Road trips are a great way to explore new places, create memories, and escape from the daily routine. However, finding the best cars for your road trip can be challenging. From fuel efficiency and comfort to performance and safety, there are many factors to consider when choosing a road trip car.
Today, we’ll look at the five best road trip cars of 2023 and explore their features, performance, and overall value. We may help you choose the perfect vehicle for your next road trip.
Buckle up, and let’s get started!
What to Look for in Road Trip Cars
You must consider several factors to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. If you’re shopping for a vehicle, here are some things you should note when sitting in various cars.
Performance
A vehicle’s performance depends on its engine power and torque. You want to know that it will have sufficient ability to handle steep hills and mountainous terrains. Additionally, it should get up to cruising speed by the time you hit the end of the on-ramp to the interstate.
When a vehicle exceeds expectations regarding performance, you can enjoy a smoother and more enjoyable ride. You won’t have to worry about the car shaking or feeling like it’s about to fall apart. Drivers can enjoy better handling, acceleration, and fuel efficiency while maximizing comfort during their road trips.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a road trip vehicle. It can play a significant role in the overall cost of your trip. Fuel-efficient cars can save you time and money during a road trip, especially when traveling long distances or over several days.
A fuel-efficient vehicle can help you travel farther on a gas tank. It allows you to cover more ground, explore more places, and spend less time at gas stations during your road trip. In addition, a fuel-efficient vehicle limits your impact on the environment while making priceless memories.
Stability
Stability is vital, especially if you value safety and comfort during your journey. A stable vehicle can provide better traction and handling, which can help prevent accidents and keep you and your passengers safe on the road.
Additionally, a smoother and more comfortable ride can reduce driver fatigue and make the journey more enjoyable. A stable vehicle can minimize the risk of accidents, whether driving on a winding mountain road or navigating a sudden rainstorm.
Safety
Safety is another thing to consider when choosing a road trip vehicle. A safe car can provide advanced features to help prevent accidents and minimize the risk of injury during a collision. By prioritizing safety when looking for cars, you and your passengers can be as secure as possible during your road trip.
A safe vehicle also can provide features like roadside assistance and GPS tracking. These are useful if you experience a breakdown or other emergencies. Blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and rearview cameras can help you navigate unfamiliar roads and reduce the risk of accidents while driving. By prioritizing safety, you can prepare for any situation that may arise during your trip.
Space
How much space you have in a vehicle significantly impacts a vehicle’s comfort and convenience during your journey. A spacious car provides ample room for passengers and luggage while allowing everyone to stretch out and relax during long drives. It can accommodate all the gear and equipment you need for your road trips, whether camping gear, sporting equipment, or other essentials.
Space is crucial not only for passengers and gear but also for creating a more enjoyable driving experience. A spacious vehicle can provide better visibility, allowing you to see the road ahead more clearly and react quickly to unexpected hazards. You won’t have to worry about your back window being full of gear and obstructing your vision.
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The 5 Best Road Trip Cars of 2023
If you’re planning to buy a vehicle and have a road trip in the future, we’ve found the best options. While there’s no one-size-fits-all option, there’s something to love about each of the ones we’ve seen. Let’s look at what we feel are the five best road trip cars of 2023.
1. Kia Telluride
Features: The Kia Telluride is a mid-size SUV with various features providing a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. It offers a spacious interior with enough room to seat eight passengers. In addition, there are advanced safety features drivers love; blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning.
You can also select a higher trim level. The Telluride offers luxury features like a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and a massive 10.25-inch touchscreen display.
Why It’s a Top Road Trip Car: The Kia Telluride makes our list because it’s incredibly versatile and offers one of the most comfortable rides. You can enjoy a smooth driving experience on a busy interstate or during off-roading adventures. It also gets an impressive 20 mpg during city driving and 26 mpg on the highway.
Cost: Starting at $35,690 MSRP
2. Subaru Outback
Features: The Subaru Outback is a popular mid-size crossover SUV. It comes standard with all-wheel drive, so you’ll have traction and stability in various driving conditions. Additionally, the adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking can help maximize safety while on your road trip.
With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, you can take the scenic route, even if it means some mild off-road conditions. However, drivers will love the additional power and performance if they choose the turbocharged engine.
Why It’s a Top Road Trip Car: The Outback offers 73 cubic feet of storage space to bring plenty of gear and supplies. However, one of the most standout features is the 18.5-gallon fuel tank and the 29 mpg during city driving and 33 mpg during highway driving. If most of your driving is on the highway, you can drive 600+ miles before stopping to fill the tank.
Cost: Starting at $28,395 MSRP
3. Toyota Prius
Features: Toyota has presented an all-new design for the Prius that will turn some heads. While it may look different than previous models, it has the same features and name drivers have come to trust.
You can find it in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. The 2.0L 4-cylinder engine creates shy of 200 horsepower. The weakest component of the Prius is its limited storage space, which is only 24 to 27 cubic feet. While you may have to leave some things behind on your road trip, the positives outweigh the negatives for the Prius.
Why It’s a Top Road Trip Car: While the Prius may not be roomy or loaded with storage, it makes up for it in efficiency. It may only hold nine gallons of gas, but it can go for more than 500 miles before filling it back up. Whether you plan to drive on the highway (57 mpg) or the city (56 mpg), it won’t require you to stop at the gas station constantly.
Cost: Starting at $27,450 MSRP
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4. Honda HR-V
Features: If you desire versatility, the Honda HR-V is about as versatile as it gets. One example is its “Magic Seat.” This allows an owner to adjust the seating configuration to accommodate cargo and passenger needs.
Additionally, an all-wheel drive option and spacious interior make this a contender as one of the best road trip cars of 2023. You can also enjoy peace of mind knowing that it has crucial safety features like blind-spot detection, cross-traffic monitoring, and backup object detection.
Why It’s a Top Road Trip Car: The Honda HR-V gets 26 mpg during city driving and 32 mpg on the highway. However, it doesn’t just perform well; it looks good while doing it. The bold grille, sleek headlights, and sculpted body lines give it a sporty look and feel.
Cost: Starting at $23,800 MSRP
5. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4xe
Features: If you want to add more adventure and fun to your road trip, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4xe is the vehicle for you. You get 27.7 cubic feet of storage space and a powerful and capable motor. It has 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.
It also has some of the latest and greatest safety features to keep you safe during your adventures. One option no other vehicles have on our list is the forward-facing trail camera. This can allow you to easily see ahead and get a clear view of the trail to help avoid any hazardous situations.
Why It’s a Top Road Trip Car: The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4xe is a prime vehicle for an adventurous road trip. You can take your fun to the next level by removing the roof and doors. Let the wind blow through your hair.
In addition, the 4xe can travel up to 25 miles on electric power alone. Combining the gas engine and electric motor, fuel efficiency rockets up to 49 mpg in the city. You get the same fun experience but use much less fuel.
Cost: Starting at $61,000 MSRP
These Best Road Trip Cars Can Make Your Trip Memorable
Choosing the right road trip car can make a significant difference in the quality and enjoyment of your trip. Factors like fuel efficiency, storage capacity, and passenger comfort can all impact your overall experience.
By considering your specific needs and preferences, you can find a car that meets your requirements and enhances your road trip experience. Whether you prefer a compact car, a spacious SUV, or a luxurious sedan, the right road trip car can make your journey memorable.
Where will you go on your next road trip?
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