Embarking on a road trip is an exciting adventure, and having the right car can make all the difference. The ideal road trip vehicle should offer ample space for passengers and luggage, provide a comfortable and enjoyable ride, and be reliable enough to handle long distances without breaking down.
Whether you’re planning a cross-country journey or a weekend getaway, choosing a car that combines comfort, space, and reliability is essential for a smooth and memorable experience.
In this guide, we’ll explore ten of the best cars for road trips, highlighting their spacious interiors, advanced features, and dependable performance. From versatile SUVs to fuel-efficient hybrids, these vehicles are perfect travel companions for any journey. Let’s look into each car and discover why they are the top choices for road trips.
1. Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is renowned for its rugged versatility and reliability, making it an excellent choice for road trips. The Outback offers generous cargo space, comfortable seating, and an all-wheel-drive system that is ideal for various terrains and weather conditions. With a roomy interior that accommodates up to five passengers, the Outback ensures that everyone can travel comfortably, even on long journeys. The rear seats can be folded flat to create a substantial cargo area, perfect for luggage, camping gear, and other essentials.
Under the hood, the Subaru Outback is powered by a choice of efficient engines, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. Both engines deliver a smooth and responsive driving experience, with the added benefit of impressive fuel efficiency. The Outback’s all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction and stability, making it suitable for both highway driving and off-road adventures.
Safety is a top priority in the Subaru Outback, which comes equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This suite of advanced safety features includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning. These features help keep you and your passengers safe on the road, providing added peace of mind during your travels.
In terms of technology and convenience, the Subaru Outback is equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system that includes a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Additional features such as a power liftgate, heated seats, and a panoramic moonroof enhance the comfort and convenience of the vehicle.
The Subaru Outback’s combination of space, comfort, and reliability makes it a perfect companion for any road trip. Whether you’re exploring scenic highways or venturing off the beaten path, the Outback ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey.
2. Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is a stylish and practical SUV that is well-suited for road trips. With its modern design, spacious interior, and advanced features, the Telluride offers everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable journey. The Telluride provides seating for up to eight passengers, making it an excellent choice for families or groups traveling together. The second-row seats can be configured as either bench seats or captain’s chairs, offering flexibility to accommodate different needs.
Under the hood, the Kia Telluride is powered by a robust 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and responsive acceleration. The Telluride is available with an all-wheel-drive system, enhancing traction and stability on various road conditions.
Safety is a top priority in the Kia Telluride, which comes standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features known as Kia’s Drive Wise. This includes forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. These advanced safety technologies provide added peace of mind for families, ensuring that both the driver and passengers are well-protected.
In terms of technology and convenience, the Kia Telluride is equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system that includes a large touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Additional features such as a premium Harman Kardon sound system, a heads-up display, a wireless smartphone charger, and a hands-free power liftgate enhance the comfort and convenience of the vehicle.
The Kia Telluride’s reputation for reliability and low ownership costs makes it an excellent choice for road trips. With its combination of spaciousness, advanced safety features, and strong performance, the Kia Telluride ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey for all passengers.
3. Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is synonymous with fuel efficiency, making it a perfect choice for long road trips with fewer gas stops. The Prius’s hybrid engine delivers exceptional mileage, allowing travelers to save time and money on fuel. With seating for up to five passengers, the Prius offers a comfortable ride and a spacious interior that ensures everyone can travel in comfort.
Under the hood, the Toyota Prius is powered by a hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. This combination delivers a total system output of 121 horsepower, providing sufficient power for highway driving and city commuting. The Prius’s hybrid system is designed to optimize fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of up to 56 mpg combined.
Safety is a key feature of the Toyota Prius, which comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. This suite of advanced safety features includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. These safety technologies help keep you and your passengers safe on the road, providing added peace of mind during your travels.
In terms of technology and convenience, the Toyota Prius is equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system that includes a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Additional features such as a head-up display, a JBL premium audio system, and a wireless smartphone charger enhance the comfort and convenience of the vehicle.
The Toyota Prius’s combination of fuel efficiency, advanced safety features, and reliability make it an excellent choice for road trips. Whether you’re exploring scenic highways or going through city streets, the Prius ensures a smooth and eco-friendly journey.
