Best Kia SUVs & Family Vehicles for Summer Road Trips

Summer is the perfect time to hit the road. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a beach vacation, camping trip, or visiting family, the right vehicle can make every mile more comfortable, safer, and more enjoyable, and Kia’s award-winning lineup offers something for every kind of traveler.

From spacious three-row SUVs to fuel-efficient crossovers and family-friendly MPVs, Kia has built a reputation for combining comfort, technology, safety, and value. If you’re shopping for your next adventure vehicle, here are four of the best Kia models to consider this summer.

Kia Telluride: The Ultimate Family Road Trip SUV

If you’re searching for the best Kia SUV for families, the Kia Telluride is hard to beat.

Year after year, the Telluride has become one of the most awarded three-row SUVs on the market thanks to its upscale interior, impressive safety features, and outstanding value.

Why families love the Telluride

• Seating for up to eight passengers
• Spacious third-row seating
• Large cargo area for luggage, coolers, and sports equipment
• Available all-wheel drive for confidence in changing weather
• Available dual sunroof and premium interior finishes
• Quiet cabin that’s ideal for long drives

Every Telluride also comes equipped with a long list of Kia Drive Wise safety technologies, including:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Blind-Spot Collision Warning
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist
• Smart Cruise Control
• Safe Exit Assist

Award-winning performance

The Telluride has earned numerous industry awards over the years, including multiple Car and Driver 10Best Trucks & SUVs recognitions, strong IIHS safety ratings, and widespread praise for its combination of luxury-level comfort and affordability.

Best for: large families, summer vacations, camping trips, road trips, and towing small trailers or boats.

Kia Sorento: Versatility Meets Efficiency

The Kia Sorento offers many of the benefits of a larger SUV while remaining easier to maneuver and more fuel efficient.

Available with traditional gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, it’s an excellent choice for families who want flexibility without sacrificing comfort.

Standout features

• Available third-row seating
• Flexible cargo configurations
• Available all-wheel drive
• Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid options
• Large touchscreen with smartphone connectivity
• Available panoramic sunroof

Whether you’re packing for a family vacation or simply handling everyday errands, the Sorento adapts easily to both.

Why drivers choose it

The Sorento has consistently earned praise for delivering exceptional value, practical family features, and advanced technology at a competitive price.

Best for: growing families, weekend travel, daily commuting, drivers looking for excellent fuel economy.

Kia Sportage: Adventure-Ready and Efficient

The Kia Sportage continues to be one of Kia’s most popular SUVs, for good reason.

Its modern styling, spacious interior, and impressive list of standard features make it ideal for drivers who want versatility without moving into a larger SUV.

Highlights include

• Spacious cabin with generous rear legroom
• Large cargo area
• Available all-wheel drive
• Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models
• Dual panoramic display available on higher trims
• Kia Drive Wise driver assistance features

The Sportage is equally comfortable navigating city streets during the week and heading out for weekend adventures.

Recognized for value

Recent generations of the Sportage have received praise for safety, technology, and overall value while remaining one of the most practical compact SUVs available.

Best for: couples, small families, outdoor enthusiasts, daily commuters, and first-time SUV buyers.

Kia Carnival: The Ultimate Vacation Vehicle

The Kia Carnival is the ultimate family vehicle.

While Kia calls it an MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle), it offers the practicality of a minivan with SUV-inspired styling, making it one of the best vehicles available for large families.

Family-friendly features

• Seating for up to eight passengers
• Massive cargo space
• Available VIP Lounge Seating on select trims
• Rear-seat entertainment options
• Sliding side doors for easy loading
• Multiple USB charging ports throughout the cabin

For families traveling with kids, grandparents, pets, or lots of luggage, the Carnival makes long trips significantly more comfortable.

Award-winning design

The Carnival has received praise for redefining what a family vehicle can look and feel like, combining premium comfort with everyday practicality.

Best for: large families, road trips, youth sports, family vacations, and anyone who needs maximum passenger and cargo space.

Which Kia Is Right for Your Summer Adventures?

Find Your Next Summer Adventure Vehicle at Diehl Kia of Massillon

Whether you’re planning your biggest family vacation yet or simply looking for a comfortable SUV for everyday driving, Kia offers a vehicle designed to fit your lifestyle.

At Diehl Kia of Massillon, our team can help you compare the Telluride, Sorento, Sportage, and Carnival side by side, answer your questions, and schedule a test drive so you can experience each model for yourself.

Browse our new Kia inventory online, stop by our showroom, or contact us today to find the perfect vehicle for your summer adventures.