Our Real-Life Family Road Trip Adventure

When we decided to road trip from Portland to Lake Tahoe, we just loaded up the kids, packed way too many snacks, and hit the road. It wasn’t until we lined up at the gas station that we realized…every single family in our caravan was rolling in a Honda. My crew had the Honda Pilot, my brother’s family was in their Honda Passport, and my parents were cruising in their 2010 Honda Ridgeline which is still going strong at 185,000 miles. Since I also happen to work in the marketing department at Beaverton Honda, my brain immediately screamed, “This is basically content gold.” So here we are. A real-life family adventure so let’s get into it!

The Honda Pilot: Family Tested, Parent Approved

First things first — we wouldn’t have survived without the Honda Pilot. Between the two car seats (one for our two-year-old and a booster for our seven-year-old), captain’s chairs were a non-negotiable. No crawling, no bending and squeezing to buckle kids. Just easy access and way less stress.

Also the rear entertainment system? 3 hours into the trip: kids quietly watching movies with headphones on, I read a book from my kindle and my husband was peacefully sipping coffee up front listening to music, feeling like absolute road trip champions.

Cargo space check:

• 1 weeks’ worth of clothes, diapers and toiletries
• High chair
• Stroller
• Pack ‘n play
• Blankets, pillows, toys
• Enough snacks to supply a small army
• And still space left to cram in last-minute “but what if we need it” items (you know the ones).

Honestly, the Pilot swallowed it all like a champ and didn’t even blink.

The Honda Passport: The Smaller-but-Mightier Sibling

My brother, his wife, and their two tiny chaos agents (ages 1 and 2) rolled deep in their 2022 Honda Passport. It’s a little smaller than the Pilot, but still packed a punch, especially with the addition of a rooftop carrier he ordered through the parts department mounted on the factory roof rails.

Fun fact: They fit two car seats plus an insane amount of “just-in-case” gear inside the Passport. Add the Thule for overflow and boom — road trip success without feeling cramped.

Also, important: the Passport kept up with the Pilot and Ridgeline like a total pro, whether it was open freeway or winding mountain roads. Smooth, confident, super comfy. No complaints. No tantrums (at least not from the adults).

The Ridgeline: 185,000 Miles and Still Outrunning Us All

Let’s take a minute to honor the real MVP:

My parents’ 2010 Honda Ridgeline, still going strong at 185,000 miles.

If the Ridgeline had a personality, it would be that chill, unbothered uncle who just nods and says “you’ll be fine” no matter what chaos is happening around him.

This truck absolutely crushed the road trip. It kept up with us mile for mile, handled the elevation changes like a boss, and carried all of my parents’ luggage (plus random kid stuff that overflowed from the other cars, of course).

Zero issues. Zero warning lights. Zero drama.

Just a very real reminder that Honda builds vehicles to last… and then some.

Final Verdict: Why Honda = The Ultimate Family Road Trip Vibe

We survived 550+ miles, two mountain passes, several snack-related meltdowns, and one epic diaper blowout.

And thanks to Honda, we did it in comfort, safety, and style.

The Honda Pilot made traveling with small kids (and ALL their gear) feel easy.

The Honda Passport gave my brother’s family flexibility and extra cargo with a rooftop carrier.

The 2010 Honda Ridgeline reminded all of us why investing in Honda reliability is one of the smartest choices you can make.

Would we do it again? In a heartbeat.