Choosing the perfect car for a road trip is like selecting your seat on an airplane – aisle, middle, or window. Each option has its perks and drawbacks, depending on your preferences and needs. Similarly, the car you pick for your journey can make or break your experience, especially on long drives.
You’ll want a vehicle that’s not only comfortable to drive but also ideal for resting, sleeping, and traveling, ensuring every mile feels just right. The best road trip cars combine comfort, fuel efficiency, and ample cargo space for stress-free trips.
What Makes a Car Great for Road Trips?
Comfort and Seating for Long Hours
Some cars are simply more comfortable for long drives than others. Naturally, you’ll want a vehicle that makes the journey as smooth and effortless as possible, helping reduce fatigue along the way. If you're traveling with your family, especially with kids in the back, comfort becomes even more important. Look for a car that offers spacious seating, generous legroom, and ample cargo space to ensure everyone stays relaxed during long hours on the road.
Fuel Efficiency and Range Between Fill-Ups
Frequent stops for fuel can quickly become tiring, adding unnecessary time to your trip. That’s why the ideal road trip car should offer excellent fuel efficiency and a long driving range between fill-ups, helping you stay on the road longer and enjoy the trip with fewer interruptions.
Cargo Space for Luggage, Gear, or Pets
Road trips are no easy tasks. Whether you're heading to another state, visiting the beach, or traveling with other people, having enough cargo space is essential. The last thing you want to worry about is how to fit all your luggage, gear, and pet essentials. Fortunately, with so many road trip-friendly vehicles available, you can choose a car that offers the space and practicality you need for a smooth, stress-free journey.
Safety and Driver-Assist Features
Road trips often involve long stretches of rough terrain, unpredictable weather, and harsh conditions for your vehicle. Aiming for a reliable, durable car equipped with cruise control and driver assist features is a must for safer, smoother, and less stressful driving. Thankfully, many modern vehicles come with the latest safety technology, offering peace of mind throughout your journey.
Tech and Entertainment (Infotainment, Navigation, Charging Ports)
Imagine a road trip without music, podcasts, GPS, or charging ports. Sounds pretty dull, right? That's why a great infotainment system, reliable navigation, and ample charging points are essential for a smooth journey. Whether you're driving solo, with family, friends, or kids, having seamless access to entertainment, real-time directions, and the ability to charge your devices on the go makes the experience far more enjoyable and stress-free.
Top Used Cars for Road Trips (2025 Guide)
Here’s our roundup of the best road trip cars.
Subaru Outback
- AWD for all-season adventures: Perfect for diverse terrains and weather conditions, making it one of the best road trip cars for outdoor and off-road enthusiasts..
- Excellent cargo room and roof rails: Offers spacious trunk space and additional storage options.
- Comfortable ride quality: Ensures a smooth journey over long distances.
- Average Used Price: Approximately $27,211.
- Highway MPG: Around 33 MPG.
Honda CR-V
- Great fuel economy: A top contender among the best SUVs for road trips. Balances efficiency with power.
- Spacious rear seats and trunk: Provide ample space for passengers and luggage.
- Strong reliability record: Known for longevity and low maintenance costs.
- Average Used Price: Approximately $25,558.
- Highway MPG: Up to 34 MPG.
Toyota Prius
- Outstanding fuel efficiency (up to 50+ MPG): A standout choice for best cars for road trips, minimizing the need for fuel stops.
- Surprisingly roomy interior and hatchback design: Offers spacious trunk space and versatile seating.
- Perfect for solo or couple travelers: Compact size ideal for city and highway driving.
- Average Used Price: Approximately $25,010.
- Highway MPG: Up to 56 MPG.
Mazda CX-5
- Quiet, comfortable cabin: Reduces road noise for a peaceful ride.
- Stylish and fun to drive: Combines aesthetics with performance.
- Well-equipped even in older model years: Includes modern features and technology.
- Average Used Price: Approximately $23,978.
- Highway MPG: Up to 31 MPG.
Ford Escape Hybrid
- Fuel-efficient: Offers excellent mileage for its class.
- Roomy for families or gear: Provides ample space for passengers and luggage.
- Available AWD: Enhances traction and stability on various terrains.
- Average Used Price: Approximately $22,431.
- Highway MPG: Up to 41 MPG.
Chevrolet Tahoe
- Massive space and towing capacity: Accommodates large families and heavy loads.
- Smooth highway ride: Ensures comfort over long distances.
- Third-row seating: Provides additional passenger capacity.
- Average Used Price: Approximately $38,503.
- Highway MPG: Up to 23 MPG.
Honda Accord
- Comfortable and efficient: Offers a smooth ride with excellent fuel economy.
- Excellent safety features: Equipped with advanced safety technologies.
- Reliable for cross-country trips: Known for durability and longevity.
- Average Used Price: Approximately $23,100.
- Highway MPG: Up to 38 MPG.
Kia Soul
- Compact but roomy with great cargo access: Offers spacious trunk space in a compact design.
- Unique styling: Stands out with its distinctive appearance.
- Budget-friendly: Provides value without compromising on features.
