Ever found yourself daydreaming about the perfect road trip? Wind in your hair, favorite playlist blasting, and miles of open road ahead. But wait – what are you driving in this fantasy?
The right vehicle can make or break your road trip experience. I’ve spent years testing and researching the best cars for those long-haul adventures, and I’m ready to share what I’ve learned.
#10: Subaru Outback
The Outback kicks off our list with its rugged versatility and go-anywhere attitude.
Why to choose: Adventure-Ready Versatility
This wagon-meets-SUV offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive, making it perfect for those who want to explore beyond the pavement. The Outback shines when your itinerary includes national parks or scenic backroads.
Inside, you’ll find comfortable seats that remain supportive even after hours of driving. The 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats expands to 75.7 cubic feet with the seats folded – more than enough for camping gear and suitcases.
The fuel economy is respectable at around 26-33 MPG highway, depending on which engine you choose. I particularly appreciate the updated infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility – essential for navigating and staying entertained on long stretches.
Where the Outback falls short: The base engine feels a bit underpowered when fully loaded with passengers and gear.
#9: Mazda CX-5
Who says practical can’t be fun? The Mazda CX-5 proves that road trips can be engaging driving experiences.
Why to choose: Driving Enjoyment Without Sacrificing Practicality
Unlike many competitors, the CX-5 delivers responsive handling and steering that actually connects you to the road. It’s the kind of car that makes you look forward to those winding mountain passes or coastal highways.
The interior punches above its price class with upscale materials and thoughtful design. Highway cruising is pleasant thanks to excellent noise insulation and supportive seats.
With up to 30 MPG on the highway and a range of over 400 miles per tank, you’ll appreciate fewer stops during long drives. The cargo space is adequate though not class-leading – 30.9 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 59.6 cubic feet with them folded.
Where the CX-5 falls short: Rear seat space is tighter than some competitors, making it better for couples or families with younger children.
#8: Volkswagen Golf
Don’t let its compact size fool you – the Golf offers impressive versatility in a smaller package.
Why to choose: European Road Trip Vibes Without the Luxury Price Tag
If your road trip style leans toward efficiency and maneuverability rather than sheer space, the Golf deserves consideration. It’s particularly well-suited for urban exploration and navigating narrow roads in historic towns.
The Golf’s interior feels more premium than its price suggests, with excellent ergonomics and a clean, functional design. The seats offer proper support for all-day comfort – something German automakers typically excel at.
Fuel economy is a strong point at up to 36 MPG highway. The cargo area provides 22.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 52.7 cubic feet with seats folded – surprisingly capacious for a compact hatchback.
Where the Golf falls short: Limited ground clearance means you’ll need to stick primarily to paved roads.
#7: Jeep Grand Cherokee
When your road trip ambitions include serious off-road adventures, the Grand Cherokee delivers capability without sacrificing on-road comfort.
Why to choose: Off-Road Capability Meets On-Road Refinement
Few vehicles balance these competing priorities as effectively as the Grand Cherokee. With multiple four-wheel-drive systems available, it can tackle challenging terrain that would leave other vehicles stranded.
Yet on the highway, it delivers a composed, comfortable ride with well-insulated cabin and supportive seats. The interior can be equipped with luxury touches like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a premium sound system.
Cargo space is generous at 37.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. Fuel economy varies significantly depending on engine choice – from the reasonably efficient V6 to the gloriously excessive V8 options.
Where the Grand Cherokee falls short: Even the V6 models aren’t particularly fuel-efficient compared to crossover competitors.
#6: Kia Telluride
The newest star in Kia’s lineup has quickly established itself as a road trip champion.
Why to choose: Three-Row Comfort Without Breaking the Bank
If your travels involve more than five people, the Telluride offers genuinely comfortable seating for adults even in the third row – a rarity in the segment. The cabin feels unexpectedly premium, with thoughtful touches throughout.
Highway cruising is where the Telluride truly shines. The ride quality strikes an excellent balance between comfort and control, while road and wind noise are kept to a minimum.
With 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet behind the second row, and 87 cubic feet with all rear seats folded, you won’t lack for space. Fuel economy is reasonable for its size at around 24-26 MPG highway.
Where the Telluride falls short: High demand has kept prices firm, reducing the value proposition somewhat.
#5: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
For the eco-conscious road tripper, the RAV4 Hybrid delivers impressive efficiency without compromises.
Why to choose: Exceptional Fuel Economy Without Range Anxiety
With an EPA-estimated 41 MPG city and 38 MPG highway, the RAV4 Hybrid stretches each tank of gas further than virtually any non-electric vehicle in its class. On long highway stretches, that translates to over 550 miles between fill-ups.
