good road trip cars

The Best Road Trip Cars From Every Category

When "Head out on the highway" is more than just a line from a song to you, these are the cars to buy.

Civic Hatchback

Embarking on an epic road trip adventure requires the perfect companion, and selecting the ideal car for the journey can significantly impact your experience. In an era where sustainability and efficiency take center stage, the realm of road trip vehicles has transformed. From the ever-expanding array of electric vehicles to power-oriented marvels, the choices have never been more exhilarating. The question is simple: What is the best car for long-distance driving?

That's a loaded question, so today, we'll explore the best road trip cars in 10 different segments, guiding you through options that guarantee comfort, dependability, and the freedom to navigate extensive distances effortlessly. Whether plotting a picturesque coastal drive, a cross-country odyssey, or a quick weekend escape, these road trip-ready vehicles will enhance the journey, and perhaps even the destination. Prepare to embark on your open-road adventure with unwavering confidence as we unveil the top contenders in the domain of road-trip cars.

The Hatchback: 2024 Honda Civic Hatch

The latest Civic Hatchback keeps its enjoyable driving dynamics intact despite being a more grown-up car than any Civic before it. In base form, its 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder produces an ample 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, while a turbocharged 1.5-liter ups the stakes to 180 hp and 177 lb-ft. Plus, if you're still of the old-school persuasion and like to be in control of the experience, you can get a six-speed manual gearbox in the Sport and Sport Touring trims - or a CVT if you prefer to relax.

With combined EPA ratings of up to 35 mpg in turbo guise and 33 mpg in base form, the Civic is light on gas, and starting at an MSRP of $24,950, it's light on your bank account from the get-go.

Combine its mechanical attributes with a spacious cabin and large trunk (24.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats), and it's a winner already. Factor in a full suite of connectivity options like a seven-inch touchscreen and matching digital gauge cluster (nine- and 10.2 inches respectively on the Sport Touring), and you have one of the most complete long-distance vehicles on the market and a perfect family road trip car.

The Crossover: 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

This fuel-efficient road trip car boasts a hybrid system, achieving an impressive 38 mpg combined EPA rating. The hybrid powertrain comprises a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder with electric augmentation, paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox, producing 226 hp and 258 lb-ft.

Whether traveling with a full crew or just a few, the standard all-wheel drive ensures surefootedness over any surface and in any climate through sun, snow, and rain.

Ideal for family road trips, it boasts a comfortable and spacious interior equipped with rear USB ports and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Five seats with ample rear legroom enhance the appeal of this compact crossover, and its generous 38.7-cu-ft trunk accommodates all your gear. You can use all five seats, or drop the 60:40-split rear seats to carry larger items. Starting at $32,325, the Tucson Hybrid ticks all the right boxes .

The Sports Car: 2024 Mustang GT Coupe

While there may be many options in contention for the title of the best sports car , we maintain when it comes to road trips, the Mustang has them all soundly beaten. A new generation has arrived for 2024, sporting updated styling and a new fighter jet-inspired interior with larger infotainment and digital gauge cluster screens.

Under the hood, the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 has been upgraded and now produces 36 hp more in the 2024 Mustang GT than the old model, totaling 486 hp. It comes with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional 10-speed auto, which may be better suited to long-distance cruising.

Should the road get twisty on your journey, the Mustang GT's combination of power, noise, and agility means an entertaining road trip is in the cards, and the supportive Recaro front seats hold you in place comfortably. Ample rear legroom - yes, it's a four-seater sports car - and a 13.5 cubic foot trunk make it practical too, and since you can get it as a coupe or a convertible, it's perfect for summer road trips.

The Wagon: 2024 Volvo V60 Cross Country

The Volvo V60 Cross Country excels in various aspects such as space, speed, off-road capability, etc. This versatile vehicle is a gem for road trips and an overall top-tier option. Sporting 26 mpg combined from a 250-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, its raised ground clearance and AWD give it the ability to tackle dirt roads without the hefty fuel economy of traditional SUVs.

It comes fully equipped with advanced safety features, including a rear cross-traffic alert system and traffic sign recognition, plus semi-autonomous highway driving capabilities. A five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA backs this up and ensures a safe road trip for the whole family.

It boasts an available Wi-Fi hotspot, enhancing connectivity on your journeys and keeping the kids occupied, and its spacious interior means they'll be comfortable for hours. 22.5 cubic feet of trunk space will accommodate suitcases, tents, and more; if you need extra, the fold-down rear seats let you accommodate even more. Additionally, you can add a roof-mounted bicycle rack, perfect for those with an active lifestyle, making it one of the best cars for road-tripping.

The Minivan: 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid

The $51,095 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid harmoniously blends gas and electric power, catering to road trips with its ample combination of cargo space, people space, and frugality. Furnished with a 3.6-liter V6 augmented by electric power, it produces 260 hp. It lays down this power through a front-wheel drivetrain. If you want AWD, you can have it, but that would require the non-hybrid Pacifica.

Spacious with seating for eight occupants, it looks after the family with advanced safety features like emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane assist, and blind spot monitoring. There's versatility aplenty with Stow 'n Go seating that avails additional cargo space without physically having to remove seats from the minivan, and between 32.3 and 140.5 cubic feet.

A heated steering wheel and three-zome climate control add extra luxury, and the new Pinnacle model adds even more luxury to the road trip experience. The panoramic rearview mirror helps to keep an eye on the kids during the, 'Are we there yet' arguments.

The Truck: 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor

Should road trips in 2023 call for a more 'cross-country' experience, the Ford F-150 Raptor is the only pickup truck for the job. While the allure is strong to go for the TRX-beating Raptor R and its supercharged V8, for road trips, we think the base Raptor is better, thanks to its twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6. Not only do you get 450 hp and 510 lb-ft sent to all corners via a 10-speed automatic gearbox, but you get 15 mpg combined (instead of the R's 12 mpg). You can still tow 8,200 lbs, get a versatile truck bed, and those sweet Fox shocks that can take you to hell and back.

Inside, all F-150 models come with standard features like a 12-inch digital gauge display and Sync 4-enabled infotainment system, soft bucket seats, wireless charging, and 400W USB ports with outlets in both the cab and the bed. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. With five seats, ample power, and go-anywhere capability, the F-150 Raptor is a road-trip truck with no equal.

The Full-Size SUV: 2023 Cadillac Escalade

If you need three rows of seats, a body-on-frame chassis, an abundance of passenger and storage space, and supreme luxury, the Cadillac Escalade may be the best road trip SUV there is, even if it does cost a slip more than $80,000.

With a versatile engine lineup including a Duramax diesel six-cylinder (277 hp/460 lb-ft) and a 6.2-liter V8 (420 hp/460 lb-ft), both saddled with a buttery-smooth 10-speed automatic, the Escalade can tow up to 8,200 lbs, meaning you can take everything with you on holiday. The spacious cabin accommodates a ton of cargo, and an available long-wheelbase ESV variant even makes the third row of seating adult-friendly.

The Escalade is loaded with exceptional tech such as the 38-inch diagonal OLED display encompassing instrumentation and infotainment, and a full-color head-up display. Super Cruise hands-free driving making long-distance trips on the highway a cinch, too.

The Grand Tourer: 2024 Lexus LC Hybrid

We've chosen the LC Hybrid for this list, but we wouldn't fault you for picking any of the LC models. The standard variant packs a sonorous naturally aspirated V8 (coupe and convertible), but for covering distance, the LC 500h's 3.5-liter V6 and twin electric motors still packs a 354-hp punch while consuming considerably less fuel at 29 mpg combined vs. the V8's 19 mpg. It looks achingly gorgeous, too. The downside is an electronic CVT, but with the additional torque of the e-motors, and given the laidback cruising nature of the LC, it's a forgivable offense.

Road trip cars typically need big trunks, and the LC falls short here with only 4.7 cubic feet in hybrid form, but with 2+2 seating in which the rear seats aren't suited for passengers, there's plenty of additional storage space in the cabin.

Packed with Lexus' array of safety systems, and now featuring a decent infotainment system , the car is technologically up-to-date and safe for you and a loved one to hit the road and soak up the miles in comfort and luxury.

The Luxury Sedan: 2024 Audi S8

The 2024 Audi S8 redefines the road trip experience with its blend of luxury and performance. Beneath its hood lies a formidable 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering 563 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. While everyone knows the Mercedes-AMG S63 in this segment, the Audi S8 is seen as more of a sleeper, an understated performance sedan that can lap up the miles without shouting about its 3.8-second 0-60 mph potential. Combined with the nimbleness of its rear-axle steering and the surefootedness of its all-wheel drive, it's the perfect car for almost any occasion.

Whether you're seated up front or reclining in the massaging rear seats, you're swathed in luxury and cutting-edge technology. Plush leather seats provide a sense of opulence, while the MMI Touch Response infotainment system and onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, ensure seamless connectivity and entertainment throughout your road trips, while an optional rear-seat entertainment system keeps passengers engaged on extended journeys.

The only downside is the $120,600 price tag.

The Convertible: 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet

The Porsche Carrera GTS Cabriolet redefines the essence of road trips with its breadth of performance and capability. It's fast, it's comfortable, it's feature-laden, and it even has four seats - what more could you ask for? Beneath its curvaceous exterior lies a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, delivering 473 hp and 420 lb-ft, and with your choice of rear- or all-wheel drive, you get a 0-60 mph time of under 3.4 seconds and all-weather confidence.

Inside, the Carrera GTS Cabriolet pampers occupants with opulent leather seats and a cutting-edge infotainment system, including the Porsche Communication Management system. For audiophiles, the optional Burmester sound system promises exceptional audio quality, enhancing the soundtrack of your road trip.

With a front cargo area measuring 4.7 cubic feet and rear seats that can double as storage in a pinch, there's plenty of space for your luggage. Then, when the weather is right, a 12-second drop of the top lets you feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin. When the journey matters more than the destination, few cars do road trips like the 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet.

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The 10 Best Road Trip Cars for Open-Road Adventures

By: Tim Huber Published: Aug 16, 2023

In 1956, the U.S. government passed the Federal-Aid Highway Act, allocating $26B to construct an initial 41,000-mile  interstate network . In response to the network’s construction, countless restaurants, motels, and roadside attractions would pop up along these now-iconic highways in order to cater to automotive travelers — ultimately kicking off a grand and long-held tradition of road tripping that’s as American as baseball or apple pie.

And while there are plenty of factors that can have an enormous impact on the overall quality of your time spent on the road — such as your starting point, ultimate destination, travel companions, and budget — the single biggest variable is undoubtedly one’s choice of ride. With the exception of a handful of  new EVs , practically every car currently in production is more than capable of taking on cross-country touring duties, however, there’s a shortlist of models that objectively lend themselves to road-tripping far better than anything else on the market. And it’s this crop of vehicles that we’ll be exploring today in this guide to the best road trip cars you can buy — delving into the most capable long-distance cars available, along with what factors and qualities make a model ideal for long-haul travel.

The Best Road Trip Cars Rundown

Best Affordable Pick

Subaru Outback

Best Retro-Inspired

Ford Bronco Sport

Best Two-Door

Abarth 124GT

Best Long-Range Pick

Volvo XC60 Recharge

Best Full-Size SUV

Jeep Grand Wagoneer

Best Sport Wagon

Audi RS 6 Avant Performance

Porsche Taycan GTS Sport Turismo

Best Grand-Tourer

BMW ALPINA B8 xDrive Gran Coupe

Best Hybrid Pick

Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid

Best Mid-Sized SUV

Aston Martin DBX707

Cross-country capabilities.

What Factors Make For An Ideal Road Trip Car?

Though there are clearly several blatant areas to explore when buying a road trip-focused car — such as range, comfort, and cargo space — there’s also a myriad of less obvious, though still massively important elements to take into consideration when shopping in this space. Below, we’ll briefly touch on seven of the most pivotal areas to think about prior to pulling the trigger on your purchase.

Range:  Though most of the world’s major highway networks are littered with gas stations and service shops, the reality is that having to exit the freeway and pull over every other hour to fill up isn’t exactly convenient, which is why a car’s range (on a single tank) is of such importance. At the very least, you’ll want a vehicle that affords several hundred miles of autonomy between trips to the pump. This area is even more important for  electric cars , as — despite there being close to ten million charging stations scattered across the planet — there are far more gas stations than EV chargers. As such, you’ll not only want to review an EV’s range, but also the charging network that’s available for said EV.

Comfort:  Being comfortable in a car is obviously important, though this factor matters far more when dealing with road trip cars, as drivers — and their passenger(s) — typically spend hours at a time inside the cabin of these vehicles. Consequently, this makes a given car’s comfortability level of extreme significance. And while there are dozens of factors that contribute to how comfortable a car is, some of the more important elements to consider are the seats, their construction and upholstery, their level of adjustability, and whether they offer heating, cooling, or massage functions. Additional areas like dual climate control and robust soundproofing can also hugely up a car’s comfortability.

Amenities:  While there’s no denying that comfort is a hugely important area when dealing with road trip cars, there are nonetheless a handful of additional features that can very much bolster one’s enjoyment during long-range drives. Alongside amenities like touchscreen infotainment setups and moon/sunroofs, there are also features like web browsers and connectivity to streaming services that can enhance the users’ experience. Likewise, most of today’s best road trip cars also pack advanced suites of electronic driver assists such as forward collision warning and avoidance systems, lane keep assist, blindspot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, just to name a few. Some brands also offer supplementary amenities, like Tesla, which sells cars equipped with features like “Caraoke,” HEPA filtration systems, and of course,  the American automaker’s  state-of-the-art autopilot system.

Storage:  The longer the road trip, the more gear the driver will typically need. As such, the amount of cargo space afforded by a particular vehicle is of utmost importance, as roomier rides will boast more internal real estate for stashing bags and equipment. And, though this is clearly a crucial area to consider when reviewing cars for road trips, it is worth pointing out that one can always supplement a car’s internal square footage with a roof rack or rooftop cargo box, though this option is obviously less convenient — and will often slightly mitigate fuel — or battery — consumption. You’ll also likely want to consider how many people the car seats, as well as how much cargo space is available for each passenger’s bags and gear. Backseat legroom is also a crucial area to consider when reviewing this element.

Reliability & Service Intervals:  The reality is that the vast  majority of new cars  are incredibly reliable and should have no issue driving cross country several times over. With that said, there are some models with better reputations when it comes to overall reliability. Additionally, if you plan to use this vehicle for extensive road-tripping, you’ll also want to look into the model’s required service intervals, as these figures can hugely vary. And, whether it’s a road trip car or a daily commuter — or even a motorcycle — it’s always worth looking into whether any recalls have been issued for a particular model.

Manufacturer & Dealer Support:  When going on a road trip, not only is it important to review how often a car needs to be serviced but also where it can be serviced, as some makes will boast a markedly more robust dealership and support network should you need a part repaired or replaced. This extends to areas like the availability of roadside assistance offered by a marque. It’s also worth pointing out that rarer and more exotic models will make for a much more difficult time sourcing replacement parts – as it’s not that hard to find a replacement component for a BMW car just about anywhere in the country, though the same can’t be said for models from brands like Bentley or Aston Martin.

Drivetrain & Performance:  Unlike commuting where the main objective is simply to get from A to B, long-range road-tripping is all about enjoying the journey and embracing the open road. As such, having a car that affords a more spirited driving experience makes for a markedly more enjoyable time behind the wheel, which is why reviewing a model’s engine is so important. Alongside the engine configuration itself, you’ll also want to check out its  aspiration type  and displacement — as well as horsepower and torque figures, 0-60mph times, and top speeds. A car’s suspension package is another crucial area to consider, as it will directly impact a model’s overall handling, as well as the smoothness of the ride. Quite a few cars also offer the best of both worlds with adjustable air ride suspension setups that can be lowered for spirited runs through the canyons, or raised back up for ultra-smooth and plush freeway travel.

Long-Haul Legends

The Best Road Trip Cars Currently On The Market

Now that you’re up to speed on what areas to take into consideration when shopping, let’s get into our picks for the finest and most well-appointed new road trip cars that are currently available on showroom floors.

• An affordably-priced, rugged and spacious wagon with raised roof rails, 8.7” of ground clearance, & Subaru’s Starlink multimedia package all as standard.

Best Affordable Pick: One of the most versatile vehicles currently on the market, the latest generation Subaru Outback is a fantastic road trip car with seating for five, more than 75 cubic feet of cargo space, and an optional turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer engine. With features like 9.5” of ground clearance and asymmetrical all-wheel drive as standard, the Outback is also capable of some light  off-roading duties . 

Engine:  Turbocharged 2.4L Boxer Four or NA 2.5L Boxer Four Power:  260HP & 277FT-LBs or 182HP & 176FT-LBs Cargo Space:  75.7 Cubic feet Range:  600+ Miles Seats:  5 MSRP: $28,895

• A road-focused variant of Ford’s revived retro-inspired SUV that still packs Hoss suspension & cutting-edge electronics.

Best Retro-Inspired: One of the most anticipated new models from the last decade, Ford’s revived Bronco platform is a 4×4 vehicle that comes with more than 65 cubic feet of cargo space, an advanced electronics package, Hoss suspension, and nearly 9” of ground clearance. Sold in a variety of trim levels, the Sport-spec Bronco was also intentionally designed to be as modular as possible — an area furthered by the absolutely enormous range of factory accessories offered for  the American SUV . 

Engine:  Turbocharged 1.5L Inline-Three or Turbocharged 2.0L Inline Four Power:  181HP & 190FT-LBs or 250HP & 277FT-LBs Cargo Space:  65.2 Cubic Feet Range:  416 Miles Seats:  5 MSRP: $31,230

• An Abarth-specFiat 124 Spyder with a Garrett turbo, Bilstein shocks, & Brembo brakes all as standard.

