Lao Tzu once said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Any traveler will tell you the best road trip begins with choosing the right car for your new adventure. After all, this car will be with you for the entire trek, whether you’re headed out on a summer traveling spree or geared up for a winter vacation.
The guide below includes some of the best road trip cars ready for whatever lies ahead, regardless of whether the road is paved, dirt, snow-packed, or dotted with boulders. We’ll also discuss some of the key features every road trip car shares to discover what you should look for when selecting a sojourning sidekick. As you prepare to set out on your next voyage, slip a Drift car freshener onto your visor or vents to ground yourself in a familiar scent.
7 Best Road Trip Cars Perfect for the Adventure Ahead
When adventure calls, experienced travelers make do with any vehicle at their disposal. However, certain makes and models are better equipped to handle the rough roads ahead. Explore the seven best road trip cars below.
1. Best Sedan: Honda Accord
Honda rivals Toyota’s reputation for reliability and durability, which is why we’ve picked the Accord as the best road trip sedan. In addition to scoring high marks for dependability, this four-door Honda sedan incorporates desirable creature comforts and technological features. It may not be the best overlanding vehicle on our list, but it’s well worth a look.
2. Best Truck: RAM 1500
Also strong in durability and versatility is the RAM 1500, one of America’s most well-known trucks. Similar to the Ford F-Series lineup of trucks, the RAM balances rugged styling with plenty of modern features inside the cabin. Older RAM 1500 models come equipped with the EcoDiesel V-6, but RAM’s latest addition is the Ramcharger, complete with an electrified powertrain.
3. Best Rugged SUV: Jeep Wrangler
What road trip car list would be complete without the Jeep Wrangler? The question is rhetorical, of course, because Jeeps have conquered more trails than there are rubber ducks lined up on their dashboards. What the Wrangler lacks in cargo space, it more than makes up for in moxie.
4. Best Versatile SUV: Toyota 4Runner
One of Toyota’s several off-road-worthy SUVs, the 4Runner has several things going for it: respectable ground clearance, versatile cargo space, and advanced safety features. The 4Runner may be slightly less rugged than the Wrangler, but it’s built more for comfort than hopping boulders. If you’re traveling solo, laying down a mattress in the back of the 4Runner is also much easier than accomplishing in other vehicles on our list—except perhaps the next car.
5. Best Full-Size SUV: Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban is built for road trips that include more than two or three people. Winning big points in the cargo space and comfort arenas, the Suburban features a high ground clearance and decent fuel efficiency for what it is. Although many Suburbans tend to soak up the miles by chauffeuring celebrities, they’re built to handle their fair share of the path less taken.
6. Best Luxury SUV: Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 appeals to adventurers who lean more toward glamping than roughing it, but we don’t judge. Volvo vehicles excel at safety, integrating sophisticated systems that can truly save your life. And if it’s a bit too nice of a car to take off-roading, that’s why we invented hiking boots, right?
7. Best Electric Vehicle (EV): Tesla Model Y
Taking an EV on a road trip does come with caveats. However, the Model Y—and its more expensive sibling, the Model X—do deserve a spot on our list. These Tesla EVs leave more room in the budget for souvenirs and experiences while offering respectable cargo space, safety features, technological advancements, and comfort.
Features of the Best Road Trip Cars
When you think about your upcoming road trip, what terrain will you encounter, and what challenges will you face? Review the key features of road trip-worthy cars below. The vehicle you ultimately choose may not incorporate every one of these capabilities, but you may find more than a few of them non-negotiable.
Dependability
Constant breakdowns can quickly turn an adventurous road trip into something of a streaming television show with more commercial breaks than actual enjoyable content. The best road trip cars are as dependable as the cliffhanger writers love to incorporate into the last five minutes of your favorite flick. Every time you turn that key or push the start button, the engine should fire to life—just like the drama that keeps every reality show going and going—and going.
Safety
More time on the road means you’ll be relying more on the safety systems in your car. The best road trip cars receive high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) can also help road-weary travelers avoid ending their journeys abruptly and unexpectedly.
Fuel Efficiency
With the advancement of fuel-efficient vehicles—including hybrid and electric powertrains—it’s easier to squeeze many more miles out of a tank or charge than in the past. The best road trip cars are fuel-efficient and also fun to drive. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend more on souvenirs and memorable experiences than filling up at the pump?
Cargo Space
Road trips may vary in length, but the best road trip cars are big on cargo space. Whether you plan on being away for a few days or weeks—or even months—at a time, more space is always better to have. Although you can add space using roof cargo carriers, it’s best to keep all your road trip supplies in the cabin for easy access.
Technological Capabilities
Cassettes and CDs certainly helped pass the time in years past, but nowadays, you can keep your playlist on tap with satellite radio, Bluetooth, and built-in apps. Technologically advanced vehicles also incorporate navigation, so you don’t have to waste ink and paper on printed directions. Wi-Fi hotspots can also help you quickly find a nearby gas station or place to eat.
Off-Road Capable
Part of the thrill of road trips is the unlikely roads you’ll traverse. For all those unpaved paths, 4WD and AWD are vital to reaching your destination. Higher ground clearance doesn’t hurt, either.
Comfortable Ride
If you’re going to be in the car for hours at a time, it shouldn’t feel uncomfortable. The best road trip cars soak up all the bumps, so you don’t feel every mile as it passes beneath the tires. A comfortable ride can also include cooled and heated seats, massaging seat functions, or seat extensions to support your thighs.
Don’t Leave Home Without a Drift Premium Car Freshener
Many of our fondest—and strongest—memories are often tied to scents. Tether your upcoming adventures to a Drift signature car freshener designed to underscore your personal growth and achievements. Whether you choose our Wood, Stone, or Metal car freshener, you’ll recall past times of triumph, excitement, and spontaneity with each scent note.
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