Road trips are a great way to explore new places, create unforgettable memories, and bond with family and friends. However, the wrong car can easily turn an exciting road trip into a nightmare. After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time in there! To avoid this, it is crucial to choose the right car for the job.
In this article, we have put together a list of what you should consider when choosing a car, as well as the best options for road trips in 2023. Whether you are planning a solo trip or a family vacation, and whether you’re in the market to purchase a new vehicle or are just trying to figure out what you should rent, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find out which cars made the cut and why.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Car for Road Trips
Choosing the right car for a road trip is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Here are some of the factors to consider when selecting the ideal car for your next adventure.
ShutterstockFuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is one of the most crucial factors to consider when selecting a car for a road trip. A fuel-efficient car will save you money on gas and minimize the number of times you need to stop at gas stations to refuel. It is advisable to choose a car with a high miles-per-gallon (MPG) rating to minimize your fuel costs.
Depending on where you’ll be driving, you may want to consider whether a hybrid or fully electric vehicle will be suitable. If you’re visiting major cities across the country, you’re more likely to easily be able to locate places to charge than if you’re headed into more remote locations.
Shutterstock: New AfricaComfort and Cargo
Comfort is paramount when it comes to long-distance road trips. The right car should provide enough legroom, headroom, and seat support for all passengers. Additionally, consider a vehicle with features such as duel climate control and adjustable seats to keep you and your passengers comfortable throughout the trip.
You’ll also need to consider cargo space. If you plan to bring a lot of luggage or equipment, or even the family dog, select a car with ample storage space. A hatchback, SUV, or a crossover with a spacious trunk or roof rack can provide enough space to accommodate both your passengers and belongings.
Shutterstock: ORION PRODUCTIONSafety Features
Safety should always be a top priority when selecting a car for a road trip. Ensure that the car you choose has modern safety features such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rearview cameras. These features can help prevent accidents and keep everyone safe in the event of a collision.
ShutterstockEntertainment and Technology Features
A car with modern technology features such as GPS navigation, smartphone integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot can make your road trip more enjoyable. These features can help you navigate unfamiliar routes, stay connected with family and friends, and keep you entertained throughout the journey.
Shutterstock: HadrianAffordability
Regardless of whether you’re buying or renting, consider the cost of the vehicle. If you’re considering a purchase, include a vehicle’s purchase price, maintenance costs, and gas consumption. Choose a car that is within your budget and provides good value for money. You can also consider buying used to get a great car at a more affordable price!
If you’re renting, factors such as the size and make of the vehicle will affect the daily or weekly rental fee. Take these, as well as fuel consumption, into consideration if you’re concerned about how much it cost you.
ShutterstockBest Makes and Models For a Road Trip
There are many great vehicles for road trips that provide a perfect combination of comfort, safety, and entertainment. Here are 6 of the best cars for a road trip in 2023:
Honda Civic Hatchback
2023 MSRP: $26,850
The Honda Civic Hatchback is a popular choice for road trips due to its fuel efficiency and affordable price. It is a compact car that provides ample legroom and cargo space, making it a comfortable choice for a couple of adults or small family. The Civic also has excellent fuel economy, with an estimated 29 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway. Some of the pros of the Civic include its reliability, affordability, and fuel efficiency. However, some may find its lack of power or acceleration underwhelming, especially on steep hills or when merging onto highways. The size may also be an issue, depending on how many people you’re touring around with.
HondaSubaru Outback
2023 MSRP: $28,395
The Subaru Outback is a versatile and reliable car that provides excellent safety ratings, ample cargo space, and standard all-wheel drive, making it a great option for a road trip. It’s a midsize SUV that provides a comfortable and spacious interior with enough room to accommodate up to five passengers. The Outback also comes with a variety of advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Additionally, the Outback is equipped with standard all-wheel drive, making it perfect for rough terrain or inclement weather. The only drawback is tjat some may find its highway fuel economy to be lower than expected, with an approximate 26 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway.
Source: SubaruMazda CX-5
2023 MSRP: $26,700
The Mazda CX-5 is a stylish and luxurious SUV that offers impressive fuel efficiency, advanced safety features, and ample cargo space. It provides a comfortable and spacious interior with supportive seats and plenty of legroom. The CX-5 comes with a variety of advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. Additionally, the CX-5 has an estimated 24 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its class. Some of the pros of the Mazda CX-5 include its luxurious and stylish interior, fuel efficiency, and advanced safety features. However, some may find its infotainment system to be a bit outdated. Overall, the Mazda CX-5 is a comfortable car that provides a smooth and enjoyable ride, making it an excellent choice for long road trips.
Source: MazdaToyota Highlander
2023 MSRP: $36,420
The Toyota Highlander is a spacious and comfortable SUV that offers plenty of cargo space and advanced safety features, making it an excellent choice for a road trip for a family. It provides a comfortable and roomy interior that can accommodate up to eight passengers with ample legroom and supportive seats. The Highlander also comes with advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It offers plenty of cargo space with up to 84.3 cubic feet of storage capacity when the second and third-row seats are folded. One of the drawbacks is its fuel economy of 22/29 city/hwy MPG, which is lower, in part, due to its size.
Source: ToyotaChevrolet Equinox
2023 MSRP: $26,600
The Chevrolet Equinox is a reliable SUV that offers impressive cargo space and a comfortable and spacious interior with supportive seats and ample legroom. The Equinox comes with advanced infotainment features such as a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It offers plenty of cargo space with up to 63.9 cubic feet of storage capacity when the rear seats are folded, giving you plenty of room for all your gear. The Equinox is equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provides an estimated 26 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. The only drawback is that some may find its handling and acceleration to be less than impressive.
Source: ChevroletVolkswagen Atlas
2023 MSRP: $35,150
The Volkswagen Atlas is a spacious and stylish SUV that offers excellent safety ratings and a powerful engine. It provides a comfortable and roomy interior with three rows of seating that can accommodate up to seven passengers. The Atlas comes with advanced safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Additionally, it offers a powerful V6 engine that provides an estimated 21 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway, which is perhaps its most significant drawback. The Atlas is equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Source: Volkswagen