Best Two-Door: Sharing its platform with the Mazda Miata, the Fiat 124 Spyder is the  definition of a true driver’s car , standing as a peppy open-top roaster that can be had for a reasonable price. For those less concerned with cost, the company also makes the Abarth 124GT — a limited-edition variant with a Garrett Turbocharged engine, a dedicated sport mode, Bilstein shocks, Brembo brakes, 17” alloy wheels, special race seats, and a GT-specific slate gray livery. Sadly, the GT-spec isn’t offered on American shores, unlike the base model 124. 

Engine:  Turbocharged 1.5L Inline-Four Power:  170HP & 184.4FT-LBs Cargo Space:  4.94 Cubic Feet Range:  535 Miles Seats:  2 MSRP: $44,085

• A luxurious Swedish-made hybrid mid-sized SUV with a more than 500-mile range per tank.

Best Long-Range Pick: A plug-in hybrid version of Volvo’s mid-sized SUV, the XC60 Recharge is a wildly-advanced vehicle that boasts features like best-in-class navigation, an optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system, a built-in Google smart assistant, and a state-of-the-art onboard air filter. Equipped with an all-wheel-drive setup, the five-seater’s turbocharged 2.0-liter hybrid inline-four generates more than 450hp and 523ft-lbs of torque, allowing for a machine that’s equal parts comfortable and exhilarating. 

Engine:  Turbocharged 2.0L Hybrid Inline-Four Power:  455HP & 523FT-LBs Cargo Space:  63.3 Cubic Feet Range:  520 Miles (or 32 Battery Only) Seats:  5 MSRP: $57,900

• A revived take on Jeep’s legendary full-sized luxury SUV that sports a 6.4L V8, an AWD system, & over 116 cubic feet of storage space.

Best Full-Size SUV: First unveiled in March of last year, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a  revived full-size SUV  that, like the original model, offers the pinnacle of comfort and class. Returning after 30 years out of production, the Grand Wagoneer comes with quilted Palermo leather seats, a 6.4L V8 mated to one of three AWD systems, over 116 cubic feet of storage and cargo space, a 10,000lb towing capacity, and an ultra-top shelf McIntosh MX950 Entertainment System — all as standard fare. 

Engine:  6.4L V8 Power:  470HP & 455FT-LBs Cargo Space:  116.7 Cubic Feet Range:  477 Miles Seats:  7 MSRP: $91,140

• An ultra-potent family-hauler & grocery getter with a 621-hp bi-turbo V8 offering 3.3-second 0-60 runs and a 190-mph top speed.

Best Sport Wagon: The Audi RS 6 Avant is an ultra-high-performance sleeper that’s conducive to everything from track days to family-hauling duties to road trips. Alongside RS-spec components and wheels, this highly up-specced model comes adorned in a slammed stance with a full aero kit, a carbon trim package, nearly 60 cubic feet of cargo space, and, most importantly, a 621-hp 4.0-liter bi-turbo V8 that enables this  elite sport wagon  to achieve a 3.3-second 0-60mph time and a top speed of 190mph. 

Engine:  Twin-Turbocharged 4.0L V8 Power:  621HP & 627FT-LBs Cargo Space:  59.3 Cubic Feet Range:  425 Miles Seats:  5 MSRP: $125,800

• A streamlined, 911-inspired shooting brake-style version of Porsche’s mighty new fully-electric four-door.

Best EV: Marking the Stuttgart firm’s first-ever all-electric offering, the Taycan GTS Sport Turismo is unequivocally one of the very best road trip cars currently in production. It offers an incredibly smooth ride, an impressive 300-mile range, and a decent amount of cargo space thanks to the extended sport back. Thanks to an ultra-potent 440kW EV powertrain setup and Overboost power with a launch control function, the GTS Sport Turismo-spec Taycan can reach 60mph from a standstill in 3.5 seconds flat. 

Engine:  Dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors Power:  440kW (590HP) & 626FT-LBs Cargo Space:  42.8 Cubic Feet Range:  313 Miles Seats:  5 MSRP: $141,200

• A 612-hp ALPINA-tuned & upgraded grand touring car based on BMW’s already luxurious & thoroughly-capable 8 Series.

Best Grand-Tourer: While to the average observer, this road trip car may just look like a BMW 8 Series, those in the know are well aware of the ultra-top-shelf exotics offered by  famed tuning outfit  ALPINA. This high-end grand tourer’s ALPINA transformation includes 21″ ALPINA wheels, ALPINA 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes, an ALPINA Aerodynamic Kit, an ALPINA Sport suspension package with twin-tube gas-pressure shocks, double-wishbone multi-link aluminum suspension in front, and an integral-V multi-link aluminum setup in the rear, and an interior with ALPINA Lavalina leather steering wheel, engraved glass controls, and a unique digital instrument cluster. Finally, at the heart of this car is a 4.4-liter bi-turbo V8 that’s been tuned by ALPINA to produce 612hp and 590ft-lbs of torque. 

Engine:  Twin-Turbocharged 4.4L V8 Power:  612HP & 590FT-LBs Cargo Space:  15.5 Cubic Feet (Trunk Only) Range:  432 Miles Seats:  5 MSRP: $149,300

• A hybrid-boosted bi-turbo 4.0-liter V8-powered version of Bentley’s normally V12-powered flagship model that retains its world-class luxury.

Best Hybrid Pick: The Bentley Flying Spur has long been one of the most luxurious and well-optioned cars on the market, making it an objectively fantastic choice for road-tripping — assuming you can swing its fairly exorbitant MSRP. However, last summer, the famed British firm rolled out a new version of the car that sees its usual V12 and V8 engine options swapped out in favor of a hybrid-boosted bi-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that makes 542hp and 568ft-lbs of torque and allows for a top speed of 177mph and a 0-60mph time of just 4.1-seconds. This  hybrid luxury car  also offers a range of 435 miles — or an all-electric range of 25 miles, if you want to go green for a portion of your trip. 

Engine:  Twin-Turbocharged 2.9L Hybrid V6 Power:  542HP & 568FT-LBs Cargo Space:  12.4 Cubic Feet (Trunk Only) Range:  435 Miles (or 25 Miles Battery Only) Seats:  5 MSRP: $210,600

• A 707-hp mid-sized SUV boasting genuine supercar-grade performance with a 193-mph top speed & a 3.3-second 0-60 time.

Best Mid-Sized SUV: First unveiled in early February of 2022, the Aston Martin DBX707 represents the world’s  most powerful luxury SUV . Taking its name from its 707-hp output, the DBX707 is another ultra-high-end vehicle that boasts a unique mix of world-class comfort and performance. Alongside a 360-mile range and a decent amount of cargo space, the DBX707 also packs a 4.0-liter bi-turbo V8 engine that’s mated to a 9-speed “wet clutch” automatic transmission and allows for 3.3 seconds 0-60mph runs and an impressive top speed of 193mph — a fairly insane figure considering this is an SUV. 

Engine:  Twin-Turbocharged 4.0L V8 Power:  707HP & 664FT-LBs Cargo Space:  54 Cubic Feet Range:  360 Miles Seats:  5 MSRP: $236,000

The Best SUVs for Camping

Want to check out an additional selection of vehicles that are great for recreational use? Then be sure to cruise over to our guide to the best SUVs for camping for the most comfortable and well-appointed rolling base camp options.

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The Best Road Trip Cars for Exploring Solo, Sightseeing with Family, and More

By Kym Allison Backer

We’re still working out where to safely travel in the immediate future, but what’s certain is that after months of staying close to home, we couldn’t be more ready to make a move—which means we're officially on the hunt for the best road trip cars. With gas prices holding steady, there’s no better time to load up your favorite playlists and hit the road, company optional. We’ve gone ahead and done the research for you, assembling a list of some of the best road trip cars to pick up at your local rental agencies to help ensure a seamless and safe trip, whether you’re traveling with your kids, going solo, or looking for an off-road adventure.

For packing in the whole family

Chrysler pacifica.

It’s only fitting that the brand that first put minivans on American roads is behind the award-winning Chrysler Pacifica (named Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and Family Car of the Year by Cars.com). The sleek styling of the eight-seater will firmly put to rest any reservations about maintaining cool cred, while the spacious interior’s in-floor access bins and stow-and-go second- and third-row seats allow for a variety of configurations, no matter your family’s size . Opt for a model with all-wheel drive that automatically engages if you hit adverse weather.

The glossy, streamlined fourth-generation A8 is a stunner, from the sporty new grille to the interior’s ambient lighting. Once in motion, check out the drive select system; the comfort setting, which softens the steering and acceleration, will let you smoothly take precious cargo down rough roads. Warning: your kids will compete for the rear seats, thanks to the excess legroom, panoramic sunroof, and futuristic, neatly stowed console that controls all the rear amenities, like heated and massaging seats. Parking sensors and lane departure warning come standard.

Chevy Suburban

Don’t let the outsize proportions scare you off. The newly revamped Chevy Suburban ranks high when it comes to second-row legroom and cargo space, and now has an expanded third row that can comfortably accommodate long-legged teens. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and multiple cameras (up to nine) for 360-degree exterior views. For added security, there’s also hidden storage so that you can secure your valuables anytime you leave the vehicle. Opt for a model with dual rear screens to keep the kids endlessly entertained.

The Mazda6 has a quiet cabin that can block out road noise on long drives.

For trekking 2,500 miles across the country

Toyota camry.

The Toyota Camry has consistently ranked as one of the most reliable midsize vehicles for the past three decades, making it one of the best picks for any trip. It offers incredible fuel economy, getting 29 miles per gallon in the city, and 41 miles per gallon on the highway (which also means fewer stops!) and has a notably quiet cabin where you can blast tunes and keep up with directions on the standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Pedestrian detection, lane departure, brake assist, and lane tracing assist from Toyota’s Star Safety System also keep the Camry centered in its lane.

Genesis G70

The refined Genesis G70 has been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, one of many accolades for this polished, comfortable sedan. It’s a pleasure to sit in the top-notch driver’s seat, with its well-padded diamond quilted Nappa leather. The cockpit feel is enhanced by aluminum accents, a short, stylish gear box, and the G70’s agile and responsive handling, which makes short work of the miles ahead. Added bonus: the trunk can fit multiple carry-ons or larger suitcases, and the rear seat folds for extra cargo space.

The Mazda6 is a good-looking sport sedan with a stylish interior designed for maximum comfort, a necessity when you’re spending days on the road. The Mazda6 gives you a peppy, smooth drive and a quiet cabin that blocks out exterior noise. There are convenient wheel-mounted controls, easy-access sound controls, and a solid navigation system that’s also a breeze to program. Standard features include folding rear seats, blind spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, and low-speed forward-collision warning.

For exploring solo, safely

Toyota rav4.

When you’re on your own, reliability takes on a whole new level of importance. That’s where the RAV4 comes in: after more than 25 years on the road, the model remains a winner for its manageable size, dependable performance, and commendable fuel economy, getting 27 miles per gallon in the city, and 35 miles per gallon on the open road. You’ll appreciate the car's many safety touches, which include interior lights that illuminate as you approach and driver assistance features such as an integrated backup camera, folding and fully reclining rear seats, lane-tracing assist, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Ford Mustang

America’s love affair with the Mustang began over 50 years ago and it’s still going strong. The allure is obvious, from those legendary lines to the sound of the high-powered engine—but what lies at the heart of the Mustang’s enduring popularity is that once you slide into those bucket seats, it’s an unbeatably fun, and fast, ride. Standard models come with a rearview camera, six-speed manual transmission, and a complimentary dose of nostalgia.

Honda Accord

Ten generations in, the Accord has solidified its spot as one of the most durable and nimble vehicles on the road, a winning combination for a swift, problem-free drive. The distinctive sedan’s spacious interior provides ample legroom and comfort for even the tallest of drivers and the stellar fuel economy (30 miles per gallon in the city, and 38 miles per gallon on the highway) make it a no-brainer for any trip. Driver assist technology, including traffic sign recognition and an automatic braking system that kicks in to help prevent collisions, come standard.

The Land Rover Defender's roof can support up to 600 pounds, perfect for a roof tent.

For navigating the backroads

Land rover defender.

Land Rover has long perfected the marriage of form and function, making the Defender one of the best off-roading vehicles out there. Tackling muddy or rocky ground? The quick turn of a dial will let you select a suitable suspension and traction mode for the terrain you’re on and, if you approach water, the 3D-surround camera and wade-sensing system will gauge the depth and allow you to navigate through up to 35 inches. When parked, the rear seats fold down with the touch of a button, and the roof supports a tent and occupants up to a combined 600 pounds.

Subaru Ascent

The Ascent is Subaru’s largest SUV, and it puts that size to good use with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds (enough to haul a small trailer). The generously sized cabin seats up to eight passengers, and the rear seats fold flat to haul extra cargo or to pinch hit as a makeshift bed. Traveling with a group? The Ascent’s roof rail capacity of 700 pounds nicely accommodates a sturdy rooftop tent. Standard features include all-wheel drive, driver assist technology, and a rear-seat reminder alert that sounds when anything is left behind as you prepare to exit the vehicle.

Volkswagen Atlas

VW’s seven-seater Atlas has already seen a few changes since its relaunch three years ago. It’s one of the largest crossover SUVs, has unmatched cargo and passenger space, folding second- and third-rows, and roof rails that you can use to secure anything from kayaks to boxes of gear. The Atlas is also capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds, has four adjustable all-wheel drive modes, stability enhancing systems, a hands-free liftgate, and park distance control.

For going greener

Ford fusion hybrid.

This attractive midsize gas-electric hybrid lets you keep track of energy output on customizable dashboard screens. Along with a roomy interior and 10-way power driver seat for maximum comfort, standard features include an eight-inch touchscreen and voice command for easy access to directions and entertainment, blind spot monitoring, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and a rearview camera.

Toyota Prius

The Prius has spent the last two decades accumulating industry accolades, and it’s still going strong. The gas-electric hatchback comes with stellar stats: consistently top-ranked on safety lists, excellent fuel economy (it averages 50 miles per gallon in the city, and 54 miles per gallon on the highway) and a reliable history. The company has also upped the model’s standard features, which now include a mammoth 11.6-inch screen, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, an integrated backup camera, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. (And you’d be surprised how much you can fit in the trunk.)

Jaguar I-Pace

Be prepared to throw any preconceived notions about “boring” electric vehicles out the window when you encounter Jaguar's I-Pace. In the plush and surprisingly spacious cabin, take a minute to check out the detailed instrument panel, then select dynamic mode for a sporty, full-throttle ride. Before you zoom off, download an app like ChargePoint so that you’ll be able to quickly pinpoint fast-charging stations along your route—though with a 253-mile range, you'll have enough juice to get from, say, Washington D.C. to New York .

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The 10 best cars for a road trip

It’s the best kind of holiday you’re not having. Here’s how to do it properly

At the risk of premature optimism, we will eventually be shot of this hateful virus. And when that happy, halcyon day arrives, we’re going to need a proper holiday. Because this whole ‘staycation’ thing has worn about as thin as our COVID track pants.

But what sort of holiday are we going to take? Are we really just going to go back to hopping a plane somewhere, checking into an Airbnb and then gorging ourselves on cuisine that stopped being authentic after the first million tourists or so? Swanning around to the same old monuments, craning our necks past the sea of selfie sticks and manoeuvring among the phalanx-like throngs of tour-bus patrons? Yeesh. Even staying at home doesn’t sound quite so bad when you put it like that.

Luckily, there is a perfectly brilliant holiday just waiting in the... er, non-wings. Yep, it’s what holidays used to be back when flying was a) expensive and b) remotely enjoyable: the road trip. And, just like drive-in cinemas, it’s the kind of idea so great and so obvious that no one can really adequately explain why it was consigned to history.

And, as far as we can tell, it’s high time to bring it back. Maybe keep things to the planning stage at the moment, while everyone is still at the mercy of a deadly virus that’s stalking the globe and generally ruining whatever it touches – much like tour-bus patrons, now that we think of it. And while you’re planning, it makes sense to consider the perfect set of wheels for your upcoming road trip.

But what actually makes for a good road trip car? Well, decent mileage wouldn’t go astray, because, while a ghostly quiet service station on a pan-flat plain makes for great calm-before-the-storm pacing in movies, real-life service stations are about as enjoyable as... hm. How many times can we riff on tour buses before the joke gets old?

Reliability is another strong point. This doesn’t mean that everything has to work as accurately (and characterfully) as an industrial sewing machine. It does mean that everything that might break should be able to be diagnosed and repaired or replaced easily.

Space is an absolute must. Someone much cleverer than we are once said that space is the ultimate luxury. And it’s really hard to argue the toss on that one. Who doesn’t want a bit more width for their shoulders, a bit more legroom in front and headroom above? And then consider storage space, for luggage, drinks and food, and possibly hitchhikers – but only if they have their own towel – and you’re going to need more space than you think.

Character is often overlooked. But if you’re embarking on a lengthy trip, you actually have to want to be in the car. If you pull into your overnight holt and the prospect of getting back in the car the next day fills you with anything other than joy, what kind of holiday are you even having?

To that point, ride comfort is probably the most-overlooked part of any road-trip car. We get it: the allure of driving a GT3RS or Bowler Wildcat or broadly unobtainable hypercar is strong enough that it’s easy to overlook just how punishing these things can be over distance. With that in mind, we will be keeping a firm eye on the comfort portion of this little test.

