The open road calls, promising new sights, spontaneous detours, and unforgettable memories. A great road trip, however, depends heavily on having the right vehicle for the journey. The perfect ride combines comfort for long hours behind the wheel, ample space for luggage and companions, and the kind of efficiency that lets you focus more on the destination and less on the next gas station.

Whether you're embarking on a solo cross-country trek, a family vacation to the national parks, or a weekend escape with friends, there is a car perfectly suited for your adventure. We've compiled a list of fantastic vehicles across different categories that excel at long-distance travel. These road trip-ready rides are packed with features designed to make your journey as enjoyable as the destination itself.

Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback has long been a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, and for good reason. It masterfully combines the comfort and driving dynamics of a car with the versatility and all-weather capability of an SUV. It is a fantastic choice for adventurers who plan to travel on both paved highways and unpaved backroads.

Why It's Built for Adventure

The Outback's appeal starts with its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which provides exceptional traction and stability in rain, snow, or on gravel roads. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance (9.5 inches on the Wilderness trim), it can handle rougher terrain than most of its competitors, giving you the confidence to explore that intriguing dirt road.

Inside, the cabin is spacious and built for comfort. The seats are supportive, making eight-hour driving days feel less taxing. The cargo area is massive, offering plenty of room for camping gear, suitcases, and coolers. Key features that make it a road trip champion include:

  • Standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology: This suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking, which work together to reduce driver fatigue on long stretches of highway.
  • Durable StarTex® Upholstery: Available on select trims, this water-repellent material is perfect for adventurers who might bring mud, sand, or snow back into the car. It’s tough and easy to clean.
  • Robust Roof Rails: The standard roof rails with integrated, retractable crossbars are ready for cargo boxes, kayaks, or bike racks, freeing up interior space.

For those seeking more power for mountain passes, the available 2.4-liter turbocharged engine provides a significant boost in performance, delivering 260 horsepower and effortless acceleration.

Honda CR-V

If your road trip priorities are reliability, fuel efficiency, and maximum practicality, the Honda CR-V is a top-tier contender. This compact SUV has built a stellar reputation for being an incredibly well-rounded vehicle that excels as a daily driver and a long-haul companion. It is an ideal choice for families and couples who want a worry-free travel experience.

A Comfortable and Frugal Companion

The CR-V’s interior is a showcase of smart design. It offers generous passenger space in both rows and one of the largest cargo holds in its class, easily swallowing up luggage for a week-long trip. The seats are designed for long-haul comfort, and the cabin is filled with thoughtful storage cubbies for snacks, drinks, and electronics.

The hybrid powertrain, available on Sport, Sport-L, and Sport Touring trims, is the star of the show for road trippers. It provides smooth, quiet operation and fantastic fuel economy, meaning fewer stops and more money saved for souvenirs. Key road trip features include:

  • Honda Sensing® Suite: Like the Outback, every CR-V comes with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies that make highway driving safer and less stressful.
  • User-Friendly Infotainment: The clear and responsive touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensures your navigation and playlists are always easily accessible.
  • Exceptional Ride Comfort: The CR-V’s suspension is tuned to soak up bumps and road imperfections, delivering a smooth and serene ride that keeps everyone comfortable over many miles.

Kia Carnival

For families embarking on an epic road trip, nothing beats the space and convenience of a minivan. The Kia Carnival, however, challenges the traditional minivan image with its bold, SUV-inspired styling. Kia calls it an "MPV" (Multi-Purpose Vehicle), and it delivers all the practicality of a minivan in a package that turns heads.

Unmatched Space and Luxury

The Carnival’s primary advantage is its cavernous interior. With seating for up to eight passengers, there is room for the whole family and then some. The second-row seats are particularly noteworthy, with available "VIP Lounge Seating" that fully reclines and includes a power footrest, providing first-class comfort for long journeys.

The amount of cargo space is simply immense, especially with the third row folded into the floor. This makes it perfect for packing everything you need for a multi-week vacation without having to compromise. Features that elevate the family road trip experience include:

  • Rear-Seat Entertainment System: Available dual screens can keep younger passengers occupied for hours.
  • Passenger Talk and Passenger View: An in-cabin camera and intercom system allow the driver to easily see and communicate with passengers in the back rows without turning around.
  • Smooth V6 Power: The standard 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 290 horsepower, providing confident acceleration for merging onto highways, even when the vehicle is fully loaded.

Toyota Camry

You don't always need an SUV for a great road trip. For couples or solo travelers who stick primarily to paved roads, a midsize sedan like the Toyota Camry offers a fantastic blend of comfort, efficiency, and driving pleasure. The all-new 2025 Camry is now exclusively a hybrid, making it an even more compelling choice for long-distance travel.

Effortless and Economical Cruising

The Camry has long been synonymous with reliability, and the latest generation continues that legacy. Its standard hybrid powertrain delivers a wonderfully smooth and quiet ride, making it an incredibly relaxing car for highway cruising. More importantly, it achieves outstanding fuel economy, allowing you to cover vast distances on a single tank of gas.

The cabin is spacious and well-appointed, with comfortable seating for five and a surprisingly large trunk for luggage. The ride is composed and comfortable, isolating you from wind and road noise. The Camry is a perfect choice for devouring miles of interstate in serene comfort. Standout features for travelers include:

  • Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0: This advanced safety suite is standard and includes features like Proactive Driving Assist, which provides gentle braking and steering support to help manage distance between vehicles.
  • Refined Interior: The modern cockpit features a large touchscreen and high-quality materials, creating an upscale environment that feels great on long drives.
  • Available All-Wheel Drive: For the first time on the hybrid model, available electronic on-demand all-wheel drive provides extra confidence and traction in inclement weather.