Not every vehicle is built to handle long-distance travel, and some 2023 models proved especially disappointing when taken beyond short daily drives. Poor seating comfort, limited cargo space, weak highway performance, and excessive cabin noise can turn a simple trip into an exhausting experience. When a car lacks the right balance of power, stability, and convenience, even scenic routes feel tiring. Understanding which models fall short can help travelers avoid frustration and choose better options for long journeys.
Factors Affecting a Vehicle’s Suitability
There are many factors to consider when evaluating a car’s suitability for a road trip. Comfort is one of the most important factors to consider, as you’ll be spending a lot of time sitting in the car. The car should have comfortable seats, enough legroom and headroom, and a suspension that can absorb bumps on the road. Reliability is also critical, as you don’t want to break down in the middle of a long trip.
Good fuel efficiency is another important factor, as you’ll be driving long distances and would likely prefer not to spend all your money on gas. Cargo space is also key, as you’ll need to pack clothing, food, and other essentials for the trip. Finally, safety features such as airbags, seat belts, and driver assistance technologies can provide added peace of mind during a long road trip.
The cars that are generally considered to be the least suitable for a long road trip are those that are uncomfortable, unreliable, have poor fuel efficiency, limited storage capacity, and lack safety features.
Nissan Versa
While the Nissan Versa is a budget-friendly car with good fuel economy and modern safety features, it may not be the best choice for a road trip in certain scenarios. The car has received criticism for its uncomfortable seats, subpar handling, and noisy cabin, which can make long drives tiring and uncomfortable. Additionally, the Versa has limited cargo space and legroom, which can make it difficult to have enough space for luggage and make for cramped seating arrangements.
Furthermore, the car’s small engine may struggle on hills or at higher speeds, which can impact the overall driving experience. While the Versa may be suitable for daily commutes or short trips, its lack of comfort and limited space make it less than ideal for longer road trips – particularly for more than two people.
Jeep Wrangler
Jeep Wranglers – both the two and four door options – are undeniably iconic. Their rugged design is perfect for off-road adventures, but with their poor fuel economy and bumpy ride, they aren’t necessarily ideal for a road trip. While the car is spacious and has a removable roof and doors, it has a bumpy and noisy ride, which can be uncomfortable during long drives. Additionally, the car’s boxy design and high center of gravity can make it less stable on highways and in windy conditions, which can be stressful and tiresome for drivers.
The fuel these SUVs consume is another significant drawback. Four door, gasoline models of the Wrangler from 2020 onwards get anywhere from 17-24 mpg on the highway and 13-21 mpg in the city. For an off-road vehicle, that’s not bad, but doing a long road trip in a Wrangler will set you back quite a bit in fuel.
Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris is a subcompact budget-friendly car with good fuel efficiency, but its limited interior space and small engine may not be suitable for long drives like a road trip. The car’s small size can make it cramped for passengers (unless you’re driving solo), particularly in the back seat, and it has limited cargo space which may make it difficult to pack everything needed for a longer trip. Additionally, the Yaris may not have the smoothest ride due to its relatively stiff suspension, which can make long drives uncomfortable.
Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger is a powerful muscle car that is designed for speed and performance, and while you may be tempted to take some type of sports car on your roadtrip, but in reality, it’s not be the best choice for a road trip. While the car is spacious and has comfortable front seats, it has limited rear-seat space and a relatively small trunk, which can make it difficult to pack enough luggage for a long trip.
Additionally, the Challenger’s stiff suspension can make for a rough ride on bumpy roads, and the car’s poor fuel economy may require frequent stops for refueling. Moreover, the car’s size can make it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces or in heavy traffic, which can be stressful during a long drive. While the Challenger may be suitable for shorter trips or driving enthusiasts, its best to knock it off the list of good road trip cars.