Some would say that the most important part of a road-trip car – and any car, for that matter – is fun. But we’d like to split hairs for a little bit here. Fun, at least for us, comes from experiencing a car at the edge of its performance envelope. Just like a brilliant vintage Hiwatt amplifier doesn’t truly sing until you’ve turned it up to neighbourhood-dispute-starting levels, fun in a car tends to begin when you’re really pushing the car in a way that the local constabulary would likely take exception to. Enjoyment, on the other hand, doesn’t come from holding powerslides, inducing lift-off oversteer and all the other sorts of things that are incredibly fun to do and dull to describe to someone else in a conversation. Enjoyment can spring from the feel of the interior materials, the plushness of the ride, the smell of careworn leather and plastic that emanates every time you open the door. You can enjoy a car while driving, while sitting still, while having a cup of coffee and remembering that it’s waiting outside, ready to plod along for another 1,000 fault-free miles.

So, that makes up the six pillars of a good road trip car. However, finding cars that manage to be enjoyable, comfortable, characterful, spacious, reliable and economical is, to be frank, a bit of an ask. The good news, for you at least, is that we’re still at home, in our COVID track pants, with a lot of time to think about the right answer.

Best saloon: Citroen DS

Back in the day, when the world made a modicum of sense, saloons were pretty much the default choice. And they, unlike the modern world, continue to make sense. There are enough seats for a whole family, enough doors to let them all in and out again and a separate space to put your things. Saloons really are the definition of practicality. Quiet now, estates, and wait your turn. We’re getting to you.

So, saloons take care of the whole ‘spaciousness’ bit pretty easily. How about ride comfort and character? Well, surely the Citroen DS nails both of those harder than Thor picking up Mjolnir and trying his hand at construction work. Even now, the DS is still the yardstick for ride comfort. And this is a car from the 1950s. And character? The DS could be a character in a Pixar film, like Cars , if only there was a spot in the cast for a slow, front-drive French limousine that oozed cool the entire movie and then casually stymied a presidential assassination at the end. Maybe the fourth instalment, Pixar. Give us a call; we’ll talk through the rest of the script when you’re ready.

Unsubtle pitches to major animation studios aside, what does the DS offer in the way of reliability? Don’t forget that these things won rallies – Monte Carlo, 1000 Lakes and any number not famous enough to mention outside the most anorak-wearing circles. In any case, these things were properly tough. Case in point? In a 1974 rally from Great Britain to Germany, that just happened to take a 12,000-mile detour through the African continent, the DS – despite being nearly 20 years old by that point – still finished first.

Mileage will be excellent, too, because of the supremely streamlined body (which, we just have to mention, still looks amazing to this day) and a simple four-cylinder engine that can trace its origins to the Citroen Traction Avant. So, power? It has some. Longevity? Merveilleuse.

But surely, you think, the DS can’t be enjoyable to drive. Not like a modern sports car. But maybe, we suggest, you experience the absolute mayhem that is a modern sports car before deciding how much you want to slight the DS on that basis. You’d be hard-pressed to find a new sports car with less than three times the power of the old DS, and that makes for very rapid progress along your chosen road and equally rapid progress through the local court system if you’re caught.

Instead, enjoying the DS is something done at a lollop, gliding over the vagaries and vicissitudes of whatever road, track or assortment of cobblestones your route is taking you. Take some time to sit back and relax; god knows it’s been more than long enough since you did that.

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Best estate: mercedes w123.

‘So,’ you might be thinking, ‘if the perfect saloon for a road trip is the Citroen DS, then, surely, the best estate would be the DS Safari?’ OK, look. No one likes a smart ass. But then again, no one likes a dumb ass, either. In fact, just being an ass is enough for people to dislike you. Hm. This bears further investigation. It also feels like we’re digressing again.

Back to the DS Safari. This might be (OK, it absolutely is) nitpicking, but taking the incredibly avant-garde form of the DS and then combining it with the most practical of body styles loses something in the process. Really, it’s a victim of its own success – if the DS saloon wasn’t so shocking and so perfect and so jolie-laide, then tacking on a bit to hold antique buffets and Alsatians wouldn’t have been like resculpting a Rodin.  

On the other hand, the Mercedes W123 is not a Rodin. It isn’t really sculptural at all, to be honest, unless you include a solid lump of uncarved marble in that description. Don’t get us wrong; we love it. We’re just saying that its more conventional, conservative appearance gels much better with the inherent practicality of the estate body style. In fact, we’d go ahead and say that, stylistically (and roughly every other way we can think of), the W123 works best as an estate.

And it’s hard to say that one of the most reliable cars in the world isn’t going to make it through whatever road trip you’re planning. Some of you might remember that a Top Gear TV alumnus drove a Mercedes W123 across Africa and could have driven right back to his starting point, were it not for a chronic lack of a sense of direction.

And there’s something incredibly enjoyable about piloting a car that feels about as impregnable as your average castle and gives the impression that it’ll last almost as long. And this is the W123’s calling card. It’s a classic car that still works as a day-in, day-out workshorse. And, not entirely coincidentally, as a road trip extraordinaire.

Given that it’s from back when estates weren’t sculpted and styled to look rakish and cool, the rear load area gives some impression of what it’d be like to cover your nearest sporting arena in carpet. And, because of the self-levelling suspension that came standard in the rear of all W123 estates, you can carry enough road-tripping supplies to circumnavigate Australia without having that dragging-bum look as the rear suspension capitulates entirely.

The danger with cars as reliable and reserved as the W123 is that, by doing its job with all the fuss and histrionics of your average toaster, it’ll be as memorable and characterful as... well, that very same toaster. But the Mercedes has that indefinable but unmistakable spark that separates it from any number of reliable, and reliably dull, pretenders to its throne.

Best ute: 1959 Chevrolet El Camino

At first blush (or blanche, depending on how you react to coupe utilities), utes don’t seem to make the same amount of sense as saloons and estates for road trips. No space for family or friends, to start with.

But, by now, you might be cottoning on to where we’re going with this: what if your idea of a perfect road trip is one undertaken with just one other person or even by yourself?

Every god since the Greek ones knows that there’s a huge distinction between being alone and being lonely. What’s more, travelling is the best way to learn about the people you’re with. And it stands to reason that travelling alone – especially into the unknown – is one of the very best ways to learn about yourself.

But before we put ourselves in jeopardy of trotting out any more ‘travel expands the mind’ idioms and completely descending into hackneyed guff about wanderlust, let’s think about the right kind of car for a one-person odyssey into self-discovery.

Would you believe it’s a sixty-something-year-old Chevrolet? No? All right, we like a challenge. First things first: the 1959 El Camino comes from the Cadillac school of design, where too much is never enough. Just look at the wraparound windscreen, art-deco-homage glasshouse and sculptural flanks and try to resolve what you see with the idea that this was sold as a commercial vehicle. See, it’s not just the Italians who can make the banal beautiful – let a few 1950s Americans off the leash and you get a near-architectural farm truck.

Just looking at a ’59 El Camino is a joy, let alone easing it along the road of your choice. And you will want to ease it, if the El Camino’s going to clear our whole ‘somewhat economical’ bar. But don’t stress; just waft along, carried by the immense low-down torque of a 5.7-litre, all-American, all-iron V8. Also, if you’re not so fussed on economy, remember that this is long before the dreaded Malaise years, when horsepower took a decade-long vacation from almost every American engine – the top-spec 1959 El Camino was good for 335bhp when new, as well as a sound glorious enough to rival the Stratocaster of the same year. And for the non-vintage-guitar-tragics among you, that’s saying pretty much everything we can say about it.

Out back, there’s space for pretty much every conceivable road-trip appurtenance. We’d suggest waterproof bags for the things you’d prefer to keep dry and clean, but even if you carried your actual wardrobe and its contents on the back, there’s still room there for more, like a bike to go and explore the wilder bits of the blue yonder. Hey, that gives us an idea...

Best bike: BMW R80 G/S

Yes, it’s not a car. We are super aware of this. But calling the article ‘the best machines for a road trip’ or ‘the best vehicles for a road trip’ feels like what someone from an alien land would call it if it were trying unsuccessfully to assimilate into humanity. And we’re doing a fine job assimilating. So cars it is.

And yes, if you are taking a proper road trip all by your lonesome, can we suggest truly embracing the double-edged sword of trepidation and enjoyment by putting yourself truly out there?

The BMW R80 G/S is the absolute daddy of putting yourself out there. In fact, ever since its introduction in 1980, it’s pretty much redefined just how out there one can put oneself. The G/S in the name stands for Gelande / Strasse – literally terrain / street, but a better translation is off-road / on-road. And this isn’t some marketing-led bumpf on BMW’s part; the R80 G/S won Dakar on its debut – and this is back in the days when they actually went to Dakar. It kept raking in victories at Dakar and Baja throughout the 1980s, too, until it was replaced in 1987.

By modern standards, the G/S is far from the quickest bike in the world, but It. Just. Keeps. Going. Case in point: Ed Culberson rode from the north coast of Alaska all the way to Argentina. And that’s a good 19,000 miles of road. And about 80 miles of the complete absence of roads. Yep, we’re talking about the Darien Gap, a swathe of rainforest so dense and forbidding that the general plan when doing the Pan-American Highway is to hop a ferry from Panama to Columbia and keep riding south. Culberson didn’t do that. He rode, dragged, pushed and winched the G/S through a literal jungle. So let’s just say it can handle the highways and dirt roads you have in mind.

As for character? Well, bikes tend to follow the same rules as Porsches: you want real character? Go air-cooled. And the upright riding position means your back doesn’t ache from hugging the fuel tank. Oh, and your hands won’t go numb. Say that about a cafe racer.

Because it’s a bike, fuel economy will be better than a Ford Fiesta. And because it’s a bike, you’ll be a part of the environment that you’re moving through. No car – not even Caterhams – involve you in your surroundings as much as a motorbike. If your road trip is going to take you to somewhere beautiful (and it really should), are you willing to experience that less than you could?

OK, so calling a 1980s motorbike spacious would take some mental gymnastics, there’s much more space than you think to stretch your legs. Add a few panniers and pack like a student backpacker and there’s not a lot you’ll miss leaving behind. Possibly one more set of clean underwear, but that’s not really our business.

Best grand tourer: Aston DB9

More than any other, the GT car makes sense for road trips, right? With power to burn, space for your fitted luggage, trophy spouse and obscenely expensive, yet entirely cheap-looking sunglasses, surely all other cars must bow their heads to the king of long-haul-without-the-long-face motoring? Well, there might actually be something in that, now that you mention it.

It’d make sense to pick a Bentley Continental GT and call it that, but you know we’re going to try a little harder. Yes, folks, it’s the Aston DB9, one of the most gorgeous shapes of the modern age that just so happens to make one of the most gorgeous sounds of the modern age. And even now, approaching two decades since we first saw the DB9, it remains, as we’ve said before , “one of the world’s prettiest, classiest GT cars”. And, we hasten to add, easily one of the most enjoyable.

OK, so the whole ‘fuel economy’ thing is dented somewhat by the presence of 12 cylinders and the constant temptation to deploy them in the loudest and most enjoyable way. But it’s not like you’ll always be channelling your inner Finnish rally driver at every conceivable moment. The DB9 has performance chops, for sure, but its raison d'etre is more considered than just speed and handling.  

Come on, you know this one: the DB9 is about supreme comfort and superlative cool. And it’s hard to argue that the DB9 doesn’t nail that brief, even now, when they’re a £30,000 second-hand proposition. Here, listen (or, y’know, read) what our most helmsmanly road tester had to say about the DB9, a decade after its introduction: “The languid V12 never appears to work that hard. It’s smooth, cultured, urbane: forceful in a very understated way. So, yes, it will propel itself along any given road with as much vim and vigour as you dare deploy, but you’ll never get the feeling that the car is having to work particularly hard for its speed. This makes it a very relaxing car to pilot.”

This, perhaps more than any other on this list, is the one to pick if your idea of a road trip involves the phrase ‘a few thousand miles’.

Best convertible: Mercedes SL Pagoda

But what about convertibles? Don’t they epitomise the road trip, with wind sailing through whatever’s left of your hair and the sun beaming down on your blissful face? Well, the thing about road trips is that they tend to be fairly lengthy things, by definition. A road trip will not be, for instance, London to Slough, because a) it’s a very short distance, b) the road there is neither fun nor less-travelled, and c) you end up in Slough, which is entirely uncalled for.

Real road trips take in hundreds, if not thousands of miles. And your average human being who is considering a road trip – the bulk of which wake up in a climate-controlled house, drive a climate-controlled car to a practically hermetically sealed office and then return to said house in said car – aren’t really experienced in what exposure to the elements can do to a person’s body. Or indeed mood.

As our two-wheeled brethren will already know, even what feels like gentle sun and whispers of breeze can ravage skin that’s used to being kept inside and moisturised. So, take that into account before you start scouring the classifieds for an old SL you can afford.

And yes, it’s going to be an SL, because they’re the best convertibles ever made. And the apotheosis of road-trip convertible perfection has to be the W113 Pagoda. OK, sure, they’re not exactly free these days, but where in our rigorous search for ‘best’ did ‘cheap’ come up? While there have been swathes of good SLs – some of which, like the excellent R129, are still entirely affordable – the Pagoda is the summit of what Merc achieved with its Super-Leicht drop-top, at least in terms of road-tripping. We should mention that the Fifties 300SL, while absolutely magnificent, wasn’t super big on the whole ‘carry luggage’ thing, which knocks it out of contention.

But that’s no hardship when you’ve Paul Bracq’s finest design, married to underpinnings (and a glorious straight six) that’d keep contemporary Ferraris honest if the track was tight enough. There’s just enough space to scrape by with ticks in the ‘comfortable’ and ‘spacious’ columns (still, pack light, yeah?) and economy isn’t at all terrible, especially given its age and sporting bent.

Where it excels – aside from its incredible reliability, which you just kind of assume from a pre-1990s Benz – is character. This is the car that swayed everyone from Audrey Hepburn to Stirling Moss back in the day, then still had the goods to get Kate Moss’s attention and affection decades later. And it’s easy to see why. This car, perhaps more than any other, makes you happy just to be behind the wheel, even if it’s in the middle of rush-hour traffic, let alone an open highway.

Best hatch: Lancia Delta Integrale

Hm. This can’t be right. Surely hatchbacks aren’t road-trip material, right? Wrong. Allow us to reintroduce the Delta Integrale as you’ve never expected it to be used before.

So, you know all about how these things can cover ground like you wouldn’t believe, gripping like an episode of Chernobyl . But it’s worth remembering that, inside the fender flares and above the rally-spec drivetrain, lives a properly practical five-door hatch.

Speaking of practicality, the Integrale is left-hand-drive only. And this is actually handy, because that’s how most of the world does things. So you can cover the entire European mainland, almost all of the Americas, the top half of Africa, all of Russia and China and the bulk of southeast Asia without ever dicing with traffic from the wrong side of the car.

But who gives half a stuffed turkey about practicality when the Integrale is one of the most charismatic cars of all time? The Nineties-style turbo (hint: next to nowt down low, then a spitting, sizzling assault once past 3,000rpm or so), the super-quick steering rack, the blend of perfectly sculpted seats and a big plastic box for a dash, the immense grip only matched by the extraordinary suspension travel... every part of the Integrale is an event.

And that huge suspension travel also means that the little Lancia can eat up all the road imperfections that’d knock a more tightly screwed-down car off course, all while being as comfortable as a set of COVID track pants. This is a car you fire down a road on a rush of overboost, revelling in the joy of driving that’s untempered by the road surface.

So, it must be time to address the whole ‘Lancia reliability’ thing now, before someone digs up a joke so tired that it could pass for a first-time dad. And here’s how we choose to: six World Rally Championships on the trot, from a car that was pressed into service to replace a custom-built Group B monster at short notice. So yeah, it’ll likely handle the Côte d'Azur – after all, it won a rally there back in 1993.

Best electric car: Tesla Model S

This one’s tricky. First, because we rather like the planet and the idea of experiencing it without decade-long droughts, wildfires the size of continents and the concept of glaciers being a thing of the past. And we like electric cars too, especially the i3, Model 3 and Taycan.

But road-tripping, at least as much as we can conceive, is the Achilles’ heel of the electric car. While fast-chargers have been springing up about as quickly as TV subscription services, they tend to be on highways and heavily trafficked routes. And this makes complete sense for any number of logistical and economic reasons.

But perhaps the one central thing about road trips is that they’re always at their best away from the main thoroughfare. And the just-to-the-side-of-central thing about road trips is taking trips of fancy. Your intended route might be a top-to-bottom of the eastern seaboard of the US or Australia, but it’s the unintended diversions, spur-of-the-moment stopovers and unplanned explorations that engender the most memorable moments.

And how can you resolve that with an electric car’s charging constraints? It all seems a bit hopeless for the electric car.

But we have found something of a solution: the newly updated Tesla Model S Long Range Plus. Its range is now rated at a shade more than 400 miles. And how much do you really feel like doing more than 400 miles a day on your road trip?

Of course, you still need to put electricity back into the battery once it’s gone, and recharging a battery big enough to take a two-tonne car 400 miles isn’t going to be the work of a few minutes with a household outlet. But if you plan to stop at scenic locations for a day or two, that’s more than enough to hoover up the requisite kilowatt hours at your B&B, no? Also, be a mensch and pay your hosts for using more power in a day than they do in a month. Better yet, with a Tesla, you can take advantage of destination charging, where tourist destinations like wineries, hotels and so on install proper Tesla superchargers to attract the electric-car road tripper.

So, by taking your breaks at beauty spots, you can break free of main-road charging and middle-of-the-road trips. Anyone else up for an electric road trip through the Yukon?

Best van: VW T3 Syncro

Full disclosure: we’ve never done the whole ‘drive a van around Europe’ thing. Our parents did, and they’re still together, so it’s clearly possible. But, at least for us, it offers up something of a conundrum. Driving a van tends to be about as fun as driving a stake into the heart of your favourite child.

That said, vans tend to nail the whole ‘space’ thing. Comfort’s a bit more hit and miss, unless your van used to be the courtesy bus for a quote-unquote classy Las Vegas hotel. As for character? Unlikely – 99 per cent of the time, vans are only slightly less characterful than an airport departure lounge.

