A father driving his family on a road trip (Zamrznuti tonovi/Shutterstock)
Planning a road trip? It’s not just about where you’re headed—how you get there is just as important. Most of us aren’t rolling in luxury tour buses or settling into RVs, but the right set of wheels can still offer plenty of comfort and style and save money on gas. So, which vehicles are the most reliable for long drives? We’ve rounded up the best vehicles for road trips from experts across eight websites. So, pack up the dog, the kids, and your bags because it’s time to hit the road! If we forgot your favorite travel vehicle let us know below.
StudyFinds is a research-driven platform that analyzes and synthesizes expert recommendations from trusted sources. Rather than writing reviews ourselves, we meticulously compile consensus findings from leading industry experts and established publications to save consumers valuable research time. Each article represents hours of analysis across multiple authoritative sources to identify the most consistently recommended choices.
What experts say to rent or buy for road trips:
1. Honda Hybrid CR-V
The Honda CR-V Hybrid tops our list for good reason – it combines fuel efficiency with comfort and has features like a seven-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi hotspot, and adaptive cruise control. With up to 43 mpg in the city, it’s perfect for long drives, and the roomy, stain-resistant interior is a nice bonus. U.S. News ranks it highly for its all-around excellence.
What sets this compact SUV apart is the attention to passenger comfort, so says The Zebra. Even the rear seats recline, making long trips more comfortable for everyone. The CR-V Hybrid also includes lane-keeping assistance, which takes some stress out of extended drives.
It’s easy to see why the Honda CR-V Hybrid is such a popular choice—it’s packed with entertainment features and offers comfortable seating with plenty of room to stretch out. Car Soup agrees that whether you’re behind the wheel or relaxing in the back, this five-passenger SUV makes road trips more enjoyable.
2. Kia Telluride
This full-size SUV is a real win, especially with its third-row seating—perfect for bringing along the whole crew. Despite its size, Advantage believes it delivers a surprisingly smooth ride. The four-wheel drive lets you tackle just about any terrain your adventure throws at you, whether it’s winding mountain roads or a sandy beach path. Plus, it’s packed with safety features, so you can focus on enjoying the journey without any worries.
According to CarGurus, the Kia Telluride is the ultimate road trip vehicle, offering sophisticated travel for up to eight passengers at a price that feels like a steal. Its powerful 291-hp V6 engine, luxurious seating, and top-notch tech features make every journey comfortable and enjoyable.
The Telluride offers drivers advanced safety features like lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, giving everyone in the vehicle peace of mind. Motor Axle says it also boasts flexible seating and ample storage space for luggage and gear, while its impressive towing capacity makes it easy to haul boats, cars, and more.
3. Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevy Suburban is the ultimate family road trip SUV, winning the “Best Large SUV for Families” award from U.S. News. With room for up to nine passengers and more cargo space than almost any other SUV, it’s perfect for big adventures. Plus, the third row offers plenty of legroom, and its impressive towing capacity and advanced tech features make it ready for anything.
CarGurus recommends the Chevrolet Suburban for those epic, once-in-a-lifetime road trips, like a family adventure to the Grand Canyon. It’s one of the few vehicles that can comfortably haul up to eight people while towing 7,800 pounds, all with plenty of cargo space for everything you need. With its roomy interior, impressive towing capacity, and fuel-efficient diesel engine option, the Suburban is built to handle your most memorable journeys with ease.
With the Suburban, you don’t have to choose between size and amenities. This SUV packs in all the tech you need, from wireless connectivity to USB ports for everyone on board. As The Zebra highlights, it also includes essential driver-assistance features like lane-keeping assist, ensuring a safe and connected ride no matter where the road takes you.
4. Kia Carnival
What makes this set of wheels so great for road trips? U.S. News praises the Kia Carnival as another solid choice for family road trips, offering affordability and a lineup of standard safety features like lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring. Its spacious interior is easy to clean and has plenty of cargo space. Plus, it’s loaded with tech, including an eight-inch touchscreen, smartphone compatibility, and seven USB ports, so no one is fighting to charge their phones.
If you’re eyeing a minivan for your next road trip, CarGurus highlights the Kia Carnival as a top pick. While it might not have all-wheel drive or hybrid tech, it shines with a road trip-ready interior that’s spacious and luxurious, especially in the SX Prestige trim, where the second-row seats fully recline. With more third-row space than many SUVs and a design that’s anything but typical, the Carnival ensures everyone stays comfortable and stylish on those long drives.
Even those in the back seat won’t be bored, thanks to the minivan’s rear entertainment system, which includes Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Plus, Motor Axle points out that the Kia has practical features like a hands-free power liftgate, sliding rear row, and ample storage making it perfect for camping.
5. Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
The Chrysler Pacifica is a top pick for road trips thanks to its plug-in hybrid engine and spacious seating for the whole family, according to The Zebra. You’ll appreciate the tech perks like wireless smartphone connectivity and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Plus, U.S. News approves of its safety features like adaptive cruise control to keep your journey smooth.
The gas model of this minivan also delivers impressive fuel economy for its class. According to Cars.com, it boasts a top-notch rear entertainment system, abundant space for passengers and cargo, and smart storage solutions, making it an ideal travel choice.
6. Ford Mustang GT Convertible
While this pick is not as practical for driving a big group, this made expert lists for those looking to have the ultimate view on a road trip. If you’re planning a cross-country trip to relive some youthful adventures, the Mustang Convertible is the perfect ride and is the only non-SUV on our list! CarGurus recommends the EcoBoost Premium model, which offers 315 horsepower, a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission, and all the tech you need, like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Enjoy the ride with heated and cooled seats, selectable drive modes, and the thrill of cruising America’s roads in style.
According to U.S. News, the Mustang offers thrilling performance without sacrificing fuel economy. It also boasts updated interior features a 13.2-inch touchscreen, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and essential safety tech. Plus, you can enjoy it as a convertible for the full experience.
Despite being a compact car, the Mustang Convertible offers ample storage space, making it ideal for road trips and camping. Motor Axle highlights that this car has just enough room to pack your camping essentials without feeling cramped. Whether it’s a tent, sleeping bag, or other gear, it will all fit into the Mustang.
Sources:
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
