40 Best Vehicles For A Road Trip

You can’t go on a road trip in any old car! That’s insane. You need something with style, efficiency, space and of course – a working audio system. The trucks and cars your about to see are the best vehicles you could possibly take a road trip inside of. Enjoy!

VW Bus/Vanagon

The VW Bus, or Vanagon as it’s often called, is one of the more iconic vehicles of all time. It also offers the perfect setup for road tripping. The VW Bus is roomy enough that you could even convert the cabin into a motorhome-like living space. While some of the older VW buses are very expensive, Vanagons from the 1990s are often quite cheap. If you’re planning to live out of your vehicle for an extended period, the VW Vanagon is a great choice.

2018 Volvo XC90

The 2018 Volvo XC90 features elegant styling both inside and out. Handling is very precise, and despite being a larger SUV, most drivers will command the XC90 with ease. Seating in all three rows is quite roomy and the seats provide plenty of support for longer rides. Fuel economy could be improved, however, and some in-class SUVs do offer better ride quality. Regardless, the XC90 is a great road trip SUV and offers plenty of room for large families.

2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Crew Van

When it comes to long road trips, practicality is perhaps the most important single consideration. The Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van isn’t the prettiest or sleekest vehicle on the road. It’s certainly no race car either. Yet the Sprinter offers a spacious interior and dependable performance. The Sprinter is a popular choice for companies that need cargo vans but it’s also a great choice for a long road trip. Some variants of the Sprinter can even seat up to 15 people, although that might get uncomfortable on a long haul.

Hear Us Out

The Mini Cooper actually really is a great road trip car. It just has to be a very specific road trip. One, maybe two people traveling across the back highways of America, staying at motels or with friends along the way. But it can fit anywhere you need it, it’s stylish and reliable. And when you’re on a straightaway with no one around; it’s a fun car for sure.

2018 Jeep Renegade

If the gas mileage offered by large SUVs has you worried, consider a subcompact like the Jeep Renegade. The Renegade gets up to 32 miles on the highway and 24 miles in the city. At the same time, the interior space is generous and four-wheel drive is available. In fact, many critics assert that the Renegade offers the best off-road performance in its class, so if your adventures are taking you off the beaten path, it’s a great choice.

Mercedes Benz Sprinter Interstate Lounge

What do you want out of a road trip vehicle? If you want to take the family and maybe a couple friends, you can do that in premium style. But if you want a weekend with you and your partner, this bad boy sleeps two easily. It’s The Mercedes Benz Sprinter van is right at home off road or on it.

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee combines the power of a workhorse SUV and a luxury vehicle in one attractive package. As a larger SUV, the Grand Cherokee is quite roomy and offers plenty of cargo space, making it great for long journeys. Four-wheel drive is also available and Jeeps are renowned for their off-road performance. Gas mileage varies according to the engine selected. Some engines provide just 11 MPG in the city, while others offer 22 MPG. On the highway, the Grand Cherokee gets between 17-30 MPG.

Dethleffs Van

This Dethleffs Van is solar powered to the max, baby! Instead of large grids this U.K-based van manufacturer attached several small, square plates of solar receptors.

2018 Toyota Sienna

The 2018 Toyota Sienna is a reliable, roomy minivan that offers a lot of creature comforts. There is more than enough room for passengers and cargo. The engine is surprisingly peppy for a minivan, although you won’t be winning many races in the Sienna. Like most Toyotas, the Sienna is a reliable ride. However, safety scores could be improved and handling is rather mediocre. Gas mileage is okay, with the Sienna getting 27 MPG on the highway but just 19 in the city.

2021 Ford Bronco, Sasquatch Edition

Perfect for a road trip. Stylish, efficient and it can take you off or on the road. The icon that started it all has received a pretty gnarly overhaul. The two-door 4×4 2021 Ford Bronco is available for an affordable price (we’ll get to that soon) and comes in the base level, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Badlands, Wild Trak, and First Edition options. Each level increases the off-road capabilities and included options. Translation: the higher up you go, the cooler it is.

A Converted School Bus!

This is the mountain biker’s dream. No need to travel to the runs, you can just live there. The inside of this mobile home is bare bones, but it’s the reliability of the classic Bluebird bus that is the attractant here….oh and the light turquoise, too. Can’t forget that.

The possibilities are endless, see for yourself how easily one of these used school buses could become yours.

