Planning a weekend escape means more than just picking a destination. You need the right vehicle to get you there comfortably, with all your gear packed inside and enough tech to keep everyone happy on the drive. Here’s what matters when choosing a crossover for road trips, along with the models that get it right.
- Cargo space matters, but so does how easy it is to load your stuff with features like power liftgates and split-folding seats.
- Comfort goes way beyond cushy seats—think quiet cabins, good visibility, and climate controls that keep everyone happy.
- Tech features like wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, and premium sound systems turn boring highway miles into enjoyable drives.
What Makes a Crossover Good for Road Trips
Road trip crossovers need to do three things well. They fit all your weekend gear without playing Tetris every time you pack. They keep everyone comfortable for hours at a stretch. And they include the kind of tech that makes long drives feel shorter.
Cargo measurements only tell part of the story. A crossover with tons of space doesn’t help much if the liftgate is heavy and awkward to operate, or if the seats don’t fold flat. You want features that actually work when your hands are full of coolers and camping chairs.
Chevrolet Blazer Brings the Tech
Behind the rear seats in the Chevrolet Blazer, you get 30.5 cubic feet of cargo room, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet when you fold the seats down. That’s enough room for camping gear, coolers, sports equipment, and whatever else your weekend plans demand. Rear seats split 60/40 and fold flat, so you can bring along one extra passenger and still haul your mountain bikes.
Cargo space only tells part of the story though. Heated and ventilated front seats come standard, along with dual-zone climate control and an available Bose premium audio system with eight speakers. A 10.2-inch touchscreen handles Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly, keeping your phone charged and your favorite playlists ready. An available Wi-Fi hotspot means your passengers can stream shows or catch up on work during the drive.
Honda Passport Maxes Out the Space
Serious cargo room comes with the Honda Passport. You get 50.5 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 100.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. That’s more raw space than the Blazer, and Honda includes some smart touches like underfloor storage for valuables and a hands-free power tailgate.
Front passengers enjoy 40.9 inches of legroom, while rear passengers get 39.6 inches—nearly identical spacing that keeps everyone from feeling cramped on longer drives. Leather-trimmed seats come standard across the lineup, with tri-zone climate control keeping everyone at their preferred temperature. Heated and ventilated front seats are available on higher trims, along with heated rear seats.
Subaru Outback Owns the View
Visibility matters more than people realize on road trips. Tall windows and a commanding seating position make the Subaru Outback stand out here. You sit higher than in most crossovers, which makes navigating unfamiliar mountain roads or spotting wildlife way easier.
Cargo capacity measures 32.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.6 cubic feet total. Standard all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance mean you can tackle sketchy forest roads to reach that perfect campsite. Heated front seats come standard, with available heated rear seats and ventilated front seats on higher trims. Dual-zone climate control adjusts quickly, and an available moonroof brings in natural light during scenic drives.
With 42.8 inches of front legroom and 39.5 inches in back, passengers get room to stretch out during those long highway stretches. Split-folding rear seats (60/40) drop down with cargo area release levers, making it easy to expand your carrying capacity when needed.
Mazda CX-5 for Drivers Who Care
A different approach defines the Mazda CX-5. While its 29.1 cubic feet of cargo space (59.3 cubic feet with seats folded) trails competitors, Mazda prioritizes the driving experience. Sharp steering and minimal body roll make the CX-5 handle twisty mountain roads better than most crossovers.
Premium materials throughout the cabin feel more expensive than the price tag suggests. An available Bose premium audio system with 10 speakers makes every drive sound better. Mazda’s 10.25-inch touchscreen comes standard across the lineup, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration starting at mid-level trims.
Toyota RAV4 Saves You Gas Money
Splitting the difference between cargo and comfort, the Toyota RAV4 offers 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 69.8 cubic feet total—solid numbers that beat the Mazda and Blazer. An available hybrid powertrain delivers 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, which saves serious money on gas during longer trips.
Ground clearance measures 8.6 inches, and an available TRAIL mode makes the RAV4 surprisingly capable when pavement ends. Wide, cushy seats and good outward visibility help during long highway stretches, though some drivers find the seats less supportive on extended trips compared to the Mazda or Subaru.
Matching the Crossover to Your Plans
What matters when comparing these crossovers comes down to your typical weekend plans. Do you haul kayaks and camping gear? The Passport or RAV4 makes sense. Prefer back-road adventures with mountain scenery? The Outback excels. Want something that feels more premium during the drive? Check out the Mazda CX-5. Need a good balance of space, comfort, and tech? The Blazer delivers.
All five crossovers include the basics—Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, available navigation systems, multiple USB ports, and decent sound systems. They also share practical features like split-folding rear seats, multiple cupholders, and enough small-item storage to keep everyone’s stuff organized.
Real differences show up in the details. Some have quieter cabins that make conversations easier. Others include better visibility for spotting road signs or wildlife. A few offer more comfortable rear seats for passengers who draw the short straw. These small things add up during a six-hour drive to the coast or mountains.
Pack Up and Hit the Road
Choosing the right crossover makes weekend trips better. You show up refreshed instead of tired. Your gear stays organized instead of scattered. Everyone arrives in a good mood instead of arguing about legroom or temperature settings.
Whether you choose the spacious Honda Passport, the capable Subaru Outback, the driver-focused Mazda CX-5, the efficient Toyota RAV4, or the tech-loaded Chevrolet Blazer, you’re getting a vehicle built for exactly this kind of driving. Test drive a few and see which one fits your style of weekend adventure.
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