SUVs look like the perfect family vehicle on the lot. Plenty of cargo space, commanding seats, room for the whole crew. Around town, that versatility is hard to beat. Point it toward the interstate, though, and the same qualities that make it great at home can start working against you. Long drives have a way of exposing a vehicle's weak spots, and some SUVs are more forgiving than others. Before you sign on the dotted line for your next road-trip rig, it's worth knowing which models make the miles feel longer. Find Out: FREE 2026 Investor Guide + Up to $25,000 in Silver with Qualifying Purchases 1. Honda Prologue EVs have plenty going for them. With gas prices where they are, they can trim your operating costs, and the Prologue is comfortable enough for a long stretch behind the wheel. The range is the sticking point. A highway range of 283 to 308 miles, depending on the model, means you'll be plugging in more often than you'd like. Its charging speeds also lag behind most of today's EVs, topping out around 150 kW, so those stops can run longer than planned. "You can do long distances on an EV, but it takes more planning and time because of range and charging needs," said Melanie Musson, auto industry expert with AutoInsurance.org. "The Prologue has reliability issues that could be evident on long trips. The CV joint is prone to failure, and safety sensors can glitch and cause problems." 2. Jeep Wrangler Strong axles and high ground clearance make the Wrangler a champ off the pavement. On the highway, it's a different story. Wind and tire noise are among the most common complaints at speed, and steering gets trickier the faster you go. Edmunds noted that it can feel slow and loose, especially in the Rubicon models. Fuel economy isn't a strong suit either. The 2026 four-door gets roughly 22-23 MPG on the highway, dropping to 16 MPG with the V8. "The Wrangler's main issue on long distances is comfort," said Musson. "It's a tough vehicle, but its stiff suspension can get tiring on long trips. The Wrangler is also prone to reliability issues that could halt your trip." 3. Cadillac Escalade The Escalade looks the part rolling down the road, and its ride is smooth and quiet. It's a better fit for town than the interstate, though, and several hundred miles in a day will expose its drawbacks. The 2026 model with the 6.2-liter V8 is rated at just 16 MPG on the highway and requires premium gasoline, so every mile costs more. Its size is an issue too. The standard Escalade measures 17.6 feet, while the ESV stretches to 18.9 feet. That's terrific for hauling people and luggage but less fun in crowded downtown areas where parking is tight. "Its low fuel economy will make your road trip much more expensive than you may expect," said Musson. "At best, you might get 19 miles per gallon, but realistically, you'll get less. And if you want to go the highway speed limit, the mileage will likely be even lower." The Bottom Line Not one of these SUVs is a bad vehicle. Each one just prioritizes something other than the open road. Before you buy, be honest about how often you'll really be on the interstate. If the answer is "a lot," make highway comfort, fuel economy and real-world range your priorities. Then take your top choices for a drive that includes some highway miles and do the math on a full tank or full charge. Your back, your wallet and your passengers will thank you. This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice. More From MoneyLion:
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Liked by Adam Carter, Samuel Hall
Liked by Adam Carter, Samuel Hall
