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Best Road Trip Cars [+Insurance Advice]
Now that pandemic is hopefully winding down, we’re all itching to get out in the world again and experience some new adventures.
13:02 08 July 2022
There’s nothing better than rolling the windows down, playing your favorite playlist, and driving to your next planned destination in search of some fun and relaxing family time. Now that pandemic is hopefully winding down, we’re all itching to get out in the world again and experience some new adventures.
Road tripping, now more than ever, is the vacation of choice for many Americans. It’s a safe way to explore some beautiful places that are on the wish list. I think we can all attest to the fact that we no longer take time off for granted, and we’re all eager to plan some paid time off.
So you’re planning that long-awaited road trip, but what car are you going to take? Would a minivan, SUV, or sedan work better? Many factors go into what vehicle will suit your trip the best. Let’s dive into the different makes and models and the car insurance for a road trip that many drivers are raving about these days.
Top 3 Sedans for Road Trips
If you’re looking for something smaller and more economical, some sedans are top-rated for long trips. Although you’ll have to compromise on space, if you’re even thinking of a sedan, you likely don’t need all the extra room of a van or SUV.
#1 – Toyota Camry
Depending on your preferences, the Camry has many options to fit your style and performance needs. The Camry starts at around $25,000, and the possibilities are endless. The car is known to have a spacious cabin with plenty of legroom for you and any necessities you’ll need during your trip. Safety is top of mind with enhanced vehicle stability control and traction control.
Gas mileage averages up to 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. Toyotas are known to be a trusted and reliable car manufacturer, so you shouldn’t stress about racking up those miles on your long trip. Also available is a hybrid model averaging 51 to 53 mpg in the city and highway.
#2 – Honda Accord
The Honda Accord comes in at the top 3 with competitive specs to check many boxes off your list. You’ll like to carry a lot of baggage when taking a road trip. The Accord’s trunk space has an abundance of space for all your essentials.
Gas mileage comes in at up to 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. That’s impressive for a non-hybrid vehicle. Safety and reliability ratings are top notch, and options for family-friendly choices will make your trip more enjoyable for all passengers. Also available is a hybrid model that averages 48 mpg. Also, you won’t compromise on protection with a 5-star safety review.
#3 – Hyundai Sonata
Known for its smooth ride and spacious interior, it’s no surprise that you’ll find the Hyundai Sonata at the top of our list. Hyundai has done an excellent job in making the cabin of the Sonata luxurious for its passengers without breaking the bank.
Gas mileage comes in at up to 28 city and 38 highway miles. Horsepower comes in lower than its rivals mentioned above, but it still has enough power to get to your destination effortlessly. Feel confident in your family’s well-being with standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking.
Top 5 SUVs and Minivans for Road Trips
If more space is what you’re craving for this road trip, look no further. Below are some of the top picks of SUVs, ranging in size and price, that suit your family’s needs. SUVs have fast become the nation’s pick when shopping for vehicles.
The options are endless when searching for an SUV or minivan, but we’ve searched and found that the below picks are genuinely some of the best you can choose, especially when taking longer trips with your loved ones.
#1 – Hyundai Tucson
The reviews of the Hyundai Tucson say it gives passengers just enough room to have a good experience on their trip. Hyundai has stepped up to the plate with this SUV. It’s becoming increasingly popular given the price tag and options available, even on standard models. For anyone that doesn’t want to commit to a midsize or large SUV, this is it.
You’ll have plenty of space for your passengers and cargo on your road trip. Gas mileage averages 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. Hyundai thought of the welfare of all passengers with lane-keep assist and automated emergency braking. This SUV is seriously a competitive SUV with price, features, and style.
#2 – Toyota Highlander
Like its sedan counterpart on this list, the Toyota Highlander is reliable, and the Toyota brand has built buyer confidence with its history of impeccable service and durability. The Highlander is very roomy inside, with eight total seats for passengers.
Gas mileage for this midsize SUV comes in at 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Toyota gives Highlander customers many options with six packages, four packages offering hybrid editions. Safety comes first with full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control and a pre-collision system with low-light pedestrian detection.
#3 – Ford Explorer Hybrid
There are so many reasons why your next SUV should be a hybrid. SUVs traditionally get lower mileage, and some families shy away from an SUV purchase for that specific reason. With a hybrid, you’re truly getting the best of both worlds; economic mileage, space, and style.
All are true of the Ford Explorer. Seating for up to seven passengers, impressive cargo space, and features to keep everyone safe on your journey all come standard. The Explorer is expected to get up to 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Ford is an extended-standing manufacturer, they are reliable, and many consumers drive their Ford with confidence.
#4 – GMC Yukon
If you’re looking for the mack daddy of road trip SUVs, this is it. The ride is smooth, the interior is beautiful, and for the size, the gas mileage is very competitive for a full-size SUV.
Depending on the package you choose, the maximum mileage is 21 in the city and 27 on the highway. When comparing this giant of an SUV to midsize SUVs, the mileage is highly economical.
Also, you don’t compromise power for size. The Yukon has quick response capabilities and GMC equipped it with safety features, including automatic braking and the following distance indicator.
#5 – Chrysler Pacifica
Choosing a minivan over an SUV is entirely a personal choice. Some say minivans are better. Some say they prefer the style and set-up of an SUV. If you choose a minivan, the Chrysler Pacifica is almost a no-brainer.
The interior comes with many options, including Stow n’ Go storage in the floorboard and power outlets throughout the interior for passengers.
You can expect to get up to 19 in the city and 28 on the highway. The hybrid model is available with very impressive gas mileage. Safety features include forward collision warning and lane departure warning. Drivers who have a Pacifica are often repeat customers because it’s just that good.
Picking the Right Car Insurance For a Road Trip
Short-term comprehensive car insurance is probably the best way to make sure you cover yourself while away on a road trip. This type of coverage will protect your car from any accidental damage caused by yourself, another driver, or an outside force.
Comprehensive coverage will cover things like animal collisions or rocks chipping your windshield while going cross-country.
On the contrary, collision coverage will cover damage or injury you may cause to another driver’s vehicle should you be responsible.
Before heading out on your road trip, the best practice is to call your insurance policyholder and ensure that you have comprehensive coverage vs. liability-only insurance.
If temporary insurance is not available, authorize the shortest term for your trip; this will ensure you are stress-free should anything unforeseen happen and save you money in the long run.
Carla Hughes writes and researches for the car insurance site, CarInsuranceComparison.com. Carla frequently makes road trips with her family, making sure she has a vehicle that is road-trip friendly and comfortable for all passengers.