4. BMW X5
The BMW X5 offers a blend of luxury and practicality, making it a premium choice for road trips. With its comfortable seating, advanced technology, and powerful performance, the X5 ensures an enjoyable and memorable journey. The X5 provides seating for up to five passengers, with ample legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats. The rear seats can be folded down to create additional cargo space, making it versatile for various needs.
Under the hood, the BMW X5 is powered by a range of powerful engines, including a 3.0-liter inline-six, a 4.4-liter V8, and a plug-in hybrid option. These engines deliver strong performance and smooth acceleration, making long drives enjoyable. The X5’s all-wheel-drive system enhances traction and stability in various road conditions, ensuring a safe and confident driving experience.
Safety is a top priority in the BMW X5, which comes equipped with a suite of advanced safety features. This includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These safety technologies help keep you and your passengers safe on the road, providing added peace of mind during your travels.
In terms of technology and convenience, the BMW X5 is equipped with a state-of-the-art infotainment system that includes a large touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Additional features such as a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system enhance the comfort and convenience of the vehicle.
The BMW X5’s combination of luxury, advanced safety features, and powerful performance makes it an ideal companion for road trips. Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country adventure or a weekend getaway, the X5 ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey.
5. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is a trusted road trip companion, blending spaciousness, reliability, and fuel efficiency. With its comfortable seating, ample cargo space, and advanced safety features, the CR-V ensures smooth journeys on highways or rugged roads. The CR-V provides seating for up to five passengers, with plenty of legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats. The rear seats can be easily folded down to create additional cargo space, making it versatile for various needs.
Under the hood, the Honda CR-V is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), providing smooth and responsive performance. The CR-V is available with an all-wheel-drive system, enhancing traction and stability in various road conditions.
Safety is a key feature of the Honda CR-V, which comes equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety features. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation. These safety technologies help keep you and your passengers safe on the road, providing added peace of mind during your travels.
In terms of technology and convenience, the Honda CR-V is equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system that includes a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Additional features such as a power liftgate, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system enhance the comfort and convenience of the vehicle.
The Honda CR-V’s combination of comfort, advanced safety features, and reliability makes it a top choice for road trips. Whether you’re exploring scenic highways or going through city streets, the CR-V ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey.
6. Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is a sleek and stylish electric vehicle that offers excellent range and performance for road trips. With its spacious interior, advanced technology, and zero-emission driving, the Model 3 is an eco-friendly option for travelers. The Model 3 provides seating for up to five passengers, with comfortable seating and ample legroom in both the front and rear seats. The rear seats can be folded down to create additional cargo space, making it versatile for various needs.
Under the hood, the Tesla Model 3 is powered by an electric motor that delivers instant torque and smooth acceleration. The Model 3 is available with different battery options, providing an impressive range of up to 353 miles on a single charge. Tesla’s Supercharger network allows for fast charging, ensuring that you can travel long distances without worrying about running out of power.
Safety is a top priority in the Tesla Model 3, which comes equipped with a suite of advanced safety features. This includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and Safety is a top priority in the Tesla Model 3, which comes equipped with a suite of advanced safety features.
This includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera system. These safety technologies help keep you and your passengers safe on the road, providing added peace of mind during your travels.
In terms of technology and convenience, the Tesla Model 3 is equipped with a state-of-the-art infotainment system that includes a large touchscreen display, navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Model 3 also features over-the-air software updates, ensuring that you always have the latest features and improvements. Additional features such as a panoramic glass roof, heated seats, and a premium sound system enhance the comfort and convenience of the vehicle.
The Tesla Model 3’s combination of advanced technology, impressive range, and zero-emission driving make it an excellent choice for road trips. Whether you’re exploring scenic highways or going through city streets, the Model 3 ensures a smooth and eco-friendly journey.
7. Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is a versatile SUV that offers ample space, comfort, and reliability for road trips. With its spacious interior that can accommodate up to eight passengers, the Highlander is perfect for families or groups traveling together. The second-row seats can be configured as either bench seats or captain’s chairs, providing flexibility to suit different needs. The third-row seats are easily accessible and provide sufficient legroom for both adults and children.