The Skoolie

A fellow named Dean is the owner and proprietor of this school bus called, “The Skoolie”. It’s a tricked out 1994 GMC Bluebird with a Caterpillar 3116 turbo diesel engine. The Skoolie has propane, 86 gallons of water, and 400 watts of solar power. It’s one of our absolute favorite school bus conversions and you’ll see another angle or two later on…

2019 Buick Regal TourX

There aren’t many station wagons available on the market anymore. However, station wagons are perfect for road trips and the 2019 Buick Regal TourX is a great wagon. Buick has earned a reputation for building very reliable and comfortable cars. The 2019 Buick Regal TourX is no different. The seats are also very spacious and the cargo hold is huge, meaning you can pack plenty for your trip. With some models getting up to 32 miles per gallon on the highway, you’ll also enjoy respectable gas mileage.

2019 Volkswagen Atlas

Despite being “only” a midsize SUV, the VW Atlas offers three rows of spacious seats, making it a great choice for big families. While some people may worry about handling a larger SUV, the Atlas drives like a smaller vehicle. However, acceleration is rather tepid. Gas mileage is pretty good for an SUV, with the Atlas getting up to 22 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles on the highway. All-wheel drive is available as well, so feel free to plan trips on snowy or wet roads.

2019 Ford Expedition

The 2019 Ford Expedition is arguably the best large SUV of the year and it’s a great choice for a long trip. Few passenger vehicles offer as much cargo space as the Expedition. Meanwhile, the interior is spacious and luxurious, seating up to 8. Engine options are strong, although like most large SUVs, gas mileage is underwhelming at 24 MPG max on the highway and 17 MPG in the city. The powerful engine options also offer great towing and hauling capacity.

2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Many critics consider the 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid to be the best hybrid on the market. With a starting price (new) just north of $23,000, the Camry Hybrid is relatively affordable, especially when you figure in gas savings. Performance is pretty good, especially for a roomy family sedan, and driving dynamics are excellent overall. However, the transmission is occasionally unresponsive. The back seat is large and the trunk provides ample space, so the Camry is a great choice for longer journeys.

2018 Lincoln Navigator

Want a large truck that exudes class? Say hello to the 2018 Lincoln Navigator. Many critics consider the Navigator to be the best luxury SUV on the market, offering a massive, upscale cabin, plenty of tech features, and a silky smooth ride. The Navigator is also great for towing, so you can easily bring a trailer or pop up on your road trip. The Navigator does burn through gasoline, getting just 16 miles per gallon in the city and 23 on the highway.

2018 Hyundai Ioniq

There’s a lot to love in the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq. First, this car is a hybrid and gets fantastic gas mileage, nearing 60 mpg on the highway. This is good news for you and the environment. The 2018 Hyundai Ioniq has a spacious trunk and features a quality cabin. While many hybrids feature gimmicky looks, the Ioniq looks like a conventional, professional ride. The 2018 Ionic is also a relatively cheap car, even new, with a starting price just north of $22,000. Some complain, however, that handling feels “floaty.”

2018 Ford F-150

The Ford F-150 is America’s best-selling vehicle, and for good reason. This full size truck offers the complete package. The F-150 leads the class in regards to hauling and towing capacity, so feel free to load up for a long trip. The interior is very comfortable as well, although some competitors offer a more luxurious experience. The F-150 gets surprisingly good gas mileage for such a large vehicle, getting up to 30 miles per gallon on the highway and 22 miles in the city. Ultimately, the F-150 is one of the best trucks on the market.

2018 Audi A5 Cabriolet

The Audi A5 is among the best small luxury cars you can buy and the Cabriolet itself is one of the best convertibles around. Plenty of potent engines are available, as are engines that offer great gas mileage. Even for a luxury car, the cabin is exceptionally refined. The Audi A5 Cabriolet features sharp, responsive handling while also offering a comfortable ride. As a convertible, however, the trunk and rear seat are rather cramped. Still, for weekend trips, you could do a lot worse than the A5 Cabriolet.

2018 Dodge Challenger

The Dodge Challenger is another muscle car worthy of long road trips. Compared to most cars in the sports car class, the Challenger is very spacious and offers comfortable seating. The trunk is also cavernous, meaning you can cart along plenty of luggage. As a large car, the 2018 Dodge Challenger is not as agile as some rivals. However, it’s very fast off the line. Gas mileage is pretty good, with some engines providing 19 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway.

2018 Honda Odyssey

Minivans are great for long road trips. What they lack in styling, they make up for with comfort. The 2018 Honda Odyssey is a great choice for long drives, offering a roomy interior and ample storage space. The 2018 Odyssey is packed with technology, and the optional infotainment system is among the best in the industry. Performance is surprisingly capable for a family vehicle and handling is smooth and reliable. Honda is also well regarded for its reliability.

