady, there’s no better time to load up your favorite playlists and hit the road, company optional. We’ve gone ahead and done the research for you, assembling a list of some of the best road trip cars to pick up at your local rental agencies to help ensure a seamless and safe trip, whether you’re traveling with your kids, going solo, or looking for an off-road adventure.

For packing in the whole family

Chrysler pacifica.

It’s only fitting that the brand that first put minivans on American roads is behind the award-winning Chrysler Pacifica (named Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and Family Car of the Year by Cars.com). The sleek styling of the eight-seater will firmly put to rest any reservations about maintaining cool cred, while the spacious interior’s in-floor access bins and stow-and-go second- and third-row seats allow for a variety of configurations, no matter your family’s size . Opt for a model with all-wheel drive that automatically engages if you hit adverse weather.

The glossy, streamlined fourth-generation A8 is a stunner, from the sporty new grille to the interior’s ambient lighting. Once in motion, check out the drive select system; the comfort setting, which softens the steering and acceleration, will let you smoothly take precious cargo down rough roads. Warning: your kids will compete for the rear seats, thanks to the excess legroom, panoramic sunroof, and futuristic, neatly stowed console that controls all the rear amenities, like heated and massaging seats. Parking sensors and lane departure warning come standard.

Chevy Suburban

Don’t let the outsize proportions scare you off. The newly revamped Chevy Suburban ranks high when it comes to second-row legroom and cargo space, and now has an expanded third row that can comfortably accommodate long-legged teens. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and multiple cameras (up to nine) for 360-degree exterior views. For added security, there’s also hidden storage so that you can secure your valuables anytime you leave the vehicle. Opt for a model with dual rear screens to keep the kids endlessly entertained.

The Mazda6 has a quiet cabin that can block out road noise on long drives.

For trekking 2,500 miles across the country

Toyota camry.

The Toyota Camry has consistently ranked as one of the most reliable midsize vehicles for the past three decades, making it one of the best picks for any trip. It offers incredible fuel economy, getting 29 miles per gallon in the city, and 41 miles per gallon on the highway (which also means fewer stops!) and has a notably quiet cabin where you can blast tunes and keep up with directions on the standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Pedestrian detection, lane departure, brake assist, and lane tracing assist from Toyota’s Star Safety System also keep the Camry centered in its lane.

Genesis G70

The refined Genesis G70 has been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, one of many accolades for this polished, comfortable sedan. It’s a pleasure to sit in the top-notch driver’s seat, with its well-padded diamond quilted Nappa leather. The cockpit feel is enhanced by aluminum accents, a short, stylish gear box, and the G70’s agile and responsive handling, which makes short work of the miles ahead. Added bonus: the trunk can fit multiple carry-ons or larger suitcases, and the rear seat folds for extra cargo space.

The Mazda6 is a good-looking sport sedan with a stylish interior designed for maximum comfort, a necessity when you’re spending days on the road. The Mazda6 gives you a peppy, smooth drive and a quiet cabin that blocks out exterior noise. There are convenient wheel-mounted controls, easy-access sound controls, and a solid navigation system that’s also a breeze to program. Standard features include folding rear seats, blind spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, and low-speed forward-collision warning.

For exploring solo, safely

Toyota rav4.

When you’re on your own, reliability takes on a whole new level of importance. That’s where the RAV4 comes in: after more than 25 years on the road, the model remains a winner for its manageable size, dependable performance, and commendable fuel economy, getting 27 miles per gallon in the city, and 35 miles per gallon on the open road. You’ll appreciate the car's many safety touches, which include interior lights that illuminate as you approach and driver assistance features such as an integrated backup camera, folding and fully reclining rear seats, lane-tracing assist, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Ford Mustang

America’s love affair with the Mustang began over 50 years ago and it’s still going strong. The allure is obvious, from those legendary lines to the sound of the high-powered engine—but what lies at the heart of the Mustang’s enduring popularity is that once you slide into those bucket seats, it’s an unbeatably fun, and fast, ride. Standard models come with a rearview camera, six-speed manual transmission, and a complimentary dose of nostalgia.

Honda Accord

Ten generations in, the Accord has solidified its spot as one of the most durable and nimble vehicles on the road, a winning combination for a swift, problem-free drive. The distinctive sedan’s spacious interior provides ample legroom and comfort for even the tallest of drivers and the stellar fuel economy (30 miles per gallon in the city, and 38 miles per gallon on the highway) make it a no-brainer for any trip. Driver assist technology, including traffic sign recognition and an automatic braking system that kicks in to help prevent collisions, come standard.

The Land Rover Defender's roof can support up to 600 pounds, perfect for a roof tent.

For navigating the backroads

Land rover defender.

Land Rover has long perfected the marriage of form and function, making the Defender one of the best off-roading vehicles out there. Tackling muddy or rocky ground? The quick turn of a dial will let you select a suitable suspension and traction mode for the terrain you’re on and, if you approach water, the 3D-surround camera and wade-sensing system will gauge the depth and allow you to navigate through up to 35 inches. When parked, the rear seats fold down with the touch of a button, and the roof supports a tent and occupants up to a combined 600 pounds.

Subaru Ascent

The Ascent is Subaru’s largest SUV, and it puts that size to good use with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds (enough to haul a small trailer). The generously sized cabin seats up to eight passengers, and the rear seats fold flat to haul extra cargo or to pinch hit as a makeshift bed. Traveling with a group? The Ascent’s roof rail capacity of 700 pounds nicely accommodates a sturdy rooftop tent. Standard features include all-wheel drive, driver assist technology, and a rear-seat reminder alert that sounds when anything is left behind as you prepare to exit the vehicle.

Volkswagen Atlas

VW’s seven-seater Atlas has already seen a few changes since its relaunch three years ago. It’s one of the largest crossover SUVs, has unmatched cargo and passenger space, folding second- and third-rows, and roof rails that you can use to secure anything from kayaks to boxes of gear. The Atlas is also capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds, has four adjustable all-wheel drive modes, stability enhancing systems, a hands-free liftgate, and park distance control.

Washington Pass Along the North Cascades Highway

For going greener

Ford fusion hybrid.

This attractive midsize gas-electric hybrid lets you keep track of energy output on customizable dashboard screens. Along with a roomy interior and 10-way power driver seat for maximum comfort, standard features include an eight-inch touchscreen and voice command for easy access to directions and entertainment, blind spot monitoring, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and a rearview camera.

Toyota Prius

The Prius has spent the last two decades accumulating industry accolades, and it’s still going strong. The gas-electric hatchback comes with stellar stats: consistently top-ranked on safety lists, excellent fuel economy (it averages 50 miles per gallon in the city, and 54 miles per gallon on the highway) and a reliable history. The company has also upped the model’s standard features, which now include a mammoth 11.6-inch screen, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, an integrated backup camera, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. (And you’d be surprised how much you can fit in the trunk.)

Jaguar I-Pace

Be prepared to throw any preconceived notions about “boring” electric vehicles out the window when you encounter Jaguar's I-Pace. In the plush and surprisingly spacious cabin, take a minute to check out the detailed instrument panel, then select dynamic mode for a sporty, full-throttle ride. Before you zoom off, download an app like ChargePoint so that you’ll be able to quickly pinpoint fast-charging stations along your route—though with a 253-mile range, you'll have enough juice to get from, say, Washington D.C. to New York .

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The best family road-trip SUVs at 4 different price points — plus a performance and all-electric extra

It's the heart of summer in much of the US, and families are thinking about loading up kids, pets, and gear for road trips.
I've selected four family-friendly SUVs, at four price points, that are excellent road-trip chariots.
I've also thrown in a high-performance SUV and an all-electric SUV, for those looking for something different.
Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories .

It's road trip season, and given the constraints that the coronavirus pandemic has imposed on family travel this summer in the US, a lot of folks are thinking about getting behind the wheel rather than aboard a plane or cruise ship.

Over the past few years, I've tested numerous SUVs, so I thought a roundup of three-row, seven-passenger choices at different price points, from budget to costly, would be helpful.

I settled on SUVs from Mazda, Subaru, and Kia — and I threw in a high-performance ute from Porsche (lacking a third row) and an all-electric option from Tesla (with a third row).

These SUVs each combine versatility, decent fuel economy, and cargo space to make for excellent family-hauling. They also all have all-wheel-drive, which isn't entirely necessary in the summertime, but comes in handy at other times to the year.

Read on to see what these road-tripping SUV can offer:

THE BUDGET CHOICE: The Mazda CX-9. $34,000 base, $45,000 as-tested.

Read the review.

The mazda cx-9 is the family road-trip mobile i most often recommend. the price is right, it seats seven, and i haven't heard many complaints about the third generation of the suv, rolled out in 2016..

The interior on the CX-9 I tested was semi-premium — a real treat at this price-point.

I had but one complaint when I drove the CX-9 for a week. The Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine cranks out only 250 horsepower, less than what you'd get in a competing vehicle with a V6. Fuel economy is decent, at 23 mpg city/highway combined.

Cargo capacity was fine, however, at about 15 cubic feet. As with many three-row crossovers, using the third row greatly diminishes what you can haul — to manage five passengers, I used just one of the third-row seats, which increased the cargo hold to around 30 cubic feet.

Mazda's infotainment system lags the industry, but it does cover all the expected bases: Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and GPS navigation.

THE MIDDLE OF THE PACK CONTENDER: The Subaru Ascent. $32,000 base, $46,000 as-tested.

The Ascent is Subaru's first crack at a mid-size SUV since the ill-fated Tribeca. We were impressed by the Ascent's comfortable cabin, bountiful safety features, solid driving dynamics, and turbocharged engine.

The interior of our top-spec Touring model really impressed. The cabin is traditional Subaru — very conservative but effective and easy to use. Ergonomics are terrific, with no oddly placed buttons or knobs to report. Seating for third-row passengers is cozy, but the second row is fine.

With the third row folded, cargo capacity is 47 cubic feet. With the third row in use, it's 18 cubic feet.

Power for the Ascent comes from a 2.4-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The "flat" or "boxer" turbo-four produces 260 horsepower. Combined with all-wheel-drive, the powertrain gives up a bit on the MPGs, which are under 30 in combined city/highway driving.

The center stack is dominated by a high-definition touchscreen running the latest variant of Subaru's Starlink infotainment system. It does everything well, from GPS navigation to device integration.

THE NEAR-LUXURY FAMILY HAULER: The Kia Telluride. $32,000 base, $47,000 as-tested.

The Kia Telluride impressed me at all levels and represents fantastic value for the SUV segment.

The Telluride's interior isn't luxurious, but it isn't mass-market. For most consumers, it's pure Goldilocks: Just right.

The Telluride does three rows as well as I've seen in an SUV. And even the back row deployed, it offers an impressive 21 cubic feet of cargo space.

Fuel economy from the 291-horsepower V6 is also pretty decent, if not remarkable: 21 mpg in city/highway combined.

Kia is selling what I consider one of the top infotainment systems on the market. The 10-inch central touchscreen is nearly perfect, and the use of old-school buttons, knobs, and switches is welcome.

THE MONEY-IS-NO-OBJECT OPTION: The Audi Q7. $55,000 base, $76,000 as-tested.

The Audi Q7 is a solid choice in the luxury SUV market. I recently tested a 2020 model of the vehicle, now in its second generation.