But not the Type 2 Kombi. Yeah, it’s a little bit on the obvious side of no duh, but there’s a very good reason for that. They’re plentiful, reliable, spacious, economical, fun to be in and brimming with character. Not bad, really, for an underpowered, slab-sided van.

Our pick? Well, just to bring a little contrariness back into the mix, we’re going for the squared-off T3, also known as the Vanagon in the States. Why Vanagon? Because van + wagon = a stupid name, as it turns out. It also turns out that Volkswagen was terrible at naming things waaaay before the Arteon, which seems to have turned into a ‘Hold my delicious Czech lager’ for the bods over at Skoda. But we, as ever, digress.

The T3 was the most spacious and most powerful Vee Dub van that still followed the proper Type 2 formula: engine at the back, driver at the front, young adults in varying stages of insobriety in the middle. Possibly Steely Dan on the stereo.

And call us odd, but the supremely oddball Syncro version, with all-wheel-drive, lifted ride height and styling only slightly more squared-off than your average Brutalist building really speaks to us, even if the concept of sleeping in a van rates slightly below the concept of just forgoing sleep altogether. But what on earth would we need a jacked-up 4WD for on a road trip? Well, as a nice lead-in to our next point, perhaps.

Photo: Sam Beebe

Best 4WD: Mercedes G-Wagen

We’re sure, by now, that at least a few of you are wondering why there haven’t been any SUVs in this list. And at least one of you has correctly surmised that it’s because they’re hateful objects, bereft of anything approaching enjoyment or character. And they tend not to be stellar in the whole ‘fuel economy’ thing, either. For anyone keeping count, that’s three out of the six pillars that make a good road-trip car, crumbled into dust and therefore not holding the roof up in a way that the people under said roof would much prefer they did.

But there’s also another reason. Cast your mind back to when cars were designed for specific purposes and not specific markets. Some of you will have to accomplish the faintly impossible task of casting your mind back further than your mind has actually existed. In this halcyon time, SUVs weren’t called SUVs, and car journalists couldn’t mock the fact that the cars in question weren’t sporty or particularly utilitarian, so were really only Vs. They were called 4WDs or off-roaders. And now, not a moment too soon, we reach our point: if you’re going on a road trip, is there not a whiff of logical fallacy in taking an off-roader?

And we reach another problem with including SUVs – if they’re designed to go off-road, they’ll be compromised on it. And if they’ve already been adapted to go on the road, then their original purpose has been compromised by the adaptation, and their use on the road will be compromised by the fact that the original purpose of a vehicle of that sort is to go off-road.

And now let us quietly pierce our own logical argument by remembering that not all roads are in tip-top shape. Some, such as those in less-developed parts of the world, like Australia, are in such poor condition that the open, grass-tufted paddock next to the road is often an inviting alternative to the torturous potholes and corrugations of the quote-unquote actual road.

So if your intended road trip takes you on roads that mimic the surface of the moon, there really can be only one choice. Something built to take hits that not even Rocky Marciano could walk off. Something with big wheels and tyres that won’t disappear into cavernous potholes. Something that oozes character, but generally not coolant or oil. And that something is probably going to be an old Land Rover Defender or a Jeep Wrangler.

Which side you fall on probably relates to how you feel about dumping tea in Boston Harbour, but our choice? Probably an old G-Wagen. Yeah, we picked German. Does that mean we have to surrender our British passports or something?

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The best road trip cars

Nothing picks up your mood faster than taking a long and relaxing road trip somewhere you love. But not every car is well suited to life on the road, and when you’re headed out for a long trip, the last thing you want is a car that can’t handle it. When you are ready to embark on a journey around the country, these cars have what it takes to help you enjoy the ride.

2020 Subaru Crosstrek

2020 honda hr-v, 2020 ford mustang gt convertible, tesla model 3, chevrolet bolt, 2020 ferrari gtc4lusso, 2020 volvo xc90, 2020 toyota prius, 2020 mazda mx-5, 2020 jaguar f-type convertible, lexus ls 400, volkswagen westfalia camper, ford crown victoria.

The best road trip cars have comfortable seats, lots of entertainment features, and plenty of room for all of your gear. Here are the best cars you can take on a long trip.

A good road trip car must be reliable, practical, capable, and fun, and few automakers satisfy those requirements better than Subaru. We’d love to take a WRX STI cross country, but the fuel-sipping Crosstrek makes our list for its rugged construction and well-rounded character. Plus, there’s plenty of room for speed and spoilers later.

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With fuel economy ratings of 27 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, the Crosstrek is an apt choice for couples or small families looking to log some serious highway miles. All-wheel drive is standard, of course, and with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, this compact crossover will go just about anywhere you need it to, on or off the interstate.

With the Fit, Honda proved a good value doesn’t always come with squished proportions and a chintzy interior. And, with the Fit-based HR-V , the Japanese firm added an extra dose of practicality to the mix.

Honda’s smallest crossover boasts 6.7 inches of ride height and an ingenious “Magic Seat” interior layout, which allows passengers to configure the cabin in five different modes — normal, split, tall, utility, and lounge. That means the car can easily ferry anything, whether it be luggage, bikes, tall plants, or even surfboards.

The HR-V’s biggest asset is its relatively low cost, which comes both at the dealer (starting MSRP is $20,620) and at the pump (it returns up to 28 mpg city/34 mpg highway when ordered with front-wheel drive). Throw in a plethora of safety features and you’re all set.

What goes better with a great American road trip than an emblematic American car? Nothing, that’s what. The Ford Mustang GT is a legend through and through, and the sixth-generation model is the most refined version yet. It has the best interior of any pony car before it, and with an independent suspension setup front and rear, this horse can corner with the best of ‘em. Ford recently updated the model with more tech features, too, including an available digital instrument cluster that will let you keep an eye on key road trip metrics such as speed, distance to empty, and the tunes blasting through the speakers.

Let’s be honest, you don’t need a thumping V8 soundtrack for a successful road trip, nor do you need the open wind rustling through your hair. You definitely want them, though, and the Mustang GT Convertible happens to provide both. “GT” does stand for “Grand Tourer,” after all.

For years, electric cars and road-tripping were mutually exclusive; range anxiety kicked in before you got a chance to leave your state. Advances in battery technology make the latest crop of electric vehicles better-suited to long drives. The Tesla Model 3 has up to 322 miles of driving range in its Dual Motor Long Range configuration, so you can drive from Detroit to Indianapolis without needing to stop and charge.

When you do need to fill up, you can rely on Tesla’s growing network of Supercharger stations. There are thousands of charging points in each state so finding one is a breeze, especially if you plan ahead. Clever features — such as in-car gaming and Netflix streaming — will help you pass the time while your car sips electricity.

If a Tesla isn’t your thing, or if the Model 3 is too expensive, the Chevrolet Bolt is another great option for those seeking a zero-emissions road-tripper. It offers 259 miles of range, so it can drive from New York City to Washington, D.C., in ideal conditions, and it’s spacious enough to comfortably carry a full load of passengers and their gear.

You can zap the Bolt’s battery with about 100 miles of range every 30 minutes when it’s plugged into a DC fast charger, a type of station that’s getting much easier to find as America’s charging infrastructure expands, though keep in mind you’ll need a special charging port Chevrolet charges extra for. Alternatively, if you’re not in a rush, the Bolt gains 25 miles of range per hour plugged in when it’s hooked up to a 240-volt level two charger, which you can find outside of many hotels, restaurants, and other businesses.

Ah, the practical Ferrari. The successor to the FF , the GTC4Lusso is a grand tourer in every sense of the word, as its gorgeously-appointed interior and quiet ride are offset by a 681-hp V12 and a trick four-wheel steering system. It does “GT” a bit differently, however, as the three-door configuration and shooting brake profile make this a head-turner in more ways than one.

It may not have the storage capacity of an SUV (though Ferrari is working on that ) or the fuel economy of a hybrid, but the GTC4Lusso is as easy to drive in the city as it is on the Italian autostrada, and the brilliant V12 will never, ever get old. These are the keys to life, folks, and don’t let anyone ever tell you differently. This machine speaks tech , too. Ferrari recently added a large screen with a split-view function, as well as  Apple CarPlay compatibility.

We know Volvo can build safe, sophisticated, and elegant machines, but the levels of opulence found in the XC90 make us rethink our outlook on the brand entirely. Not only is the XC90’s interior one of the best we’ve ever seen in an SUV, its smart technology and excellent efficiency make it a no-brainer if you prefer your road trips with a group.

The available Bowers & Wilkins sound system is nothing short of fantastic in this car (a key factor for this list), and it can be shuffled between a variety of listening modes, including studio, concert hall, and stadium. The XC90 also features polished semi-autonomous technology for laid-back driving, and the tablet-style touchscreen interface is one of the most intuitive units on the market. Throw in an efficient T8 powertrain that combines a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with a plug-in hybrid system and you have the ultimate long-haul cruiser for up to seven people.

While most of the vehicles on this list emphasize fun, style, or practicality, the Toyota Prius is nearly singular in its goal: Maximum fuel economy. The most fuel-efficient car on the road without a plug, the Eco model returns up to 58 mpg on the freeway and flaunts a total range of more than 600 miles. In a word? Wow.

Toyota made notable enhancements to interior quality and driving dynamics over the previous generation, improvements that will be appreciated if you’re forced to sit in the car for extended periods. Looking to save at the pump? The Prius is your best bet. Select the plug-in Prime model if you’re looking to add a few miles of electric-only driving to your trip without stopping to charge a battery-electric car.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata wrote the book on the modern roadster, so it’d be a travesty if we didn’t include it. The long-standing sports car is as close to perfect as an inexpensive two-seater can be, with an expertly-balanced chassis, a fantastic six-speed manual, and a tangible passion for driving you can actually feel through the steering. It’s one of the few cars that hasn’t gotten significantly bigger or heavier since its inception.

There aren’t a ton of bells and whistles here, but that’s not the point. The MX-5 is about escapism done simply, and it emphasizes that better than just about any car on the market. It’s best suited for solo or short two-person trips, but the fourth-generation model features just enough modern gadgetry to keep you busy if the brilliant engineering isn’t enough.

Ok, we needed at least one more convertible for our list, and Jaguar’s stunning F-Type is one of the most evocative drop-tops ever put to pavement. It has the look, it has the sound — my goodness, the sound — and most importantly, it has the feeling. It’s also fast, agile, and surprisingly refined, as the suspension can be tuned depending on what surface you’re rocketing over.

Practicality takes a back seat in this one (if there were back seats, that is), but people don’t buy V8-powered convertibles because of logic or reason. They buy them because they’re beautiful, stirring, and create a new experience every time you press the start button. Hell, if all you need is to get somewhere quickly and you can’t live without your three favorite suitcases, you’d probably just buy a plane ticket. For the rest of us, open up the throttle and enjoy the ride.

With the new cars out the way, let’s take a short look back at a few legacy options. Lexus’ first vehicle, the LS 400 , was the product of a project called Circle F , which was Toyota chairman Eiji Toyoda’s vision to build the world’s best car. The result was something that shockingly still feels modern today, with a buttery ride, rock-solid reliability, and a tasteful interior that has stood the test of time. Speaking of sturdiness, the sedan’s 4.0-liter V8 is the only automobile engine to be rated by the FAA, meaning the 260-hp power plant is tough enough to power a plane. Seriously.

Impressive credentials aside, used LS400’s can be found for less than a few thousand dollars nowadays, which is an absolute steal for the amount of car you’re getting. Throw in reasonable fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway and you might have the best budget road trip car in the world.

The Volkswagen Westfalia Camper is a hotel on wheels.

Westfalia is a German company that, for about 50 years from the 1950s, made a name for itself in the vehicle-as-living-space world. Westfalia created innovative liveable quarters made to fit inside Volkswagen’s iconic vans. Their configurations included pop-up camper designs, folding tables and chairs, portable toilets, sinks, stoves, and refrigerators. Daimler Chrysler purchased Westfalia’s conversion group in 1999.

The Ford Crown Victoria – or “Crown Vic” – is an iconic car known for its longevity and surprisingly large interior. Most people recognize them from classic movies or old-school taxicabs.

• Range: 1,500 feet
• Paging: One-way communication

If you’re looking for a basic, straightforward system that does what it needs to without costing an arm and a leg, Audiovox has got you covered. It features a decent range of approximately 1,500 feet, which should be adequate for most motorists. It has three-button remotes that only offer one-way communication, making it the perfect fit for motorists seeking an easy-to-use system.

The Audiovox is as effective and dependable as it is simple. You can program it to ignite the engine, thereby warming it up for as little as 5 minutes or as long as an hour, depending on your preferences. Audiovox’s APS57Z also lets you lock and unlock the car and pop the trunk open, as long as you are standing within range. You can use the Audiovox on fuel-powered as well as hybrid cars, and it’s CarLink capabilities allow it to sync up with your smartphone.

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Whether you do your driving with an off-road vehicle, one of the most impressive EVs on the road, or anything in between, the driving experience can be made all the better by knowing you look good doing so. Keeping your vehicle clean isn’t always the easiest chore, nor is it something everyone likes to do. You can make shorter work of it with a pressure washer, and with warmer weather around the corner we decided to round up the best pressure washers for cars in 2024. The best pressure washers for cars in 2024

Buy the if you want the best pressure washer for cars overall. Buy the if you want the best gas-powered pressure washer for cars. Buy the if you want the best handheld pressure washer for cars. But the if you want the best budget pressure washer for cars.

In-car technology is advancing more quickly than anyone imagined, and it's also easier to upgrade an older car with Bluetooth and other cutting-edge features than it's ever been. Numerous aftermarket companies allow motorists to benefit from useful connectivity and safety features without having to buy a new car. In fact, Bluetooth has become a cheap, easy upgrade on any vehicle regardless of its age or value.

Bluetooth can be used to make phone calls (it channels the conversation through your car's speakers) or to stream music directly from your smartphone, though some of the more basic systems are limited to calls. Either way, it's a feature that significantly reduces distractions and allows the driver to keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times. That's why most states have laws that require hands-free calling while driving.

Riding a motorcycle without a helmet is dangerous. But sometimes they just seem inconvenient, for lack of a better term. That might put you off wearing one, which is unfortunate. You need a helmet, and you need to protect your head. What if we told you there was such a thing as a smart motorcycle helmet that included innovative tech to make the helmet much more useful? They're already practical, yes, but smart helmets are also incredibly powerful. With things like built-in cameras, like a dashcam in a car, intelligent noise suppression, Bluetooth wireless, and a bevy of other tech, they can make every ride so much more enjoyable. In the spirit of free riding, let's examine some of the best smart motorcycle helmets and what they have to offer. The best smart motorcycle helmets in 2024

Buy the Forcite MK1S if you want a well-rounded and intelligent option. Buy the Sena Stryker if you want excellent audio quality. Buy the Quin McQ if you want an open-face helmet design. Buy the CrossHelmet X1 if you want visibility enhancements. Buy the Torc T15B if you only care about Bluetooth connectivity.

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10 Best Cars for Road-Tripping on a Budget

By Jane Ulitskaya

Memorial Day kickstarts the summer travel season, and despite record-high gas prices , drivers aren’t willing to sacrifice their annual road trips. According to a Cars.com survey , 82% of Americans traveling over the holiday are planning to drive. But rising fuel prices aren’t the only hurdle for shoppers in the market for a vehicle to accommodate their summer travel plans — higher average prices at the dealership can be just as problematic.

Related: What’s the Best New-Car Deal for May 2022?

The median price of a new vehicle among Cars.com dealers was $39,083 in April, up from $36,370 one year prior. At the same time, the typical manufacturer incentives offered over Memorial Day weekend are significantly scaled back due to inventory constraints. According to a J.D. Power sales report , incentives on new cars shrunk to $1,034 in April — down 66% from April 2021.

Despite these challenges, shoppers looking for an affordable road-trip vehicle that minimizes sticker shock at the pump still have options. We compiled the most affordable and fuel-efficient or fuel-free model-year 2022 cars, SUVs, trucks and electric vehicles for summer adventures (and beyond). To make our list, each vehicle’s starting price is in the top 10 most affordable category for its class. Also, gas-powered options get an EPA-rated combined rating of 30 mpg or more and EVs must get at least 200 miles of EPA-estimated range.

Sedans and hatchbacks make excellent road-trip vehicles for small families and light packers. They are also among the most affordable options on the market and offer generous efficiency even without a hybrid or electric powertrain.

Chevrolet Spark

Topping the list of budget-friendly road-trip vehicles is the most affordable car on the market. Shoppers interested in the Spark need to act fast, however, since GM plans to end the hatchback’s production in August, according to Automotive News . While it may not be long for this world, traveling long distances in the Spark comes with one big perk: a 33 mpg combined EPA-rating . A word of caution, however. Although the Spark can carry up to four occupants, it’ll be a tight fit for those in the backseat. The 2022 Spark LS with an optional continuously variable automatic transmission starts at $15,695 (all prices include destination charge).

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Mitsubishi Mirage

The 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage carries a small price premium over the Spark, but it also brings improved fuel efficiency: With an available CVT, the Mirage offers an EPA-rated 39 mpg combined. The Mirage also adds one additional seat in the rear to fit a total of five occupants. Although it can handle a trip to the lake or a staycation around town, the Mirage’s 78-horsepower, 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine paired with the CVT isn’t made for the track — but its handling offers a relatively fun driving experience. The ES hatchback starts at $16,990 and the G4 sedan at $17,990.

Shop the 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage near you

If your summer road-trip goals boil down to avoiding jarring road noise and anxiety at the pump, the 2022 Kia Rio delivers on both. Like the Mirage, the Rio seats five and comes in hatchback or sedan variants. The 120-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with a CVT gets an EPA-rated 36 mpg combined. Quiet on the highway and with stable handling, the base LX trim comes with an affordable starting price of $17,275. An added bonus is that the Rio gets wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration.