2018 Lexus ES Hybrid

The 2018 Lexus ES Hybrid offers great gas mileage, averaging nearly 40 miles per gallon in the city and on the highway. Like most Lexus vehicles, it offers a comfortable and upscale cabin. The ride is likewise silky smooth, although the driving experience can be uninspiring. The Lexus ES Hybrid is also a very reliable car and shouldn’t have trouble tackling long trips. However, trunk space is limited and the infotainment system has a steep learning curve. Still, the excellent gas mileage and luxury trimmings make the ES Hybrid a good choice.

2018 Tesla Model X

In terms of sales, the Tesla Model X has been a bit of a dud. However, when it comes to driving experience, interior environment, and performance, the Model X is a winner. The Model X can keep up with super cars at the drag strip and handling is likewise excellent. There’s plenty of cargo space as well, but the third row is rather cramped. The Model X can also get over 300 miles on a single charge. Keep in mind, however, that charging an electric takes more time than simply filling a gas tank.

2019 Ram 1500

The 2019 Ram 1500 is arguably the best full-size pickup truck available. Fiat-Chrysler recently refreshed the Ram 1500 and so far the truck has received near universal praise. Towing capacity is great, the looks are sharp and aggressive, and the interior is roomy and comfortable. Despite its rather large size, the Ram 1500 is rather nimble and offers a smooth ride. And while Ram may not be known as a luxury brand, the upper tier trims offer plenty of class. Per usual for full size trucks, the Ram 1500 does require a lot of fuel.

2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Want to enjoy a bit of luxury while on your road trip? The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a great option for those with more refined taste. Mercedes-Benz offers some of the most attractive luxury sedans on the market and the E-Class, in many ways, exemplifies what the German automaker has to offer. The E-Class is spacious and features an upscale interior. Performance is great, and although the E-Class only gets 21 miles per gallon in the city but up to 30 on the highway. Beware, however, at +$53,000 this Mercedes has one of the highest starting prices in its class.

2019 Porsche Macan

Compact SUVs are great for long journeys and the Porsche Macan is one of the nicest, most well-rounded models on the market. This compact luxury SUV has a pretty high starting price at nearly $50,000 but you get quite a bit of bang for your buck. The Porsche Macan is easy to handle and puts in a strong performance. The interior is very luxurious as well and the on-board tech is easy to use. Fuel economy could be improved, however, with some models getting just 20 MPG combined.

2019 Chevrolet Corvette

Want to hit the road hard and fast? Prefer a road trip in a supercar? The 2019 Chevrolet Corvette is the perfect choice. Costing only a fraction of similarly athletic Ferraris and Lamborghinis, the Corvette offers a lot of oomph for the buck. Besides being fast, it features solid handling and a quality interior. It’s only a two-seater, but the two seats you get are very comfortable and trunk space is surprisingly generous for a roadster, making life on the go easier.

2018 Subaru Outback

Station wagons have long been a road trip staple owing to their expanded cargo space and overall comfort. The Subaru Outback comes standard with all-wheel drive, making it a great choice for slippery or rough terrain. The Subaru Outback’s interior cabin is comfortable even given the high bar station wagons set and the Outback is one of the safest vehicles you can buy. You may want to get an upgraded engine, however, as the base engine struggles if the wagon is fully loaded.

2018 Kia Sorento

The 2018 Kia Sorento is a fantastic midsize SUV, offering a peaceful ride and plenty of room for passengers. Admittedly, some competitors offer more cargo space but you’ll still have plenty to store what you need for a road trip. The interior is surprisingly nice and uses quality materials rarely found in vehicles with a starting price of less than $20,000. The Sorento has also scored high in safety tests and the infotainment center and other onboard tech are user friendly.

2018 Honda CR-V

The 2018 Honda CR-V is a compact SUV, but one that’s quite generous with its passenger space. The interior isn’t flashy but it’s comfortable, and the seats provide plenty of support. The cargo hold is surprisingly generous, offering plenty of space for suitcases, small tents, and the like. The CR-V also handles well and the ride is very smooth, making it great for long road trips. Fuel economy is excellent as well, something you’ll appreciate as the miles go by.

2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is considered by many to be the best minivan on the market. While minivans offer tepid looks, the cavernous interiors are hard to beat. This is especially true for long road trips. There’s a big knock against the standard Pacifica, however. It only gets 22 miles per gallon combined. Fortunately, the Hybrid model gets 32 miles per gallon combined. In other words, you get the mileage of a midsize sedan but can enjoy all the amenities of a minivan.

