When planning a long road trip, one of the most important factors to consider is the car you’ll be driving. After all, a comfortable, reliable, and fuel-efficient car can make the difference between a fun, memorable journey and an exhausting experience. From spacious interiors to cutting-edge technology, here are ten cars that are perfect for long road trips.
1. Honda Accord
The Honda Accord has long been a favorite for road trippers, and it’s easy to see why. With a reputation for reliability, the Accord offers an impressive mix of comfort, fuel efficiency, and technology. The cabin is spacious, making it ideal for families or those traveling with lots of luggage. Additionally, the Accord’s adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist provide extra peace of mind on long highways. With excellent gas mileage (up to 38 mpg on the highway), the Accord ensures you can travel long distances without frequent stops at the pump.
2. Toyota Camry
Another reliable choice for long road trips is the Toyota Camry. Known for its comfort and smooth ride, the Camry comes with advanced safety features, including Toyota’s Safety Sense suite, which includes lane departure warning and pre-collision detection. With its spacious interior, easy-to-use infotainment system, and generous fuel economy (up to 39 mpg on the highway), the Camry ensures that long hours on the road won’t feel like a chore.
3. Chevrolet Tahoe
For those who need more space and power, the Chevrolet Tahoe is an excellent option. This full-size SUV can comfortably accommodate large families or groups, offering three rows of seats and ample cargo space. The Tahoe’s towing capacity is also a huge plus if you plan on hauling extra gear or a trailer. With an advanced infotainment system and a smooth, quiet ride, the Chevrolet Tahoe makes long trips feel like a breeze. Plus, with four-wheel drive capabilities, it’s a great choice for varied terrains.
4. Ford Escape
If you’re looking for a smaller SUV with great fuel economy, the Ford Escape is a fantastic choice. Its compact size makes it easy to maneuver, but it still offers a comfortable ride with plenty of interior space. The Escape features a user-friendly infotainment system, available hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, and advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking. With impressive gas mileage (up to 37 mpg for the hybrid version), the Escape is both practical and efficient for long road trips.
5. Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover that strikes a perfect balance between fun-to-drive performance and comfort. The vehicle’s athletic handling makes it a joy to drive on winding roads, while its spacious interior ensures that passengers are comfortable for the long haul. The cabin features high-quality materials, and the infotainment system is easy to navigate. With up to 31 mpg on the highway, the Mazda CX-5 is a great choice for those who want an enjoyable driving experience without sacrificing efficiency.
6. Subaru Outback
Known for its ruggedness and versatility, the Subaru Outback is a fantastic choice for those who want to explore both highways and off-the-beaten-path destinations. The Outback comes standard with all-wheel drive, making it ideal for trips to areas with varied weather or terrain. Its spacious interior includes comfortable seating and an easy-to-use infotainment system. With great safety features and excellent fuel efficiency (up to 33 mpg on the highway), the Outback offers the best of both worlds for road-trippers who want to go the distance with peace of mind.
7. Volkswagen Atlas
For those who need maximum space, the Volkswagen Atlas is a three-row SUV that can comfortably accommodate up to seven passengers. Its spacious interior is perfect for families, while the smooth ride and advanced tech features enhance comfort during long drives. The Atlas offers generous cargo space, making it easy to bring along everything you need. It also provides a solid fuel economy (up to 27 mpg on the highway) for a vehicle of its size, making it an efficient choice for long-distance trips.
8. Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee combines off-road capability with luxury and comfort, making it ideal for long road trips that may involve both highways and rugged trails. The Grand Cherokee offers a smooth and quiet ride with a well-appointed interior, complete with high-end materials and an intuitive infotainment system. Its advanced driver-assist features, like adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning, enhance safety during long drives. With a towing capacity of up to 7,200 pounds and excellent off-road abilities, the Grand Cherokee is perfect for adventurous road trips.
9. Tesla Model Y
For those looking to go green on their road trip, the Tesla Model Y is an all-electric crossover that offers an exciting combination of performance and eco-friendliness. The Model Y features an impressive driving range, making it a great option for long trips (with up to 330 miles on a single charge, depending on the model). Its spacious interior, modern technology, and autopilot capabilities (which assist with driving on highways) make long drives both comfortable and futuristic. Tesla’s Supercharger network also ensures that charging stops are convenient and efficient.
10. Chrysler Pacifica
If you’re traveling with a larger group or family, the Chrysler Pacifica minivan offers a combination of comfort, practicality, and technology. It’s equipped with spacious seating for up to eight passengers, ample cargo space, and a smooth, quiet ride. The Pacifica’s Uconnect infotainment system is one of the most user-friendly on the market, ensuring that entertainment is just a touch away. The Pacifica also offers a hybrid version, providing excellent fuel efficiency (up to 82 MPGe), which makes it an ideal option for long-distance drives.
In Conclusion
Selecting the ideal car for a long road trip is all about understanding your personal preferences—whether that’s ample space, excellent fuel efficiency, off-road performance, or premium features. Whether you prefer compact sedans like the Honda Accord, roomy SUVs such as the Chevrolet Tahoe, or cutting-edge electric vehicles like the Tesla Model Y, these top 10 cars offer something for every type of traveler.
With the right vehicle, no matter where your journey leads, you’re sure to enjoy the drive just as much as the destination. If you’re in Utah and considering an upgrade for your road trip, exploring options for an auto loan can help make your dream car a reality, allowing you to hit the road with confidence and comfort.
