“Best cars for road trips in America”

Best Cars for Road Trips in America: The Ultimate 2024 Guide

Introduction

Road trips are an iconic part of American culture, offering the perfect blend of adventure, freedom, and discovery. Whether you’re exploring the majestic landscapes of the Pacific Coast Highway, navigating the scenic byways of the Blue Ridge Parkway, or traversing the vast stretches of Route 66, the right vehicle can make or break your journey. Comfort, reliability, fuel efficiency, and storage space are key factors to consider when choosing a road trip vehicle. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best cars for road trips in America for 2024, covering various categories, from compact SUVs to luxury sedans and electric vehicles.

1. What Makes a Car Ideal for Road Trips?

a. Comfort

Comfort is paramount on long drives. A good road trip car should have supportive seats, ample legroom, and a smooth ride. Additionally, features like climate control, adjustable seating, and noise insulation can make a significant difference in keeping passengers comfortable over extended periods.

b. Reliability

A reliable car is essential to avoid breakdowns or unexpected issues that could disrupt your trip. Vehicles with a strong track record for dependability and low maintenance costs are ideal for long journeys.

c. Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is another crucial factor, especially when traveling long distances. Cars that offer excellent miles per gallon (MPG) will save you money on fuel and reduce the number of stops needed to refuel.

d. Storage Space

Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, adequate storage space is necessary for luggage, camping gear, and other essentials. Vehicles with spacious trunks or versatile cargo areas are ideal for road trips.

e. Technology and Connectivity

Modern road trip cars should be equipped with the latest technology, including GPS navigation, smartphone integration, and entertainment systems to keep passengers entertained. Safety features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist are also beneficial for long drives.

With these criteria in mind, let’s explore the top road trip cars in America for 2024.

2. Best Compact SUVs for Road Trips

a. 2024 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback is a perennial favorite among road trippers, known for its rugged capability, comfort, and reliability. It’s an ideal choice for those who love to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.

• Comfort: The Outback offers spacious seating for five, with supportive seats and ample legroom. The interior is designed with high-quality materials, and the ride is smooth and quiet, making it perfect for long drives.
• Reliability: Subaru is known for its dependable vehicles, and the Outback is no exception. It’s built to handle various terrains, thanks to its standard all-wheel drive and higher ground clearance.
• Fuel Efficiency: The 2024 Outback offers impressive fuel efficiency for an SUV, with an estimated 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway.
• Storage Space: With 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 75.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down, the Outback provides plenty of room for luggage and gear.
• Technology: The Outback comes with Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system, featuring an 11.6-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

b. 2024 Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is another top choice for road trippers, offering a perfect balance of comfort, efficiency, and practicality. It’s a versatile compact SUV that’s well-suited for both city driving and long-distance travel.

• Comfort: The CR-V’s interior is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of room for passengers in both the front and rear seats. The ride quality is smooth, and the cabin is quiet, making it a pleasant vehicle for road trips.
• Reliability: Honda has a reputation for building reliable vehicles, and the CR-V is one of the brand’s best-selling models. It’s known for its longevity and low maintenance costs.
• Fuel Efficiency: The 2024 CR-V offers excellent fuel efficiency, with an estimated 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its class.
• Storage Space: The CR-V offers 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 75.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, providing ample room for all your road trip essentials.
• Technology: The CR-V comes with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available wireless charging. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a collision mitigation braking system.

c. 2024 Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is an excellent choice for road trippers who value driving dynamics as much as comfort. Known for its engaging driving experience and upscale interior, the CX-5 is perfect for those who want a fun-to-drive SUV.

• Comfort: The CX-5’s interior is one of the best in its class, with premium materials, comfortable seats, and a stylish design. The ride quality is refined, and the cabin is well-insulated from road noise.
• Reliability: Mazda vehicles are known for their reliability, and the CX-5 is no exception. It’s a well-built SUV that offers peace of mind on long journeys.
• Fuel Efficiency: The 2024 CX-5 offers competitive fuel efficiency, with an estimated 24 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway.
• Storage Space: The CX-5 offers 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. While it’s slightly less than some competitors, it’s still adequate for most road trips.
• Technology: The CX-5 comes with a 10.25-inch infotainment display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium Bose sound system. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.

3. Best Midsize SUVs for Road Trips

a. 2024 Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer is a classic American road trip vehicle, offering plenty of space, comfort, and capability. It’s an ideal choice for families or groups who need a spacious SUV for long-distance travel.

• Comfort: The Explorer offers three rows of seating, with room for up to seven passengers. The seats are comfortable, and the cabin is designed for long-haul comfort, with tri-zone climate control and plenty of storage compartments.
• Reliability: The Explorer has a solid reputation for reliability, making it a dependable choice for road trips. Its rugged construction and powerful engine options ensure it can handle a variety of terrains.
• Fuel Efficiency: The 2024 Explorer offers decent fuel efficiency for a midsize SUV, with an estimated 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway.
• Storage Space: The Explorer offers 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded down, providing ample room for luggage and gear.
• Technology: The Explorer comes with Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available Wi-Fi hotspot. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

b. 2024 Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is another excellent choice for road trips, offering a perfect blend of comfort, reliability, and advanced technology. It’s a versatile SUV that’s well-suited for both urban driving and cross-country adventures.