SUVs may come with notably higher starting prices than their car counterparts, but they also carry the added benefits of flexible cargo space and a higher ride height for long summer drives. Choosing from the list of the most affordable SUVs with the highest mpg may check all the boxes in the “practical” category of your shopping list.

Hyundai Kona

For being the most affordable SUV on the market, the Hyundai Kona isn’t short on road-trip-friendly features that include standard automatic emergency braking, hands-on lane centering, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with wireless connectivity on the base model’s 8-inch touchscreen. In our review of the 2022 model, we also found it engaging to drive — a rarity for the subcompact SUV class. Plus, the Kona’s 147-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder and front-wheel drive offer an EPA-rated 32 mpg combined, making it a solid choice for weekend getaways. The gas-powered Kona SE starts at $22,395, while an electric variant is sold in select states with a $35,245 starting price.

Shop the 2022 Hyundai Kona near you

Chevrolet Trailblazer

The subcompact Trailblazer was introduced in 2021 and offers a surprisingly fun driving experience despite modest power from the base 137-hp, 1.2-liter three-cylinder. It also brings standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity and active-safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning with steering assist. To make it more adventure-friendly, a trailering package and roof rack crossbars are available factory accessories. The Trailblazer is competitive both in fuel economy and price: It gets an EPA-rated 30 mpg combined with standard FWD and starts at $22,795 for the base LS trim.

Shop the 2022 Chevrolet TrailBlazer near you

One of the HR-V’s best features when it comes to road trips is its versatile and roomy interior: The second row offers more space than most subcompact SUVs, and the multiposition second-row Magic Seat can fold flat to offer competitive cargo space for standard luggage or fold up to accommodate taller items. A 141-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder provides power and gets an EPA-rated 30 mpg combined. The base HR-V starts at $23,115; unlike some of its competitors, however, the base model does not offer standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning or Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

Shop the 2022 Honda HR-V near you

Ford Maverick

All-new for 2022, the Ford Maverick is the only pickup truck to make the list of efficient road-trip vehicles with a combined rating of 30 mpg or more.

The base Ford Maverick’s standard gas-electric hybrid powertrain makes 191 hp and is paired with a CVT for an EPA-rated 37 mpg combined. Even though it doesn’t match the full-size F-150’s towing or payload capacity, the compact pickup can hold its own on the road thanks to a sizable cargo bed and towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds with the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder. The Maverick has a $21,490 starting price and earned both our Best of the Year 2022 and Best Pickup Truck of 2022 awards.

Shop the 2022 Ford Maverick near you

Electric Vehicles

If avoiding gas stations entirely is your ideal plan, there are a handful of affordable EVs that can accommodate you. But while filling up at a gas station demands only a quick detour off the highway, road trips in a battery-powered vehicle involve more preparation. It’s important to consider the vehicle’s maximum range — most EVs with the longest range are luxury models that don’t overlap with the most affordable options.

This means mapping out public charging stations along the route will be required for longer trips. The top battery-powered vehicles for road trips offer an EPA-estimated range of 200 miles or more and are offered in all 50 states. Additionally, the Nissan Leaf and Kia Niro EV are still eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit .

Nissan Leaf

The most affordable EV currently available doesn’t just eliminate the concern of rising gas prices, it also bucks the trend of rising vehicle prices. In fact, the 2022 Leaf sees a significant price cut and additional features : the ProPilot Assist safety suite, a 360-degree camera system and a portable Level 2 charging cable. Although the standard Leaf’s 40-kilowatt-hour battery and 147-hp electric motor offer just 149 miles of range per EPA-estimates , the extended-range Leaf Plus brings a more road-trip-worthy 226 miles of range from a 62-kWh battery and 214-hp motor. The standard range Nissan Leaf starts at $28,425, the Leaf Plus at $33,425.

Shop the 2022 Nissan Leaf near you

Chevrolet Bolt EV, Bolt EUV

Like the Leaf, the Bolt EV hatchback also sees a price cut for 2022; its starting price is nearly $5,000 less compared to the outgoing model. The redesigned 2022 Bolt EV gets a new interior, more standard safety tech and an all-new and larger Bolt EUV SUV sibling. Both Bolts are powered by a 65-kWh battery and 200-hp single electric motor, but the hatch gets a range advantage with an EPA-estimated 259 miles, compared to the EUV’s 247-mile range. Despite a rocky start for the 2022s with multiple recalls and stop-sale orders, GM has offered a fix and resumed production . The 2022 Bolt EV starts at $32,495 and the 2022 Bolt EUV at $34,495.

Shop the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV near you

Kia Niro EV

Sold alongside its hybrid and plug-in hybrid counterparts, the Niro EV also shares a powertrain with the related Hyundai Kona Electric; unlike the Kona Electric, however, the Niro EV is available in all 50 states. The Niro also carries advantages over the Kona that include a larger backseat and longer range (the Niro gets an EPA-estimated 239 miles). Although the Niro family sees a redesign for 2023 , the outgoing model still has a lot to offer shoppers, including a competitive starting price of $41,205.

Shop the 2022 Kia Niro near you

More From Cars.com:

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Summer Road-Trip Maintenance and Tips

Whether you’re planning to get a new vehicle or take your trusty old one on a summer road trip, it’s a good idea to make sure the car is ready for the trip. AAA recommends checking the tires and tire pressure ; testing the brakes and the battery; topping off oil and other fluids; checking belts and hoses; checking the air conditioning; and stocking the vehicle with an emergency supply kit .

The EV ownership experience differs from a gas-powered car, especially when planning a road trip. You’ll need to account for the vehicle’s range and map out charging stations along the route if the range is insufficient. Many EVs come with a smartphone app to check the vehicle’s mileage range and battery charge and help you find charging stations on the go; for example, Chevy offers EV Access through its OnStar Connected services for the Bolt EV and EUV, and a similar app is offered for the Nissan Leaf through NissanConnect EV Services .

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Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.

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The 9 Best Road Trip Cars: Staff Picks

I polled most of the crew here for their picks and then prodded for extra justification to back up their (incorrect) opinions.

By Nick Caruso

Welcome to the most subjective argument to ever take place in the history of mankind. When it comes to road trips, what you’re driving is more important than where you’re going, what you eat on the way and what you listen to on the road — indeed, it may be even more important than who you bring along for the ride. We all have strong road trip car opinions, often driven by some form of nostalgia or aspiration.

I polled most of the crew here for their picks and then prodded for extra justification to back up their (incorrect) opinions. As it turns out, our choices aren’t all that dissimilar, but “agree to disagree’ all the same, right? Perhaps you’ll find some inspiration — or consternation — below.

Andrew Maness, Contributor: Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Wagon

Explain yourself: A perfect power to comfort ratio.

Anything else to add? The E 63 S Wagon checks all the right boxes. It’s a sleeper you can actually sleep in; it’s rare but you don’t have to be precious with it; it sounds phenomenal; it’s shockingly fast and you can get it with those top-notch Mercedes-Benz massaging front seats . Get it in the unassuming Diamond Silver Metallic over Nut Brown Nappa Leather with Natural Grain Ash trim for maximum “zen-den” effect.

Where are you driving? After setting out along the Pacific at dawn, I’d head northeast up to Ojai to Highway 33, then on to Bakersfield to hit Highway 178 to Lake Isabella. Then all the way to Highway 190 that runs through Death Valley. From there it’s a quick shot to Vegas, north on Highway 93 to Great Basin National Park and Highway 50, “The Loneliest Road In America.” 50 East leads to Central Utah where there are otherworldly landscapes to be explored. Once I’d had enough of the desert I’d point the car north to Wyoming and Montana before looping back west through Idaho and Oregon for some of the most incredible roads in the country.

Destination? Flathead Lake, Montana .

Best road trip snack? Bananas and almonds.

First song on your road trip playlist? “Rock and Roll” by Led Zeppelin .

What’s your personal road trip philosophy? Do have a general idea of where you’d like to end up each day; don’t feel the need to adhere to your plans exactly. The best road trips usually take shape after they’ve started, so don’t be too precious with your time. If you’ve got a passenger or two, always be open to their suggestions.

What is the front seat passenger’s primary responsibility? Snack distributor.

Essential Road Trip Gear: Andrew Maness Wilson Sun Sunglasses by Garrett Leight $346 The Slider Lip Balm by Lucky Bastard $8 Center Court Gilbert Crockett 2 by Vans $70

Andrew Connor, Associate Staff Writer: Porsche 911 Targa 4S

Explain yourself: The roof. Or occasional lack thereof. Top-down road trips are a delight, and the gorgeous, geeky retractable roof on the new 911 Targa gives you that open-air freedom with the flexibility and comfort of having a hardtop.

Anything else to add? The “standard” Targa 4 is probably plenty of car, but fortunately, the S and GTS offer more power and suspension tuning if that’s your thing. I think if you are the type to buy a car like this for extensive road-tripping, the goldilocks-grade S model will have the right amount of power for Fun Time Driving without being too hardcore.

Where are you driving? The hell out of the US, up towards Nova Scotia, making sure to spend plenty of time driving the sublime roads around Cape Brenton Island. Eventually ending up in Halifax to consume copious amounts of Salmon.

Destination? Halifax .

Best road trip snack? Trail mix, but for the love of god make sure you don’t drop an M&M and accidentally sit on it. I’ve been burned before.

First song on your road trip playlist? “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen . Cliche but a classic.

What’s your personal road trip philosophy? Road-tripping, to me, is just as much about enjoying a car as it is going somewhere new, so take the scenic route when possible.

What is the front seat passenger’s main responsibility? Navigation.

Essential Road Trip Gear: Andrew Connor Espadrilles by Soludo $60 Spotify Premium $10/month Clover Sunglasses by David Kind $295

Nick Caruso, Associate Editor: Aston Martin DB11 V12

Explain yourself: Easily the most beautiful, sumptuous V12 grand tourer available today.

Anything else to add? The DB11 V12 is an absolute grand slam of a car. Aston is growing massively right now while hoping to hold onto its roots: a heritage of making sporting cars in the hand-built, British tradition that are as capable as they are gorgeous. Most “car guys” prefer the V8 version because it’s lighter and therefor sportier to some degree. This is my choice, though: a completely customizable automobile (I configured the one pictured myself) designed to be owned and driven by sporting gentlemen; fast and violent-sounding, yes, but also velvety smooth thanks to its liquid V12. It is ultimate comfort, devilish luxury and top-tier, future-grade design rolled into one with a heavy, heaping dollop of the brand’s 100-plus-year history on top. Opt for custom-fit luggage, or perhaps some beautiful pieces of your own, and point in the direction of a heavenly getaway in a stylish, equally-stunning paradise.

Where are you driving? Start north on the California coast and wind down through Carmel-by-the-Sea, eventually winding my way to Montecito for a week of good food, ocean roar and, well, showing off my car.

Destination? Coral Casino Club

Best road trip snack? Whatchamacallit candy bars, but not to be eaten in the car. Sorry.

First song on your road trip playlist? “Runnin’ Down a Dream” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

What’s your personal road trip philosophy? Driving is my Zen place. I’ll drive for hours without making a sound, without the radio on, alone with my thoughts and the road. I love the way I can manipulate a car and optimize a driving route. Conversely, I cherish road trips with good company — provided my passenger has good music taste. Extra points if they can harmonize.

What is the front seat passenger’s main responsibility? DJ.

Essential Road Trip Gear: Nick Caruso No. 10 Weekender by Lotuff $850 S140 Pivot Merino Button-Up by Outlier $198 Google Pixel 2 XL by Google $1,398

Bryan Campbell, Staff Writer: 1991 Buick Century Wagon

Explain yourself: Space. You need to be able to feel like you can live out of the car. Because sometimes you have to.

Anything else to add? This is the car I grew up in as a kid, which I affectionately, yet plainly referred to as ‘the blue car’. (We had an ’87 VW Scirocco too, that was ‘the black car’.) The Buick was dark blue with wood grain paneling over a dark blue velour interior. Was it the hottest place in the world in the summer? Hell yes. But there was so much room in that car it might as well have been a modern SUV . And on shorter trips where luggage wasn’t necessary, you can bet my sister and I were in the trunk making use of the rear-facing rumble seat, taunting drivers behind us. Plus, one perk to the velour upholstery was it provided serious entertainment on the trips up to the Poconos. Once it was dark enough, all you had to do was rub your hair on the seat back and give your sibling a visible taser shock of static electricity.

Where are you driving? The most memorable trips were through snow storms up to Woodlock Pines to meet extended family for Christmas or New Years. I haven’t been back in years — I’m sure the place has modernized by now — but it was definitely a holdout establishment from the ’70s judging by all the decor.

Best road trip snack? Jerky.

First song on your road trip playlist? “Oh, Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison . This song would always eventually blast through the tape deck, and as a kid I loved it every time.

What’s your personal road trip philosophy? Bring enough sustenance to keep you going to the next gas station, because those are the only stops.

Essential Road Trip Gear: Bryan Campbell Game Gear by Sega $78+

Brian Leon, Contributor: Mercedes-Benz SL600

Explain yourself: It’s a V12 Mercedes-Benz convertible.

Anything else to add? The Mercedes SL-Class is simply the world’s favorite grand touring car. It’s been around longer than you have (probably) and though the current one may be the last, there’s a reason SL is the last word in drop-top luxury touring. For the money, the R129 generation (1989-2002) is my favorite, as it proves that boxy can still be beautiful. Capitalize on the current wave of 90s nostalgia and pick up one with a V12 for less than $25,000 in mint condition.

Where are you driving? The Overseas Highway from Miami to Key West seems a fitting route for the SL. At just 127.5 miles, it’s on the short end of the road trip spectrum, but why not extend your starting point a bit further north along the coast? Like Savannah, or Myrtle Beach… or Portland, Maine.

Destination? If you’re already down there, why not hit the southernmost point in the continental U.S. ? At least it’s by the beach…

Best road trip snack? Beef jerky.

First song on your road trip playlist? Keeping it on theme: “Miami” by Will Smith .

What’s your personal road trip philosophy? If you stick to the planned route, you’re not really on a road trip, are you?

Essential Road Trip Gear: Brian Leon Men’s Classic Cap by Mercedes-Benz $26 Retro 49mm Sunglasses by Carrera $170 UV Aqua Rich Sunscreen by Bioré $14

AJ Powell, Assistant Editor: 2015 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring

Explain yourself: It’s an AWD sleeper with a turbo. What more could you want in a road trip car?

Anything else to add? I can say from personal experience that this car is a blast to go cross country and back in. It’s got enough giddy-up to be fun across middle America. More importantly, it has a vast dealer network to keep up with the scheduled maintenance and oil changes while on the road.

Where are you driving? I’ve yet to check off a road trip through the South, so the ideal route would be to kit this thing out with a handful of bike racks and head down to Asheville. Once there, exploring the backroads in sport mode would be worth the trip.

Destination? Asheville, NC .

Best road trip snack? Haribo Sour Peaches.

First song on your road trip playlist? “Winter” by TV On The Radio .

What’s your personal road trip philosophy? Methodically planned down to where the closest Steak n Shake is at each fuel stop. Tire pressure? Check? Wiper fluid? Check. You get the picture.

Essential Road Trip Gear: AJ Powell Ruggedized Series Kekunam 3 Rooftop Tent by Tepui $2,100 Mobile Powerstation by River $600 Pismo Sunglasses by SPY $120

Tyler Duffy, Contributor: Mercedez Benz W113 280SL Pagoda

Explain yourself: Understatement. The 280SL is pared down from its predecessor SLs and sleeker than its successors. You won’t look like a doofus climbing out of gull-wing doors. There’s at least a 50/50 chance you can escape the coffee shop without being dragooned for a 40-minute conversation by an eager car enthusiast.

Anything else to add? When former Mercedes F1 Champion Nico Rosberg cruises along the Mediterranean, he drives a 1970 280SL.

Where are you driving? I depart my charming Carmel-by-the-Sea inn. I turn south on Route 1. I leave my worries and the ubiquitous Bay Area tech bros in the rearview mirror as I savor perhaps America’s most striking coastline. Leisurely lunch with a view. I turn around in time to arrive for my pre-cocktail hour massage, because in this world that’s entirely reasonable.

Destination? Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Best road trip snack? Cinnamon Altoids.

First song on your road trip playlist? “It’s Hard To Be a Saint in the City” by Bruce Springsteen .

What’s your personal road trip philosophy? Leave earlier than any sane person would in the morning. Pace yourself with the liquids. Avoid lactose and legumes before traveling in polite company.

Essential Road Trip Gear: Bryan Campbell Aviator Classic Sunglasses by Ray-Ban $153

Will Price, Associate Staff Writer: 1996 Toyota 4Runner

Explain yourself: Sickening trunk space. I don’t pack light on road trips. Why should I? This isn’t air travel. I can bring whatever I want, so long as I don’t encroach on others’s leg room.

Anything else to add? The ’96 4Runner happens to be the car I learned to drive in. If you have the option (you probably won’t), you want the 4X4 stick shift model. Oh, and it needs to be red. Kismet led me to the man I rented this same car from some 10 years after learning to drive (in Puerto Rico of all places), and I’ll never forget bumping into cones while parallel parking or speeding up a mountain in it.

Where are you driving? You’ve got to rent the 4Runner from a suspect shirtless man in San Juan, Puerto Rico — with cash — and take the 149 to the 143, then Route 10. This runs you through an exceedingly up-and-down rain forest on crumbling gravel roads one-and-a-half cars wide. The canopy becomes so dense inside the Toro Negro rainforest it may as well be night, and oncoming vehicles aren’t keen on using headlights (honking horns is customary when swinging around blind corners). After a slew of switchbacks and 75-degree uphill shots the foliage finally thins, and the sun comes back. The rest of the drive you’re looking up the slopes of the tallest mountain on the island, and down at Poncé and San Juan far and below. When you arrive at Kurt’s coffee farm, you’ll be treated to a freshly grown, roasted and ground cup of espresso in a gazebo at cloud level. Not a bad reward for your efforts. (Hint: if there’s a chance of rain, do not go.)

