My wife and I typically spend a couple of months each winter in Palm Springs, Calif. (please don’t judge us with recent political events). We have always flown, then rented a good sized SUV as we bring our bicycles and a 30-pound service dog named Ivy.
Our aging cars — a 2010 Lexus RX350 and 2015 Toyota 4Runner — have us thinking that maybe next year we drive instead of flying. The trouble is Ivy gets queasy on long drives, sitting on the back seat – she’s much better in planes. We‘d need something as tall/large as the 4Runner to accommodate two bicycles, but a little more quiet, smooth and comfortable. Budget, not sure. Would rather pay a little more for quality and reliability. Could you share a couple of mid-range options and maybe a few full luxury options? We’d be grateful. – Greg, Thornhill, Ont.
Miranda Lightstone: Finding the ideal road-trip vehicle can be tough, especially when travelling with an animal. And that’s a lengthy trip, more than 4,000 kilometres.
Mark Richardson: I wonder if Greg encourages Ivy to look out the window when driving, or at least rolls down the glass a little? That’ll help her car-sickness if she can watch the countryside.
Lightstone: As long as she’s not allowed to put her head out the window. Dogs love it and it looks cute, but vets always advise against it because dogs’ eyes can be so easily damaged by flying dust and debris.
Richardson: I’ll start by recommending the new Honda Passport. It’s about the same size as Greg’s Toyota 4Runner, but it’s a quiet and comfortable drive. There’s space for two bikes upright in the back and the luggage – and Ivy – can fit around and between them. I was impressed when I drove it recently at its launch.
The new 2026 Honda Passport has 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.Mark Richardson/The Globe and Mail
Lightstone: But remember, Greg asked for something in the tall/large range – also something smooth and comfortable – which makes me immediately think Jeep Grand Wagoneer. So much room and comfort for all involved.
Richardson: The trouble is, it’s always going to be a trade-off between a vehicle that can carry everything on the long drive to California, which can’t be too small, and a vehicle that’s practical for driving around town once you’re there, which needn’t be too big.
Lightstone: The new Passport is made in the U.S., right?
Richardson: Yes – it’s assembled in Alabama and Greg might prefer to keep his car-buying dollars in Canada. But, Canadian pricing is somewhat in line with U.S. pricing. The basic Trailsport edition has a selling price, not including provincial taxes, of $60,158, while the most costly edition has a final selling price of $64,909, before provincial taxes.
Lightstone: I’m going to stick with my gut and keep it big for their comfort (and Ivy’s too) and suggest the all-new Lexus GX. It’s assembled in Japan, and will definitely accommodate humans, bikes and a lovely service dog for the long journey. Plus, they are already familiar with the Lexus brand.
The third generation of the GX has a much more boxy shape.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
Richardson: That’s a nice SUV, which it should be for a starting price of around $90,000. It has reasonable space for luggage behind the second row, but Greg will need to fold both rows out of the way if he wants to stand bicycles in there.
Lightstone: They don’t fold flat, but they do flip up parallel to the front seats, which leaves a massive cargo space in the rear.
Richerdson: I’d suggest a hitch-mounted bicycle rack – it would be a smart investment. Unlike roof-mounted racks, it doesn’t affect the aerodynamics that much, and the bikes are easy to reach. Bring them in at night though, if Greg’s staying at a hotel.
Lightstone: This may be out of left field, but what about a Ford Bronco Sport? It has lots of interior space and a rear window (like the Lexus GX) that can open so Ivy can have fresh air – more than just a small passenger window – while they’re at rest stops that maybe aren’t dog-friendly.
2023 Ford EscapeCourtesy of manufacturer
Richardson: Ivy sits in the back seat, so she already has windows that open. I’ve always preferred the Ford Escape over the mechanically identical Bronco Sport because it’s just a bit more comfortable on the highway, which Greg will appreciate on that long drive to California.
Lightstone: This is the last year for the Escape. Ford won’t make it next year because buyers prefer the rugged looks of the Bronco Sport.
Richardson: Which means this might be a good year to buy it, while it’s available. The Escape and the Bronco Sport are both less than half the price of the Lexus, too, which will cover off the gas and hotels and meals. Get a roof box for extra luggage and a hitch for the bicycles, and the vehicle doesn’t need to be too big.
Lightstone: I have to admit, I am still stuck on the fact that Greg and co. really need a bigger vehicle to be comfortable and carry all the luggage and supplies needed for the trip. I tried to be reasonable with the Bronco Sport.
Richardson: You? Reasonable? Where is Miranda and what have you done with her?
2025 Lincoln Aviator ReserveCourtesy of manufacturer
Lightstone: Greg asked for some luxury options too, and the Lincoln Corsair is the upgraded Ford Escape. If he wants a bit more space, Ford offers the larger Explorer, while the Lincoln equivalent is the Aviator.
Richardson: Lincolns are fabulous vehicles for cruising along the boring interstate. They’re comfortable, smooth and quiet, in all the places where Ford falls short. The Aviator starts at $78,000 and goes up from there.
Lightstone: My father’s best friend has a current-generation Lincoln Nautilus and he always raves about how comfy it is after he’s been in it. There’s a reason Lincoln calls its vehicles “sanctuaries from the world outside,” however, that doesn’t add to the excitement factor behind the wheel.
Richardson: Which makes most of them dull to drive, but if you’re sitting in traffic, or on cruise control for hours along the interstate, I’d rather be in a sanctuary. The Aviator comes with Ford’s BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving system too, which allows for extended stretches of hands-free driving. It’s very relaxing.
Lightstone: So, what it’s really going to come down to is comfort on the journey as well as practical storage for bikes and bags.
Richardson: I think, no matter what Greg and his wife decide, the devil is going to be in the details of planning the drive, not just the vehicle, around their needs. Especially Ivy’s needs too, to make sure she stays comfortable and doesn’t get car-sick along the way.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to include the price of the Honda Passport, which was not previously available due to tariff uncertainty.
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