- Average Used Price: Approximately $16,954.
- Highway MPG: Up to 35 MPG
How to Plan a Road Trip with an Electric Car
- Research charging stations
- Plan charging stops
- Check charger availability
- Optimize route
- Pack essentials
- Monitor battery usage
- Book accommodations with charging
- Use EV trip planners
- Check weather conditions, as cold weather can reduce range
How to Choose the Right Road Trip Car for Your Lifestyle
Are You Traveling Solo, as a Couple, or as a Family?
If you’re traveling alone, a compact or midsize vehicle might be enough – something that offers good fuel economy and is easy to handle. For couples, a larger car that provides more comfort and cargo space can make longer drives more enjoyable.
But if you are traveling with children, pets, or friends, prioritizing space and comfort is crucial. Seek out cars with roomy back seats, generous cargo capacity, and features like rear-seat entertainment or additional charging ports to keep everyone at ease and entertained.
Do You Need All-Wheel Drive or Off-Road Capability?
Your destination and planned route will help to determine whether you need all-wheel drive or off-road capabilities. If your trip will be mainly on highways and paved roads, front-wheel drive should work fine. However, if your road trip entails mountain passes, snowy weather, gravel paths or trails, having an all-wheel drive or 4WD vehicle becomes essential. These systems offer improved traction and stability in challenging driving conditions.
Prioritize Tech That Keeps You Entertained and Safe
Do you enjoy listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks while driving, or do you prefer complete silence? If you’re traveling with others, what do your family or friends prefer for long road trips? Understanding your lifestyle, preferences, and needs makes it easier to choose the right in-car entertainment for an enjoyable journey.
No matter what your tech or comfort preferences are, safety should always come first. It’s often worth spending a bit more to ensure your vehicle is equipped with essential safety features like advanced driver-assistance systems, collision alerts, and lane-keeping aids. As the saying goes, better safe than sorry.
Balance Comfort with Budget—Don’t Overbuy
It's easy to get swept up in flashy features and feel pressured to spend more than necessary. That’s why it's important to identify which features truly matter to you and which ones are just nice-to-have.
Set a realistic budget, make a list of must-have features, and consider the total cost of ownership. This includes maintenance, unexpected repairs, fuel economy, oil changes, insurance, and even pre-purchase inspections.
Tips for Inspecting a Used Car for Road Trip Readiness
Check Tire Tread, Brakes, and Suspension
Your vehicle’s tires, brakes, and suspension form the foundation of a safe ride. To check the tire tread, insert a penny into the grooves with Lincoln facing down. If you can see Lincoln's entire head, the tread is too worn, and it’s time to replace the tires.
Examine the brakes closely: listen for any squeaking or grinding sounds and ensure that the brake pads are not excessively worn.
For the suspension, firmly push down on each corner of the car. If it bounces more than once or twice, the shocks may need to be replaced. Remember to do regular checks to help you stay safe on long trips.
Confirm Maintenance History (Oil Changes, Timing Belt, etc.)
A car that is well taken care of is likely to be a reliable one. Request the service history of the car to see if it has had regular oil changes, which should ideally happen every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Check if the timing belt has been replaced if the vehicle has over 60,000 miles.
Look for other important services like transmission fluid changes or spark plug replacements. If the seller cannot provide service records, consider having a mechanic inspect the vehicle to avoid unexpected surprises.
Inspect Interior Comfort and Features (Air Conditioning, Charging Ports)
Long-distance comfort is key to an enjoyable road trip. Test the air conditioning to see if it cools down within a minute, as weak AC can make summer driving unbearable. Ensure that all seats can be adjusted easily and provide adequate cushioning for long hours of sitting.
Plug your phone into the charging ports to ensure your devices stay charged. Don’t forget to test the radio, speakers, and any navigation systems. Even small irritations can add up and take the joy out of your trip.
Don’t Skip the Test Drive—Take it on the Highway if Possible
A test drive allows you to experience how the car performs on real roads. Drive for at least 15-20 minutes, and if possible, take it on the highway to gauge its performance at higher speeds.
Does it accelerate smoothly? Are there any strange noises or vibrations? Assess the steering for its responsiveness and check if the vehicle drifts to one side. Pay attention to how it shifts gears and brakes. A highway drive can reveal problems that may not be apparent on city streets.
Bonus: Road Trip Car Games
- I Spy
- 20 Questions
- License Plate Game
- Alphabet Game
- Road Trip Bingo
- Would You Rather
- Car Karaoke
- Story Building
- Name That Tune
- Guess the Animal
- Scavenger Hunt
- The Quiet Game
Final Thoughts
When choosing the ideal vehicle for a road trip, prioritize what meets your requirements and fits your budget. Whether you want plenty of cargo space, excellent fuel efficiency, or a comfortable ride for long drives, the best road trip cars are the ones that check your boxes without breaking the bank.
A well-maintained used car can match a new model in performance and comfort, often at a fraction of the price. Just make sure to prioritize car reliability and safety. Ready to buy or ideal car? Check out UsedCars.com for a wide selection of the best cars for long drives.