The Q7's interior is a study in tasteful minimalism. My tester was all-black, with piano-black surfaces and a modest amount of wood trim.

Power came from a 3.0-liter, turbocharged V6, making 335 horsepower (a smaller four-cylinder offers 248 horsepower). My V6 served up 18 mpg, in city/highway combined.

With all three rows in action, you have only about 14 cubic feet of cargo space to work with. Drop the third row, and that rises to 30 cubic feet.

Audi has one of the best infotainment systems in the industry. The central screen provides access to faultless GPS navigation, easy Bluetooth pairing, and effortless device integration. My tester also had the "Virtual Cockpit" feature, which can transfer some features to the instrument cluster.

THE GO-FAST ALTERNATIVE: The Porsche Cayenne GTS. $107,000 base, $167,000 as-tested.

The Cayenne GTS is a very special set of wheels: expensive, but with the sort of prizefighter punch that rewards spirited driving. Plus, the ability to haul enough luggage for a weekend on the road — just not one involving a family of five.

Porsche interiors aren't overtly luxurious, nor are they supposed to be. But the Cayenne GTS's has something else going for it: sporty touches. AND for my test vehicle, a rear-seat entertainment system, powered by Android.

The Cayenne GTS rocks a 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engine, making 453 horsepower. The motor is thirsty and not yet EPA-rated for fuel economy. But I think I was under 20 mpg on average.

With the back seats in use, there are 27 cubic feet to work with; drop the back seats and that increases to 60 cubic feet.

Porsche's infotainment system is quite good, although not quite the best. It's outdone by Audi (Porsche's VW Group stablemate). But the system checks all the right boxes, from Bluetooth pairing to USB device connectivity to GPS navigation. There's also wireless charging.

IF YOU WANT TO GO ELECTRIC: The Tesla Model X. $80,000 base, approximately $150,000 as-tested.

I actually took the Model X on a 700-mile family road trip. Its interior was more or less roomy enough for five people.

Read all about the road trip.

But only more or less. the third row is quite compact..

Even with one third-row seat in use, cargo capacity was fantastic, and we had backup from the front trunk.

The Model X I tested had roughly 300 miles of range, but Tesla has improved that to 350 miles, for what it calls the "Long Range Plus" trim level. One does have to deal with recharging times when road-tripping in Tesla. Even Supercharger-enabled fast charging could consume 30-45 minutes.

Tesla's technology is fairly incredible. The large central touchscreen controls everything from navigation (which can optimize charging times, based on routes) to audio to Tesla's Autopilot semi-self-driving system.

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Conquering Car Seats & Chaos: The Ultimate She-hicle Guide for Family Road Trips

Kristin Shaw

When you’re taking a road trip, which vehicle works best for your family? One that offers plenty of room to stretch out? Luxury interiors? Amenities like built-in generators, coolers and vacuum cleaners to clean up the Cheerios explosion in the back seat? Depending on the size of your family and your priorities, you may choose a four-door sedan, wagon, crossover, SUV, minivan or even a pickup truck can be the best vehicle for a road trip. Here, we work through all of those options to help you find the best family road trip vehicle for you.

Is a Nissan GT-R sports car road-trip capable? Absolutely, if there are only two of you and you don’t need to carry a lot of luggage. In fact, I took one on a 3-and-a-half hour ride across Texas a few weeks ago. Was it practical? No. Thrilling? Yes.

Most of us, though, need enough room to bring the whole family. While you can’t please everyone, there are vehicles on the market that come pretty darn close.

Here’s a review of family vehicles currently on the market, with a focus on: legroom, headroom, tech features, fuel economy and safety aids like blind-spot monitoring and camera views. Many of these vehicles offer adaptive cruise control, which reduces fatigue on the highway.

Whether you need an adventuring all-wheel-drive SUV, a luxury crossover or a brawny truck to haul your ATVs, camper or boat, there’s an option for you.

Read More: 12 Iconic Road Trips in the USA to Add to Your Family’s Bucket List This Year

Check out SheBuysTravel’s list of the best vehicle for a road with kids:

Mid-Size Three-Row Options for Larger Families

Kia telluride.

Kia’s newest midsize SUV took the industry by storm, earning positive reviews across the board for this three-row family star. The 2021 and 2022 models are virtually identical. They offer a robust V6 engine and seating for eight. Plus standard safety features you’ll appreciate like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.

You’ll also get six USB ports to keep your electronics-loving passengers happy, smartphone integration and an eight-inch touchscreen — all critical components for a great family road trip vehicle. Upgrade from the base model to the S trim to get captain’s chairs in the middle row and a sunroof.

Base Price: $34,120.

Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade launched in 2020, and Hyundai hit a home run with this three-row SUV. At a base price of $34,385 for 2021 models, it’s a steal that includes European styling and a list of driver-assist aids. Gas mileage is a decent 21 miles per gallon on regular fuel, which is helpful.

On family road trips , you’ll appreciate the Rear Seat Quiet Mode feature, which mutes the speakers in the second and third rows. That gives you a chance to listen to your music or podcast while you’re driving up front and the kids can happily listen to their own music on their headphones. And here’s a benefit that comes with any Hyundai or Kia vehicle: 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance.

Base Price: $34,385

Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit

SheBuysTravel founder Kim Orlando had the opportunity to test out the new Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit. Here’s what she had to say:

Say cheese because the seven-seat Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit is loaded with cameras. Parents will appreciate the FAM CAM that gives the driver a birds-eye view of everyone in the vehicle. If there is nit-picking going on in the backseat, you’ll be able to see who started it. It’s also helpful to keep an eye on rear-facing younger children. However, teens might not be as fond of this feature.

The Night Vision Camera was fun to play with and a first for me. Infrared sensors detect animals or people up to 200 yards away, making it easier to avoid deer or other wildlife that wander onto roads. But after a few minutes, I found it distracting and turned it off to better focus on the road ahead.

The 360 back up camera shows all angles of the Jeep, which I found very helpful when pulling out of tight parking spots. It’s also useful when having to parallel park such a large vehicle.

Riding in the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit is a pleasure. The spacious interior of my tester vehicle was gorgeous, with quilted leather on the doors and dash, a wide console for storage and the perfect height to rest an elbow. There’s no skimping on charging ports and legroom- even in the third row. My 24-year-old, music-loving daughter commented on the amazing sound system. A family of 5 could comfortably road-trip for 12+ hours in this vehicle.

Base Price: $58,300

Volvo XC90

When you think of Volvo, safety probably comes to mind because that’s a cornerstone of the brand’s messaging. Volvo takes family and safety very seriously, including standard features like adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert (which is so important when watching out for pedestrians, cars and cyclists behind you), and forward collision mitigation. Plus the structure of the vehicle itself is designed for maximum protection in case of a crash.

Even the base model includes wireless charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All three rows feel luxurious on a long or short trip.

Base Price: $56,545

Chrysler Pacifica

Minivans are designed for comfort and convenience, and Chrysler gets it right with the Pacifica, a perennial favorite. Available in gas-only, hybrid and all-wheel-drive versions, this van is as comfortable as a recliner on wheels for long drives.

The base price on the 2021 Pacifica includes such niceties as remote engine start; a power liftgate; and second-row seats that stow right into the floor or, when the seats are up, act as storage bins.

With the gas-powered version, you’ll get about 22 miles per gallon, and with the hybrid you can go up to 33 miles on the battery alone. At the top of the line, the Limited trim includes wireless headphones and a second-row theater with built-in screens and streaming capabilities.

SheBuysTravel Tip: If you choose the hybrid version, the second-row seats can’t fold into the floor because that’s where the battery sits.

Base Price: $37,830

Chevrolet Traverse

This three-row SUV from Chevy checks all the boxes: lots of legroom, smart tech like onboard Wi-Fi and a robust drivetrain.

The base price is very affordable, but I highly recommend the High Country trim at the top of the line. Yes, it’s more expensive at closer to $55,000, but it has all the bells and whistles plus some: sunroof, adaptive cruise control and a towing hitch with the ability to tow up to 5,000 pounds. It’s tempting to plan a long road trip and enjoy the ride.

Base Price: $30,995

Honda Odyssey

Honda also makes a stellar minivan that will last nearly forever; my sister owns two of them. The Odyssey is extremely comfortable and a great value. I particularly like the deep cargo wells behind the third row, perfect for stowing beach gear or even extra diapers and wipes for a long vacation.

Even in the base model, you’ll get important driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control, along with a standard rear-seat reminder alert that tells you if you left anything or anyone in the car when you park.

Opting for the Touring model adds about $10,000 to the total. But that includes a rear-seat entertainment system and Blu-Ray player as well. PLUS a cabin monitoring system so you can check and see if the little one is sleeping yet. And with 144.9 cubic feet of cargo space, you have plenty of room!

Base Price: $33,265

Nissan Pathfinder

For 2022, the Nissan Pathfinder is all new. It has a stunning array of amenities in a three-row, seven-or-eight passenger SUV. Wider and larger, with 80.4 cubic feet of storage available with the second and third-row seats folded, the new Pathfinder is worth waiting for. It’s powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, creating 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. That’s a lot of get-up-and-go.

The new Pathfinder has 16 cupholders, which is a whole lot of beverage holding and likely will mean a whole lot of potty stops on a road trip in this family vehicle! It even has a bin in the back that can act as a cooler with a drain plug, which is awesome for camping and tailgating.

Base Price: $33,000 (estimated)

Toyota Highlander

My family drove a Toyota Highlander from Austin, Texas, to Ft. Myers, Florida, over Christmas break. We loved the Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa smartphone integration as well as the onboard Wi-Fi hotspot and standard Toyota Safety Sense drivers’ aids.

You can buy a Highlander in six different trims. In terms of fuel economy, an AWD Highlander will net 23 miles per gallon and the hybrid a fuel-sipping 36 miles per gallon combined.

Base Price: $37,022

Mazda CX-9

An unsung hero of the 3-row set is the 2021 Mazda CX-9, which looks and feels more like a wagon than an SUV in the best ways. The base model gives you a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, heated front seats and tri-zone climate control so all three rows can be comfortable. Adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation and blind-spot monitoring are also standard.

Go for the whole package with the Signature trim, which offers up cushy leather quilted seats, all-wheel drive and second-row captain’s chairs, making it even roomier and more luxurious.

Base Price: $35,610

If you could take an RV and distill it down to a large SUV, the Yukon would be it. The newest Yukon is spectacular inside, with a console in the front that moves several inches back. It can be locked to secure your items while you’re away from your SUV. Big, brawny and long (especially in the XL version), this family road trip vehicle is like driving a living room around.

Standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, forward collision mitigation and front-wheel drive. But there are a plethora of options including all-wheel drive, an upgraded towing package, rear entertainment system and a ton more.

Base Price: $55,120

2021 Dodge Durango SRT

I pulled up to the home of the owner of a 33-foot trailer that I was renting for the weekend in a Dodge Durango SRT and he looked at me skeptically. “You’re going to tow with that Durango?” he said. What he didn’t know was that the Durango SRT has a killer towing capacity of 8,700 pounds. I had no problem towing that trailer .

The four of us took it to a campground in northern Michigan and it was incredibly capable. Now, you should know that it’s loud: it has a take-no-prisoners 6.4-liter V8 that roars. Or you could step it up to the SRT Hellcat with a supercharged V8 that makes 710 horsepower. This is the SUV you want for sheer power and driving fun.