• Comfort: The Highlander offers three rows of seating, with room for up to eight passengers. The interior is well-appointed, with comfortable seats and a quiet cabin, making it ideal for long journeys.
• Reliability: Toyota’s reputation for reliability is well-earned, and the Highlander is one of the brand’s most dependable models. It’s built to last, with low maintenance costs and a strong resale value.
• Fuel Efficiency: The 2024 Highlander offers competitive fuel efficiency, with an estimated 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.
• Storage Space: The Highlander offers 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 84.3 cubic feet with both rear rows folded down, making it spacious enough for most road trips.
• Technology: The Highlander comes with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available wireless charging. Safety features include Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking.

c. 2024 Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride has quickly become a favorite among road trippers, thanks to its spacious interior, upscale features, and strong value proposition. It’s a midsize SUV that offers a lot of bang for your buck.

• Comfort: The Telluride’s interior is among the best in its class, with high-quality materials, comfortable seating for up to eight passengers, and a smooth, quiet ride. It’s designed with long trips in mind, offering plenty of legroom and storage compartments.
• • Reliability: The Kia Telluride has earned high marks for reliability, making it a dependable choice for road trips. Kia’s warranty also provides added peace of mind, offering comprehensive coverage for added security on long journeys.
  • Fuel Efficiency: The 2024 Telluride offers solid fuel efficiency for its class, with an estimated 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway.
  • Storage Space: The Telluride boasts 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 87 cubic feet with both rear rows folded, providing ample room for all your road trip gear.
  • Technology: The Telluride comes equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

  4. Best Full-Size SUVs for Road Trips

  a. 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe

  The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior, powerful performance, and advanced technology. It’s an excellent choice for families or groups who need extra room and capability for their road trips.

  • Comfort: The Tahoe offers three rows of seating with room for up to nine passengers, making it perfect for larger groups. The seats are comfortable, and the ride quality is smooth, with an upscale cabin that enhances long-trip comfort.
  • Reliability: The Tahoe has a reputation for reliability and durability. Its robust construction and powerful engines ensure it can handle a variety of driving conditions.
  • Fuel Efficiency: The 2024 Tahoe offers reasonable fuel efficiency for its size, with an estimated 15 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway.
  • Storage Space: The Tahoe provides 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 72.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 122.9 cubic feet with both rear rows folded, offering ample storage for all your travel needs.
  • Technology: The Tahoe features a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available 4G LTE Wi-Fi. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.

  b. 2024 Ford Expedition

  The Ford Expedition is another top choice for road trips, offering a spacious interior, powerful performance, and advanced features. It’s designed to handle long journeys with ease.

  • Comfort: The Expedition provides three rows of seating with room for up to eight passengers. The seats are supportive, and the cabin is quiet and well-appointed, making it comfortable for extended drives.
  • Reliability: The Expedition is known for its reliability and durability. It’s built to handle heavy loads and challenging conditions, making it a trustworthy option for road trips.
  • Fuel Efficiency: The 2024 Expedition offers competitive fuel efficiency for its class, with an estimated 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway.
  • Storage Space: The Expedition offers 20.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 63.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 104.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded down, providing ample room for gear and luggage.
  • Technology: The Expedition comes with a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera system.

  c. 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser

  The Toyota Land Cruiser is a legendary full-size SUV known for its off-road capability, durability, and luxury features. It’s a great choice for road trips that might include challenging terrains.

  • Comfort: The Land Cruiser offers three rows of seating with room for up to eight passengers. The interior is luxurious, with high-quality materials and a comfortable ride that makes long trips enjoyable.
  • Reliability: The Land Cruiser is renowned for its reliability and durability, making it a dependable choice for road trips. Its robust construction and off-road prowess ensure it can handle various driving conditions.
  • Fuel Efficiency: The 2024 Land Cruiser offers moderate fuel efficiency, with an estimated 13 MPG in the city and 17 MPG on the highway.
  • Storage Space: The Land Cruiser provides 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 43 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 81.7 cubic feet with both rear rows folded down.
  • Technology: The Land Cruiser features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium JBL sound system. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a multi-terrain monitoring system.

  5. Best Luxury Cars for Road Trips

  a. 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

  The Mercedes-Benz E-Class combines luxury, comfort, and advanced technology, making it an excellent choice for a high-end road trip experience. It offers a refined ride and a host of premium features.