The RAV4’s recent redesign brought a more comfortable interior and improved noise insulation. The hybrid system provides surprisingly peppy acceleration when needed for highway passing.
Cargo space matches the conventional RAV4 at 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded – the battery pack doesn’t intrude on passenger or cargo room.
Where the RAV4 Hybrid falls short: The infotainment system feels less intuitive than some competitors.
#4: Honda CR-V
The CR-V has long been a favorite for practical transportation, but its road trip credentials are often overlooked.
Why to choose: Thoughtful Design Focused on Passenger Comfort
Honda’s attention to ergonomic details makes the CR-V particularly well-suited for long drives. The front seats offer excellent support, while rear passengers enjoy generous legroom and reclining seatbacks.
The cargo area is both spacious and thoughtfully designed. With 39.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.8 cubic feet with seats folded, it offers more usable space than many larger vehicles. The low load floor makes packing heavy items easier on your back.
Fuel economy is strong at up to 34 MPG highway for front-wheel-drive models. The turbocharged engine provides adequate power for mountain driving, even when fully loaded.
Where the CR-V falls short: The engine can get noisy under hard acceleration, though it settles down nicely at cruising speeds.
#3: Tesla Model Y
For tech enthusiasts ready to embrace the electric future, the Model Y redefines the road trip experience.
Why to choose: Recharge Your Car While You Recharge Yourself
Road tripping in an electric vehicle requires a mindset shift – instead of quick gas stops, you’ll take longer charging breaks that coincide with meals and rest stops. The Model Y’s access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network makes this easier than with other EVs.
The interior is minimalist yet comfortable, with excellent visibility through the expansive glass roof. The handling feels remarkably sporty for a crossover, making winding roads a joy rather than a chore.
Storage space is abundant thanks to both a rear cargo area (68 cubic feet with seats folded) and a front trunk where an engine would typically reside. The efficient climate control system minimizes range impact in extreme temperatures.
Where the Model Y falls short: Charging still takes longer than refueling, requiring more careful trip planning.
#2: Toyota Highlander
For families seeking maximum versatility, the Highlander offers a compelling blend of space, comfort, and reliability.
Why to choose: Family-Friendly Features That Make Long Drives Easier
Three-row SUVs often excel at space but sacrifice ride quality. The Highlander bucks this trend with composed handling and a smooth, quiet ride that keeps fatigue at bay during long drives.
The first and second rows offer exceptional comfort, while the third row works well for children or shorter adults on limited stretches. Thoughtful storage compartments throughout the cabin keep essential items within easy reach.
With 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.4 behind the second, and 84.3 with all rear seats folded, the Highlander accommodates everything from suitcases to sporting equipment. The available hybrid powertrain delivers impressive fuel economy for a vehicle of this size.
Where the Highlander falls short: The third row is less spacious than some dedicated three-row competitors.
#1: Subaru Forester
At the top of our list stands the Subaru Forester – the quintessential road trip vehicle for those who value practicality over flash.
Why to choose: Unmatched Visibility and All-Weather Capability
Why the Forester Stands Above the Rest
The Forester’s tall windows and thin pillars create an airy greenhouse with exceptional outward visibility – a genuine safety feature that also enhances the sightseeing experience.
When every passenger can easily see the magnificent views you’re driving through, the whole journey becomes more enjoyable.
Standard all-wheel drive provides confidence in changing weather conditions, while 8.7 inches of ground clearance handles moderate off-pavement excursions with ease. The boxer engine design gives the Forester a lower center of gravity than most competitors, improving handling on winding roads.
The interior prioritizes function over luxury, with comfortable, supportive seats that prevent fatigue even after hours behind the wheel. The cargo area offers 31.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 76.1 cubic feet with seats folded – among the best in its class.
Fuel economy remains reasonable at up to 33 MPG highway despite the all-wheel-drive system. The 2023 model’s wilderness package adds even more capability without significantly compromising efficiency.
What truly separates the Forester from competitors is how it excels across all our criteria without major weaknesses. It’s comfortable, capable, efficient, spacious, and reliable – hitting every mark that matters for road trip excellence.
Planning Your Next Adventure
The perfect road trip car is the one that best matches your specific travel style and needs. Consider:
- Will you primarily stick to highways or explore backroads?
- How many passengers will typically join you?
- Do you need to accommodate special equipment like bikes or kayaks?
- What’s your tolerance for fuel stops versus overall comfort?
No matter which vehicle from this list catches your eye, each offers unique strengths for your next highway adventure. The open road awaits – choose your chariot wisely!
What’s your dream road trip vehicle? Have you taken a memorable journey in any of these cars? The road trip community would love to hear your experiences!
