Nothing captures the essence of summer quite like a road trip. In the coming months, many of us will hit the road—whether solo, with family, or in lively groups.
These journeys will feature playlists, pit stops in intriguing and unfamiliar locations, and nights spent in budget-friendly motels. The destinations promise fresh adventures: beaches, lakefronts, and countless other curiosities.
Of course, the car you drive plays a pivotal role. My childhood memories of summer road trips are as much tied to the family Buick station wagon as they are to the places we visited.
At Business Insider, we’re fortunate to test-drive everything from practical minivans to ultra-luxurious Rolls-Royces.
With that experience in mind, we’ve curated a list of incredible vehicles perfect for summer road trips. These range from functional and no-nonsense to extravagantly stylish.
Admittedly, practicality wasn’t always our top priority. In some cases, the allure of a sleek, fun ride won out over utility.
Sure, a few of these vehicles might trade luggage capacity for style—but isn’t that part of the adventure?
1. Mazda Miata MX-5
For pure, unadulterated driving joy under the open sky, few cars can rival the Mazda Miata MX-5, the quintessential roadster now in its fourth generation.
This model is my personal favorite since the first-gen Miata, a car I proudly owned and took on numerous road trips.
Yes, luggage space is limited, but you were planning to pack light anyway. And yes, it seats only one passenger—but isn’t the best company all you really need?
2. Mazda Miata MX-5 RF
If a hardtop convertible is more your style, the MX-5 RF offers just as much fun as its soft-top sibling.
The Miata is powered by a 181-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, and enthusiasts typically favor the six-speed manual gearbox for its smooth shifting experience. However, an optional six-speed automatic is also available for those who prefer a less hands-on driving experience.
The RF’s retractable hardtop is a standout feature, transforming the Miata into a sleek coupe when the top is closed.
3. Ford Mustang EcoBoost Convertible
Sticking with red convertibles for now, the Ford Mustang EcoBoost convertible is an absolute blast.
It’s widely available in rental fleets, but don’t let that fact diminish its appeal—this turbocharged four-cylinder is every bit a classic pony car.
4. Ferrari 488 Spider
Time to switch things up from red! I had the chance to take this Avorio (Italian for “ivory”) Ferrari cabriolet for a spin to Lime Rock Park to catch some racing action.
This car isn’t just a luxurious cruiser—it’s a powerhouse, boasting a 660-horsepower twin-turbo V8 that delivers performance as thrilling as its design.
5. MINI Cooper S Convertible
The Mustang offers a back seat—kind of. The MINI Cooper S convertible, however, does better. It can comfortably seat four adults for shorter trips.
A few summers ago, I drove one of these to the Jersey Shore, and it was nothing short of spectacular.
6. Porsche 911 Targa
This iconic 911 features a distinctive rectangular roof that folds away with mechanical precision. It has always been my favorite Porsche, and I suspect it always will be.
Like some other cars on this list, the Targa was my ride of choice for a journey to Lime Rock Park, a racetrack in Connecticut.
7. Corvette Grand Sport Convertible
The Grand Sport is, without a doubt, the pinnacle of Corvette engineering. Adding the convertible option elevates it even further, transforming it into pure driving rhapsody.
The Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport prioritizes a balance of comfort and performance, making it a versatile option for drivers who want both thrilling capabilities and everyday usability.
Equipped with magnetic ride control and electronic suspension adjustments, the Grand Sport offers the flexibility to adapt to various driving conditions.
8. Lamborghini Huracán Spyder
The sharp, untamed edges of older Lamborghinis have been softened with the Huracán, making it a more accessible supercar for the masses.
However, opt for the Spyder version, and the thrill of the open-air experience brings back the wilder side, letting the wind whip through your hair.
9. BMW M4 Convertible
This convertible German powerhouse was my perfect companion for a spirited drive from Manhattan to the East End of Long Island a few years ago.
It’s a bold and thrilling interpretation of BMW’s “ultimate driving machine,” offering seating for four in its 2+2 layout.
