Best Cars for Your Road Trip

Keith Barry
·4 min read
3

CR's experts highlight the best long-distance haulers for individuals, small groups, and large families

By Keith Barry

At CR, we think the best cars for road trips are the same ones that are great for everyday driving. They have lots of usable cargo space, a comfortable ride, and key safety technology, and they get great gas mileage. Lately, many vehicles that meet these criteria are hybrids. Today’s versions are bigger and more practical for more uses, while still offering significant fuel savings over their gas-only counterparts. Many also offer active driver assistance technology that can make driving less stressful. The Lexus RX450h and Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Sienna can even tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped—enough to haul a small camper.

Room for One (or Two)

2022 Honda Accord

The Accord is our current top-rated midsized sedan, and it’s easy to see why: It has a comfortable, well-laid-out interior, a roomy trunk, and a quiet cabin—all ideal attributes for a long drive. Opting for the hybrid powertrain doesn’t sacrifice acceleration or sportiness over the gas-only version. Adaptive cruise control comes standard, although buyers will have to spring for the pricier EX-L or Touring trim to get blind spot warning (BSW).

2022 Tesla Model 3

The only electric vehicle on our list is the Model 3—largely thanks to its available 358-mile range and Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network. “Superchargers offer a seamless fast-charging experience from coast to coast,” says Jake Fisher, CR’s senior director of auto testing. Drivers of other EVs may find the charging process less predictable, he says, because public fast chargers might be from different networks, less centrally located, and not always in good working order.

Three's Comfortable

2022 Hyundai Tucson

We like the five-passenger Tucson Hybrid SUV better than the gas-only Tucson, and not just because of the fuel savings. It’s quicker and quieter than the standard model. The front seats are supportive on long drives, there’s a generous rear seat and cargo area, the interior has an upscale feel for the price, and the ride is comfortable and composed. Blind spot warning (BSW) and other advanced safety features come standard. All good stuff for a long road trip.

2022 Lexus RX

Plush and well-finished, the RX is a pleasant place to spend a few hours (or longer) on the road. The focus is more on quiet and comfort than on road feel and nimble handling. Still, the RX proved secure through the avoidance maneuver test at our track, which should give you confidence if you suddenly need to swerve around an obstacle. A recently redesigned infotainment system is much easier to use.

For the Whole Family

2022 Toyota Highlander

There’s a reason the Highlander Hybrid gets such high owner satisfaction scores year after year. Easy-to-use controls, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and the option to add a WiFi hot spot make it a great road-trip companion, as do active safety features, such as blind spot warning (BSW), that come standard on all Highlander Hybrids. A tiny third row is good for smaller passengers, but it’s most useful folded down, adding extra space for cargo.

2022 Toyota Sienna

The Sienna has optional all-wheel drive, com­fortable seating for up to eight, a massive cargo area, and better fuel economy than many sedans. It doesn’t drive like a small vehicle—handling is uninspiring, and stopping distances are long—but if you need the space, the Sienna’s a great choice for a road trip. Seven USB ports and plenty of active safety features come standard, as does a total cruising range of 650 miles. Your passengers are likely to need a stop long before the car does.

Editor’s Note: This article also appeared in the July 2022 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.



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