A vacation in the summer or spring is the perfect opportunity to go on a road trip, and for the best cross-country adventure, one needs a reliable, comfortable car. The ideal road trip car for cross-country travel should offer ample space for passengers and cargo, with efficient fuel economy and advanced safety features. A wide variety of cars, from SUVs and crossovers to minivans, offer all these features and more.
1. Mazda CX-70 PHEV
Plug-in hybrids, like the Mazda CX-70, are popular for taking on double duty when on cross-country road trips. This car works like most other hybrids when driving on the highway by delivering fairly good fuel efficiency and passing power. Once inside a town or city, owners can charge the battery for up to 26 miles of all-electric drive.
It is one of the top vehicles for cross-country travel and has a plush interior with leather upholstery, which is standard. In addition to this, the vehicle offers ample space for passengers in both rows. The cabin has standard technology features such as wireless charging, wireless smartphone connectivity, and USB ports. Furthermore, the car is notable for features like driver-attention monitoring and stop-and-go adaptive cruise control when it comes to safety.
2. Honda CR-V Hybrid
The Honda CR-V Hybrid is one of the top contenders when it comes to the most comfortable cars for long drives. This is a hybrid version of Honda’s most popular compact SUV and is capable of giving nearly 43 mpg on city roads and about 36 mpg on the highways. This makes it one of the top fuel-efficient cars for road trips.
The cabin has all the standard features that make driving quite comfortable and smooth. The interior has a 7-inch touchscreen for infotainment, smartphone connectivity, USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Additionally, the standard upholstery has a stain-resistant material, a feature that proves useful during extended drives where food and drink spillage is common.
Besides this, the seats are comfortable and luxurious, with the option to recline in the rear seats. The comfort factor is enhanced by the lane-keep assist and standard adaptive cruise control features designed to lower driver fatigue.
3. Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban, often considered one of the best SUVs for road trips, has been a popular choice among consumers for many years. In addition to its generous cargo space, it is recognized as one of the best vehicles for road trips, and for good reason. The car can seat up to nine people, providing ample legroom for passengers even in the third row. A notable feature is the stylish yet comfy interior designed for longer journeys. The cabin has an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, six ports for USB connections, and wireless smartphone connectivity. Plus, the SUV is configurable to tow up to 8,300 pounds. Driver-assistance features for safety include lane-keep assist and lane-departure warning.
4. Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas is equipped with roomy seating across three rows. Along with this, it has one of the biggest cargo holds in the midsize SUV segment. Both these factors make this car one of the top family-friendly road trip vehicles. Other standard features that make this car ideal for longer drives across the country include sufficient USB ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless device charging, smartphone connectivity, and a 12-inch touchscreen for infotainment. Additionally, the Atlas can tow up to 5,000 pounds when configured well.
5. Kia Carnival
Minivans like the Kia Carnival are a popular choice for road trips because of their convenience and comfort. Also, with a lower price tag than other vehicles in its class, it is an affordable road trip model in the market. The vehicle is most notable for its safety features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist. The interior is also simple yet elegant, with upholstery that is easy to clean and maintain. Across the three rows, there is ample headspace and space for passengers. Even with the three rows of seating, there is sufficient space for the cargo hold.
6. Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Ford Mustang Mach-E is an option worth considering when looking for top electric cars for long-distance travel. It not only has iconic and elegant styling but also promises efficient performance. Even with its stylish looks, it is a practical car with many battery options, advanced tech features, and a spacious cabin. The comfortable seating and fast charging capabilities make it well-suited for longer drives across the country. Plus, zero emissions ensure a seamless journey with minimal environmental impact. The cargo space is large enough to carry luggage and other necessities for the road trip. Ford’s Co-Pilot360 driver-assist technology and FordPass mobile app connectivity enhance the Mustang Mach-E’s safety features.
7. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is one of the top road trip cars on the market, with seamless performance and proven reliability. It is equally capable of navigating through city roads, highways, and off-beat roads of various terrains. No matter the road, the RAV4 is known to deliver a comfortable and smooth ride. Besides, it has a fuel-efficient engine under the hood, an easy-to-use multimedia system, and advanced safety features. All these make the RAV4 an ideal choice for families planning a cross-country holiday trip.
