road trip cars 2015

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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5 Best Road Trip Cars 2015

Chevrolet Restores 1 Millionth Corvette After Sinkhole Damage

With summertime upon us, the great American tradition of taking a road trip is also imminent for many. Road trips take many forms, from a couple’s outing over a weekend to week-long Griswold-style adventures to infamous destinations. Sometimes we want the top down, sometimes we want to haul a lot of gear or even a trailer. Whatever you need it for, here are our top choices in five road trip categories for your next adventure.

#1 – The Top-Down, Couple’s Good Time Machine: Chevrolet Corvette or Mazda Miata

Our choice is a tie between the affordable 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata and the more quintessential 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray . The Miata will get you there in stylish, lower-cost fun while the Corvette offers a rumbling good times and a more exciting arrival time. Both cars will make you take the side roads and byways for more adventure along the way.

#2 – The Well-rounded Family ‘Get There’ Machine: Subaru Outback

For the 2015 model year, the Outback is all new and it really shines. The back seat is now habitable by full-sized adults with knee and headroom to spare and the interior accoutrement is top shelf in quality. Definitely not your mom’s knockabout Outback from the day and comfortable for the long haul.

#3 – The Comfort for the Long Haul and Look Good Once You Show Up Ride: Nissan Murano

The 2015 Murano is eye-catchingly stylish, beautifully made, extremely comfortable to drive or ride in, and has more than enough versatility to make the road trip easy. Once you arrive, onlookers will assume you are way classier than you probably are. The downside to that is that the valet will expect fat tips. Don’t let him down, he’s got student loans to pay.

#4 – The Haul Your Toys Go-getter: Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

The interior of the Ram 1500 with its Crew Cab configuration comfortably seats four full-grown adults and can carry as many as six if some are up to date on their Atkins regimen. The V6 turbodiesel engine makes pulling a boat or camper trailer a no-brainer and fuel economy stays high, even under load. This makes the 2015 1500 EcoDiesel a great option for toy hauling.

#5 – The Haul the Whole Fam-damily and Their Toys Mega-machine: Ford Expedition

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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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• Car Reviews

10 Best Affordable Road Trip Cars

A road trip is a fantastic way to spend a vacation. Out on the open road, you can take time to appreciate and relish the journey, not just the destination. You have the freedom and flexibility to change your plans on the fly, and you don't have to deal with TSA security lines or three-ounce liquid restrictions. Sounds great, right? Now you just need to find a suitable vehicle that won't break the bank.

Whether it's a solo trip on winding backroads, a whimsical off-grid adventure with friends, or a family bonding session across state lines, there's an affordable option for any road trip you can think of. We came up with 10 of the best road-trip cars you can buy today, most of which are available for less than $33,486, which is the average vehicle transaction price in 2016.

Be sure to visit our Incentives and Rebates page to learn about current incentive and rebate offers before you buy.

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1. 2016 Volkswagen Golf

If you're looking to hit the highway with a couple of friends and explore a new city or two, a compact hatchback is a smart pick. Compacts are inherently maneuverable and if you can find one with good outward visibility, generous interior space and great fuel economy, you're good to go. You won't find a better embodiment of these qualities than the 2016 Volkswagen Golf.

The Golf offers real space for four adults, or five in a pinch, with a handy 22.8 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seatbacks and an almost SUV-like 52.7 cubic feet with those seatbacks folded down. The large windows afford great sightlines in every direction, while the standard 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces enough power to slingshot you around an on-ramp without much effort. And yet, it gets 29 mpg combined in EPA testing (25 city/36 highway). This is sensible German engineering at its best.

2. 2016 Toyota Prius

If city touring is in your road-trip plans and you need more space than a compact vehicle can offer, check out the midsize 2016 Toyota Prius. It's a top pound-for-pound contender in passenger space and road comfort, not to mention its unbeatable fuel economy.

Go all-in with the Prius Eco model and you'll get ultra-low rolling-resistance tires along with a slight weight reduction, resulting in 56 mpg combined (58 city/53 highway). That extends fueling intervals to a bladder-challenging range somewhere north of 600 miles. Efficiency aside, this Prius is also more comfortable and rewarding to drive than any generation before it. And its midsize dimensions mean there's plenty of space for people and cargo.

3. 2016 Hyundai Genesis

Maybe you're someone who thinks a road trip — even one that takes weeks and a couple hundred miles a day — should not be a test of endurance. If so, a cushy luxury sedan like the 2016 Hyundai Genesis might suit you.

A base price of $39,700 might sound like it's stretching the definition of "affordable," but that's where this Hyundai's exceptional value comes into play. For the money, the Genesis simply can't be matched for feature content or interior quality, and it comes with industry-leading warranty coverage. The standard, smooth-revving 3.8-liter V6 is the smart choice (the optional V8 plays in a different league), and you can specify rear- or all-wheel drive.