Base Price: $31,995

Two-Row SUVs: When Less is More

Honda passport.

You can’t go wrong with a Honda for a comfortable vehicle for a road trip. Its five-passenger Passport starts at $33,765 for the 2021 model, and slides up several thousand more for the top Elite trim.

Personally, I think the EX-L version, which is closer to $40,000, adds a ton of options for excellent value: heated leather seats, a sunroof, rear USB ports and a power liftgate to make it easy to pack and unpack.

Base Price: $33,765

Lexus RX 450h

I drove my parents out to west Texas in a Lexus RX 450h and they can’t stop raving about it. It’s absolutely a pleasure to drive, with standard all-wheel drive and a 308-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 hybrid powertrain. A premium Mark Levinson audio system is included in the base model, and a crisp eight-inch touchscreen enhances the infotainment system.

This two-row SUV gets a fuel-sipping 30 miles to the gallon, allowing you to go farther without having to stop. As parents, we have to stop often enough with meal and bathroom breaks. Are we there yet?

Base Price: $57,980

Infiniti QX55

Infiniti’s newest crossover has nice, big spaces that hold beverages and water bottles. That’s just the start of the list of amenities this luxury vehicle offers. It sports a go-getter turbo four-cylinder engine that is effortless to drive; 25 mpg combined is pretty darn good for an SUV this size.

You and the kids will love the onboard Wi-Fi that supports up to seven devices and wireless Apple CarPlay. The hatchback opening is streamlined and sharply angled but doesn’t sacrifice headroom in the back so your teens won’t feel squished.

Base Price: $46,500

Buick Envision

Redesigned in 2021, the Buick Envision is better than ever. The 2021 Envision comes with a turbocharged 230-horsepower engine and an elegant interior with thoughtful touches and a very quiet cabin.

Your kids may be loud but at least your SUV can be quiet, right? This SUV is nicely equipped right out of the gate with a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless charging and an eight-inch touchscreen, plus the audio controls are behind the steering wheel for convenient access.

Base Price: $34,830

BMW X5 xDrive45e

This hybrid SUV makes you feel like a million bucks but starts at $75,995. I didn’t realize how much I liked this vehicle until I had a chance to borrow one for a week and drove it all over Texas.

With a 3.0-liter turbo inline 6-cylinder with an integrated electric motor and intelligent all-wheel drive, the X5 xDrive45e (so much alphabet soup!) generates 389 horsepower and has an estimated range of 400 miles. That’s pretty incredible for a luxury vehicle.

It has great touches like convenient fast-charging ports in front of the second row and a super sleek digital interface. Doesn’t hurt that it has a 205-watt, 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, either. Wow.

Base Price: $75,995

Mercedes-Benz GLE 450

There’s no doubt that Mercedes-Benz makes luxurious vehicles, and the GLE 450 is no exception. Included in this SUV is a peppy turbocharged six-cylinder engine, ambient lighting, wireless device charging, sunroof, and a massive 12.3-inch touchscreen.

Your passengers won’t have anything to complain about because they’ll be enjoying the plush ride so much. This gorgeous ride was made for resort living.

Base Price: $76,000

Road Trip Vehicles for the Off-Road Adventuring Family

Jeep gladiator.

The Gladiator is everything its name suggests: strong, powerful and conquering. In the case of the Jeep Gladiator, you get all the agile fun of a top-off Jeep but with the additional benefit of a truck bed to carry along everything from luggage to camping supplies to mountain bikes.

The Jeep Gladiator is the only convertible pickup on the market, currently, and you and the kids will love peeling back the top to reveal the sun and feel the wind in your hair. Jeep is known for its off-road prowess and in Gladiator form, it doesn’t disappoint.

Base Price: $40,335

Land Rover Defender

Starting at $47,450, you and your family could drive one of the newest versions of a legendary off-roading vehicle in the Land Rover Defender. For 2021, the Defender comes in two-door and four-door versions, and you can even opt for a third row with two additional jump seats.

If you wanted to go on safari or even just off the trail to commune with nature, the Defender can definitely get you there.

Base Price: $47,450

Subaru Outback

What is amazing about the Subaru Outback is that it looks unassuming. But it is incredibly capable for any adventure you want to take.

It climbs like a mountain goat if your family likes to hit the mountains for some rest and relaxation, and it’s just as comfortable on the road with a continuously variable transmission that clocks 29 miles per gallon. And the hatchback design and wagon shape make it a simple to load it up. Plus roof racks add even more storage capability.

Base Price: $28,351

Rolls-Royce Cullinan

Say what? Is this a typo? Nope, believe it or not Rolls-Royce has an SUV and it has not only the class and elegance we know to expect from the brand, it’s unbelievably capable off-road.

Ask me how I know: I took the Cullinan on a series of off-road obstacles last fall in Texas. But even more convincingly, a friend of mine piloted a Cullinan at the Rebelle Rally, a several-day trek across sand, hills and dirt. And she won.

Base Price: $400,000. What did you expect? It’s a Rolls-Royce.

Trucking in Style

Chevy silverado high country.

Here’s what Kim Orlando has to say about the pick up that she drove around southern California when her son got married this summer:

The Silverado High Country is a luxurious family car disguised as a workhorse truck. The Silverado and I hauled furniture, maneuvered around Downtown Los Angeles, mini-road tripped between Costa Mesa and Culver City to see my kids, caught some great sunsets and attended my son’s wedding.

The wood panels and leather trim in the enormous cab are gorgeous. My expectation for all pick-up trucks is that they will drive smoothly and the infotainment will be easy to use. The Silverado did not disappoint.

What I didn’t expect was decent gas mileage (20-22mpg on average), superior technology and that I would feel comfortable riding in it in my formal gown on my son’s wedding day.

The huge console in the front holds a medium-sized purse and I used the wireless phone pad so much that I started to leave my chargers at home. Anyone riding in the backseat – big or small – will be comfortable on a long road trip.

We tested the Super Cruise hands-free driving feature on the 405 California highway, but chickened out after a few minutes. While it works great, I did not feel comfortable trusting it in LA traffic. My 26-year-old son loves the Super Cruise – even in LA traffic.

I have to admit that I needed the 360 camera for parking. The truck is large and the side mirrors make it feel even bigger. The cameras made my life so much easier.

My favorite feature of the truck: the retractable running boards, especially in a long dress and heels! Getting in and out of the truck was easy for me and my 75-year-old mom.

I’m also a big fan of the step tailgate. My 2000 Silverado pick up does not have one, but I am adding it to my “can’t live without” list. The integrated step ladder is a game changer. I used it to sit and enjoy the view and for easy access to load luggage and furniture. It was simple for me to open but a bit too heavy for my 8-year-old cousin to operate.

Overall, my family ages 8-78, enjoyed the comforts and utility of the Chevy Silverado HIgh Country. I recommend at least a test drive and don’t forget to try the Super Cruise feature (stick with it longer than our 3 minutes to get the real effect)!

The price for the model I drove is around $72,000. There isn’t a feature I would leave out.

Base price: $59,000

When Ram launched its updated 1500 pickup, families went crazy for it. Ram added a giant touchscreen that controls everything. And it has smart toggle switches behind the steering wheel to quickly change the channel from KidsBop to the 90s station. This is a truck that feels like a plush sedan inside. While it’s certainly big, it drives like a dream.

The Ram 1500 starts at $36,340 for a very basic model. I’d recommend the Laramie trim or higher, which is closer to the $60,000 and up range. If you’re looking to tow a big trailer or boat, the Ram 1500 can handle up to 12,750 pounds with the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine.

Base Price: $36,340

2021 GMC Sierra Denali

One of the features I love about the GMC Sierra in the top-of-the-heap Denali trim is the incredible number of available camera angles. It’s easy for you to see where you’re going and what your boat or trailer is doing behind you, and that gives you peace of mind when you’re towing. The Sierra Denali pickup includes handsome side steps that make it an effortless endeavor for the whole family to get in and out.

On top of all of the heavy-duty utility stuff, the Sierra Denali has wireless phone charging, heated second-row seats and USB ports within reach for tablets and gaming systems to stay full of juice on long trips. The Sierra Denali is very similar to its corporate cousin, the Chevrolet Silverado.

Base Price: $55,600

2021 Ford F-150

There’s a reason Ford’s seminal pickup has been the #1-selling truck for many years. The 2021 model makes a great vehicle for a road trip with kids. It’s got a ton of amenities for families who want to travel in comfort and with plenty of space. Load up the back of the F-150 and slide all of your luggage under a locking tonneau cover to keep it safe and you can go just about anywhere.

What’s really cool about the 2021 version of the F-150 is that you can get an onboard generator that works out of the back. The generator can charge up an astonishing number of appliances (even a TV!) for the best camping and tailgating adventures ever.

Base Price: $28,940

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What size vehicle should I choose for a family road trip?

A: The size of your vehicle will depend on the size of your family and how much luggage you will be bringing. A four-door sedan or wagon may work for a smaller family, while a larger family may need a minivan or SUV.

Q: What amenities should I look for in a road trip vehicle?

A: Some helpful amenities for a road trip vehicle include built-in coolers, entertainment systems, and comfortable seating. Consider what features are important to you and your family when choosing a vehicle.

Q: Should I rent or buy a vehicle for a road trip?

A: This will depend on your personal preferences and budget. Renting a vehicle may be a good option if you don’t want to put wear and tear on your own car, while buying a vehicle may be a better long-term investment if you plan on taking multiple road trips.

Q: How do I prepare my vehicle for a road trip?

A: Before hitting the road, make sure your vehicle is in good condition by performing a thorough inspection. This may include checking the oil, tire pressure, and brakes. It’s also a good idea to pack an emergency kit with items like a spare tire, jumper cables, and a first aid kit.

Q: What are some tips for staying comfortable on a long road trip?

A: To stay comfortable during a long road trip, make sure to pack plenty of snacks, drinks, and entertainment options. Take frequent breaks to stretch your legs and stay hydrated. And consider investing in a comfortable neck pillow or seat cushion to make the ride more enjoyable.

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Available in a wide range of sizes and styles, SUVs are the preferred choice of family vehicle in the U.S. and justifiably so. As TopSpeed recently noted, SUVs have strong platforms and provide more payload capacity and towing potential than compact cars and sedans. As a family ride, SUVs supply the seating and cabin and cargo space that many other cars can’t match.

There are good family hatchbacks and minivans, but SUVs simply dominate, despite their price. America wants larger and heavier models and companies are all too happy to supply them at a lofty price. Even compact SUVs will cost you at least $30,000 if not $40,000.

Unless your family is large enough to require a full-size van, there are thankfully plenty of budget-friendly subcompact SUVs that provide adequate space for an average American family and are priced in the mid-$20,000 range.

Many of the vehicles below have pricier siblings that might provide more space and tech (for example, the Honda CR-V tops the HR-V in many ways, including MSRP), but if you’re on a tight budget here are eight family cars that are practical and affordable.

1. 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Starting Price: $23,100

While its interior might not be as slick as its outside, the Trailblazer makes up for it by having surprisingly more cabin room than its competitors. Performance and fuel efficiency are adequate, but as Edmunds says, the Trailblazer is “exceedingly competent at nearly everything it does.”

2. 2024 Honda HR-V

Starting Price: $24,600

The HR-V is a little cheaper, a little smaller and a little unexciting compared to the more well known CR-V, but it’s comparable in almost every area. For a family, you’re looking at more space than a hatch and an affordable option from one of the most reliable brands out there.

