Open Road, Here We Come: The Best Car for Your Next Road Trip

 

With summer fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to start planning your big summer road trip. Your mode of transportation is the most important part of your trip, so make sure you choose the best car that will get you where you want to go in style and comfort, without having to spend a fortune in gas.

Best Sedan

If you are looking for a roomy 4-door for you and your friends to ride in style, then the Chevy Impala is for you. According to Popular Mechanics, the impala shares its bones with the Cadillac XTS, and has more than 18 cubic feet of trunk storage. The Impala comes standard with a V-6 engine that can go 0-60 MPG in just over 6 seconds but is also available in a 4 cylinder eAssist engine that offers 35 MPG. Starting at the LT model, the Impala comes with a touchscreen and many other convenience features to make your road trip more enjoyable, like dual climate control and leather seats

Best Hybrid

If the cost of gas has you concerned, you should look into the Toyota Prius V which boasts an impressive 44 MPG on the highway, as Edmunds suggests. The Prius V is bigger than its other Prius siblings, it’s 3 inches taller, and 6 inches longer, and has 34 cubic feet of storage (60% more storage than other Prius). While the Prius V does suffer from a simple interior and boring handling, its MPG cannot be beat.

Best SUV

If a compact car is not your style, then maybe a SUV will do. The Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel is a great option. The Grand Cherokee Diesel gets a whopping 30 MPG and the standard version gets 25 MPG. The Jeep has an 8-speed automatic drive that helps it have enough power to get you where you are heading, and a V-6 engine that helps cut fuel costs. It also has a split folding backseat which is great if you need extra space for your gear. The Grand Cherokee also has the option of all wheel drive which is great if your destination has some rough roads.

Best Family Car

If your family needs a little more room than the standard car for everyone and all of your gear, then a minivan is your best option. The Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna are both highly rated for their features and comfort. The Odyssey comes equipped with a plug that can power a laptop, which is great for keeping kids entertained or helping you stay connected. It also comes equipped with a DVD player and navigation (with some packages), and you can’t forget about the 15 cup holders. As Kiplinger mentions, the Odyssey gets great gas mileage, coming in at 28 MPG. The Sienna also comes with a DVD player to keep passengers entertained, and is the only minivan that includes all-wheel drive. The Sienna gets 25 MPG. While it may not be as fuel efficient as the Odyssey, it is full of comfort and convenience at every level. To help you make the best decision, it may be helpful to check out these options in person. If you’re going to be leasing a car as opposed to buying outright, Drivetime recommends ensuring that it includes GAP (Guaranteed Auto Protection). In the event of anything from theft to tornadoes, GAP protects you as a buyer, as well as your financial profile. Take your time to go over small details when making your vehicle selection, and your family road trips will be more hassle-free!

Enjoy the open road and travel safe!