Spring is in bloom in the Bluegrass State, welcoming us to the warmth to come in summer. 

Families across Kentucky are ready to hit the road. That encompasses scenic drives through the Red River Gorge to weekends on Lake Cumberland or a day at the Louisville Zoo. 

For drives like this, a vehicle becomes more than just a means of transportation, but should keep the whole family comfortable and in good spirits during the drive. That’s why choosing the right SUV for your Kentucky journeys matters.

At Neil Huffman Automotive Group, we know that families are looking for a perfect mix of comfort, safety, space, and smart tech when shopping for a new SUV. 

Below, we break down some of the top 2025 family SUVs for road trips available from Neil Huffman Automotive Group. 

2025 Honda Pilot: A Dependable Choice for Larger Families

This iteration of a family-favorite SUV has a spacious cabin, capabilities for both city drives and backroad excursions, and seating for up to eight passengers. 

That makes it perfect for larger families, or trips where your kids may be bringing friends or cousins along. 

Family-friendly features include: 

• Third-row seating: Easily accessible and roomy, even for adults.

• Cargo space: Up to 87 cubic feet behind the front row, 48.5 cubic feet behind second row, and 18.6 cubic feet behind third row. Ideal for strollers, coolers, or camping gear.

• Tech & entertainment: Bluetooth® connectivity, seven-speaker 240W audio system, seven-inch color touchscreen, and available rear-seat entertainment system with CabinTalk® intercom.

• Safety: Honda Sensing® suite includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™, Lane Keeping Assist System, and Road Departure Mitigation System, and more features useful on winding drives in Kentucky’s hilly terrain.

The 2025 Honda Pilot is an all-around performer, offering a solid blend of comfort, capability, and reliability, and is even off-road capable.

2025 Acura MDX: A Premium Family SUV

For families who want a touch of luxury with the practicality of a family SUV, the 2025 Acura MDX delivers just that. 

Refined styling, premium materials, and sporty performance, make this SUV built for those who want to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

Check out these features: 

• Third-row seating: Best for kids but folds flat for added cargo space. Access is easy with One-Touch Smart Slide Walk-In. 

• Climate Control: Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control with Humidity Control and Air Filtration keeps everyone feeling fine in the Kentucky heat. 

• Cargo space: Up to 95 cubic feet is available, plenty for sports gear or luggage for a long weekend.

• Tech & entertainment: 12-volt power outlets, USB-C and USB-A charging ports throughout the vehicle, Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities, and wireless integrations keeps everyone entertained and connected.

• Safety: AcuraWatch™ safety suite includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, Advanced Pedestrian Detection, and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS).

The 2025 Acura MDX is ideal for Kentucky families who want sophistication, safety, and performance all in one.

2025 Subaru Ascent: Built for the Backroads

From Mammoth Cave to Lake Cumberland, Kentucky’s natural beauty calls for vehicles that can handle tough roads and unpredictable weather. 

That’s where the 2025 Subaru Ascent shines, with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and ground clearance ideal for families who explore off the beaten path.

• Third-row seating: Seats seven or eight, depending on the trim.

• Automated Features: Keyless access with push-button start; power rear gate with automatic close, height memory function, and vehicle lock buttons; and auto-dimming rear view compass mirror with HomeLink®, which can operate your garage door and security gate and other compatible parts of your home. 

• Cargo space: Maximum cargo volume behind the second row is 43.5 or 42.1 cubic feet, depending on the trim. Also, the 19 cup holders should be plentiful for most families' purposes. 

• Tech & entertainment: STARLINK® multimedia system with Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and multiple USB-A and USB-C ports.

• Safety: Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology includes pre-collision braking, lane departure and sway warning, and adaptive cruise control with lane centering.

A solid pick for active Kentucky families who enjoy nature and need a reliable, all-weather ride.

2025 Volkswagen Atlas: Spacious and Stylish

Volkswagen itself brands the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas as its family SUV, so families looking for an SUV will know that this one was specially made for their purposes. 

Generous third-row space with a clean modern design, this vehicle is perhaps best for larger families or those who frequently travel with gear. 

Family-friendly features include:

• Third-row seating: Spacious enough for adults, this is one of the most comfortable in the segment.

• Available Sunroof: Large, panoramic, and with power tilting and sliding, this is excellent for letting the natural light in during a long drive. 

• Cargo space: 96.8 cubic feet with rear seats folded down.

• Tech & entertainment: 12" touchscreen display, six USB-C ports with 45w charging, Digital Cockpit Pro, wireless smartphone charging for compatible devices, and available Fender® premium audio system.

• Safety: Advanced airbag protection system with six airbags, anti-theft alarm system with engine immobilizer, Electronic Stability Control, Anti-Slip Regulation, Electronic Differential Lock, and Engine Brake Assist, and more.

This SUV is ideal for big families, or families that take a lot of cargo for longer trips and so need maximum passenger and cargo flexibility.

2025 Nissan Pathfinder: Rugged and Ready for Tough Terrain

With eight seats, high safety standards, 7.1 inches of ground clearance, and 6,000 pounds of towing capacity, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder should be the top pick for families who go off the beaten path. 

It blends rugged styling with family-ready features, making it a great option for Kentuckians who want a versatile SUV. 

Whether it’s a family tailgate in Lexington or a fishing trip in Land Between the Lakes, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is up for it.

See below for some key features: 

• Third-row seating: Seats up to eight, cloth or leather seats depending on the trim. The third row has reclining and folding 60–40 split-bench seats with fore/aft adjustment; on the SV Premium Package, there are optional bucket seats. 

• Cargo space: Interior rear cargo volume with all seats in place and upright is 16.6 cubic feet. 

• Tech & entertainment: Six speakers (13, if you go with the SL Premium Package), 7-inch multi-function information display, wireless audio streaming, and available tri-zone entertainment.

• Safety: Front- and side-impact airbags for the driver and passengers ensures safety for everyone. NissanConnect® Services Integrated allows for Emergency SOS. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS) helps drivers maintain control in all terrains. 

Overall, this is a reliable choice for active families who want durability and intelligent tech.

2025 Mazda CX-90: A New Family Favorite with Style

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 brings premium styling, smart hybrid powertrains, and excellent handling to the table. This pick is for style-conscious families who want space without bulk.

• Third-row seating: 6-, 7-, or 8-passenger configurations means that this SUV comes in sizes for many different families. Available Nappa Leather can add a luxurious touch to it all. 

• Cargo space: 15.9 cubic feet with all seats upright and 75.2 cubic feet with all seats folded is what you get with the two-person third-row bench seat configuration. With the larger three-person third row, you get one cubic foot less on those dimensions. 

• Tech & entertainment: Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration; Mazda Connected Services for remotely locating the vehicle, starting the engine, and locking or unlocking the doors; and Bluetooth® connectivity make this a great choice for tech-forward families. 

• Safety: Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane-keep Assist, Head-on Traffic Avoidance Assist, and other features come with the i-Activsense® tech.

A strong choice for design-forward families who value tech, comfort, and fuel efficiency. If you are not going to go off-roading but will still take long trips here and there, this could be a great pick. 

Interested in any of these SUVs? Huffman has it!