Destination? Hacienda de Café Pomarrosa .

Best road trip snack? Certainly not beef jerky (sue me). Road trip snacking should feed into other timeless road trip activities, like rolling the windows down. Hence, roasted peanuts (unshelled) are peak road trip snack.

First song on your road trip playlist? “Triumph” by Wu-Tang Clan .

What’s your personal road trip philosophy? We’ll stop however many times we damn well please. Might we be a bit late? Sure. Do we care at all? No. I don’t always agree with the classics, but it’s the journey that you remember, not the destination. Before I embarked on my first road trip without him, my occasionally wise father told me this: if you’re thinking about getting there, you’re traveling, not road-tripping. This is either one of those really insightful messages or me glamorizing my dad’s words too much.

Essential Road Trip Gear: Will Price Aviators by Persol $259 Zinc Sunscreen by Babo Botanicals $22 Slippers by Derek Rose $195

Hunter D. Kelley, Associate Designer: 2018 Volvo V60 Polestar Wagon

Explain yourself: The combination of stealth and power.

Anything else to add? This is one of the coolest wagons out there due to its sleeper status. It has classic Volvo styling mixed with subtle high-performance hints that not everyone will pick up on. To most, it looks like a standard Volvo V60, but to me, those massive Brembo brakes and blue Polestar badge tell me everything I need to know. This is not your father’s wagon.

Where are you driving? NY to LA as fast as possible.

Best road trip snack? Pizza Combos.

First song on your road trip playlist? “One” by Metallica .

What’s your personal road trip philosophy? Speed when possible, but do so safely. Don’t forget to take in the sights.

Essential Road Trip Gear: Hunter Kelley Waze Free MacigMount by Scosche $18+

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Sell my car, car research, sign in, 6 of the best road trip cars, trucks, and suvs of 2022, if you're planning a road trip this summer, these are some of the best new vehicles for covering long distances and seeing the country..

Article QuickTakes:

• The best road trip car for the entire family
• Best road trip car for eating miles
• Here’s the best road trip vehicle for hauling and towing
• Environmentalists’ best road trip SUV

A road trip done well is a rite of passage, a great way to see the country while maintaining the freedom to explore whatever catches your eye along the way. Combine a fun itinerary with the right vehicle, and you've got a recipe for a good time over even the straightest highways.

Here are our picks for the best road trip cars, trucks, and SUVs you can buy in 2022.

The Best for the Path Less Traveled: Land Rover Defender 110

The Best for Back-Road Thrills: Lexus LC 500

Balancing a comfortable, opulent cabin with the kind of pleasing driving dynamics typically reserved for sports cars, the 2022  Lexus   LC 500 is a fantastic grand touring coupe that also provides the option of a convertible model. The LC 500 is one of the most beautifully styled autos on the market. Its eight-cylinder thrust and planted handling make it the perfect companion on road trips that eschew the dull confines of the interstate for the undulating ribbons of two-lane blacktop that connect us to our very souls.

The Best for the Entire Family: Kia Carnival

When it comes to family transportation, not much can beat a minivan, especially when it comes to filling all three rows with full-size adults. The  2022 Kia Carnival features one of the most opulent cabins in its class, with the availability of reclining middle-row seats and an upscale interior to go with its exceptional levels of interior storage and luggage space. If the entire clan is coming with you, a minivan is an ideal road-tripper, and the Carnival’s coddled cruising makes it one of the best road trip cars of 2022.

The Best for Eating Miles: Bentley Flying Spur

There are plenty of ultra-luxury sedans out there that will gracefully devour however many miles of tarmac you place in front of them. However, far fewer prioritize driver engagement as much as the 2022  Bentley Flying Spur.

Able to shift from lazy loping to focused frenzy with a kick of the right foot, the Flying Spur is the kind of car where you'll snatch the keys out of your chauffeur's hands when the roads start to get interesting.

The Best for Hauling and Towing: Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

What if you need to take the entire family with you… plus a pair of bicycles, a kayak, a bale of hay, and maybe tug a camping trailer to boot? The  2022 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel full-size pickup features a luxurious cabin plus a generous 2,300-pound payload and 12,750-lb max tow rating, making it one of the best road trip trucks of 2022. You'll also appreciate an air suspension that lowers the truck at speed, resulting in a highway fuel economy estimate as high as 33 mpg.

The Best for Road-Tripping Environmentalists: Tesla Model X

What if you wanted to cross the U.S. and not burn gasoline? Enter the  Tesla Model X midsize SUV, the largest model available from the pioneering, battery-electric carmaker. The X can seat up to seven and be driven an estimated 348 miles between charges. And thanks to Tesla's Supercharger network (with more than 35,000 chargers globally), it's also one of the most practical EVs for long-distance driving.

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These are the 5 Best Road Trip Cars of 2023

Road trips are a great way to explore new places, create memories, and escape from the daily routine. However, finding the best cars for your road trip can be challenging. From fuel efficiency and comfort to performance and safety, there are many factors to consider when choosing a road trip car.

Today, we’ll look at the five best road trip cars of 2023 and explore their features, performance, and overall value. We may help you choose the perfect vehicle for your next road trip.

Buckle up, and let’s get started!

What to Look for in Road Trip Cars

You must consider several factors to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. If you’re shopping for a vehicle, here are some things you should note when sitting in various cars.

Performance

A vehicle’s performance depends on its engine power and torque. You want to know that it will have sufficient ability to handle steep hills and mountainous terrains. Additionally, it should get up to cruising speed by the time you hit the end of the on-ramp to the interstate.

When a vehicle exceeds expectations regarding performance, you can enjoy a smoother and more enjoyable ride. You won’t have to worry about the car shaking or feeling like it’s about to fall apart. Drivers can enjoy better handling, acceleration, and fuel efficiency while maximizing comfort during their road trips.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a road trip vehicle. It can play a significant role in the overall cost of your trip. Fuel-efficient cars can save you time and money during a road trip, especially when traveling long distances or over several days. 

A fuel-efficient vehicle can help you travel farther on a gas tank. It allows you to cover more ground, explore more places, and spend less time at gas stations during your road trip. In addition, a fuel-efficient vehicle limits your impact on the environment while making priceless memories.

Stability is vital, especially if you value safety and comfort during your journey. A stable vehicle can provide better traction and handling, which can help prevent accidents and keep you and your passengers safe on the road.

Additionally, a smoother and more comfortable ride can reduce driver fatigue and make the journey more enjoyable. A stable vehicle can minimize the risk of accidents, whether driving on a winding mountain road or navigating a sudden rainstorm.

Safety is another thing to consider when choosing a road trip vehicle. A safe car can provide advanced features to help prevent accidents and minimize the risk of injury during a collision. By prioritizing safety when looking for cars, you and your passengers can be as secure as possible during your road trip.

A safe vehicle also can provide features like roadside assistance and GPS tracking. These are useful if you experience a breakdown or other emergencies. Blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and rearview cameras can help you navigate unfamiliar roads and reduce the risk of accidents while driving. By prioritizing safety, you can prepare for any situation that may arise during your trip.

How much space you have in a vehicle significantly impacts a vehicle’s comfort and convenience during your journey. A spacious car provides ample room for passengers and luggage while allowing everyone to stretch out and relax during long drives. It can accommodate all the gear and equipment you need for your road trips, whether camping gear, sporting equipment, or other essentials. 

Space is crucial not only for passengers and gear but also for creating a more enjoyable driving experience. A spacious vehicle can provide better visibility, allowing you to see the road ahead more clearly and react quickly to unexpected hazards. You won’t have to worry about your back window being full of gear and obstructing your vision.

HOT TIP Long drives aren’t easy. Check out these 10 Easy Ways to Make Road Trips Not Suck .

The 5 Best Road Trip Cars of 2023

If you’re planning to buy a vehicle and have a road trip in the future, we’ve found the best options. While there’s no one-size-fits-all option, there’s something to love about each of the ones we’ve seen. Let’s look at what we feel are the five best road trip cars of 2023.

1. Kia Telluride

Features: The Kia Telluride is a mid-size SUV with various features providing a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. It offers a spacious interior with enough room to seat eight passengers. In addition, there are advanced safety features drivers love; blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning.

You can also select a higher trim level. The Telluride offers luxury features like a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and a massive 10.25-inch touchscreen display.

Why It’s a Top Road Trip Car:  The Kia Telluride makes our list because it’s incredibly versatile and offers one of the most comfortable rides. You can enjoy a smooth driving experience on a busy interstate or during off-roading adventures. It also gets an impressive 20 mpg during city driving and 26 mpg on the highway.

Cost: Starting at $35,690 MSRP

2. Subaru Outback 

Features: The Subaru Outback is a popular mid-size crossover SUV. It comes standard with all-wheel drive, so you’ll have traction and stability in various driving conditions. Additionally, the adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking can help maximize safety while on your road trip.

With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, you can take the scenic route, even if it means some mild off-road conditions. However, drivers will love the additional power and performance if they choose the turbocharged engine.

Why It’s a Top Road Trip Car: The Outback offers 73 cubic feet of storage space to bring plenty of gear and supplies. However, one of the most standout features is the 18.5-gallon fuel tank and the 29 mpg during city driving and 33 mpg during highway driving. If most of your driving is on the highway, you can drive 600+ miles before stopping to fill the tank.

Cost: Starting at $28,395 MSRP

3. Toyota Prius

Features: Toyota has presented an all-new design for the Prius that will turn some heads. While it may look different than previous models, it has the same features and name drivers have come to trust.

You can find it in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. The 2.0L 4-cylinder engine creates shy of 200 horsepower. The weakest component of the Prius is its limited storage space, which is only 24 to 27 cubic feet. While you may have to leave some things behind on your road trip, the positives outweigh the negatives for the Prius.

Why It’s a Top Road Trip Car: While the Prius may not be roomy or loaded with storage, it makes up for it in efficiency. It may only hold nine gallons of gas, but it can go for more than 500 miles before filling it back up. Whether you plan to drive on the highway (57 mpg) or the city (56 mpg), it won’t require you to stop at the gas station constantly.

Cost: Starting at $27,450 MSRP

HOT TIP Fill up your tank and hit the road to one of these 10 Safe Travel Destinations for a Solo Road Trip .

4. Honda HR-V

Features: If you desire versatility, the Honda HR-V is about as versatile as it gets. One example is its “Magic Seat.” This allows an owner to adjust the seating configuration to accommodate cargo and passenger needs.

Additionally, an all-wheel drive option and spacious interior make this a contender as one of the best road trip cars of 2023. You can also enjoy peace of mind knowing that it has crucial safety features like blind-spot detection, cross-traffic monitoring, and backup object detection. 

Why It’s a Top Road Trip Car: The Honda HR-V gets 26 mpg during city driving and 32 mpg on the highway. However, it doesn’t just perform well; it looks good while doing it. The bold grille, sleek headlights, and sculpted body lines give it a sporty look and feel.

Cost: Starting at $23,800 MSRP

5. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4xe

Features: If you want to add more adventure and fun to your road trip, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4xe is the vehicle for you. You get 27.7 cubic feet of storage space and a powerful and capable motor. It has 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.

It also has some of the latest and greatest safety features to keep you safe during your adventures. One option no other vehicles have on our list is the forward-facing trail camera. This can allow you to easily see ahead and get a clear view of the trail to help avoid any hazardous situations.

Why It’s a Top Road Trip Car: The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4xe is a prime vehicle for an adventurous road trip. You can take your fun to the next level by removing the roof and doors. Let the wind blow through your hair.

In addition, the 4xe can travel up to 25 miles on electric power alone. Combining the gas engine and electric motor, fuel efficiency rockets up to 49 mpg in the city. You get the same fun experience but use much less fuel.

Cost: Starting at $61,000 MSRP

These Best Road Trip Cars Can Make Your Trip Memorable

Choosing the right road trip car can make a significant difference in the quality and enjoyment of your trip. Factors like fuel efficiency, storage capacity, and passenger comfort can all impact your overall experience.

By considering your specific needs and preferences, you can find a car that meets your requirements and enhances your road trip experience. Whether you prefer a compact car, a spacious SUV, or a luxurious sedan, the right road trip car can make your journey memorable.

Where will you go on your next road trip?

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The 13 Most Comfortable Cars Of 2023

Your car's interior can make or break the ownership experience, so finding a vehicle with the most comfortable accommodations is vital.

Audi of America, Inc. |

Treat Yourself to a Comfortable, Spacious New Car

It's easy to get excited about performance and tech when car shopping, but interior quality and comfort should be high on your list. Unfortunately, some new cars offer great tech and high-end finishes but fall short regarding comfort and legroom. We've gathered a list of the most comfortable cars to help you sort through the massive array of new vehicles.

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The cars on this list have ample space, quality cabin materials and accommodating design. Our lineup includes everything from hybrids to economy cars to luxury models. There's something for everyone, whether you need a modestly priced car or one that's plush and luxurious.

Please remember our reviews are constantly updated to reflect new data as it becomes available. As a result, the scores we use in this slideshow may differ from those you see elsewhere on our site.

Kia Motors America |

2023 Kia K5

$25,290 | usn interior score: 7.5/10 | overall score 8.3/10.

The Kia K5 is a surprisingly refined car with a stylish and supremely comfortable interior. Its cabin offers high-quality finishes and feels more expensive than the car's modest price tag suggests. Front-seat passengers have plenty of space, but the backseat could provide more headroom.

Standard features include cloth upholstery and folding rear seats, and the car is available with synthetic leather, heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Installing a car seat is straightforward, but the anchor points are deep in the seats.

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Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. |

2023 Toyota Camry

$26,220| usn interior score: 7.5/10 | overall score 8.2/10.

The Toyota Camry has long been one of the best-selling cars in the U.S., and it earned that status with solid reliability and a usable, comfortable interior. Cloth upholstery comes standard, and there's ample room across both rows of seating.

Higher trims add synthetic or genuine leather, but even the cloth upholstery in the base trim feels nice. You'll notice the hard plastic surfaces, but the cabin is still a pleasant place to spend time. You can upgrade the interior with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2023 Camry with a Good+ score (the highest rating) for its LATCH system of car-seat connectors, meaning it’s easy to install and uninstall car seats.

More on the 2023 Toyota Camry

• See 2023 Toyota Camry Photos  »
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2023 Kia Forte

$19,490| usn interior score: 7.6/10 | overall score 7.8/10.

Kia is known for value, and the Forte is a stellar example of its prowess on the lower end of the price spectrum. Though it incorporates some hard plastics, the Forte's cabin is handsome and solidly crafted overall, providing an appealing haven for passengers.

The Forte's five-seat cabin provides plenty of space and comfortable seating with standard cloth upholstery. Kia offers synthetic leather and split-folding rear seats as optional upgrades. While some affordable cars cut costs on seat padding and comfort, the Forte has well-padded, supportive buckets up front and a surprisingly comfortable bench in the back. The car comes with two complete LATCH sets in the second row. The IIHS noted that even though they’re placed deep in the seats, these tethers are easy to locate and attach.

More on the 2023 Kia Forte

• See 2023 Kia Forte Photos  »
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Volkswagen of America, Inc. |

2023 Volkswagen Arteon

$43,010| usn interior score: 7.7/10 | overall score 8.3/10.

The Arteon is a super-stylish sedan with a comfortable interior and gobs of cargo space, but its cabin quality doesn't quite live up to the billing. Front-seat passengers enjoy deep, well-padded buckets and good visibility, but taller adults may feel the pinch in back. The Arteon's sloped roof cuts into headroom, and can cramp some people. It also makes loading and unloading cars seats harder, as the top of the door opening slopes down. The IIHS found that installing car seats could also be difficult, noting that the anchors are too deep in the seat.

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2023 Polestar 2

$48,400 | usn interior score: 7.7/10 | overall score 8.3/10.

The Polestar 2 builds on Volvo's legacy of fantastic interior design with a clean, Scandinavian look and wonderfully comfortable accommodations. Premium-feeling cloth upholstery comes standard, and buyers can upgrade to leather. The heated front buckets are spacious and comfortable for even taller adults, while the outer back seats are almost as comfy. Though it's billed as a five-seater, the Polestar 2's middle back seat isn't as comfortable as many others.

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2023 Audi A4

$40,300 | usn interior score: 7.7/10 | overall score 8.7/10.

Audi's interiors are generally at or near the top of their classes, and the A4 is no exception. Its spacious accommodations can carry four adults without issue, and leather upholstery comes standard, along with heated front seats. buyers can upgrade with ventilated front seats or sport buckets, but the standard accommodations are just fine. The IIHS awarded the A4 a "Good" score for its easy LATCH car seat installation.

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Hyundai Motor America |

2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

$27,950| usn interior score: 7.8/10 | overall score 8.6/10.

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is efficient and practical, and its interior is a comfortable place for up to five people. The standard cloth upholstery feels nice and remains comfortable on longer trips, and higher trims add leather, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a rear center armrest.

The front buckets offer good space and good outward visibility, while the back seats are surprisingly spacious. The top LATCH car seat anchors are easy to use, but lower attachment points are located too deeply in the seats.

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American Honda Motor Co., Inc. |

2023 Honda Civic

$25,050| usn interior score: 8.0/10 | overall score 8.7/10.

The Honda Civic is one of the best-selling and most popular cars on sale today. It effortlessly blends fun, style, and practicality, and it's a surprisingly comfortable small family hauler.