3. 2024 Hyundai Kona

Starting Price: $24,250

A great price mixed with top-of-the-range technology makes the Kona one of the best family-friendly subcompact SUVs on the market. It’s also a really cool looking vehicle, with distinctive, almost showy profiles and lines. Driver-assistance features like blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert have been added to the 2024 model.

4. 2024 Kia Seltos

Starting Price: $24,490

Despite its small footprint, the 2024 Seltos benefits from an updated roomy interior and increased comfort and legroom. The base engine in the Seltos is a docile 4-cylinder paired with an automatic transmission (a CVT), which allows for responsive handling and impressive tech. All in all, the Seltos provides good utility and great value, starting at $24,490.

5. 2024 Mazda CX-30

Starting Price: $24,995

Mazda’s entry-level crossover is a versatile and comfortable all-wheel-drive, handling twisting mountain roads and urban centers equally well. What’s more, the CX-30 adds a touch of cabin luxury not found in most SUVs and a price that rivals any in its class.

6. 2024 Subaru Crosstrek

Starting Price: $25,195

Freshened for 2024, the Crosstrek is already Subaru’s best-selling vehicle, according to Kelley Blue Book. A step up from the Impreza hatchback, the Crosstrek is a practical and roomy SUV for adventurers and the less adventurous alike. Higher trims have more power and options like blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning and a power driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar support.

7. 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross

Starting Price: $23,860

The Corolla Cross shares a platform and a 169-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) powertrain with its namesake Corolla compact. According to Cars.com, the base L model comes with an 8-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with advanced safety features like forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.

8. 2024 Volkswagen Taos

Starting Price: $23,995

Powered by a turbo 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 158 hp, the Taos has standard driver-assistance technology that was previously optional, and adds some nice-to-have features like automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers and a heated leatherette-trimmed steering wheel.

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My family tried traveling by train instead of car, and I get the hype. Here are 6 ways rail travel is better.

Posted: May 12, 2023 | Last updated: July 12, 2023

<ul class="summary-list"> <li>After taking road trips throughout the US, I tried <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-and-worst-parts-first-amtrak-trip-coast-starlight-2022-9">traveling by Amtrak train</a> instead. </li> <li>My experiences on the rails have been comfortable and hassle-free, albeit not the most efficient.</li> <li>Trains aren't the answer for every trip, but I've begun to incorporate them into more of my travels.</li> </ul><p>Ahead of my family vacation to California, I dreamed of <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-places-to-visit-california-2019-3">cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway</a>. There was just one problem: My son suffered from terrible car sickness. </p><p>To avoid scrubbing vomit out of a rental car's upholstery, I booked tickets on the <a href="https://www.amtrak.com/coast-starlight-train">Amtrak Coast Starlight</a> from Oakland to Santa Barbara.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.insider.com/amtrak-coast-starlight-review-california-train-ride-photos-2022-10">smooth, nine-hour journey</a> offered all of the magnificent ocean views I would've wanted to see on the road trip, with none of the upset stomachs.</p><p>Since that trip, my son has found ways to manage his car sickness, and we've successfully traveled to 44 states by car. But there's a host of reasons my family is still choosing to <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-parts-about-riding-amtrak-trains-with-family-vacation-northeast-2023-2">return to rail travel</a>.</p><div class="read-original">Read the original article on <a href="https://www.insider.com/reasons-train-travel-better-than-road-trips-amtrak">Insider</a></div>

After taking road trips throughout the US, I tried traveling by Amtrak train instead.
My experiences on the rails have been comfortable and hassle-free, albeit not the most efficient.
Trains aren't the answer for every trip, but I've begun to incorporate them into more of my travels.

Ahead of my family vacation to California, I dreamed of cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway . There was just one problem: My son suffered from terrible car sickness.

To avoid scrubbing vomit out of a rental car's upholstery, I booked tickets on the Amtrak Coast Starlight from Oakland to Santa Barbara.

The smooth, nine-hour journey offered all of the magnificent ocean views I would've wanted to see on the road trip, with none of the upset stomachs.

Since that trip, my son has found ways to manage his car sickness, and we've successfully traveled to 44 states by car. But there's a host of reasons my family is still choosing to return to rail travel .

<p>When it comes to <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-taking-beautiful-train-ride-is-like-scotrail-west-highland-line">spectacular views</a>, there's a lot to see from train windows. </p><p>Though not all of Amtrak's routes pass idyllic settings, some journey through the US' most beautiful landscapes. I've enjoyed gazing at vineyards, mountains, harbor seals, and more on my rail travels. </p><p>Many Amtrak trains, including the Coast Starlight, have observation cars with giant picture windows designed with sightseeing in mind.</p><p>As someone who's generally the designated driver on <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-road-trips-in-the-world-2018-7">road trips</a>, I savor the ability to sit back and take in the stunning scenery without the fear of taking my eyes off the road for too long.</p>

Many Amtrak trains offer scenic views of some of the country's most beautiful locales.

When it comes to spectacular views , there's a lot to see from train windows.

Though not all of Amtrak's routes pass idyllic settings, some journey through the US' most beautiful landscapes. I've enjoyed gazing at vineyards, mountains, harbor seals, and more on my rail travels.

Many Amtrak trains, including the Coast Starlight, have observation cars with giant picture windows designed with sightseeing in mind.

As someone who's generally the designated driver on road trips , I savor the ability to sit back and take in the stunning scenery without the fear of taking my eyes off the road for too long.

<p>Though trains aren't the most glamorous way to travel, I loved how easy the whole journey was and am eager to book more rail-based trips in the future. </p><p>The ability to accomplish work and other tasks, especially ones that I can't do while driving or navigating airports, is appealing, as is the ability to sit back and unwind while someone else does the steering.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-parts-of-long-train-rides-from-traveler-2021-9">benefits of train travel</a> became especially evident as we drove to Baltimore on the final leg of our trip. During a heavy rainstorm, I got stuck in a traffic jam while navigating unfamiliar roads.</p><p>At that moment, I longed instead to be sitting back in my train seat, effortlessly cruising to my next destination.</p>

Some trains also stop in underrated destinations I wouldn't have otherwise visited.

Amtrak offers picturesque long-haul journeys through the Rockies , the American Southwest, and beyond.

The prospect of gazing at snowcapped mountains and soaring red-rock formations is exciting, but these journeys also offer a compelling opportunity to stop and explore less-touted areas along the way — ones that I probably wouldn't go out of my way to visit otherwise.

Though some of the highlights from my road trips have been stumbling upon hidden gems in locales often labeled as flyover states (like spots in the US' heartland), driving through the Midwest's flatlands can feel like a bit of a slog.

However, I find stretches of farmland infinitely more charming when I view them out of a train window instead of a car dashboard.

Depending on the itinerary and season, traveling by train can be more affordable than driving.

Between gas prices and rental-car charges, road trips can be expensive ventures.

When it comes to Amtrak trains, you can expect to pay a premium for a private room in a sleeping car or a coveted last-minute ticket. However, you can usually find reasonably priced tickets with some advance planning.

On a trip my family recently took from New York to Pennsylvania, all three of our tickets for the Amtrak Keystone Service cost me a total of $47.50 — an absolute steal considering our trip fell during a peak travel period.

In many major cities, I probably would've paid the same amount for a few hours of parking.

<ul class="summary-list"> <li>Amtrak suspended some cross-country routes Tuesday due to an impending <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/white-house-railroad-worker-strike-democrats-midterms-2022-9">rail worker strike</a>.</li> <li>Some trains departing from Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Antonio were canceled. </li> <li>State routes could also be affected if a resolution is not reached, a spokesperson told Insider.</li> </ul><p>Amtrak suspended some of its most storied and picturesque routes on Tuesday in preparation for an impending <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/white-house-railroad-worker-strike-democrats-midterms-2022-9">rail worker strike</a> that could further upend supply chains and damage the US economy. </p><p>Tuesday departures for the Southwest Chief, Empire Builder, California Zephyr, and a portion of the Texas Eagle routes have all been pre-emptively canceled in order to avoid passenger disruptions, an Amtrak spokesperson told Insider. </p><p>If freight rail carriers do not reach a resolution with two major worker unions, shorter state-supported routes could also be canceled this week, the spokesperson added. </p><p>While Amtrak itself is not involved in the union negotiations, its trains travel on 21,000 miles of track throughout the Midwest and western US — nearly all of which is owned, maintained, and controlled by freight railroads. As a result, a freight rail worker strike would "significantly impact intercity passenger rail service," Amtrak said.</p><p>Most travel within Amtrak's owned-and-operated Northeast Corridor between Boston, New York, and Washington would not be affected by the potential strike, as they do not operate on freight rail tracks. The higher-speed Acela line will operate a full schedule and only a small number of Northeast Regional departures would be impacted by any strike, Amtrak said. </p><p>Passengers whose trips are affected by these changes will be able to change their reservation to another travel date, waiving any difference in fare for departures through Oct. 31, or receive a full refund without cancelation fees. </p><p>Here's the full list of train departures impacted by Tuesday's cancelations: </p><div class="read-original">Read the original article on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/list-amtrak-cancels-trains-rail-worker-strike-chicago-california-texas-2022-9">Business Insider</a></div>

I feel safer traveling by train than by car, especially in poor weather conditions.

It gives me peace of mind to know that taking a train is statistically safer than driving a car . Plus, Amtrak has a lot of safety standards in place .

Though I feel confident in my driving abilities, I prefer not to be behind the wheel in certain situations, like when I have to navigate Manhattan streets or battle icy road conditions.

Trains are usually less impacted by weather, making them a solid transportation option in less-than-ideal conditions.

Amtrak's seats feel wider and more comfortable than the ones in most cars.

It's no surprise that traveling can make you feel a bit cramped, especially if you're constricted to a car seat for a long drive.

Regardless of how I travel, I'm always very eager to reach my destination and stretch my legs. In my experience, I've found that even the most bare-bones Amtrak trains offer wider seats than I've seen in most cars and a reasonable amount of legroom.

The trains' observation and dining cars are a real treat for my family since they allow us to enjoy peaceful moments, play a rousing game, or simply take advance of the freedom that comes with not being strapped in one place.

<p>Train travel isn't always the fastest way to reach my destination, but I've found that it's the mode of transportation that <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-and-worst-parts-long-train-ride-35-hours-photos-2021-10">gives me the most time to be productive</a>.</p><p>As someone who works remotely, trains are the perfect place to multitask and catch up on my to-do list, something I can't accomplish as easily in cars.</p><p>I obviously can't use my computer while driving, and attempting to do so in the passenger seat makes me queasy. However, traveling by train gives me an easy way to knock out work, help my son with his homework, read a book, or take a nap.</p>

Rail journeys give me time and space to work, spend time with family, and rest.

Train travel isn't always the fastest way to reach my destination, but I've found that it's the mode of transportation that gives me the most time to be productive .

As someone who works remotely, trains are the perfect place to multitask and catch up on my to-do list, something I can't accomplish as easily in cars.

I obviously can't use my computer while driving, and attempting to do so in the passenger seat makes me queasy. However, traveling by train gives me an easy way to knock out work, help my son with his homework, read a book, or take a nap.