10. Porsche 911 GTS
Priced at $129,000, the 450-horsepower Porsche 911 GTS is pure road-trip perfection.
The upcoming 2025 Porsche 911, labeled as the 992.2 in Porsche’s naming structure, represents a strategic and evolutionary step forward for the iconic sports car.
This new iteration introduces subtle styling changes, improved performance upgrades, and a significant technological shift with the introduction of the T-Hybrid powertrain in the GTS variant.
The T-Hybrid system combines a traditional turbocharged engine with an integrated electric motor designed to enhance efficiency and performance.
If your goal is to tear up the pavement with exhilarating speed and performance, this is the car to choose.
11. BMW i8
Business Insider’s Ben Zhang took BMW’s hybrid supercar on an epic 750-mile road trip through the picturesque landscapes of New England.
“During my journey, I subjected the i8 to everything from gridlock city traffic and highway cruising to spirited jaunts through twisty country roads,” he shared.
“The BMW tackled every situation with poise and more than a little flair.”
12. Toyota Prius
The latest generation of the iconic hybrid made a strong impression when I tested it in 2016.
As the owner of a previous-generation Prius, I can confidently say this under-$30,000 fuel-efficient marvel is a car I’d happily take just about anywhere.
13. BMW i3
The BMW i3 isn’t strictly an all-electric vehicle. It features a range-extender gas motor that activates once the battery is depleted, providing a total range of approximately 150 miles.
If recharging isn’t convenient, you can simply refuel every 50 miles to keep going.
14. Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S offers a different kind of electric experience, with a range exceeding 300 miles on a full charge, depending on the battery-pack configuration.
Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network makes cross-country all-electric road trips entirely feasible. Plus, with its generous cargo space, the Model S can serve as a practical SUV alternative.
15. Tesla Model X
If an all-electric SUV is what you need for your summer road trip, Tesla delivers with the Model X.
Capable of comfortably seating up to seven people along with their gear, the Model X is a versatile option—though the third-row seating might feel a bit tight for two adults.
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16. Tesla Roadster
If you’re looking for a more minimalist Tesla experience, the Roadster is the way to go. The new Tesla Roadster boasts impressive specifications, including an estimated top speed of over 250 mph and an acceleration time of 0-60 mph in less than one second, making it one of the fastest cars in production.
It will feature an all-wheel-drive system powered by three electric motors (one in the front and two in the rear), offering unparalleled torque and speed capabilities.
The original version is no longer in production, but you can still find used models. And for those willing to wait, a new Roadster is set to debut in the coming years.
17. Ford F-150 Raptor
The Raptor is hands down the most formidable pickup truck out there. Designed by Ford’s Performance Division, it excels in off-road adventures.
However, I took it on a 400-mile round-trip drive to New York’s Catskills and found it surprisingly comfortable and enjoyable on the highway.
18. Buick Envision
Although the Buick Envision is manufactured in China, it has become a top seller for the brand. I took it on an extensive road trip to Detroit and back from my base in the New York area.
One standout feature is its excellent infotainment system, which ranks among the most user-friendly in the industry.
19. Cadillac CT6 with Super Cruise
The CT6 is Cadillac’s flagship sedan and currently the only model in their lineup equipped with Super Cruise, a hands-free freeway driving system.
I tested Super Cruise on a drive from New York to Washington, DC, and was thoroughly impressed by how seamlessly it performed.
20. Toyota Sienna
It might not be the most stylish vehicle, but the Toyota Sienna is undeniably practical.The current iteration of Toyota’s Sienna minivan was introduced in the 2021 model year. As anticipated, it offers a spacious interior with ample cargo space, catering to the needs of families and daily commuters alike.
Additionally, the Sienna is equipped with a variety of convenient driver-assist technologies and practical tech features, which not only enhance the driving experience but also contribute to improved safety on the road.
When I had to pick up four kids and all their belongings after a two-week summer camp, I couldn’t have been more grateful for its exceptional cargo capacity.