Cloth upholstery comes standard and leather is available, but even the basic accommodations make the car feel premium inside. The front buckets are spacious, supportive, and plenty comfortable. Back-seat passengers get a comfy bench, but headroom can be tight for adults. That makes the Civic's back seat best reserved for kids, and the IIHS said it offers one of the easier-to-use LATCH systems around.

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2023 Audi A5

$44,600| usn interior score: 8.1/10 | overall score 8.6/10.

The Audi A5 is a fun-to-drive luxury car with striking style. Its interior is every bit as premium and plush as Audi's more expensive vehicles.

Leather upholstery comes standard, along with heated front seats. The front buckets are deep and supportive, and the available sport seats give the car a racy feel that others can't match. They are also available with partial suede upholstery and a massaging feature.

Both rows of seats offer good space, including the back. That said, the car's stylish sloping roof cuts into rear headroom. Audi offers coupe and convertible configurations that aren't as accommodating, but adults can still ride comfortably.

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Genesis Motor America |

2023 Genesis G80

$50,000| usn interior score: 8.1/10 | overall score 8.4/10.

Genesis hasn't set a foot wrong in the past few years, as its sedans and SUVs offer incredible standard features, styling, and plush interiors. The G80 is a solid midsize luxury car with nice finishes and plenty of space inside. Beyond the wonderful cabin accents in real wood, leather, and aluminum, the G80's front seats offer great room and cushioning. The rear seat is just as spacious and comfortable, and can be upgraded with rear power sunshades. Genesis sell an Electrified G80 as well, but its battery packs cut into rear headroom. Installing car seats is relatively easy, though the lower anchors are deep in the seat.

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2023 Audi A6

$55,900| usn interior score: 8.1/10 | overall score 8.3/10.

The Audi A6 is a long-running midsize luxury car, and its interior lives up to the premium billing with fantastic materials and space. Leather upholstery is standard, along with heated seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Audi offers two high-end leather upgrades, ventilated seats, massage and more.

Both rows bring good space and nicely padded seats, but some A6 rivals offer more interior space. Adults can ride in the back on long trips without problem, and the A6 has decent rear legroom. The car's large rear door openings and conveniently located LATCH anchors make installing car seats a breeze.

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2023 Audi A7

$70,200| usn interior score: 8.1/10 | overall score 9.0/10.

Audi's A7 is a fantastic large luxury car that comes with a range of powerful engines and surprisingly sharp handling. Its interior is also a wonderful place to spend time with nice materials and good space. The five-seat A7 comes standard with leather upholstery, but Audi offers two ultra-premium leather upgrades, including Valcona and Milano hides.

There's good room across both rows of seating, and the back bench brings solid headroom and legroom. The car's eye-catching and dramatically sloping roofline eats into headroom and can make fitting a car seat challenging, but the LATCH anchor points earned top marks for ease of use.

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DANIEL KRAUS |

2023 BMW i7

$102,310| usn interior score: 8.4/10 | overall score 8.9/10.

The brand-new i7 is BMW's electric flagship sedan, and it brings interior finishes and space to justify that billing. Both rows of seating have good room, and the standard Merino leather is soft and premium. Heated and ventilated front seats, memory seats, heated rear seats, soft-close doors, and a heated steering wheel come standard.

BMW offers several upgrades for the i7's lavish cabin, including an Alcantara headliner, ventilated massaging rear seats, a power-adjustable footrest, and a rear center controls. Car seats fit without issue, and the rear outboard seats offer easy installation anchor points.

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U.S. News and World Report |

More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report

Did these plush and comfortable cars get you excited about car shopping? When you're Explore our new car rankings , where you can see which models deserve a spot on your shopping list.

The deals that we list can save you a tremendous amount of money, and our U.S. News Best Price Program can save you even more. By connecting shoppers who want to buy or lease a new car with local dealers, it offers a significant savings with pre-negotiated prices, home delivery and online sales options.

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Next Article

Best Commuter Cars in 2024

Most Comfortable Car

• 2023 Kia K5: $25,290 | USN Interior Score: 7.5/10 | Overall Score 8.3/10
• 2023 Toyota Camry: $26,220| USN Interior Score: 7.5/10 | Overall Score 8.2/10
• 2023 Kia Forte: $19,490| USN Interior Score: 7.6/10 | Overall Score 7.8/10
• 2023 Volkswagen Arteon: $43,010| USN Interior Score: 7.7/10 | Overall Score 8.3/10
• 2023 Polestar 2: $48,400 | USN Interior Score: 7.7/10 | Overall Score 8.3/10
• 2023 Audi A4: $40,300 | USN Interior Score: 7.7/10 | Overall Score 8.7/10
• 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: $27,950| USN Interior Score: 7.8/10 | Overall Score 8.6/10
• 2023 Honda Civic: $25,050| USN Interior Score: 8.0/10 | Overall Score 8.7/10
• 2023 Audi A5: $44,600| USN Interior Score: 8.1/10 | Overall Score 8.6/10
• 2023 Genesis G80: $50,000| USN Interior Score: 8.1/10 | Overall Score 8.4/10
• 2023 Audi A6: $55,900| USN Interior Score: 8.1/10 | Overall Score 8.3/10
• 2023 Audi A7: $70,200| USN Interior Score: 8.1/10 | Overall Score 9.0/10
• 2023 BMW i7: $102,310| USN Interior Score: 8.4/10 | Overall Score 8.9/10

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Best Cars for Your Road Trip

CR's experts highlight the best long-distance haulers for individuals, small groups, and large families

At CR, we think the best cars for road trips are the same ones that are great for everyday driving. They have lots of usable cargo space, a comfortable ride, and key safety technology, and they get great gas mileage. Lately, many vehicles that meet these criteria are hybrids. Today’s versions are bigger and more practical for more uses, while still offering significant fuel savings over their gas-only counterparts. Many also offer active driver assistance technology that can make driving less stressful. The Lexus RX450h and Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Sienna can even tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped—enough to haul a small camper.

@consumerreports Here are great long-distance haulers for individuals, small groups, and large families. For ratings and reviews, visit cr.org/cars 🚙. #cartok #carsoftiktok #roadtrip ♬ original sound - Consumer Reports

Room for One (or Two)

Three's comfortable, for the whole family.

Editor’s Note:  This article also appeared in the July 2022 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

Keith Barry

Keith Barry has been an auto reporter at Consumer Reports since 2018. He focuses on safety, technology, and the environmental impact of cars. Previously, he led home and appliance coverage at Reviewed; reported on cars for USA Today, Wired, and Car & Driver; and wrote for other publications as well. Keith earned a master’s degree in public health from Tufts University. Follow him on Twitter @itskeithbarry .

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Sell my car, car research, sign in, 6 best suvs for road trips, whether you're bound for grandma's house or the family adventure of a lifetime, the best suvs for road trips add next-level enjoyment to your journey..

Article QuickTakes:

Bronco Sport

Lincoln navigator, kia telluride, lamborghini urus, volkswagen id.4.

Whether you're headed to grandma's house for the holidays or you're embarking on the family adventure of a lifetime, the best SUVs for road trips can make your journey more enjoyable, while the wrong SUV can make your road trip less than bearable.

In compiling the below list, we took several factors into consideration, including:

4WD/AWD: Each of the vehicles below includes either four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive to help ensure your road trip won't be impeded by rough roads or weather

Entertainment: Many of the best SUVs for road trips have either Apple CarPlay compatibility and/or advanced entertainment systems such as Fire TV

Driver assistance: To be included in the list below, the SUV must have an advanced driver safety suite featuring lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control

Read on to explore some of the best SUVs for road trips.

The Mazda CX-9 is a family favorite for road trips, both long and short. With three rows of seating, all-wheel drive, and Wi-Fi capability, the CX-9 can handle your crew's trip with aplomb. The radar cruise control with stop and go technology will help to alleviate exhaustion for the driver, and the foot-activated liftgate eases loading and unloading. Despite its large size and room for seven seats, the AWD CX-9 gets an EPA-estimated 20/26 mpg city/highway. With a five-Star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+, the CX-9 has your safety in mind.

If your road trip involves more gravel than pavement, consider the Bronco Sport. As the smaller of the two 4x4 Bronco SUVs, the Bronco Sport offers excellent ground clearance, a front off-road camera for help navigating rough terrain, and the ability to wade through water up to 23.6 inches deep. That's not to say the Bronco Sport isn't civilized. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto power the 8-inch touchscreen, while Ford's Amazon Alexa integration and SiriusXM satellite radio should keep you rocking wherever you are. Road trips like this are bound to get dirty, so the Bronco Sport includes washable rubber floor mats and a wet-cargo storage area under the rear passenger seat. The EcoBoost engine helps the Bronco Sport achieve its EPA-estimated 25/28 mpg city/highway.

The Lincoln Navigator is rated to be one of the most desirable road trip cars, according to Esquire, due to its combination of upscale comfort and sophisticated technology. The Navigator features ActiveGlide, which is Lincoln's driver-assistance system that's loaded with features. It includes adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane centering, and speed sign recognition—but where it shines is on the 130,000 miles included in Lincoln's blue zone. This is where the hands-free technology can take over while an in-car camera monitors the driver's eye and head position to ensure the drive is still getting human attention.

Up to eight passengers can enjoy Fire TV and Prime Video, or they can plug in their entertainment using the HDMI, USB Type C, or SD outlets. The Navigator can also tow up to 8,300 lbs., though it has a bit less fuel efficiency than others on this list, at an EPA-estimated 17 mpg combined.

If value is on your road trip checklist, the Kia Telluride is a great option, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg. Named the "Best 3-Row SUV for Families" by U.S. News & World Report, the Telluride stands out for comfort, technology, and reliability ratings. The Telluride can make for a harmonious ride for up to eight people on the road with in-car wireless entertainment, automatic braking, and teen driver controls. With 46 cu.-ft. of cargo room and hands-free cargo doors, you can load in everything you need or tow it along using the Telluride's 5,000-lb standard towing capacity. Features like Downhill Brake Control (DBC), Snow and AWD Lock drive settings make all conditions perfect for a road trip.

If making a statement is a part of the plan, consider the Lamborghini Urus. Flashy on the outside, comfy and impressive on the inside, an Urus road trip will undoubtedly be Instagram-worthy. Powered by a twin-turbocharged V8, the Urus goes from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds. Though it sacrifices fuel efficiency for performance, at an EPA-estimated 14 mpg, permanent AWD and active torque vectoring keep you perfectly grounded. The Urus' cockpit may look more like a flight deck than an automobile, but the word is that a luxury SUV can't fly just yet. But it can tow up to 7,000 lbs., and you can even pop it into track mode to thrill your occupants. Whatever you do, make sure you say it correctly. It's Ou-Russ .

Road tripping in an electric vehicle (EV) can be satisfying, not to mention cost-effective, but careful planning, active monitoring, and often a healthy dose of patience are EV road trip prerequisites. If you have what it takes, consider the ID.4. With a spacious, comfortable, light-flooded cabin, the ID.4 seats four occupants comfortably. The all-wheel-drive models have a range of 249 miles per charge, and 99 miles per gallon-equivalent (MPGe). VW also provides three years of fast-charging with Electrify America for free. Rear-seat passengers have two USB-C charging ports, and the panoramic glass roof stretches over the entire length of the cabin. Nighttime driving can be fun with ambient lighting featuring 10-color flexibility.

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Budget And Invest

15 Best Family Cars for Road Trips on a Budget

Posted: January 1, 2024 | Last updated: January 1, 2024

There is nothing like hitting the road; the only destination is adventure and fun. Road trips used to be boring, but with all the fun features cars offer, traveling could be the most fun part of the trip. Where are we going, everyone? Well, with these vehicle options, the possibilities are endless.

1. Toyota Sienna

Toyota may have created the ultimate family road trip vehicle when it launched the new Sienna. It has the looks of a sports utility vehicle so that the dads can feel a little more at ease behind the wheel. With features like kick-to-open and close sliding doors and hatches, you can be hands-free when stocking up for the road. Your family will love the multiple climate control cabins and the numerous USB ports for charging your tablets. This vehicle does it all and can add bike and cargo racks for extra storage.

2. Toyota Highlander

Toyota might make a couple of appearances on the list as it is known for getting people out on the road, ready to explore the great big world. Families will enjoy the third-row seating that can be removed for extra storage space if needed. The truck has all the entertainment and navigation options to keep you on track and free from boredom on the road. Safety features like lane departure and blind spot monitoring will give you peace of mind and comfort on your long journey.

3. Kia Telluride

Kia has always been known for their reliable and safe compact cars. Seeing them come out with a full-size family sports utility vehicle was a surprise. This rig is awesome. Not only do you get the standard safety features that you have come to love from Kia, like forward collision avoidance and blind spot monitoring. But you will also get 6 USB ports for the three-row seating. A rear entertainment system with separate remotes and a navigation system to keep you from getting lost. Talk about one sweet ride.

4. Hyundai Palisade

The sister of the Kia Telluride from Hyundai’s parent company is also a road tripper’s dream ride. The sport utility vehicle can comfortably seat up to eight people and is fully equipped with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Plus, it comes with the standard 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty that Hyundai is known for. Sounds like they have everything covered next time you need to hit that open road.

5. Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan has made one of the smoothest rides in the large sports utility vehicle category. One look at this rugged truck, and you might fall in love. The thing can fit 8 people, tow up to 6,000 pounds, all while enjoying Wi-Fi and watching your favorite movies on the DVD player (yes, some people still own DVDs). Nothing will get in the way of you and your adventure in the new Nissan Pathfinder.

6. Kia Carnival

The Carnival was once the Kia Sedona, the brand’s minivan. The only thing that has really changed is the name. The minivan is spacious, even with the third-row seating. Drivers can feel safe knowing their van is set up with lane trace assist and automatic emergency braking. Passengers can relax in the climate-controlled cabin with numerous USB ports for their devices.

7. Chrysler Pacifica

Chrysler has brought the idea of the road trip to another level. The new model has Amazon Fire TV as part of its cabin’s entertainment package. You heard that right: sit back and stream your favorite TV shows and movies without carrying your devices with you. There is also a hybrid model for those looking to save some gas. Are we in the future? It feels like this is the future.

8. Honda Odyssey

Honda has been making their reliable minivan for many decades, and this year’s model is no different. Honda will continue to get kids to and from soccer practice in style with the new Odyssey. Safe, spacious, and full of all the tech gadgets a family needs, this minivan is a solid choice for families. Whatever you need in a minivan, this model has got. Get on down to your Honda dealership now.

9. Buick Enclave

Buick has made some serious strides in manufacturing family vehicles. I always thought they were rich CEO cars you would only find at the fancy country clubs. All the safety features, like automatic braking and lane departure, come standard. The coolest feature might be the front seats that have a massage feature. How cool is that? After all, Mom and Dad need a nice massage on the way home from hauling the kids around.

10. Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevy Traverse is the brand’s newest third-row seating sports utility vehicle. Some cooler specifications of the Traverse are the numerous USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a rear entertainment system. WI-Fi hot spots and a Bose sound system round up everything else there is to like on this road warrior.

11. Ford Explorer

Ever since 2021, the Ford Explorer has been available in a hybrid model. This is a terrific feature for one of the larger sports utility vehicles on the market. No safety features were sparred on the new Explorer. You want it, it has it. Lane departure warning, automatic braking, forward collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert make this truck as safe as can be. Don’t worry; it’s also fun to drive with every entertainment option offered as well.

12. Subaru Outback

Much smaller than all of the other vehicles mentioned, the Outback may only seat five passengers, but it is ready for anything the road throws at it. It’s like an homage to the station wagons of the 70s and 80s, and I’m sure your parents will remember those days. Load up the roof rack with all your camping needs because this all-wheel drive vehicle will get you off the grid in no time.

13. Ford F-150

If you and your family are serious adventures, you might need a truck capable of hauling all your toys. The F-150 can do just that and more. Load up your toy hauler, camper, boat, or whatever else you need for a weekend of fun. This truck will pull it anywhere. This is also not your grandpa’s truck anymore. Enjoy the spacious, climate-controlled cabin with WI-FI hot spots and all the entertainment you need until you arrive at your destination.

14. Toyota Prius

Who said a road trip vehicle had to be huge and roomy? What if you are a family of three or a family of two with a dog? If that is the case, then a Prius might be your best option. We all know about the fuel economy, but we might not realize how much room the newer models have. Fold down the back seat for extra cargo space or to let your dog stretch out and nap on the long roads. The cars have navigation and Bluetooth to keep you entertained while traveling.

15. Cadillac Escalade

The epitome of class, Cadillac will have you navigating the open road in style. Do you like heated and cooling seats? The Escalade has them. Do you like sleek displays and advanced safety features? Yeah, The Escalade has them. All the bells and whistles are in this bad boy. While not exactly a budget car, it certainly gives plenty of bang for your buck.

Source: NewsWeek. Source: ReadersDigest.

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Road Trip Essentials: The Best Tech and Gadgets, According to Experts

The experts at Good Housekeeping have tested and reviewed some of the best travel electronics and tech gadgets on the market. Here are some of the picks that will make your next road trip more memorable.

More Road Trip Gear: Best Driving Sunglasses | Best Travel Luggage | Road Trip Toolbox

Our Top Picks

Best Travel Portable Coffee Maker

Cera+ portable electric coffee maker.

Best Travel Wi-Fi Hotspot

Verizon mifi 6620l jetpack 4g lte mobile hotspot.

Best Travel Dash Cam

Garmin dash cam 57.

Best Travel Gadget Cooler

Koolatron thermoelectric iceless cooler and warmer.

Best Travel Gadget Radar Detector

Escort max 360 mkii radar and laser detector.

Best Travel Action Camera

Gopro hero9.

Best Travel Electronics Organizer

Bubm electronics organizer.

Best Travel Gadget for Portable Power

Anker 325 power bank.

