Let’s be real, road trips are where cars either shine or completely fall apart. You’re pushing that vehicle across hundreds, sometimes thousands, of miles.
You’re banking on comfy seats, reliable performance, decent fuel economy, and a solid entertainment system (because, let’s face it, you’re gonna need tunes or podcasts to survive the long haul).
Some cars were built with adventure in mind—quiet cabins, efficient engines, smooth suspension, roomy interiors. And then… There are others. The kind that make you question every life choice as your back aches, your fuel gauge drops like a rock, and your passengers complain non-stop.
So if you’re planning a road trip anytime soon and you don’t want to risk turning it into a stress fest, here’s what you need to know. We’ve rounded up five cars that absolutely nail road trips—and five that you’re better off leaving in the driveway.
5 Cars That Survive Road Trips Like Champs
Let’s break it down so your next trip is more “epic memories” and less “how soon can we get back home.”
1. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is the ultimate “no drama” road trip companion. It’s got just enough ruggedness for offbeat trails and more than enough comfort for highway cruising. You get great fuel economy—around 30+ mpg combined, which means fewer gas stops and more miles of open road.
The real win? Interior space. There’s enough legroom and cargo space for a family or friend group, and still space for that extra “just in case” duffle bag. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and the driver-assist tech keeps you sane during long drives.
Also, this thing is super reliable. You won’t be hunting down a mechanic in the middle of nowhere. It’s the kind of vehicle you pack up, turn on your playlist, and just go. It’s not flashy, but it’ll get you there with zero issues—and that’s exactly what you want when the road ahead is long.
2. Honda Odyssey
Laugh all you want, but the Honda Odyssey is a road trip legend. Yes, it’s a minivan. No, it’s not “cool.” But when you’ve got people, pets, or gear to haul across state lines, nothing beats this beast.
First off, the seating is next-level. Passengers in the third row don’t feel like they’ve been banished. It’s comfy for everyone. Second, the in-cabin tech is designed for families, like rear-seat entertainment, USB ports everywhere, and even a built-in vacuum. Spill snacks? No sweat.
The V6 engine hums quietly, giving you plenty of power without guzzling gas. Plus, the ride is silky smooth—no bouncing around on potholes or rough patches. For long hauls, the Odyssey is less a car and more a mobile living room.
If you’re okay trading style for substance, this minivan might just be your secret road trip weapon.
3. Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is practically built for road trips, especially if your version of “vacation” includes national parks or mountain towns. It’s got the ground clearance of an SUV, the handling of a car, and Subaru’s famous all-wheel drive, making it perfect for all-weather travel.
Inside, you’ve got heated seats, tons of space, and tech that doesn’t feel like it was added last-minute. The infotainment system is clean and easy to use, and EyeSight driver assist makes lane keeping and adaptive cruise feel like co-pilots, not nags.
Fuel efficiency is solid too—up to 33 mpg on the highway. And it’s not just comfy—it’s quiet. You won’t feel beat up after 8 hours on the road. Plus, if you’re bringing bikes or kayaks, the roof rack is ready to go.
This car doesn’t just survive road trips—it lives for them.
4. Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade feels like it was designed by someone who’s actually been on a road trip and hated their experience—because this SUV fixes so many pain points. Space? You’ve got three roomy rows. Quiet cabin? It’s seriously peaceful inside. Ride quality? Smooth like butter.
But where it shines is the premium feel for the price. You get ventilated seats (yes, even in the second row), USB ports for everyone, wireless charging, and a 12-inch touchscreen with easy-to-navigate menus. Long drives don’t feel so long when you’ve got this kind of setup.
Safety-wise, the Palisade has a ton of features to keep you alert and in control. Lane assist, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control make driving less exhausting.
Basically, this SUV punches way above its price tag—and your passengers will thank you.
5. Tesla Model Y
If you’re ready to road trip the electric way, the Tesla Model Y is a great bet. It’s not just about skipping gas stations—it’s about driving a smart, comfortable, and futuristic machine. Supercharger network? Massive. You’ll rarely be stuck looking for a charge.
The Model Y’s minimalist interior keeps things simple, but there’s still plenty of room for passengers and luggage. And that huge central screen? It controls everything—and includes games and entertainment for charging stops.
Driving it is fun. The acceleration is instant, the ride is smooth, and autopilot (when it works right) takes the edge off long hauls. You will need to plan your route a bit more than a gas vehicle, but the benefits—lower cost per mile, fewer mechanical worries, a quieter cabin—are huge.
If you’re all in on EV life, the Model Y is road-trip ready.
5 Cars You’ll Regret Taking on a Road Trip
1. Jeep Wrangler (2-Door)
Yeah, we get it—it looks cool. But the 2-door Jeep Wrangler is not your road trip buddy. It’s cramped, noisy, and bounces more than a trampoline on rough roads. Forget about conversations or music—it’s loud even at 60 mph.
Fuel economy is brutal, cargo space is laughable, and unless you’re doing serious off-roading, most of its features go unused. You’ll also feel every pothole and crack in the road—great if you want a chiropractic visit after the trip.
It’s a fun weekend warrior for camping or trails, but long stretches of highway? You’ll be over it fast.
2. Ford Mustang (Base Model)
The Mustang has style, no doubt. But for road trips, it’s more of a “let’s take the scenic route for 45 minutes” kind of car. Not an “eight-hour drive with snacks and playlists” vibe.
The base model lacks some of the comfort features and tech upgrades that make longer drives tolerable. The ride is stiff, backseat is a joke, and trunk space is almost nonexistent. And if you hit any kind of bad weather? Yikes. It’s rear-wheel drive, and that can get sketchy.
Great car for speed. Terrible car for comfort. If you care about your spine—or your passengers—skip it.
3. Nissan Versa
It’s cheap, which might tempt budget travelers—but the Nissan Versa is not where you want to spend hours on the road. The seats are stiff, the interior is cramped, and the engine sounds like it’s screaming for help every time you push past 65 mph.
Plus, road noise is a serious issue. You’ll be yelling over the wind half the time. The materials feel cheap, and long drives just highlight all the corners that were cut to make it affordable.
Good for short commutes. Not good for cross-country treks.
4. Chevrolet Camaro (Convertible)
Okay, let’s talk about how uncomfortable the Camaro convertible actually is. You think you’re signing up for a fun, wind-in-your-hair trip—but what you’re really getting is limited trunk space, terrible rear visibility, and a ride that wears you out.
The interior is cramped, especially if you’re tall. The convertible top limits headroom and lets in a ton of road noise. And let’s not even get started on trying to squeeze luggage into the trunk.
It’s flashy, sure. But it doesn’t take long before you’re wishing you’d picked something more practical.
5. Smart Fortwo
This one’s kind of a no-brainer, but it still needs to be said: the Smart Fortwo is basically a go-kart. A loud, bumpy, tiny go-kart. You’ll feel every gust of wind, every bump in the road, and every regret for not renting something else.
There’s almost zero cargo space, no room to stretch, and long drives are straight-up painful. It was made for tight city parking—not highways, not hills, not road trips.
A great road trip can become a total nightmare if you’re stuck in the wrong car. Comfort, space, reliability, and performance really matter when you’re spending hours on the road.
Sure, some cars look fun, but if you’re physically aching, burning gas like crazy, or hearing every squeak and rattle, that road trip high fades fast.
Stick with vehicles built for long hauls, not just short sprints. Whether you’re solo or rolling deep with your crew, picking the right car is half the battle. Trust us—your back, your wallet, and your sanity will thank you.
