Everyone loves road trips. They are magical and full of adventure. But, before you can set off on this magical journey, one very important question remains: Is your car up to the task? You don’t want to find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere. To avoid that fate, here’s a list of 22 road-trip-ready cars that are built to go the distance and have the reputation of lasting longer than your playlist.
Toyota Land Cruiser
There’s a reason why the Toyota Land Cruiser is often seen tackling the Sahara Desert or trekking through the Himalayas. This beast is known for being virtually indestructible, as if Toyota decided to crossbreed a car with a tank. With its V8 engine and full-time four-wheel drive, the Land Cruiser isn’t just durable—it’s unstoppable. Also, owners rave about its legendary longevity, often pushing well beyond 200,000 miles without a single complaint. If your road trip involves more dirt roads than highways, the Land Cruiser is the go-to option.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan that has earned its stripes over decades as one of the most dependable vehicles on the market. The engine is robust, the ride smooth, and its fuel economy is impressive for longer journeys. Plus, the Accord has a substantial resale value, meaning you can quickly cash out if you ever decide to end your road-tripping days.
Subaru Outback
For those who want to traverse mountains, deserts, and frozen tundras—but in style—the Subaru Outback is a trusty companion. This crossover SUV is equipped with all-wheel drive, perfect for off-the-beaten-path adventures. It combines utility, comfort, and reliability into one package. The Outback is also renowned for its safety features, which include Subaru’s Eyesight driver-assist technology. So, you’ll be safe even if you get lost in the middle of nowhere.
Toyota Prius
Equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, this hybrid vehicle boasts an impressive fuel efficiency of 58 mpg city / 53 mpg highway, making it ideal for long trips. Its regenerative braking system enhances battery life, and with a battery lifespan of 8-10 years or up to 150,000 miles, many owners find this hybrid requires fewer repairs than traditional cars. It’s like the Energizer Bunny of cars—except quieter because it’s a hybrid.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Introduced in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 Miata draws inspiration from classic British roadsters but with Japanese engineering reliability. It boasts a perfect 50:50 weight distribution, making it highly agile and responsive on twisty roads. Also, it is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four engine, producing 181 horsepower and 151 lb.-ft of torque, which may not sound overwhelming but perfectly complements its 2,300-pound curb weight.
Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 is the quintessential American road-trip truck. It has been the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for decades, and it’s easy to see why. With an aluminum-alloy body and high-strength steel frame, the F-150 is designed to reduce weight without sacrificing strength, improving both performance and fuel efficiency (up to 25 mpg on the highway). The F-150 also boasts a luxurious interior in its higher trims, such as the Lariat and Platinum, making it a versatile choice for rugged work and comfortable long drives.
Honda CR-V
Another Honda classic, the Honda CR-V, delivers stability in the form of an SUV. The CR-V excels in safety, with a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and advanced features like Honda Sensing, which includes collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Also, long-term reliability is a hallmark, with many CR-Vs surpassing 200,000 miles on the odometer, often with minimal maintenance issues, earning it a reputation as a durable, road-trip-ready vehicle.
Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban has been a road-trip staple for large groups for years. Known for its massive interior, the Suburban can seat up to nine passengers and still offers ample cargo space, up to 144.7 cubic feet, with seats folded down. Under the hood, the Suburban is typically powered by a V8 engine, delivering robust performance with towing capacities of up to 8,300 pounds—perfect for pulling trailers or boats on extended road trips. And, although its fuel economy hovers around 15-20 mpg, the Suburban’s reliability, with many reaching 200,000+ miles, makes it a go-to choice for large families and long-haul travelers.
Volvo XC90
The XC90 boasts Volvo’s hallmark safety features, including the City Safety system, which detects and prevents collisions with pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles. The SUV seats up to seven passengers in a spacious, upscale interior. It is powered by a range of engines, including turbocharged, supercharged, and plug-in hybrid variants, and delivers up to 400 horsepower. Plus, it’s known for its longevity, making it a great choice for families looking to take long trips without sacrificing comfort or peace of mind.
Jeep Wrangler
Built with body-on-frame construction, the Jeep Wrangler boasts high ground clearance, solid axles, and four-wheel-drive systems like the Rock-Trac and Command-Trac, perfect for tackling rough terrains. Also, the Wrangler’s removable doors, roof, and fold-down windshield offer a unique open-air driving experience. No wonder the Wrangler is a top choice for adventurers seeking durability and capability.
Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is a solid choice for road trippers looking for an affordable SUV. Introduced in 2004, the Tucson has consistently evolved, with the latest model offering a sleek design and a spacious interior. It typically seats five and provides generous cargo space, ranging from 38.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats to 74.8 cubic feet with the seats down. Plus, with Hyundai’s extended warranty coverage, you can be confident this vehicle will keep chugging along for miles to come.
Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride has taken the SUV world by storm, offering luxury-level features at a reasonable price. It boasts impressive safety ratings, receiving a 2021 IIHS Top Safety Pick award, thanks to features like forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. Additionally, the SUV offers a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen or an optional 10.25-inch display. With a starting price of around $35,000, the Kia Telluride provides exceptional value for families seeking reliability and comfort.
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3’s exterior features smooth lines and a low drag coefficient of just 0.23, making it more aerodynamic than your average pigeon. Inside, the spacious cabin can comfortably seat five adults, proving that electric cars can be roomy, too. Plus, with a range of up to 353 miles, it’s perfect for long road trips—just remember to plan your charging stops, or you might end up chatting with a cow in a field.
Chevrolet Tahoe
The Chevrolet Tahoe is another big, bold SUV perfect for those long cross-country trips. Inside, it’s all about spaciousness—like a living room on wheels, with plush seating for up to nine! The tech-savvy dashboard features an infotainment system so advanced it could probably pass a college course. And, with a towing capacity that can handle up to 8,400 pounds, the Tahoe is ready for whatever life throws at you.
Lexus GX
For those who want luxury and off-road capability in one package, the Lexus GX is hard to beat. Built on a robust truck platform, this beauty boasts a strong V8 engine that can handle anything from school runs to off-roading adventures like a stroll in the park. With a reputation for longevity, many GX owners report racking up over 200,000 miles without a hitch. Lexus vehicles often come with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is the perfect blend of practicality and performance. According to a 2023 J.D. Power survey, the Golf GTI scores above average in dependability. You can expect this little dynamo to keep performing like a champ with regular maintenance, like oil changes and tire rotations. Plus, its fun-to-drive nature means you’ll enjoy the journey, even if it’s just to the barbershop.
Ram 1500
If comfort is a priority, but you also need the capability of a truck, the Ram 1500 delivers in spades. Its exterior is sleek and aerodynamic, featuring sculpted lines that make it feel like it’s always in motion. Inside, you’ll find an interior so luxurious it might make you forget you’re in a truck—leather upholstery, spacious seating, and tech features that rival a spaceship. And the available 12-inch touchscreen is big enough to get lost in, ensuring you can control your playlist while still keeping an eye on that pesky pothole.
Ford Expedition
For those who need something larger than a Tahoe or Suburban, the Ford Expedition is your go-to SUV. With a 2023 Consumer Reports rating of 77 out of 100 for reliability, this SUV means business. Its spacious interior and smooth ride make long trips feel like a breeze, while Ford’s solid warranty adds a layer of comfort. The Expedition’s blend of power and practicality means you can haul the whole crew on a road trip.
Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner is another off-road king built for adventure. This body-on-frame SUV has been a favorite since the ’80s. With a powerful V6 engine and an available 4WD system, it can handle everything from rocky mountain paths to sandy beach adventures, making it the ultimate weekend getaway vehicle. Fuel economy? Let’s just say it’s not winning any eco awards—think 16 city / 19 highway mpg.
BMW 3 Series
For those who want a luxury sedan that can also handle long road trips, the BMW 3 Series is an excellent choice. First launched in 1975, it has become the go-to choice for those who want to impress without showing off. With engines ranging from a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder to a thrilling 3.0-liter inline-six, this beauty can go from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 5.5 seconds. Plus, with a reputation for longevity, many 3 Series owners find themselves driving well past the 200,000-mile mark.
Nissan Pathfinder
The Nissan Pathfinder combines the best of both worlds: A spacious, family-friendly SUV capable of off-road adventures. With a spacious interior that can fit the whole family (and then some), this SUV is perfect for long hauls and weekend getaways. Also, equipped with a robust V6 engine, it has enough power to haul your gear, whether a boat or bike. Also, fuel economy sits around 20 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway, making it easier on the wallet.
Audi Q7
If you want credibility and performance in an SUV package, the Audi Q7 is a road trip dream. Under the hood, you’ll find a powerful V6 engine that’ll have you zooming past slowpokes on the highway while sipping fuel like its fine wine (19 city / 23 highway mpg). This beauty is also loaded with high-tech gadgets, including a virtual cockpit display!
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
Reliability is a core feature that defines a vehicle. Over the last few decades, some vehicles have emerged as a reliable and durable option, standing out as workhorses that never quit. These vehicles not only prove themselves in terms of performance but transcend their role and become reliable partners, always fulfilling their role. Here are 12 Cars known for their unbreakable reliability.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