4. 2016 Mazda CX-5

Maybe you're tired of the city because you have to live in one for 350 days a year. In that case, the point of a road trip is to get as far away from cities — or even roads themselves — as possible. We're with you.

The 2016 Mazda CX-5 is a winner here. On the pavement, it's downright sporty for a crossover, with impressive fuel economy to boot. But it can also be equipped with a capable all-wheel drive system for mild off-road exploration. While rock-crawling jaunts may be off the table, the versatile CX-5 should provide more overall satisfaction than a single-purpose off-road vehicle.

5. 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata

For the driver whose trip revolves around roads rather than destinations, a sublime connection between car and driver moves to the top of the priority list. Unfortunately, this kind of connection often comes with a monthly payment that looks more like a mortgage. But the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a notable exception.

The Miata provides a lightweight body, a feisty four-cylinder engine, a taut suspension and communicative steering, delivering endless driving fun in a package that's barely big enough to fit two. The cabin may be too cozy for certain body types, and the trunk is limited to 4.6 cubic feet of space, so plan on packing light. But spend just five minutes behind the wheel of the MX-5 and you'll completely understand the appeal.

6. 2017 Ford Mustang Convertible

Summer brings plenty of opportunities to soak up some rays. And if you live in a place that doesn't see sunshine on a regular basis, you'll definitely want to take full advantage of these months.

It's true that the Miata, the No. 5 pick, is a seriously good convertible, but it has real space constraints. So if your passenger and cargo needs are greater, the 2017 Ford Mustang Convertible is another great drop-top option. The Mustang may not be as spry as the Miata, but with double the seats, significantly more trunk capacity and nearly double the horsepower from even the base V6 engine, it compensates nicely in other areas. If you need more power, a turbo four-cylinder and V8 are also available. In any configuration, this is iconic American motoring.

7. 2016 Honda Odyssey

This list would not be complete without today's quintessential road trip vehicle: the minivan. For years, the minivan has provided larger families with a maximally efficient means of traveling together, supplanting the thirsty and unwieldly station wagons.

As in other vehicle segments, there are minivans that stand out from the crowd. Offering seating for up to eight, the 2016 Honda Odyssey is one of our favorites, scoring top marks in interior space and comfort, everyday drivability and even composure around corners. Some high-end features available on the Odyssey include a 12-speaker surround-sound audio system and a 16.2-inch widescreen rear entertainment screen with HDMI connectivity, as well as the industry's first on-board vacuum system. Wrangling the kids could still be a challenge, but convincing them to climb aboard a rolling movie theatre will take far less effort.

8. 2017 Chevrolet Traverse

So you need to haul a lot of people and cargo to faraway places, but you refuse to join the Minivan Alliance. No problem. The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse is a comfortable and unusually spacious three-row SUV that accommodates up to eight passengers and starts at around $30,000.

The Traverse can tow up to 5,200 pounds when properly equipped, which is impressive for a crossover. It also comes with a 288-horsepower V6 engine that can be paired with all-wheel drive. Even with all three seating rows in use, there's still a generous 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding the second- and third-row seats opens up a whopping 116.3 cubic feet, topping this segment by a wide margin. An all-new Traverse is waiting in the wings and will be substantially smaller, so if you like the road-trip possibilities opened up by that cavernous cabin, grab a current-generation Traverse while you still can.

9. 2016 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

If the Chevy Traverse's 5,200-pound towing capacity seems puny to you, perhaps the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel's 9,050-lb capacity is more like it. If your road trip involves pulling a trailer, a boat or even a camper, you'll want a truck with enough muscle to make quick work of any route.

The Ram 1500's EcoDiesel V6 provides outstanding fuel economy (20 mpg city/28 highway) along with a healthy 420 pound-feet of torque. The four-door crew cab can seat up to six and is surprisingly pleasant on long hauls thanks to its airy cabin, supportive seats and supple coil-spring rear suspension. Note that the EcoDiesel carries about a $5,000 premium, which nudges even the cheapest diesel-powered crew cab past our price cutoff. But this engine is certainly worth the extra money if towing and fuel economy (or simply extended driving range) are top priorities.

10. 2017 Honda Ridgeline

If you like the utility of a truck but prefer the refined driving character of a car, the 2017 Honda Ridgeline could be the road-trip champion you've been waiting for. Based on the Honda Pilot SUV, the Ridgeline is packed full of versatile features catering to an active lifestyle, so it's a great choice for trips with outdoorsy themes.

The bed of the Ridgeline is where most of the magic happens. A dual-hinged tailgate folds down or swings open from the side to reveal lockable underfloor storage. You can toss your gear in there, or else throw in some drinks and ice to convert it into a fully stocked cooler (the melted ice drains out via a removable plug at the bottom). Also available on top-line models is a 540-watt sound system, paired with the industry's first truck-bed audio system. It makes every stop on your itinerary a party waiting to happen.

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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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