Tesla Model 3 or Model Y
While the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y are popular electric cars with advanced features and impressive acceleration, they may not be the best choice for a road trip. One of the main challenges with electric cars is range anxiety, or the fear of running out of battery power before reaching your destination. While the Model 3 and Model Y have a range of around 300 miles, charging stations may not be readily available in all areas, which can make it difficult to plan a long road trip.
Additionally, the car’s limited cargo space and legroom can make it difficult to pack enough luggage and make for cramped seating arrangements. Moreover, the car’s suspension can be firm, which may not be as comfortable during long drives. While the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y can be great options for daily commutes or shorter trips, they are currently less than ideal for longer road trips.
Mazda CX-3
The Mazda CX-3 is a popular subcompact SUV with a sporty design and good fuel efficiency, but it may still not be the best choice for a road trip. The car’s limited cargo space and cramped rear seating can make it difficult to pack what you need and provide adequate space for passengers during a long trip.
Additionally, the car’s suspension is firm, which can make for a rough ride on bumpy roads and may be uncomfortable during a long drive. The CX-3’s small engine may also struggle at higher speeds or on hills, which can impact the car’s overall performance and make for a less enjoyable driving experience.
Hyundai Accent
The Hyundai Accent is a budget car with good fuel economy and modern safety features, but it may not be the best choice for a road trip. The car has received criticism for its uncomfortable seats, subpar handling, and noisy cabin, which can make long drives tiring and uncomfortable.
Additionally, the Accent has limited cargo space and legroom, which can make packing difficult and result in cramped seating arrangements. Moreover, the car’s small engine may struggle on hills or at higher speeds, which can impact the overall driving experience.
Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban is a large SUV with impressive towing capabilities and a spacious interior, but isn’t ideal for a road trip. While the Suburban has ample cargo space and can accommodate up to nine passengers, its poor fuel economy can make long trips expensive and require frequent stops at gas stations. Additionally, the car’s large size can make it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces or in heavy traffic, which can be stressful during a long drive.
The vehicle’s suspension can also be stiff, which may not be as comfortable during long drives, and the car’s interior can be noisy due to its size and design. While the Suburban may be suitable for driving your large family around day-to-day, its poor fuel economy, handling, and large size make it less than ideal for longer road trips.
Ford Explorer
While the Ford Explorer is a popular SUV with many positive features, it may not be the best choice for a long road trip. The Explorer has been criticized in the past for its reliability issues, which can be a concern for longer trips where a breakdown could be particularly disruptive. It also has fairly poor fuel economy compared to some of its competitors in the midsize SUV segment.
Depending on the engine and trim level, the Explorer may require more frequent fill-ups. Additionally, while the Explorer has a spacious interior, its cargo space can be limited depending on the number of passengers and the amount of luggage you need to bring. Some drivers and passengers have reported that the rear seats in the Explorer can be uncomfortable for longer trips, which can make for a less enjoyable ride.
Volkswagen Atlas
While the Volkswagen Atlas is a spacious SUV with plenty of room for passengers and cargo, it may not be the best choice for a road trip. The car’s handling and suspension have been criticized for being overly firm, which can make for a bumpy ride on uneven roads. Additionally, the car’s fuel economy is lower than many of its competitors.
Moreover, the car’s technology and features may not be as advanced as some of its rivals, which can make for a less comfortable and convenient experience. While the Volkswagen Atlas may be suitable for shorter road trips or for families who need a lot of space, its stiff suspension, lower fuel economy, and less advanced features make it less than ideal for longer road trips.
Don’t Take Chances On Your Road Trip
Choosing the right vehicle for a road trip can be a daunting task, as there are many factors to consider. Factors such as comfort, reliability, fuel efficiency, storage capacity, and safety features can all impact the overall driving experience.
By researching and reading reviews, potential buyers can narrow down their options and find a car that fits their needs and preferences. It’s also important to consider personal preferences and priorities, as some drivers may value certain features more than others. By taking the time to find the right car, drivers can enjoy a comfortable and safe road trip experience.
