When it comes to road trips, the journey is just as important as the destination. Whether you’re planning a cross-country adventure, a family vacation, or a weekend getaway, the car you choose can make all the difference. Imagine cruising along scenic highways, enjoying the open road, with a vehicle that’s as comfortable, reliable, and fuel-efficient as it is stylish. But with so many options available, how do you find the best cars for road trips in 2025?
In this article, we’ll explore the top road trip vehicles that promise a perfect blend of comfort, fuel efficiency, and advanced technology. From spacious family SUVs to budget-friendly road trip cars, we’ve got you covered.
Why Choosing the Right Car Matters for Road Trips
When it comes to planning a road trip, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is selecting the right car. After all, your vehicle will be your home on wheels for the duration of the journey. The right car can transform a long, tiring drive into a smooth, enjoyable adventure, while the wrong one might turn a fun trip into a series of uncomfortable pit stops. Here’s why it’s so important to choose wisely—and how you can pick the perfect ride for your next adventure.
Comfort for Long Drives
Road trips are all about the journey, but if your car isn’t comfortable, that journey can quickly turn into a headache. Think about it: hours of driving with uncomfortable seats, cramped legroom, or constant bumps in the road. It’s no wonder many road-trippers end up exhausted before they even get to their destination.
What to look for in a comfortable road trip car:
- Smooth Ride: The last thing you want is a bumpy, jarring ride. Look for cars known for their smooth suspension systems and quiet cabin.
- Adjustable Features: Make sure the seats are adjustable and offer support for long hours on the road. Features like lumbar support and memory seating can help make the ride more pleasant.
Fuel Efficiency: Save Money and Time
Fuel stops are inevitable during a road trip, but how often you need to stop for gas can make a big difference. A fuel-efficient car allows you to cover more miles without constantly hitting the gas station—and it saves you money in the process.
Safety First: Peace of Mind on the Road
No matter how much you love the open road, safety should always be a top priority. Whether you’re driving through city streets or cruising along scenic highways, a safe, reliable vehicle can make all the difference in preventing accidents and keeping your peace of mind intact.
Key safety features to look for:
- Driver Assistance Tech: Features like lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking are a must for modern road trips. Cars like the Subaru Outback and Chevrolet Traverse are equipped with these helpful systems.
- Crash Test Ratings: Be sure to check the safety ratings from reputable sources like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
- Reliability: Choose a vehicle known for its long-term dependability. The Toyota Highlander and Ford Escape have earned strong marks for reliability, meaning fewer worries about breakdowns or unexpected issues.
Tech Features: Stay Connected and Entertained
Long stretches of highway can feel endless, but the right tech can keep things interesting. Whether it’s navigating your route, staying connected with loved ones, or enjoying music and podcasts, having the right tech can make your journey more enjoyable.
Tech features that make a road trip easier:
- Navigation Systems: Built-in GPS or Apple CarPlay/Android Auto can guide you through unfamiliar territory with ease. Models like the Ford Escape come with advanced navigation systems that provide real-time updates.
- In-Car Entertainment: For families or long trips, entertainment options like Bluetooth streaming, USB ports for charging, and rear-seat entertainment can make a world of difference. The Toyota Highlander and Jeep Grand Cherokee have great tech packages for this.
- Charging Ports and Connectivity: Make sure your vehicle has plenty of USB ports and wireless charging options to keep all your devices powered up on the go.
Top 8 Cars for Road Trips in 2025
Choosing the right car can elevate your road trip experience, ensuring comfort, safety, and efficiency on every mile of the journey. Here are the best cars for road trips , each carefully selected for its unique blend of features that make long drives enjoyable and hassle-free.
1. Toyota Highlander
- Brand: Toyota
- Comfort: With seating for up to 8 passengers, the Toyota Highlander offers spacious legroom and a comfortable cabin with premium options like heated and ventilated seats. Whether you’re driving solo or with the family, the ride is smooth and cozy.
- Fuel Efficiency: Offering up to 29 MPG on highways, the Highlander also has a hybrid version, boosting efficiency even further with around 36 MPG.
- Tech Features: The 2025 model comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. Plus, it offers navigation and an easy-to-use infotainment system.
- Safety: With a 5-star NHTSA safety rating, it includes Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, featuring lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.
- Price Range: Starts around $37,000.
2. Honda CR-V
- Brand: Honda
- Comfort: This compact SUV offers roomy seating for 5, with generous legroom in both the front and rear seats. The cabin is designed for maximum comfort with high-quality materials.
- Fuel Efficiency: The CR-V achieves impressive fuel economy, with up to 34 MPG on the highway. It also offers a hybrid option that provides even better efficiency.