<p>Amtrak trains have provided a lot of benefits for my family, but like any mode of transportation, they come with their own set of downsides. Trains, especially long-haul ones, are known to be plagued with delays. So you do have to pack some patience and be flexible. </p><p>The routes Amtrak offers can also be limiting and inconvenient, with the journey between some destinations requiring multiple train changes that take you hundreds of miles and many hours out of the way.</p><p>I've decided that they're a great way for my family to travel in addition to road trips, but not in place of them.</p><p>I adore the <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-and-worst-parts-about-first-long-distance-van-trip">spontaneity and impulsiveness that comes with traveling by car</a> and wouldn't trade the experience of pulling off the road to explore a quirky roadside attraction or stop for fresh baked goods at a local vendor's stand. </p><p>I'm already plotting future trips and can't wait to see what's ahead on the rails and on the road.</p>

Trains aren't the right option for every trip, but I look forward to incorporating more of them in my future travels.

Amtrak trains have provided a lot of benefits for my family, but like any mode of transportation, they come with their own set of downsides. Trains, especially long-haul ones, are known to be plagued with delays. So you do have to pack some patience and be flexible.

The routes Amtrak offers can also be limiting and inconvenient, with the journey between some destinations requiring multiple train changes that take you hundreds of miles and many hours out of the way.

I've decided that they're a great way for my family to travel in addition to road trips, but not in place of them.

I adore the spontaneity and impulsiveness that comes with traveling by car and wouldn't trade the experience of pulling off the road to explore a quirky roadside attraction or stop for fresh baked goods at a local vendor's stand.

I'm already plotting future trips and can't wait to see what's ahead on the rails and on the road.

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12 Affordable Family Cars For 2023

Family vehicles don’t have to be boxy minivans or SUVs. We discovered a dozen top-rated sedans, hatchbacks and wagons that can provide ideal family transportation at prices that won't bust your budget.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. |

These Are The Days

People of a certain age can recall when Mom and Dad would pack the brood into the family car, often a station wagon, to hit the road for summer travel with bags packed and snacks stowed. But those days are, for the most part, far behind us. Minivans and SUVs have supplanted traditional sedans and wagons in the nation's driveways.

But for those who still favor a passenger car, there are affordable, family-minded alternatives. They offer lots of room for passengers and cargo, capable powertrains and the latest infotainment and driver-assistance features.

This slide show highlights the 12 best affordable family cars for the 2023 model year. Our picks include sedans, hatchbacks and wagons; they all start at $40,000 or less, with many in the $20,000 range. We've listed them in ascending order according to each model's U.S. News overall score.

We update scores on our site as new information becomes available. As a result, the scores in this slideshow may differ from those seen elsewhere on our site.

Nissan North America, Inc. |

2023 Nissan Maxima

$38,340 | overall score: 8.0/10.

The Nissan Maxima is a dynamically styled five-passenger sedan with a somewhat sporty side. It handles better than many midsize models and comes standard with a lively 300-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine that drives the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

The car rides smoothly and quietly, yet it holds the corners nicely when needed. It’s EPA-rated at 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

The Maxima protects its precious cargo via several high-tech driver-assistance features. Seating is comfortable, though headroom is tight for taller occupants in the rear. Standard features are plentiful, with many options offered. However, the trunk room is on the small side at 14.3 cubic feet.

2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV

$26,500 | overall score: 8.0/10.

The subcompact Chevrolet Bolt hatchback is as mainstream as an electric car gets. The interior has a spacious front row and features a large touch screen for the easily mastered infotainment system. Its electric powertrain generates 200 horsepower with 266 lively pound-feet of torque.

A selectable mode amps up the car’s regenerative braking to enable one-pedal driving. This Chevy is EPA-rated at 131 MPGe in the city and 109 MPGe on the highway, with up to 259 miles of operating range on a charge.

The Bolt comes with several advanced driver-assistance features, with many upscale amenities optional. It provides 16.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 57 cubic feet with the seatbacks folded.

2023 Dodge Charger

$34,230 | overall score: 8.1/10.

The full-size Dodge Charger sedan is a contemporary version of the classic muscle car that's roomy and comfortable enough for use as the family's ride. The base powerplant teams a 292-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 with rear- or all-wheel drive. Available eight-cylinder engines range from 370 to a ridiculous 807 horses. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard across the line.

Fuel economy is an up-and-down affair. The V6 does okay with up to 19 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The V8s are much less efficient, with the top Hellcat engine good for only 12/21 mpg.

The Charger's trunk accommodates up to 16.5 cubic feet of cargo, and you can add an extensive list of safety, comfort, convenience and performance options.

2023 Toyota Prius Prime

$32,350 | overall score: 8.1/10.

Redesigned for 2023, the Toyota Prius Prime is the plug-in-hybrid alternative to the standard Prius four-door hatchback. It utilizes a larger battery that enables it to operate for up to 44 miles solely on electric power; this Toyota returns 127 MPG-equivalent city/highway combined when using just electric power and 52 mpg combined in hybrid mode. Dual electric motors produce a combined 220 horsepower.

The Prius Prime can seat up to five people. Standard and available features include many accident-avoidance features and upscale amenities. Cargo space is 20.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a maximum of 26.7 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded.

2023 Subaru Outback

$28,395 | overall score: 8.1/10.

The Subaru Outback may be marketed as an SUV, but it’s really a station wagon with added ground clearance and more adventurous styling. With all-wheel drive standard across the line, the base engine is a 182-horsepower four-cylinder that’s mated to a continuously variable transmission; you can upgrade to a 260-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine in higher trims.

The Wilderness trim with all-terrain tires and 9.5 inches of ground clearance can tackle some moderate off-road trails. The Outback is rated at 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway with the base engine and 22/29 mpg with the turbo-four.

The Outback treats occupants to a spacious and nicely trimmed cabin that affords 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seatbacks upright and 75.6 cubic feet with them folded.

2023 Toyota Camry

$26,320 | overall score: 8.2/10.

Still a top seller in an SUV-dominated market, the Toyota Camry pleases with its roomy and comfortable five-passenger cabin, easygoing driving dynamics and an extensive assortment of standard features. Trunk space is an acceptable 15.1 cubic feet.

A 203-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is standard, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive. A 3.5-liter V6 with 301 horsepower is also available but only comes with front-wheel drive.

Fuel economy maxes out at 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway with the base engine, and up to 22/33 mpg with the V6. Toyota also sells a more fuel-efficient hybrid version of this sedan.

2023 Kia K5

The midsize Kia K5 sedan is attractive on the outside and has a roomy and refined cabin. It comes standard with many advanced safety features and includes dual-zone climate control and an easily mastered infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability. The trunk can hold 16 cubic feet of luggage or groceries.

The K5 packs a standard 180-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive. A 290-horsepower 2.5-liter turbo-four with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic is available.

Fuel economy is decent at up to 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway with the base powertrain, and 24/32 mpg city/highway with the turbocharged engine.

2023 Mazda3

$22,550 | overall score: 8.6/10.

The Mazda3 has long been a favorite of driving enthusiasts for its crisp handling. It comes in sedan and hatchback models, with the latter offering 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and considerably more with the cushions folded flat.

The Mazda3’s engine choices include the base 191-horsepower four-cylinder and an available turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 227 horses running regular-grade gasoline or 250 with premium. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, with a six-speed manual available in the Premium hatchback trim. All-wheel drive is available.

Fuel economy tops out at 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway with the base engine, and 23/32 mpg with the turbo-four.

2023 Hyundai Elantra

$20,950 | overall score: 7.9/10.

The Hyundai Elantra is an attractively styled compact sedan with a comfortable cabin that's highlighted by an easily operated infotainment system. It comes nicely equipped for the money with several standard driver-assistance safety features and many options available. It can hold up to 14.2 cubic feet of cargo in the trunk.

The Elantra offers a choice of three engines, starting with a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder. It's paired with a continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive and is EPA-rated at 33 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway.

A 201-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic are included with the N Line, while the sporty Elantra N packs a 276-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-four and a six-speed manual or eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.

2023 Honda Accord

$27,295 | overall score: 8.4/10.

Another popular sedan, the Honda Accord , is redesigned for 2023 with styling enhancements and assorted improvements. A standard 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 192 horsepower has a continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive.

The Accord is EPA-rated at 29 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. Note that a more fuel-efficient hybrid version is available.

The base LX includes an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. Higher trims add heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and blind-spot monitoring. All models can store 16.7 cubic feet of cargo in the trunk.

2023 Tesla Model 3

$40,240 | overall score: 8.6/10.

The Tesla Model 3 is a popular electric sedan with a generous driving range of 272 to 358 miles, depending on the model. It’s also quicker than many bona fide sports cars.

The base rear-wheel-drive Model 3 is EPA-rated at 138 MPGe in the city and 126 MPGe on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive Long Range gets 134/126 MPGe city/highway. The top Performance trim gets 118/107 MPGe city/highway.

A large tablet computer-like touch screen dominates the Model 3’s sleek interior. This car comes standard with some of the latest accident-avoidance systems and tech amenities. The Model 3 accommodates 19.8 cubic feet of cargo in the rear and 3.1 cubic feet in the “frunk.”

2023 Honda Civic

$23,750 | overall score: 8.7/10.

The Honda Civic is popular among compact cars, and it's available in sedan and hatchback body styles. It's convenient as a hatchback, with a 24.5 cubic feet cargo capacity behind the rear seats, compared to the sedan's 14.8 cubic-foot trunk space.

The cabin is well-designed and roomy enough to accommodate adults in the rear seats. It comes with all the basics, including several key driver-assistance systems.

The Civic's standard engine is a 158-horsepower four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission or a six-speed manual. Handling is livelier than with many small cars. The available engines range from 180 to 315 horsepower. Mileage tops out at 33/42 mpg city/highway.

More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report

Whether you’re the head of a family, single, newly married, or an empty nester, if you’re looking for a new vehicle, you’ll want to check out our detailed new car rankings and reviews . And you’ll want to find out what automakers are offering to help them move the metal in terms of cash-back rebates, low-rate financing, and special lease offers via our new car deals section, updated monthly.

You’ll certainly want to stretch your car-buying budget by using U.S. News’ Best Price Program . You can easily obtain certified offers from dealers located near where you live.

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Affordable Family Cars For 2023

2023 Nissan Maxima | $38,340 | Overall Score: 8.0/10
2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV | $26,500 | Overall Score: 8.0/10
2023 Dodge Charger | $34,230 | Overall Score: 8.1/10
2023 Toyota Prius Prime | $32,350 | Overall Score: 8.1/10
2023 Subaru Outback | $28,395 | Overall Score: 8.1/10
2023 Toyota Camry | $26,320 | Overall Score: 8.2/10
2023 Kia K5 | $25,290 | Overall Score: 8.3/10
2023 Mazda3 | $22,550 | Overall Score: 8.6/10
2023 Hyundai Elantra | $20,950 | Overall Score: 7.9/10
2023 Honda Accord | $27,295 | Overall Score: 8.4/10
2023 Tesla Model 3 | $40,240 | Overall Score: 8.6/10
2023 Honda Civic | $23,750 | Overall Score: 8.7/10

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Visit Krasnodar

Where to stay in krasnodar.

Zapadnyy okrug

While visiting Zapadnyy okrug, you might make a stop by sights like Gallery Krasnodar and Shukhov's Hyperboloid Tower.