2018 Chevrolet Tahoe

The Chevrolet Tahoe is one of the best large trucks you can buy but you’ll have to shell out a lot at the pump. While large SUVs offer plenty of passenger space, they’re not the most fuel efficient vehicles on the road. The Tahoe gets only 15 miles in the city and 23 miles per gallon on the highway. Speaking of passengers, the family will get to enjoy a comfortable, upscale interior space. You can also take advantage of a user friendly infotainment system. The Tahoe offers several powerful engines and is good for towing, so feel free to bring a trailer along.

2018 Honda Accord Hybrid

The Honda Accord hybrid offers most of the amenities as the regular Accord, but gets much better gas mileage. The Accord hybrid gets 48 miles both in the city and on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient cars on the road. Unlike other hybrids, which are often rather compact, the Accord Hybrid is spacious. The seats are comfortable and trunk space is also very generous. The infotainment system is a breeze to use as well, something you’ll appreciate while traveling.

2018 Jeep Wrangler

If your road trip is going to take you down roads less traveled, or off the road altogether, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler may be your best choice. Few vehicles can handle rough terrain and adverse weather like a Jeep Wrangler. You can also drop the top and enjoy the open air. However, the Jeep Wrangler offers limited interior space and the ride is stiff. Gas mileage is also subpar for a smaller vehicle. With the right engine, you might squeeze out 23 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles on the highway.

2018 Porsche 718 Boxster

Small roadsters are designed for weekend trips. The 2018 Porsche 911 Boxster is one of the best small luxury convertibles you can buy and despite its expensive price tag, offers a pretty good value. The Boxster melds performance, comfort, and excellent handling into one complete package. The interior is very refined and the seats are quite large. If there’s one knock against the Boxster as a road trip car, it’s the limited trunk space. There are two small trunks, one in the rear and the other behind the engine but neither can hold more than a few small bags.

2019 Kia Stinger

When you think luxury, you probably don’t think Kia. However, the 2019 Kia Stinger is one of the best small luxury cars available, and while it offers an impressive number of features, it starts at less than $33,000. The Kia Stinger performs especially well when it comes to handling and acceleration, making it a fun, sporty drive. The interior is quite upscale although not as luxurious as some other vehicles in its class. Trunk space is surprisingly generous and the infotainment center is very easy to use.

2018 Genesis G80

The 2018 Genesis is a nice midsize luxury car that you can get at a discount, with a starting price of just $35,000. While Genesis is a newer brand, the G80 offers tried and true performance. The G80 features a silky smooth ride and the seating is very comfortable. Engine performance is especially good considering the price tag but gas mileage is a bit low. The G80 is also one of the safest cars on the road with advanced safety options (like a pedestrian monitor) included. All-wheel drive is available.

2018 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel

Owing to their improved gas mileage, diesels are excellent for long journeys. The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel offers more than “just” the benefits of a diesel. On the whole, the Cruze is one of the best compact sedans you can buy, featuring great handling, a comfortable and spacious interior, and solid performance. If you select the Diesel hatchback model, you can also enjoy up to 47 MPG on the highway and 31 miles in the city. The sedan gets slightly better gas mileage but isn’t as roomy.

2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV

While Tesla still dominates the EV space, the Chevrolet Bolt EV is a more than worthy contender. The Chevy Bolt gets over 200 miles per charge, meaning it can handle longer road trips. The styling is a bit plain but there are some nice color options, like burnt orange. The cabin is much roomier than you might expect for such a small car and the Bolt comes loaded with tech features. Acceleration is very strong as well and the Bolt features nimble, sharp handling.

2018 Ford Mustang

Want a bit more muscle on your road trip? The 2018 Ford Mustang is one of the best muscle cars you can buy, offering both performance and style in spades. You can also select a drop top if you’d prefer wind rushing through your hair. You can select powerful engines that crank out hundreds of horses. Or you could opt for the Ford Ecoboost, which gets 32 miles on the highway and 21 miles in the city. The trunk is very spacious; however, the backseat is quite cramped.

2018 VW Atlas

2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF

There might not be a better weekend warrior than the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF. This hardtop convertible is a ton of fun to drive and is regularly praised by motor enthusiasts. With peppy acceleration, excellent handling, and a compelling starting price, the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF is arguably the best dollar-for-dollar roadster available. The Miata is a two seater, but the cabin is comfortable and well appointed. Trunk space, however, is limited so the Miata RF is best suited for shorter road trips.