- Tech Features: Equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available navigation, the CR-V ensures you stay connected on the road.
- Safety: The CR-V earned a Top Safety Pick rating, and comes standard with Honda Sensing suite, which includes forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
- Price Range: Starts at $28,000.
3. Subaru Outback
- Brand: Subaru
- Comfort: Known for its ruggedness, the Outback offers a comfortable, spacious interior with premium materials and ample cargo space. Its raised roofline allows for extra headroom and easy access to the rear seats.
- Fuel Efficiency: With up to 33 MPG on highways, the Outback offers great fuel efficiency for both long drives and off-road adventures.
- Tech Features: A large 11.6-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a robust navigation system. It also comes with a Harman Kardon sound system for premium audio.
- Safety: With Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver-assist features, you get lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Outback also scored well in crash tests.
- Price Range: Starts at $28,500.
4. Ford Escape
- Brand: Ford
- Comfort: The Escape offers comfortable seating for 5 with plenty of room for both passengers and luggage. The seats are adjustable, and its quiet cabin adds to the comfort.
- Fuel Efficiency: The standard gas engine gets up to 34 MPG on the highway, while the hybrid version offers up to 40 MPG, making it ideal for long trips.
- Tech Features: With a 13.2-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, staying connected on the road is simple. Plus, the Escape offers navigation and a great sound system.
- Safety: The Ford Co-Pilot360 suite includes advanced features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It also comes with a 5-star NHTSA rating.
- Price Range: Starts around $27,000.
5. Chevrolet Traverse
- Brand: Chevrolet
- Comfort: The Traverse is an excellent choice for families, offering seating for up to 8 people. The spacious third row and ample legroom ensure everyone has plenty of space to stretch out.
- Fuel Efficiency: While not as fuel-efficient as smaller SUVs, the Traverse offers a respectable 27 MPG on highways.
- Tech Features: Equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, the Traverse keeps you connected. It also offers built-in navigation and multiple USB ports.
- Safety: The Traverse includes Chevy’s Teen Driver system, as well as standard features like lane-departure warning, forward-collision alert, and automatic emergency braking.
- Price Range: Starts at $35,000.
6. Tesla Model X
- Brand: Tesla
- Comfort: This all-electric SUV offers a luxurious ride with seating for up to 7 passengers. Its minimalist interior is complemented by spacious legroom and cargo room, especially when the second and third rows are folded down.
- Fuel Efficiency: As an electric vehicle, the Tesla Model X offers an impressive range of up to 360 miles on a single charge, making it perfect for long-distance road trips.
- Tech Features: The Model X boasts a massive 17-inch touchscreen, autopilot features, and Tesla’s advanced navigation system. It also has cutting-edge tech like voice command and real-time traffic updates.
- Safety: With a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA, the Model X includes advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and full self-driving capability (optional).
- Price Range: Starts at $99,000.
7. Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Brand: Jeep
- Comfort: The Grand Cherokee offers a spacious cabin with room for 5 passengers and an optional panoramic sunroof. Its interior is upscale, featuring quality materials and a smooth ride.
- Fuel Efficiency: On the highway, the Grand Cherokee offers up to 26 MPG. For eco-conscious drivers, there is a plug-in hybrid version offering improved fuel economy.
- Tech Features: With a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available navigation, the Grand Cherokee keeps you connected and entertained on the go.
- Safety: The Jeep Grand Cherokee includes a full suite of driver-assist features such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning. It also earned high marks in crash safety tests.
- Price Range: Starts at $41,000.
8. Hyundai Palisade
- Brand: Hyundai
- Comfort: The Palisade offers seating for up to 8 passengers, with premium seating options like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and plenty of legroom for all.
- Fuel Efficiency: The Palisade delivers 26 MPG on the highway, making it a solid choice for long trips while still being relatively fuel-efficient for a large SUV.
- Tech Features: A 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, along with a premium sound system. Navigation and wireless charging are also available for added convenience.
- Safety: Hyundai’s SmartSense suite includes forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Palisade earned high safety ratings, ensuring peace of mind on the road.
- Price Range: Starts at $38,000.
Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Road Trip Car
Each of these best cars for road trips brings something unique to the table, from fuel efficiency and comfort to off-road capability and advanced tech. Whether you’re looking for a fuel-sipping hybrid, a family-friendly SUV, or a luxury electric vehicle, there’s a perfect road trip car out there for you. Consider your needs—whether it’s cargo space, off-road potential, or tech features—and choose a vehicle that will make your next road trip unforgettable.