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You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at SBS Megamall during your stay in Krasnodar. Amble around the area's parks or experience its theater scene.

Catch an event at Ice Palace during your trip to Krasnodar. Make some time to visit the casinos while you're in the area.

Safari Park

See the exotic and native animals who live at Safari Park during your travels in Krasnodar. Amble around the area's parks or experience its theater scene.

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Catch an event at FC Krasnodar Stadium during your trip to Krasnodar. Amble around the area's parks or experience its theater scene.

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Catch an event at Kuban Stadium during your trip to Krasnodar. Amble around the area's parks or experience its theater scene.

Kuban State University

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of Kuban State University, during your travels in Krasnodar. Amble around the area's parks or experience its theater scene.

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30th Anniversary of Victory Park
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Massachusetts family among tesla owners who waited hours to charge car after total solar eclipse.

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A Massachusetts family who traveled to Vermont to view Monday's total solar eclipse had their trip end with a major headache.

The return home was made worse for the Livesey family, of Wakefield, and other Tesla owners who were searching for charging stations in rural areas.

"(The eclipse) was spectacular, but I had to rush back because I noticed the battery on my Tesla was running low and all the charging stations at Jay Peak were taken," said Monica Livesey.

When the Livesey family found a charging station in St. Johnsbury, there were lines of electric vehicles dozens deep.

"I got there with one mile only to find out there were about 60 cars waiting to be charged," Livesey said.

So the Livesey family took charge by helping a couple from Cambridge, Massachusetts, hand out numbers and making drivers wait their turn.

"We were giving out paper tickets with a number on it," said Livesey's 16-year-old son, Niko.

Niko also helped direct traffic with glow sticks and tried his best to keep the peace.

"Trying to keep the mood pleasant," he said. "In my mind, I was thinking it's going to be a long night."

The Livesey family waited more than four hours to charge their Tesla and the last ticket they handed out before leaving was No. 189, and they saw more vehicles pulling up to the stations.

"I don't know where all these people came from. I didn't know there were that many Teslas," said Livesey's 13-year-old daughter, Jessica.

"This was worth the trip. It doesn't matter if we're waiting for four hours to charge. It was so worth it. It was beautiful," Monica Livesey said. "I feel like everybody came together as a community. At the end, people were hugging. They were thanking us."

"It was good seeing everyone come together at the end, working towards a common goal of getting home," Niko Livesey said.

The Livesey family arrived at their Wakefield home at 4 a.m. Tuesday.

The Best Hybrid Vehicles for Families

There are more hybrids and plug-in hybrids on the market than ever, with offerings in nearly every vehicle category. Consider these top picks for your family.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Up until recently, hybrid powertrains in vehicles were the province of the parsimonious and sanctimonious, featured in small commuter cars like the Toyota Prius, and mainly purchased by people who were truly passionate about saving the planet and/or gas money.

That's all to say that while it was just two years ago that we rounded up a list of the best hybrid cars , that compendium needed updating. So we decided to make a whole new list of top picks.

The best hybrid family cars of 2023:

Best Compact Hybrid

Toyota prius.

Best Hybrid Minivan

Chrysler pacifica hybrid.

Best Hybrid Compact Crossover

Best Hybrid Luxury Compact Crossover

Lexus nx 350h.

Best Hybrid SUV

Jeep grand cherokee 4xe.

Best Hybrid Luxury SUV

Land rover range rover p550e autobiography.

Best Hybrid Sedan

Honda accord.

Best Hybrid Luxury Sedan

Mercedes-benz s580e.

Best Hybrid Truck

Ford maverick.

Prices and fuel economy for base car are listed.

WHY WE LOVE IT: The Prius has been working its hybrid game so long — since 2001! — it has nearly become synonymous with the gas/electric platform. But now that the rest of the industry has caught up, the Prius has had to pivot. Witness this all-new model, which has an extremely handsome new shape inside and out, plus more power and more efficiency, as well as optional all-wheel drive.

STANDOUT FEATURES: In addition to its new appearance and features, we’re extremely impressed with the Prius’ fuel economy. The ability to squeeze nearly 60 miles of travel from a gallon of gasoline is nothing short of astounding.

GOOD TO KNOW: The Prius will also soon be offered in a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model, the Prius Prime. Though it will cost more than its cousin — likely three or four thousand dollars more — it will deliver even more power plus the ability to travel 35 miles or more on battery power alone.

WHY WE LOVE IT: We’ve said it many times: There is no better family vehicle than a minivan, there is no better minivan than the Pacifica and there is no better Pacifica than this hybrid model. It is simply superlative in accomplishing its core tasks: the safe, refined, reliable and effortless transportation of families and their stuff.

STANDOUT FEATURES: Anyone who has experienced the power-operated rear sliding doors and disappearing Stow-‘n-Go rear seats in the Pacifica will attest to their magical and life-changing operation. Ditto the onboard vacuum.

GOOD TO KNOW: The battery pack for the plug-in hybrid, which allows it to travel 32 miles on a charge, takes up the space in the floor where the second row of Stow-‘n-Go seats would be stored, so they don’t disappear, sadly. The third row still folds into the floor.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Kia is on a roll, both in terms of its design and its advanced powertrains, and the Niro exemplifies both of these triumphs. Its exterior looks like something birthed by an intergalactic transport. Under the hood it features a fuel-sipping gas/electric hybrid that allows it to eke 50 miles from a gallon of gas (in combined city/highway driving). And it does this at a base price that undercuts the competition.

STANDOUT FEATURES: Check out the “Green Zone” drive mode, which automatically switches the car into a quiet and non-polluting electric-only mode when you drive near schools, hospitals and around your neighborhood.

GOOD TO KNOW: A plug-in hybrid is also available. Though it costs about $2,300 more than the comparatively equipped parallel hybrid model, it can travel 33 miles on battery power alone.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Lexus privileges comfort above all else, cocooning passengers in a bubble of cushy luxury. The NX accomplishes this in a smaller SUV package than the brand’s best-selling RX. We appreciate the way that it sticks to its mission, soothing our nerves during carpool runs, errands and on our commute. A plush cabin, with more space for passengers and cargo than most rivals, complements this sensibility.

STANDOUT FEATURES: The central touchscreen is angled toward the driver to diminish the amount of time spent looking away from the road. And the brand’s updated safety suite hosts a pedestrian detection system that looks out for walkers, runners and cyclists around you when you’re turning, and alerts you to their presence.

GOOD TO KNOW: A plug-in hybrid option exists for the NX. It offers far more power and enhanced performance, which may, or may not, be your thing.

WHY WE LOVE IT: The Jeep Grand Cherokee combines an unassuming but handsome appearance with a rugged 4WD system and delights with luxurious interior appointments (especially on higher-priced, optioned-up models). It feels casually assured in all circumstances, while — like a great pair of jeans — maintaining the ability to move effortlessly from chauffeuring duties, to meetings with clients, to vacation, to date night.

STANDOUT FEATURES: We love that the base Grand Cherokee hybrid — the Limited model — has remote start and heated rear seats, so we can get the cabin warmed up for our precious passengers on those chilly (or downright freezing) mornings. We also delight in the optional stereo from famed audio component-maker McIntosh.

GOOD TO KNOW: Though the Grand Cherokee offers plenty of space, if your brood is larger, or you consistently carry more junk in your trunk, check out the new three-row SUV Grand Cherokee L.

WHY WE LOVE IT: The all-new Range Rover continues its Pharaonic reign atop the SUV pyramid, combining sybaritic luxury, potent performance and class-leading all-season/all-terrain sure-footedness. Range Rovers are also among the small coterie of luxury vehicles that actually feel worth the price — everything you touch feels expensive and carefully considered. And with an estimated 48 miles of electric-only range, the plug-in hybrid provides a plethora of emissions-free driving.

STANDOUT FEATURES: Though the leather that covers the seating surfaces, door panels and dashboard is flawless, we are smitten with the wool and fabric options, which draw on England’s history in textile production. The four-wheel steering system makes the Range drive smaller than it is.

GOOD TO KNOW: For now, the plug-in hybrid system is only available on the short wheelbase Range Rover, not in the extended wheelbase version, so if you want a three-row hybrid, you’re out of luck.

WHY WE LOVE IT: The Accord continues to triumph because it does everything so well. It is comfortable, stylish, commodious for passengers and cargo, safe and — particularly in its hybrid form — economical. What other mid-size sedan can achieve over 50 mpg around town, and nearly that much overall?

STANDOUT FEATURES: The Accord feels so carefully considered and ambitious in its mission, it seems it could readily be compared to an overachieving high school student. But it's also somehow, surprisingly, humble. It never shouts, or showboats for attention. It just puts its head down and succeeds.

GOOD TO KNOW: Though the base Sport Hybrid is a bit cheaper, those in the know will go for the slightly pricier ($34,085) EX-L. For just $1,600 more, you get a more potent engine, wireless phone mirroring (Android Auto/Apple CarPlay), a sunroof, leather seats, parking sensors and a larger infotainment display screen.

WHY WE LOVE IT: The S-Class has been the pinnacle of automotive achievement for over 50 years, and though many competitors have attempted to knock it off its perch, none ever triumph (for long, at least). This is because it is monomaniacal and relentless in its pursuit of vehicular perfection, not just in terms of performance and luxury, but cutting-edge tech, advanced driver assistance, safety and even delightful gizmos.

STANDOUT FEATURES: The new plug-in hybrid costs less than its range-topping brother, the S580, but offers more power and achieves better fuel economy. It can even travel 40+ miles on a charge, obviating the need for gas on most local trips.

GOOD TO KNOW: All-wheel-drive is standard on this model, as it is on all S-Classes, but a power-operated calf massager for the rear seats is optional.

WHY WE LOVE IT: In this era of 21-foot-long full-size pickups, the Maverick is, well, a maverick: a more compact truck. In fact, it’s just a couple inches longer than a contemporary Honda Accord. That means that while it offers the features we love in trucks — room for five passengers, a bed for hauling big stuff, go-anywhere capability— it can still be parked in the driveway, at work or out running errands without a nerve-wracking three-point turn.

STANDOUT FEATURES: The Maverick hybrid’s flexibility, cargo-carrying capacity and frugality — both in terms of base price, and in terms of fuel economy — still startles us. For a generation of parents scared off trucks due to their massive size and foreboding step-up height, the Maverick feels just right.

GOOD TO KNOW: The hybrid powertrain option is only available in the base, front-wheel drive Maverick for now. So if you want all-wheel drive, you’ll have to opt for a traditional, peppier and thirstier regular gas engine.

How we test cars

Each year, Good Housekeeping 's team of engineers, analysts and testers drive thousands of miles on highways and streets to ensure we're finding the best vehicles for your family that deliver a good mix of power and handling, comfort and convenience — not to mention enjoyment when driving!

When evaluating cars, we consider the vehicle's handling, engine power and overall drivability. We assess the roominess of the vehicle, including if there's comfy seating for everyone and whether or not there is ample cargo and storage compartments. We prioritize cars with accessible and abundant charging ports, intuitive infotainment systems and easy to access LATCH systems for car seat install. We also look at exterior design features, including the car's size and shape, as well as mirror size and placement.

Specific to hybrid vehicle evaluations, we take into account battery efficiency, intuitiveness of eco-related dashboard tools and fuel efficiency. Our experts also price compare to the regular combustion engine counterpart where applicable. If there are plug-in capabilities, we assess how easy the system is to use, the speed with which it can charge and the driving range.