  • Comfort: The E-Class features a plush interior with high-quality materials, comfortable seats, and a smooth, quiet ride. The cabin is designed for long-haul comfort, with advanced climate control and customizable seating options.
  • Reliability: Mercedes-Benz vehicles are known for their engineering excellence, and the E-Class is no exception. It offers a reliable driving experience with strong build quality and advanced technology.
  • Fuel Efficiency: The 2024 E-Class offers respectable fuel efficiency for its class, with an estimated 22 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway.
  • Storage Space: The E-Class offers 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space, which is ample for a luxury sedan. The rear seats also fold down to expand the cargo area for additional storage.
  • Technology: The E-Class comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium Burmester sound system. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.

  b. 2024 BMW 7 Series

  The BMW 7 Series is a full-size luxury sedan that offers exceptional comfort, performance, and technology. It’s a top choice for those seeking a luxurious and high-performing vehicle for road trips.

  • Comfort: The 7 Series boasts a spacious and opulent interior, with plush seats, high-quality materials, and advanced climate control. The ride quality is smooth and refined, ensuring a comfortable journey.
  • Reliability: BMW’s 7 Series is known for its engineering precision and reliability. It offers a strong performance with a reputation for durability and advanced technology.
  • Fuel Efficiency: The 2024 7 Series offers competitive fuel efficiency for a luxury sedan, with an estimated 20 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.
  • Storage Space: The 7 Series provides 18.2 cubic feet of trunk space, offering ample room for luggage and travel essentials.
  • Technology: The 7 Series features a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a 360-degree camera system.

  c. 2024 Audi A8

  The Audi A8 is a luxury sedan that excels in comfort, technology, and performance. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a premium road trip experience with advanced features and a smooth ride.

  • Comfort: The A8 offers a luxurious interior with high-quality materials, comfortable seats, and advanced climate control. The ride quality is smooth, and the cabin is designed to provide a serene driving experience.
  • Reliability: Audi vehicles are known for their performance and reliability, and the A8 is no exception. It combines advanced technology with a strong track record for durability.
  • Fuel Efficiency: The 2024 A8 offers good fuel efficiency for a luxury sedan, with an estimated 19 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway.
  • Storage Space: The A8 provides 12.5 cubic feet of trunk space, which is adequate for a luxury sedan. The rear seats also fold down to expand the cargo area for additional storage.
  • Technology: The A8 comes with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

  6. Best Electric Vehicles (EVs) for Road Trips

  a. 2024 Tesla Model Y

  The Tesla Model Y is a versatile electric SUV that offers impressive range, advanced technology, and plenty of space, making it a great choice for road trips.

  • Comfort: The Model Y provides a spacious interior with comfortable seats and a smooth, quiet ride. The minimalist design and large panoramic glass roof enhance the driving experience.
  • Reliability: Tesla’s vehicles are known for their cutting-edge technology and performance. The Model Y has a solid reputation for reliability and offers over-the-air software updates to improve features and performance.
  • Fuel Efficiency: The Model Y offers an impressive range, with an estimated 330 miles on a single charge, making it ideal for long-distance travel.
  • Storage Space: The Model Y offers 68 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down, providing ample room for luggage and gear.
  • Technology: The Model Y features a 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system, advanced navigation, and Autopilot capabilities. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.

  b. 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E

  The Ford Mustang Mach-E is an electric SUV that combines performance, style, and practicality, making it an excellent choice for road trips.

  • Comfort: The Mach-E offers a well-appointed interior with comfortable seats, a smooth ride, and a futuristic design. The cabin is spacious and designed for long-distance comfort.
  • Reliability: The Mach-E has received positive reviews for its performance and build quality. Ford’s new electric vehicle offers a reliable and enjoyable driving experience.
  • Fuel Efficiency: The Mach-E provides an estimated range of up to 312 miles on a single charge, making it suitable for long road trips.
  • Storage Space: The Mach-E offers 29.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and up to 59.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
  • Technology: The Mach-E comes with a 15.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available over-the-air updates. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera system.

  c. 2024 Rivian R1T

  

  The Rivian R1T is an all-electric pickup truck that offers rugged capability, impressive range, and advanced technology, making it a unique option for adventurous road trips.

  • Comfort: The R1T features a spacious and rugged interior with comfortable seats and a high driving position. The ride quality is smooth, and the cabin is designed for both comfort and durability.
  • Reliability: Rivian’s R1T has received positive reviews for its performance and build quality. It’s designed for both on-road and off-road adventures, making it a versatile option for road trips.
  • Fuel Efficiency: The R1T offers an estimated range of up to 314 miles on a single charge, providing plenty of range for long-distance travel.
  • Storage Space: The R1T provides 11.1 cubic feet of cargo space in the frunk (front trunk) and up to 56 cubic feet of cargo space in the bed, offering ample room for gear and equipment.
  • Technology: The R1T features a 15.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and advanced driver assistance features. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.

  Conclusion

  Choosing the best car for a road trip involves considering factors like comfort, reliability, fuel efficiency, and storage space. Whether you’re looking for a compact SUV, a midsize or full-size SUV, a luxury vehicle, or an electric car, there are excellent options available for every type of traveler. The vehicles highlighted in this guide represent some of the best choices for road trips in America for 2024, offering a blend of comfort, performance, and advanced technology to make your journey memorable.

  So pack your bags, fill up the tank (or charge up), and get ready to hit the road in one of these top vehicles for your next great American adventure.