Summer is here! That means soaking up the sun, hitting the pool, checking out the street festivals, and planning a summer road trip. This season is the perfect time for an automotive adventure, whether you’re driving across the country or just a few hours away. One of the biggest factors that can make or break your trip is your vehicle. It’s a bummer if you don’t have good gas mileage, your car doesn’t drive smoothly, or the interior feels cramped and uncomfortable. These are our top picks for the 10 best road trip vehicles to take on an adventure this summer.
10 Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is both practical and exciting, making it a top choice for your next road trip. Comfort is crucial, especially on long drives, and the Outback features soft upholstery, adjustable seats, and a quiet interior. There’s plenty of room for luggage in the back and five passengers across the two rows of seats. The dashboard provides you with the STARLINK® 6.5-inch Multimedia Plus touchscreen that’s compatible with Apple and Android phones, and safety features like Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and adaptive cruise control help you drive on all road conditions.
9 Toyota Camry Hybrid
When you’re driving long distances, you might be more conscious of your carbon footprint. If that sounds like you, opting for the Toyota Camry Hybrid is the way to go. Toyota is one of the most reliable brands available, so you can trust that your Camry will get you to your destination safely. The 2019 model makes an impressive estimated 51 mpg/city and 53 mpg/highway, so you won’t have to make many stops for gas, and standard features like Apply CarPlay allow you to connect your phone and access music, directions, and more.
8 Ford Mustang
It’s easy to picture setting out on a summer road trip in this classic American car. Available as a coupe or a convertible, you have plenty of exciting options to choose from with the Mustang lineup. The 2018 model was the Highest Ranked Midsize Sporty Car in Initial Quality by J.D. Power. The base coupe makes a respectable 21 mpg/city and 31 mpg/highway, and the four-cylinder engine delivers 310 hp. You also have your choice of a 460-hp V8 engine or a 536-hp V8, if you’re looking for serious power. Inside, you’ll find plenty of room in the interior for a pleasant ride, and the rear seats fold down for additional storage.
7 Dodge Durango
Need to tow something on your road trip? Then you should definitely consider the Dodge Durango. This SUV tows up to 6,200 pounds, which is 1,000 to 2,000 more pounds than competitors, according to U.S. News. You get three rows of seating, so more people can join in on the road trip fun, but you’ll still have plenty of room for suitcases. The Durango is a large vehicle, but you still get solid gas mileage at an estimated 19 mpg/city and 26 mpg/highway. Standard safety features like the ParkView® Rear Back-Up Camera, rain brake support, and electronic stability control keep you safe, no matter how far you travel.
6 Mazda Miata
Who doesn’t love the idea of cruising down the open road in a convertible? Sometimes there’s nothing better than putting the top down and feeling the wind in your hair, and you’ll get that and more with the Mazda Miata. The 2019 model starts at an affordable $25,730 MSRP, and you’ll make an estimated 35 mpg on the highway. The trunk space isn’t huge, so you’ll want to pack light, but there’s plenty of headroom and legroom inside for two. And with a voice-command infotainment system, you can easily access your GPS, music, or the latest news on the road.
5 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is available as a sedan, coupe, or convertible, so you have plenty of options to choose from here. The E-Class sedan seats five, gets 30 mpg/highway, and provides enough space for both passengers and storage. You also have the option of heated and ventilated front seats for total comfort. The coupe and cabriolet models seat four and feature leather seats. Standard ATTENTION ASSIST monitors driving habits for signs of drowsiness, and the ECO Start/Stop system helps you save on fuel by shutting off the engine at stoplights and while idling.
4 Volkswagen Atlas
If you’re taking a family road trip but you don’t love minivans, the Volkswagen Atlas is a great option. This family-friendly SUV seats seven across three rows, and it offers a smooth driving experience with great handling. The Atlas is backed by Kia’s People First Warranty, which includes a 6-year/72,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty. Take in stunning views from all sides with the panoramic sunroof, and the 4MOTION® system helps you drive with ease during inclement weather conditions. The turbocharged engine gets you 26 mpg on the highway, and the variety of active and passive safety features keep your family safe.
3 Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento is an affordable SUV with excellent gas mileage and warranty coverage. The 2019 model was named a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). You’ll make 26 to 29 mpg/highway with front-wheel drive or 24 to 26 mpg/highway with all-wheel drive, and with the the EcoMinder® Indicator, you can really most of your gas mileage. You can enjoy your music or podcasts or check the GPS with the infotainment system, which is compatible with Apple and Android phones, and you’ll drive easy knowing you’re backed by Kia’s 10-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty.
2 Honda Odyssey
The Honda Odessey is the #1-ranked van by U.S. News, and it’s a perfect vehicle for families who love road tripping. You’ll make an impressive 28 mpg on the highway, which is great for saving money between gas stops, and the hands-free power liftgate makes packing up the trunk a breeze. Every Odyssey comes with the Honda Sensing® safety suite as standard, and seven or eight people can ride along, depending on what trim level you choose. Whichever option you go for, passengers will enjoy a spacious cabin complete with soft-touch upholstery.
1 Jeep Wrangler
One of the best parts about taking a road trip is the adventure, and the Jeep Wrangler is definitely an adventure vehicle. The 2019 model was named the Motortrend SUV of the Year, thanks to its high-quality materials, off-roading capabilities, efficient performance, and advanced technology. The Wrangler can tow up to 2,000 pounds and gets up to 25 mpg on the highway. There’s plenty of head, leg, and shoulder room in the cabin, and you have your choice of a four-cylinder or V6 engine. Four-wheel drive also comes standard, and the adjustable front seats make for an enjoyable ride on and off the road.