And for our final check, we speak with our colleagues at Car and Driver (owned by Hearst, as is Good Housekeeping ) to glean insights from their regimented and long-term test protocols.

What is a hybrid vehicle?

While EVs seem to be getting all the attention , hybrid cars are a great option for families interested in sustainability and fuel efficiency, but who aren't ready to make the jump to a fully electric vehicle.

A hybrid combines a gas engine with an electric motor. It is thus able to recapture energy that would otherwise be lost to the friction of braking or coasting, and store it in a battery as electricity. This electricity can then be fed back, from the battery, into the propulsion system in order to power the vehicle. The intent of a hybrid is generally to enhance fuel efficiency.

There are three key forms of hybridization:

✔️ Parallel Hybrid: In this configuration, the electric motor(s) and gas engine are connected via a transmission. The battery is constantly being recharged and discharged while driving.

✔️ Series Hybrid: In this design, there is no physical bridge between the engine and the wheels. The engine is used only to recharge the battery, and the electric power provides all the thrust needed to move the vehicle. As in a parallel hybrid, the battery is constantly being recharged and discharged while driving.

✔️ Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): These types of vehicles can either be parallel or hybrid, but they utilize a larger battery. This allows them to power themselves solely on electric energy for longer stretches — typically between 15 and 60 miles, depending on battery size — and to function in hybrid gas-electric range over longer distances. The larger capacity in the battery is generally recharged by being plugged in at home, at work or at a public charging station, though some vehicles can use the gas engine to recharge while driving.

Are there tax credits available for hybrid vehicles?

With the new, expanded and/or extended tax incentives available from the recent infrastructure and inflation reduction bills , you may find federal rebates available on some hybrids. Some states, and even municipalities, offer additional tax credits as well, so be sure to look into the deals available where you live.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

For over a decade, the mechanical engineers at the Good Housekeeping Institute have highlighted the top vehicles to buy, from the best compact cars to the best crossovers, with our Best Family Car Awards .

Rachel Rothman , who leads GH's auto testing, has been reviewing vehicles for over a decade. She often partners with the car-enthusiasts at Car and Driver to complement the real life testing she and other GH Institute analysts, staffers and testers perform year-round. She utilizes her degree in mechanical engineering and her extensive experience in conducting category-wide auto evaluations to inform the best picks. When it comes to family-friendly vehicles, her three young kids often assist her in determining what are deal-breakers or serious bonuses.

To devise this list of the best hybrids for families, contributing writer Brett Berk worked closely with Rothman. He's been test driving vehicles for over a decade and writes reviews for Car and Driver and Road & Track , where he is contributing editor.

Brett Berk (he/him) is a former preschool teacher and early childhood center director who spent a decade as a youth and family researcher and now covers the topics of kids and the auto industry for publications including CNN, the New York Times , Popular Mechanics and more. He has published a parenting book, The Gay Uncle’s Guide to Parenting , and since 2008 has driven and reviewed thousands of cars for Car and Driver and Road & Track , where he is contributing editor. He has also written for Architectural Digest, Billboard, ELLE Decor, Esquire, GQ, Travel + Leisure and Vanity Fair.

Rachel Rothman was the chief technologist and executive technical director of the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 15 years , overseeing testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all GH Labs. She also managed GH's research division and the analysis of applicants for the GH Seal and all other testing emblems.

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Credit Cards

Why I chose the Chase Sapphire Preferred as my first ever rewards card

Sarah Li Cain

Robin Saks Frankel

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Grace Pilling

Published 6:03 a.m. UTC April 15, 2024

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I first started learning about the world of rewards credit cards from friends and bloggers and knew I wanted in. The challenge was that it took me a long time to build my credit , and I wanted to be sure I picked the right card. After some research, I landed on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card as my first rewards credit card. Yes, there are other cards with lower (or no) annual fees, but I have squeezed a ton of value from this credit card.

Here are the reasons why I landed on the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Welcome bonus.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Regular APR

Credit score.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Editor’s Take

Flexible points that can be transferred to 14 travel partners or redeemed through Chase Travel℠ at 1.25 cents each.
$50 annual statement credit toward Chase Travel hotel bookings.
Valuable travel protections.
$95 annual fee.
Category bonuses are limited and not competitive against other travel cards.
Transfer partner list is limited compared to programs like Amex Membership ® Rewards and Citi ThankYou ® .

Card Details

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
Enjoy beneﬁts such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
Member FDIC

1. I wanted flexible redemption options

Learning about travel rewards and how to redeem points as a beginner all those years ago felt extremely intimidating. I wanted to earn rewards that offered plenty of redemption options and where I could learn at a pace that felt accessible to me. Initially, I ignored the airline and hotel transfer partners and decided I would focus on how I would use my Ultimate Rewards® points through the Chase Travel℠ portal.

Taking this route eased my fears about how to book flights and hotels using rewards. I was also happy that I didn’t have to feel loyal to one airline or hotel chain like I would have with a cobranded rewards card. After booking a few trips through the Chase travel site, I took the time to learn about the issuer’s travel loyalty transfer partners (there are 14 in total). But I still liked choosing which method — booking through Chase Travel or transferring points — was better for me to squeeze the most out of my points.

Some travel rewards redemptions offer more value than others. Here’s some of the best ways to use Chase points .

2. The annual fee is accessible, even for occasional travelers

When I opened the Sapphire Preferred card, my family wasn’t traveling much. We were still settling into our new home, my husband had started a new job and I was juggling taking care of my young child with my freelance career. I aimed to earn enough rewards from the card to nab heavily discounted hotels and the occasional flight when we visited family once or twice a year.

At $95, the annual fee felt affordable to us. A pricier card with lounge access wasn’t important, because we didn’t fly enough to feel that feature would be worth it. However, the Sapphire Preferred’s $50 annual Chase Travel hotel credit was, since we stop and stay overnight on our cross-country drives during the summer.

3. I was able to earn the welcome bonus easily

My family and I mostly used credit cards to pay for bills like utilities and groceries. Looking over our expenses, we could easily spend thousands of dollars over a span of several months. The minimum spend requirement to earn the welcome bonus — 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening — was well within our reach. Plus, I paid off my credit cards each month, meaning we didn’t pay any interest and our rewards earnings didn’t cost us extra.

The minimum spend is higher than some rewards cards, though lower than luxury ones — my family and I were able to hit the minimum spend in a little over two months. Considering I earned $750 worth of travel if I booked through Chase Travel (which I was mostly doing in the beginning anyway), it was well worth it.

4. There are no foreign transaction fees

My mom and sister live in Canada where I grew up, so I make the annual trek with my family to visit them along with several other close friends. I knew that whatever credit card I signed up for, I wanted no foreign transaction fees when using it in another country. My last credit card did charge fees for transactions overseas, and though they may not seem like much on their own, they do add up.

This benefit alone didn’t convince me to sign up for the Sapphire Preferred but it was certainly a welcome benefit in addition to all the others.

5. Why I keep the Sapphire Preferred even years later

The Chase Sapphire Preferred has stayed in my wallet for the last six years and I don’t plan on canceling it anytime soon. The initial signup bonus earned my family several hotel nights when we visited family and friends. In subsequent years we took advantage of the $50 annual hotel credit and other benefits, such as primary rental car insurance , to make the annual fee worth it.

Over the years I’ve added two other Chase cards to the mix — the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card * The information for the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. . I pool the points I earn from these two credit cards with my Sapphire Preferred because the Preferred offers a 25% points boost when booking travel through Chase. Since I have a family of three to book travel for, I want to use all the advantages I can get.

Considering a rewards card? Here’s how to choose the right credit card for you.

*The information for the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Sarah Li Cain is a finance and small business writer currently based in Jacksonville, Florida whose articles have been published with outlets such as Fortune, CNBC Select, the Financial Planning Association and Zillow.

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.

Grace Pilling is a deputy editor for credit cards at USA TODAY Blueprint. She believes credit cards are the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure tools of the financial world and gets excited about helping people discover the best credit card strategy for their unique goals. Prior to joining Blueprint, Grace worked on and led personal finance teams at Bankrate, CreditCards.com, MoneyUnder30 and MoneyGeek. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and writing and a diploma in editing and publishing.

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April 11, 2024 - Israel-Hamas war

By Heather Chen , Antoinette Radford, Tori B. Powell , Aditi Sangal and Elise Hammond , CNN

Our live coverage of Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza has moved here .

UN committee fails to reach consensus on full Palestinian membership, Security Council president says

From CNN’s Richard Roth and Michael Rios

A specialized UN committee failed to reach a consensus Thursday on Palestinian membership in the United Nations, according to the president of the UN Security Council.

Two-thirds of the committee members were in favor of moving on with membership, with many countries arguing that “Palestine fulfills all the criteria that are required” to be granted full state member status, Malta's Ambassador and Security Council President Vanessa Frazier said.

She added that no one explicitly objected to the membership qualifications.

Frazier also said she would circulate a draft report on the deliberations as soon as Friday. If the committee doesn’t agree on the report, it could hold another meeting to iron out any differences.

Asked whether the process of deliberating Palestinian membership in the committee is now over, Frazier said, “Unless the next step of agreeing (to) the report of the committee warrants another meeting to iron out the differences, it’s not foreseen that there would be any further committee action.”

But she noted that any UN Security Council member can still table a resolution to vote on Palestinian membership at any time, regardless of the committee's report.

The US and Middle East brace for a possible Iran attack that could escalate the conflict. Here's the latest

From CNN staff

People attend the funeral procession for seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members killed in a strike in Syria, which Iran blamed on Israel, in Tehran on April 5.

Concerns about a possible Iranian attack against Israel has prompted many diplomatic conversations around the globe.

Here are some developments on diplomacy around the threat of an attack:

Iran's statement: The imperative for Tehran to "punish" Israel for the deadly strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus last week might have been avoided if the attack had been condemned at the United Nations, Iran’s Mission to the UN said Thursday.
US and UK diplomacy: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with the foreign ministers of Turkey, China and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday night and Thursday morning to tell them that countries should be urging Iran not to escalate the conflict in the Middle East after threats made by Tehran against Israel, according to a State Department spokesperson. The top US general for the Middle East is also in Israel . Additionally, Britain's foreign secretary warned his Iranian counterpart on Thursday that Tehran “must not draw” the Middle East into a wider conflict .
Israel receives US support: Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke with Blinken and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The US officials expressed the country's support for Israel against Iranian threats. Gallant warned that such an attack could lead to a regional escalation.
Travel restrictions: The US State Department restricted the travel of US government personnel in Israel in the wake of public threats against Israel by Iran. “The security environment remains complex and can change quickly depending on the political situation and recent events,” the alert noted. US officials are on high alert for a potential retaliatory strike by Iran or its proxies against Israel.

