Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.A great road-trip SUV needs to blend comfort, space, quiet, and enough range to cover big distances without constant stops. The Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-90, and Hyundai Palisade are three of the best three-row SUVs for hauling a family and its gear, but they approach the long haul differently, one on practicality, one on driving refinement, and one on plush all-around comfort. Here is how they compare when the miles pile up.2026 Honda Pilot TrailSportHondaRide quality, third-row and cargo space, cabin quiet, and fuel range all shape how well an SUV handles a cross-country trek. Here is how the Pilot, CX-90, and Palisade stack up, and which one is the best for road trips.2026 Mazda CX-90 Front Angle ViewMazdaSpecs and pricingSpecificationHonda PilotMazda CX-90Hyundai PalisadeEngine3.5L V6, 285 hpTurbo inline-6, 280 to 340 hpV6, 287 hp, or hybrid, 329 hpFuel economyAbout 21 mpgAbout 25 mpg (gas)20 mpg V6, up to 34 mpg hybridThird-row spaceSpaciousTighterMost spaciousCargo behind third rowGenerousLeastMost, up to 19.1 cu ftRide characterComfortableSporty and firmerPlush and quietStarting priceAbout $40,000About $40,000About $38,000A Hyundai Palisade opens a little below a Honda Pilot, and its road-trip credentials are a big part of why it stands out here.2026 Hyundai PalisadeHyundaiHow good is the Hyundai Palisade for road trips?2026 Hyundai PalisadeHyundaiAdvertisementAdvertisementLong-haul comfort is the Palisade's specialty, especially after its 2026 redesign. Now larger inside, it offers the roomiest third row and the most cargo space of this trio, up to 19.1 cubic feet behind the back seats, along with a plush, quiet cabin loaded with family-friendly touches like rear air vents, abundant USB-C ports, and generous storage.HyundaiThe headline addition is a new hybrid returning up to 34 mpg, which means fewer fuel stops and longer legs between fill-ups, exactly what a road trip rewards. Comfortable, spacious, and efficient, it is built for the open road.How good is the Honda Pilot for road trips?2026 Honda PilotHondaPractical spaciousness defines the Pilot. Honda's three-row SUV is genuinely roomy in all three rows, with a comfortable ride, a clever configurable second row that includes a removable middle seat, and generous cargo room for luggage and gear.2026 Honda PilotHondaIts cabin is quiet and its tech is up to date with Google built-in, making the miles pass easily. The main drawback for long trips is efficiency, as its V6 returns around 21 mpg, meaning more frequent stops than the hybrid Palisade. It is an excellent, hassle-free family hauler, just a touch thirstier.How good is the Mazda CX-90 for road trips?Refinement and driving pleasure are the CX-90's strengths. Mazda's three-row is the most upscale and engaging to drive here, with a premium interior, a smooth and powerful turbocharged inline-six, standard all-wheel drive, and the best gas fuel economy of the trio at around 25 mpg combined.2026 Mazda CX-90MazdaAdvertisementAdvertisementThe trade-offs matter for road trips, though: its ride is firmer and sportier, its third row is tighter, and it offers the least cargo space, so loading three rows of passengers plus a trip's worth of luggage is harder. It is superb for a couple or small family who value driving feel, less so for a full load.2026 Mazda CX-90MazdaSo which one is the best for road trips?The Hyundai Palisade is the best for road trips. Its plush, quiet cabin, class-leading third-row and cargo space, family-friendly features, and new hybrid option with up to 34 mpg combine to make it the most comfortable and most capable long-distance cruiser of the three. For loading up the whole family and covering serious ground, it is the standout.The Honda Pilot is a close and very worthy second, matching the Palisade for space and comfort while giving up ground mainly on fuel efficiency. The Mazda CX-90 is the pick for buyers who prize driving refinement and a premium cabin over maximum space, but its tighter third row and smaller cargo hold hold it back for full-family trips. For the ultimate road-trip SUV here, the Palisade wins.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Jul 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the Car Buying section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.