Best Travel Gadget Charging Cord

Rolling square keychain charger cable.

Best Travel Mug

Ember travel mug.

We all have our own ideas about what tech we need and which gadgets and devices we enjoy, so the Gear Team could have simply thrown together a list of some of our favorites. But Good Housekeeping has been testing and evaluating products for over a century, and its testing has become an industry standard. So we hit up our colleagues over at the Good Housekeeping Institute to make sure we weren't missing anything.

Relying on the expertise of the Gear Team and the testing acumen of Good Housekeeping, here are some of the Best Travel Gadgets and Tech for your next road-trip adventure.

Note: Road & Track has paraphrased Good Housekeeping 's findings to reflect our purposes here; we have omitted some of the Institute's non-automotive selections and included other products more suited for our car-loving audience.

The Best Road Trip Gadgets & Tech

Don't settle for whatever truck-stop cup of joe you come across while on the road. The CERA+ portable coffee maker will allow you to indulge your inner coffee snob wherever you are. It can perform cold or warm brews, and its rechargeable battery allows you to make several cups, no matter the type of coffee you choose.

Wi-Fi on your road trip can be a game changer. For those who lack the luxury of integrated Wi-Fi found on many newer cars, the Jetpack allows Verizon customers to connect up to 15 devices to their personal Wi-Fi network in more than 200 countries. During Good Housekeeping’s testing, the battery showed impressive all-day life. As a plus, it includes an extra USB port for charging other devices.

Dash cams can be a fantastic tool for recovering damages, beating tickets, or recording incredible situations. The Garmin 57 mini dash cam takes the functionality up a notch with a Swiss Army knife–like list of features. It can record in 1440p and features incident detection, forward-collision and lane-departure warnings, and a cool option that lets you turn hours of driving into a time-lapse video. Best of all, it measures just about 1.0 by 2.0 inches.

Staying hydrated and keeping your appetite at bay while on the road can be tough if gas-station jerky and drive-thru fare aren't your thing. Koolatron 's thermoelectric cooler and warmer plugs into your vehicle's 12-volt outlet and keeps the contents as cool as 40 degrees Fahrenheit and as warm as 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The 18-quart version can hold up to 23 standard soft-drink cans; the much larger 45-quart version is ideal for families.

Even if you don't consider yourself much of a speeder, having an additional layer of protection against hefty fines is a wise move. The Escort MAX 360 will keep you covered, just in case you lose track of your speed over hours of cruising. It's loaded with features, including dual antennas for increased range, 360-degree awareness, an easy-to-use app, and many more we don't have the space to list here.

GoPro has been offering compact action cameras since 2004, and the HERO9 is perfect for road-tripping. It's durable and waterproof up to 33 feet, allowing you to take it with you just about anywhere. It shoots in 5K so you're guaranteed sharp, high-quality memories once your trip is over. GoPro also offers an array of accessories for attaching it to a helmet, your chest, your car—even a toddler.

Keep your wires and other small gear organized with this neat-looking organizer from BUBM . It comes in ten different colors, and the testers at Good Housekeeping loved the compact fold-flat shape and zipper enclosures.

Charging ports can be a point of contention in cars and trucks, particularly when a family is on the road for extended periods. This Anker portable battery will help nip back-seat fisticuffs in the bud. The 20,000 mAh Li-ion battery allows you to charge up to two devices at a time via dual USB-A ports, and it can be recharged through either its micro-USB or USB-C ports.

Rolling Square's keychain charger is the perfect accessory to keep alongside your keys or in your glovebox. It offers multiple outputs and inputs including USB-C, USB-A, micro-USB, and even a lightning port for your iPhone. It complements the Anker portable battery above very nicely.

When you're on the road for hours on end, a warm beverage can be key in getting your body's motor started and keeping it going. This travel mug from Ember won't just keep your beverage warm, it will keep it exactly the temperature you prefer. The temperature can be controlled from an app on your phone, and its two-hour battery life can be extended by placing it on its charging coaster.

Apple AirTag

Many are already familiar with the invaluable functionality that Apple 's tiny tracker provides. It can be used to track anything from your valuables to your luggage and even your car, right from your phone. It does require you to use Apple's digital ecosystem, but its overall functionality could just be enough to convert Android users. Its one-year battery lifespan makes it an easy set-and-forget tool.

JACO ElitePro Digital Tire Pressure Gauge

Before and after long drives, it's important to keep tabs on your tires, as they are the only thing keeping you and your family on the road. Investing in a quality tire pressure gauge is key, especially if you drive an older car that doesn't come equipped with a tire-pressure monitoring system. JACO 's gauge is calibrated accurately to professional ANSI 2A standards and offers a full lifetime warranty.

Leatherman Wave Plus Multitool

If you don't already carry a good multitool, it's about time you do. The Wave Plus from Leatherman is a handy everyday tool for popping bottle tops, tightening screws, opening packaging, and a plethora of other odd jobs. Out on the road, it's great for small inconveniences and quick fixes, such as replacing burnt-out bulbs, tightening hose clamps, or whatever other mishaps may arise.

DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone Bundle

This DJI camera drone will elevate your ability to log your road-trip memories. When you're no longer limited to the ground, the photo and video opportunities you'll realize are pretty vast. The GH Institute testers loved that it can fold away into a compact carrying case and lauded its sharp picture quality. The included Fly More Kit opens up the potential to capture professional-quality aerial shots of your car ripping through the twisties. It includes spare batteries, chargers, parts, and more.

DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Gimbal Stabilizer

The DJI Osmo gimbal is a nice piece of kit to keep handy if you’re even remotely serious about capturing solid images of you and your flock while out on the road. Even if you're solo-tripping, it's an excellent way to capture photos or videos of your car in action. During testing, the gimbal held the phone stable and has a nice feature that allows it to rotate in a single sweeping motion. The magnetic clamp attaches easily to almost any phone.

Reliefband Classic Wristband for Motion Sickness

Lots of us are burdened with the unfortunate affliction known as carsickness. This can get pretty messy on long drives, particularly if you have little ones prone to nausea. The Reliefband is a drug-free remedy to general motion sickness. If it really works—and most users claim it does—it's definitely worth it.

Bose QuietComfort OverEar Headphones

If you plan to spend many hours in a packed car, you will inevitably be met with conflict when everyone disagrees on what to fill your collective ears with. These noise-canceling cans from Bose provide a convenient solution, allowing your passengers to escape to their own audio reality for a bit. Testers found them very comfortable over extended periods and really appreciated being able to switch between Quiet and Aware modes to filter outside noise.

Caveat: No matter how tempting it may be to drown out the world around you, and despite settings that allow you to control ambient noise, we don't recommend over-ear cans like these while driving. Opt for a pair of AirPods or earbuds , if you must—but be advised, state laws vary on their use behind the wheel.

How do I determine which items are essential to my trip?

A good rule, particularly with gadgets, is if you can't name around two-thirds of the buttons on your device, you probably won't use it (or at least to its fullest potential). Carry only what you might need and use.

I'm new to road-tripping. Will all these gadgets be daunting?

Some gadgets like a DJI drone can indeed have somewhat steep learning curves. We recommend trying out your gadgets at home to familiarize yourself with their features and controls. Apps are a requirement for some gadgets, so having those pre-loaded onto your phone can save time and hassle.

Can I buy stuff on the road?

Lots of gear can be a hassle to keep track of, so sometimes it is more efficient to forgo some of the less essential pieces and just pick them up as you need them. Rechargeable electronics are a great solution—they keep working and alleviate the need to carry around or purchase extra batteries.

Why Trust Good Housekeeping ?

The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing products and providing expert reviews and advice on all types of travel gear in their labs, from luggage trackers and noise-canceling headphones to drones and mobile hotspots. The gadgets chosen for this list were evaluated by product testing analyst Selina Tedesco and updated by media and tech reviews analyst Olivia Lipski .

Why Trust Hearst Autos?

Hearst Autos combines the talent, resources, and expertise of three of the largest, most influential automotive publications in the world. We get our hands on each and every product we test. Most are purchased; some are supplied by manufacturers. If we're unable to test a product or category ourselves, we'll sometimes turn to noted experts such as the Good Housekeeping Institute .

Hearst Autos doesn't need to game SEO algorithms for traffic or promote lousy products to earn a buck. We're far more concerned with our legacy, our reputation, and the trust that our readers have in Autoweek , Car and Driver , and Road & Track to deliver honest opinions and expert evaluations. Read more about our product testing and evaluation process here .

The Assistant Commerce Editor for Hearst Autos, Justin Helton is an enthusiast with a passion for heavily depreciated autos and a penchant for philosophical debate. As a lifelong Manhattanite, he has mastered the ins and outs of classic car ownership in one of the least car-friendly cities in the world.

Rachel Rothman was the chief technologist and executive technical director of the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 15 years , overseeing testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all GH Labs. She also managed GH's research division and the analysis of applicants for the GH Seal and all other testing emblems. 

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You asked, we answered: Your questions about electric vehicles

Camila Domonoske

If you're thinking about getting an electric vehicle, you're not alone.

People in the U.S. buy more than a million new cars every month, and as of March, less than 10% of those are electric vehicles. But more than half of car shoppers are at least considering battery-powered cars and SUVs, according to multiple studies .

And shoppers have lots of questions. In January, The Sunday Story, an NPR podcast, asked listeners for their EV questions. More than 60 listeners sent in queries, and The Sunday Story and Life Kit teamed up to answer them. The listener questions have been edited for length and clarity.

Are EVs truly better for the planet, even with mining for batteries and fossil-fuel -based electricity to charge them? (This was the No. 1 question asked by our listeners.)

The answer is yes . Many researchers have confirmed it , and online tools let you compare the impacts for yourself. One of the most recent analyses comes from Corey Cantor with the energy research company BloombergNEF, who headlined his report last month: "No Doubt About It: EVs Really Are Cleaner Than Gas Cars."

"Big picture, moving away from spewing more CO2 into the atmosphere is a good thing for the climate," he says. And the environmental benefits of EVs are getting bigger over time as grids get cleaner.

The Electric Car Race! Vroom, Vroom!

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Is it better from an environmental standpoint to buy an electric vehicle now, or keep driving the gas car you have until you need a new car? –Ali Mercural, Portland, Ore.

For the climate, there's a strong case for switching now.

Yes, creating that new EV — getting the materials to build it from scratch — is resource-intensive. But the climate impact of a gas-powered car increases every single day you drive it.

To be precise, more than 85% of a gas-powered vehicle's lifetime emissions come from using the car, not from building the car. That's according to researchers at Argonne National Laboratory. And that means the new EV, despite its manufacturing costs, will be cleaner over time.

Jessika Trancik , a professor at the Institute for Data, Systems and Society at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, suggests taking the long view on decisions like these. Think not just about emissions right now but over the entire time you'll own a vehicle.

"Generally speaking, switching to that electric vehicle is going to provide a benefit over the lifetime of the car," she says.

I'm not proud, but I've run out of gas twice in my life. Luckily, I had friends nearby to bring me a gallon of gas. What would happen if I ran out of charge in an EV? Would a tow truck come to charge me up? How long would that take? And how embarrassing would that be? –Robin Rzechula, Chicago

We can't promise it won't be embarrassing, but a tow truck could tow you to a charger. In some cities, AAA will bring a mobile charger to you.

Overall, charging is a different experience than fueling up. With a combustion engine, you have to regularly make a stop at a gas station to fill up. With an EV, for daily driving, most people charge at home overnight – which drivers frequently cite as a major perk of EV ownership. (This does require the ability to charge at home).

For road trips, on the other hand, many parts of the country still have limited availability of fast chargers, which are high-speed chargers designed for use in the middle of a trip. Charger speeds and reliability at public charging stations vary, and charging takes much longer than filling up at a gas station.

So charging takes less work day-to-day, but more planning on long trips. Map out chargers on your route so you won't find yourself calling AAA.

Does leasing an electric car come with the same perks (like tax rebates) as buying an electric car? –Hallie Andrews, Washington, D.C.

The same or better.

There's a federal $7,500 tax credit for purchasing an EV, now available as an up-front credit toward the cost of the car. But the list of vehicles that qualify is short because of requirements meant to support U.S. jobs and supply chains. Buyers also have to be under an income cap.

Leased electric vehicles all qualify for a $7,500 credit – no matter where they're built, with no income cap. Check your lease paperwork to confirm that the credit is being fully passed along to you.

Efforts underway to make cities more EV-friendly

Wouldn't it be better to design cities around mass transit and use mass transit than get everyone to convert to electric vehicles? – Thomas Guffey, Los Angeles

Yes, designing cities to encourage mass transit – and to make them more walkable and bikeable – has a lower carbon footprint than relying on electric vehicles, in addition to other benefits . Electric bikes also have a fraction of the environmental footprint of EVs.

Switching to EVs is an important part of fighting climate change, but far from the only change that needs to happen.

The digital story was edited by Malaka Gharib. The visual editor is Beck Harlan. We'd love to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9823, or email us at [email protected].

Listen to Life Kit on Apple Podcasts and Spotify , and sign up for our newsletter .

• Life Kit: Sustainability
• electric vehicles
• electric vehicle
• mass transit

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Road trip nation! 73% of Americans prefer traveling by car for vacations

NEW YORK —  If you enjoy spending time on the open road, you’re far from alone.  A recent poll of 2,000 American drivers reveals that a whopping 73% prefer cars as their go-to mode of transportation for vacation getaways. So, what is it about road trips that make them so irresistible?

According to the survey, commissioned by Michelin for Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April and conducted by OnePoll, the most enjoyable part of road trips are seeing new landscapes (50%). Beyond the scenery, the best road trip aspects include listening to music (43%), getting a break from routine (26%), and enjoying the feeling of driving (25%).

With all that in mind, it’s understandable why only 22% of respondents opt to fly rather than drive when going on a trip.

Among those who have ever gone on a road trip, 43% consider themselves experienced, while 21% boldly label themselves as expert-level road trippers . On average, these seasoned travelers have embarked on an impressive 16 road trips in their lifetime. When it comes to driving responsibilities, 45% prefer to take the wheel, 22% prefer to let someone else drive, and 28% enjoy splitting the role.

Safety is a top priority for road trippers, with their biggest concerns being having a safe and reliable car (35%), traffic (32%), staying alert and awake (28%), and being aware of dangerous drivers (27%). To stay alert on long drives, respondents rely on listening to music, audiobooks, and podcasts (57%), talking to someone else in the car (57%), and drinking coffee or energy drinks (52%). Additionally, 68% have a check-in schedule to let friends or family know they’re safe, with 22% checking in halfway through the drive and 20% sending a check-in text or call every two hours.

Of course, road trips aren’t without their annoyances. For those who have taken a road trip or long drive in the last five years, losing cell service (36%), needing to make frequent bathroom stops (35%), and passengers asking, “Are we there yet?” (27%) rank as their biggest pet peeves. Even more concerning, 37% of road trippers have experienced what they’d call a road trip nightmare, ranging from flat tires and broken-down cars to accidents and treacherous weather conditions.

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, 93% of long-distance drivers agree that knowing their car is safe and reliable allows them to be fully present and make more memories on the trip. In fact, 79% of road trippers prefer to have their car inspected before hitting the road, either by themselves or by a professional. A staggering 95% will check their tires for nails, tread depth, and tire pressure, while 94% say it’s a high priority to have a reliable car when embarking on a road trip.

As Russell Shepherd, technical communications director of Michelin North America, puts it, “Sometimes, a little preparation can go a long way, especially with road trips. The best trips and vacations include a safety plan. As all drivers and road trippers know, you need to account for unexpected bumps in the road. If you know you have a reliable car and you can safely get to where you’re going, you’ll be better able to enjoy the ride, without worrying about little mishaps.”

So, as you gear up for your next road trip adventure, remember to prioritize safety and prepare your vehicle for the journey ahead. With a little planning and a reliable set of wheels, you’ll be ready to create unforgettable memories on the open road.

Survey methodology:

This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 American drivers was commissioned by Michelin between Feb. 9 and Feb. 20, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll , whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research ( AAPOR ) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research ( ESOMAR ).

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Elektrostal to Moscow drive

Elektrostal to moscow road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Elektrostal to Moscow. If you're planning a road trip to Moscow, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

11:00 am  start in Elektrostal drive for about 31 minutes

11:31 am   Balashikha stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:31 pm drive for about 17 minutes

12:47 pm   Vernissage in Izmailovo stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:47 pm drive for about 15 minutes

2:02 pm   Krutitskaya naberezhnaya stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:02 pm drive for about 7 minutes

3:08 pm  arrive in Moscow

driving ≈ 1 hour

Where should I stop along the way?

Balashikha Vernissage in Izmailovo Krutitskaya naberezhnaya

Where's the best place to eat in Moscow?

Need some recommendations on somewhere to get food?

Trippy members suggest Pushkin Cafe , which was mentioned 4 times.

Want to research more popular restaurants in Moscow? Click the blue button below.

What are some things to do in Moscow?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

These are some of the places people talk about on Trippy:

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Moscow. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Moscow.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Moscow to Elektrostal drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

Looking for ideas for more destinations within driving distance of Elektrostal? Try searching for places within 1 hour of Elektrostal .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Elektrostal to Moscow . Or get a full Elektrostal to Moscow flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend.

And if you know Elektrostal well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Elektrostal!

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Frequently asked questions.

• You’ll feel the lively spirit of bustling city life the minute you pull into Moscow. Some 35 mi from Elektrostal, it has loads of fantastic spots to visit, like Red Square.
• About 35 mi away, Ryazan is another location worth putting on your travel itinerary. Don’t forget to stop by Monument to Evpatiy Kolovrat during your visit.
• After all that time behind the wheel, treat yourself to a dose of nature at Nikola-Lenivets Art Park. It’s roughly 130 mi from Elektrostal.

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