Meanwhile, here's some other updates:

Hamas on hostages: A member of Hamas' political bureau said a prisoner-hostage exchange is being discussed as part of larger ceasefire negotiations. "Part of negotiations is to reach a ceasefire agreement to have enough time and safety to collect final and more precise data" on the hostages held in Gaza, Basem Naim said in a statement on Thursday. "Because they (hostages) are in different palaces, (being held) by different groups, some of them are under the rubble killed with our own people, and we negotiate to get heavy equipment for this purpose."
Updates on aid to Gaza: It is clear that Israel is working to ramp up humanitarian aid to Gaza, but it has not yet implemented all of the measures it has announced, a top United Nations humanitarian official said. Aid coming in trucks from Israel has to be "segregated from water, from food, from medical items" before it goes into Gaza, said Jamie McGoldrick, the UN’s humanitarian coordinator in Jerusalem. “Getting 400 trucks from Kerem Shalom doesn't mean 400 trucks go into Gaza,” he said, adding that the logistical complications are numerous, and take time to resolve. He also said Israel’s restrictions on movement inside the strip complicate matters.

Anera charity resumes work in Gaza after pausing when Israeli strike killed 7 World Central Kitchen staff

From CNN's Tala Alrajjal and Mohammed Tawfeeq

American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera) has resumed Gaza operations "after a temporary pause" following an airstrike that killed seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid workers on April 1.

"As you know, the decision to temporarily pause our operations was not an easy one. We followed the direction of our staff in Gaza, who've faced death, loss, and destruction since the start of the war," Sean Carroll, the president and CEO of Anera, said in a statement on Thursday. "After the killing of Anera staff member Mousa Shawwa , followed by the attack that killed seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen, we made the difficult but necessary decision to pause aid operations on April 2," Carroll added in the statement.

Carroll said Israeli authorities informed him during a meeting Thursday that "certain measures would be taken to protect humanitarian aid workers in Gaza – including Anera's staff."

"With the full support of our Gaza team, we have determined that the circumstances have changed sufficiently to resume our vital humanitarian work in Gaza," Carroll said.

Anera on Thursday resumed "full operations in Gaza to deliver meals, food parcels, hygiene kits, tents, medical treatments, and more to families in dire need," according to the statement.

Iran says its imperative to punish Israel could have been avoided had UN Security Council condemned attack

From CNN’s Natalie Barr and Adam Pourahmadi

Emergency services work at a building hit by an air strike in Damascus, Syria, on April 1.

The imperative for Tehran to "punish" Israel for the deadly strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus last week might have been avoided if the attack had been condemned at the United Nations, Iran’s Mission to the UN said Thursday.

“Had the UN Security Council condemned the Zionist regime’s reprehensible act of aggression on our diplomatic premises in Damascus and subsequently brought to justice its perpetrators, the imperative for Iran to punish this rogue regime might have been obviated," the mission said on X.

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack on April 1, according to a statement from the UN spokesperson Stephan Dujarric. A Security Council discussion was held on April 2 to discuss the attack, but differences among members prevented any formal action or condemnation from taking place.

The United States is on high alert and actively preparing for a “significant” attack by Iran targeting Israeli or American assets in the region in response to the strike in Damascus that killed top Iranian commanders.

UK foreign secretary warns Iran not to draw Middle East into wider conflict

From CNN's Natalie Barr

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron speaks during a joint press conference with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington, DC, on April 9.

Britain's foreign secretary warned his Iranian counterpart on Thursday that Tehran “must not draw” the Middle East into a wider conflict following a series of escalating threats made by Iran toward Israel.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron told Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian that the United Kingdom was "deeply concerned about the potential for miscalculation leading to further violence. Iran should instead work to de-escalate and prevent further attacks," according to a post on X .

Iran's state-aligned Tasnim news agency on Thursday reported that Amir-Abdollahian had told Cameron that the silence from the UK and the United States following Israel’s attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus last week only served to encourage Israel to continue waging war in Gaza and expand its conflict in the region.

US and Israeli defense leaders discuss fears of Iranian attack

From CNN’s Michael Conte in Washington, DC, Tamar Michaelis in Jerusalem and Larry Register in Atlanta

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant today to “reaffirm the US ironclad commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies,” according to a Pentagon spokesperson.

The call comes a day after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel " must be punished and it will be" following a strike on an Iranian embassy compound in Syria that killed seven Iranian officials.

Israel “will not tolerate an Iranian attack on its territory,” the statement read, adding that the two defense leaders also discussed detailed preparations “for an Iranian attack against the State of Israel.”

Gallant said an Iranian attack on Israel could lead to a regional escalation.

It is the second discussion held between Gallant and Austin over the past week, according to the statement. Gallant expressed his appreciation for Austin’s personal commitment to the security of the State of Israel and for the deepening cooperation between the defense establishments of both countries, as well as between the Israel Defense Forces and US CENTCOM.

State Department restricts personnel travel in Israel amid concerns over Iranian threats

From CNN's Jennifer Hansler

The US State Department has restricted the travel of US government personnel in Israel in the wake of public threats against Israel by Iran.

“Out of an abundance of caution, U.S. government employees and their family members are restricted from personal travel outside the greater Tel Aviv (including Herzliya, Netanya, and Even Yehuda), Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva areas until further notice,” a security alert posted by the US Embassy Thursday said. “U.S. government personnel are authorized to transit between these three areas for personal travel.” “The security environment remains complex and can change quickly depending on the political situation and recent events,” the alert noted.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said he would not “speak to the specific assessments that led to us to restrict our employees and family members’ personal travel, but clearly we are monitoring the threat environment in the Middle East and specifically in Israel.”

“We have seen Iran making public threats against Israel in the past few days,” Miller said. “Israel is in a very tough neighborhood and we have been monitoring the security situation. You saw us slightly adjust for travel warnings at the beginning of this conflict and we conduct ongoing assessments all the time about the situation on the ground.”

US officials are on high alert for a potential retaliatory strike by Iran or its proxies against Israel.

Hamas says ceasefire with Israel is essential to collect data on hostages held in Gaza by different groups

From CNN's Abeer Salman and Mohammed Tawfeeq

A member of Hamas' political bureau said a prisoner-hostage exchange is being discussed as part of larger ceasefire negotiations.

"Part of negotiations is to reach a ceasefire agreement to have enough time and safety to collect final and more precise data" on the hostages held in Gaza Basem Naim said in a statement on Thursday. "Because they (hostages) are in different palaces, (being held) by different groups, some of them are under the rubble killed with our own people, and we negotiate to get heavy equipment for this purpose," he added.

Naim's statement was in response to questions from media outlets about whether Hamas has been rejecting the latest proposal, which was made in Cairo over the weekend, because it can not release 40 hostages in the first phase of a three-stage ceasefire deal.

According to an Israeli official and a source familiar with the discussions, Hamas indicated it is currently unable to identify and track down those 40 Israeli hostages, raising fears that more hostages may be dead than are publicly known.

CNN's record of the conditions of the hostages also suggests there are fewer than 40 living hostages who meet the proposed criteria.

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For packing in the whole family

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The best family road-trip SUVs at 4 different price points — plus a performance and all-electric extra

THE BUDGET CHOICE: The Mazda CX-9. $34,000 base, $45,000 as-tested.

Read the review.

The interior on the CX-9 I tested was semi-premium — a real treat at this price-point.

I had but one complaint when I drove the CX-9 for a week. The Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine cranks out only 250 horsepower, less than what you'd get in a competing vehicle with a V6. Fuel economy is decent, at 23 mpg city/highway combined.

Cargo capacity was fine, however, at about 15 cubic feet. As with many three-row crossovers, using the third row greatly diminishes what you can haul — to manage five passengers, I used just one of the third-row seats, which increased the cargo hold to around 30 cubic feet.

Mazda's infotainment system lags the industry, but it does cover all the expected bases: Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and GPS navigation.

THE MIDDLE OF THE PACK CONTENDER: The Subaru Ascent. $32,000 base, $46,000 as-tested.

The Ascent is Subaru's first crack at a mid-size SUV since the ill-fated Tribeca. We were impressed by the Ascent's comfortable cabin, bountiful safety features, solid driving dynamics, and turbocharged engine.

The interior of our top-spec Touring model really impressed. The cabin is traditional Subaru — very conservative but effective and easy to use. Ergonomics are terrific, with no oddly placed buttons or knobs to report. Seating for third-row passengers is cozy, but the second row is fine.

With the third row folded, cargo capacity is 47 cubic feet. With the third row in use, it's 18 cubic feet.

Power for the Ascent comes from a 2.4-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The "flat" or "boxer" turbo-four produces 260 horsepower. Combined with all-wheel-drive, the powertrain gives up a bit on the MPGs, which are under 30 in combined city/highway driving.

The center stack is dominated by a high-definition touchscreen running the latest variant of Subaru's Starlink infotainment system. It does everything well, from GPS navigation to device integration.

THE NEAR-LUXURY FAMILY HAULER: The Kia Telluride. $32,000 base, $47,000 as-tested.

The Kia Telluride impressed me at all levels and represents fantastic value for the SUV segment.

The Telluride's interior isn't luxurious, but it isn't mass-market. For most consumers, it's pure Goldilocks: Just right.

The Telluride does three rows as well as I've seen in an SUV. And even the back row deployed, it offers an impressive 21 cubic feet of cargo space.

Fuel economy from the 291-horsepower V6 is also pretty decent, if not remarkable: 21 mpg in city/highway combined.

Kia is selling what I consider one of the top infotainment systems on the market. The 10-inch central touchscreen is nearly perfect, and the use of old-school buttons, knobs, and switches is welcome.

THE MONEY-IS-NO-OBJECT OPTION: The Audi Q7. $55,000 base, $76,000 as-tested.

The Audi Q7 is a solid choice in the luxury SUV market. I recently tested a 2020 model of the vehicle, now in its second generation.

The Q7's interior is a study in tasteful minimalism. My tester was all-black, with piano-black surfaces and a modest amount of wood trim.

Power came from a 3.0-liter, turbocharged V6, making 335 horsepower (a smaller four-cylinder offers 248 horsepower). My V6 served up 18 mpg, in city/highway combined.

With all three rows in action, you have only about 14 cubic feet of cargo space to work with. Drop the third row, and that rises to 30 cubic feet.

Audi has one of the best infotainment systems in the industry. The central screen provides access to faultless GPS navigation, easy Bluetooth pairing, and effortless device integration. My tester also had the "Virtual Cockpit" feature, which can transfer some features to the instrument cluster.

THE GO-FAST ALTERNATIVE: The Porsche Cayenne GTS. $107,000 base, $167,000 as-tested.

The Cayenne GTS is a very special set of wheels: expensive, but with the sort of prizefighter punch that rewards spirited driving. Plus, the ability to haul enough luggage for a weekend on the road — just not one involving a family of five.

Porsche interiors aren't overtly luxurious, nor are they supposed to be. But the Cayenne GTS's has something else going for it: sporty touches. AND for my test vehicle, a rear-seat entertainment system, powered by Android.

The Cayenne GTS rocks a 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engine, making 453 horsepower. The motor is thirsty and not yet EPA-rated for fuel economy. But I think I was under 20 mpg on average.

With the back seats in use, there are 27 cubic feet to work with; drop the back seats and that increases to 60 cubic feet.

Porsche's infotainment system is quite good, although not quite the best. It's outdone by Audi (Porsche's VW Group stablemate). But the system checks all the right boxes, from Bluetooth pairing to USB device connectivity to GPS navigation. There's also wireless charging.

IF YOU WANT TO GO ELECTRIC: The Tesla Model X. $80,000 base, approximately $150,000 as-tested.

I actually took the Model X on a 700-mile family road trip. Its interior was more or less roomy enough for five people.

Read all about the road trip.

Even with one third-row seat in use, cargo capacity was fantastic, and we had backup from the front trunk.