Under the hood, the Toyota Highlander is powered by a choice of efficient engines, including a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a hybrid option. The V6 engine delivers strong performance and smooth acceleration, while the hybrid model offers impressive fuel efficiency. Both engine options are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, ensuring a comfortable and responsive driving experience.
Safety is a key feature of the Toyota Highlander, which comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+. This suite of advanced safety features includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. These safety technologies help keep you and your passengers safe on the road, providing added peace of mind during your travels.
In terms of technology and convenience, the Toyota Highlander is equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system that includes a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Additional features such as a panoramic moonroof, a hands-free power liftgate, and a premium JBL audio system enhance the comfort and convenience of the vehicle.
The Toyota Highlander’s combination of space, advanced safety features, and reliability makes it an excellent choice for road trips. Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country adventure or a weekend getaway, the Highlander ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey for all passengers.
8. Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is a rugged and reliable SUV that excels in road trip scenarios. It offers a spacious interior, impressive cargo capacity, and all-wheel drive for various terrains. With seating for up to five passengers, the Forester provides ample legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats. The rear seats can be easily folded down to create additional cargo space, making it versatile for various needs.
Under the hood, the Subaru Forester is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), providing smooth and efficient performance. The Forester’s all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent traction and stability on various road conditions, making it suitable for both highway driving and off-road adventures.
Safety is a top priority in the Subaru Forester, which comes equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This suite of advanced safety features includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning. These safety technologies help keep you and your passengers safe on the road, providing added peace of mind during your travels.
In terms of technology and convenience, the Subaru Forester is equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system that includes a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Additional features such as a panoramic moonroof, heated seats, and a power liftgate enhance the comfort and convenience of the vehicle.
The Subaru Forester’s combination of space, comfort, and reliability ensures a smooth and enjoyable road trip experience. Whether you’re exploring scenic highways or venturing off the beaten path, the Forester is a trusted companion for any adventure.
9. Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV that offers unparalleled space and comfort for road trips. With seating for up to eight passengers, the Suburban provides ample legroom and headroom in all three rows, making it perfect for large families or groups traveling together. The rear seats can be easily folded down to create a substantial cargo area, ideal for luggage, camping gear, and other essentials.
Under the hood, the Chevrolet Suburban is powered by a choice of powerful engines, including a 5.3-liter V8 engine and a 6.2-liter V8 engine. These engines deliver strong performance and smooth acceleration, making long drives enjoyable. The Suburban’s available four-wheel-drive system enhances traction and stability on various road conditions, ensuring a safe and confident driving experience.
Safety is a key feature of the Chevrolet Suburban, which comes equipped with a suite of advanced safety technologies. This includes a forward collision alert, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera. These safety features help keep you and your passengers safe on the road, providing added peace of mind during your travels.
In terms of technology and convenience, the Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a state-of-the-art infotainment system that includes a large touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Additional features such as a rear-seat entertainment system, a hands-free power liftgate, and a premium Bose audio system enhance the comfort and convenience of the vehicle.
The Chevrolet Suburban’s combination of space, advanced safety features, and powerful performance makes it a top choice for road trips. Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country adventure or a weekend getaway, the Suburban ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey for all passengers.
10. Ford Expedition
The Ford Expedition is a spacious and powerful SUV that is perfect for road trips. With seating for up to eight passengers, the Expedition provides ample legroom and headroom in all three rows, making it ideal for large families or groups traveling together. The rear seats can be easily folded down to create a substantial cargo area, perfect for luggage, camping gear, and other essentials.
Under the hood, the Ford Expedition is powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that delivers 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and responsive performance. The Expedition’s available four-wheel-drive system enhances traction and stability in various road conditions, ensuring a safe and confident driving experience.
Safety is a top priority in the Ford Expedition, which comes equipped with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced safety features. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera. These safety technologies help keep you and your passengers safe on the road, providing added peace of mind during your travels.
In terms of technology and convenience, the Ford Expedition is equipped with a state-of-the-art infotainment system that includes a large touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Additional features such as a rear-seat entertainment system, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium B&O sound system enhance the comfort and convenience of the vehicle.
The Ford Expedition’s combination of space, advanced safety features, and powerful performance makes it an ideal companion for road trips. Whether you’re exploring scenic highways or venturing off the beaten path, the Expedition ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey for all passengers.
