best road trip in cars

Best Road Trip Cars in 2024 and 2025

We compiled a list of vehicles that are great for road trips. These vehicles are fuel-efficient, reliable, and comfortable, which will help you out on all of your highway adventures.

Kia Motors America |

The Best Cars, Minivans and SUVs for Road Trips

Summer is prime road trip season, whether that means hitting up a national park or getting together with family at a lakeside cabin. Choosing the right new car for an epic road trip can make your vacation more comfortable, more fuel efficient, and even safer, thanks to the new technologies found in many new vehicles. It can also mean less arguing, thanks to USB ports that keep devices charged, Wi-Fi hotspots that keep everyone entertained, and roomy back seats that keep siblings from touching.

We've rounded up the best road trip vehicles available this summer, with everything from sports cars to pickups, with plenty of family-friendly SUVs on the list. As new information becomes available, we update our reviews, so the data found in these slides might not match those reviews exactly.

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. |

2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid

$34,050 | usn overall score: 8.0/10.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid is a more fuel-efficient version of the popular compact SUV, with up to 43 mpg in the city. A 7-inch touch screen, smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot and four USB ports come standard to keep everyone powered up and entertained.

The interior is one of the nicest in the class, and the standard upholstery is stain-resistant. The seats are comfy in both rows, with room for adults to stretch out even on road trips. The rear seats recline, so whoever is off driving duty can take a nap. Standard adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist help reduce the fatigue that can come with hours of driving.

2024 Volkswagen Atlas

$36,985 | usn overall score: 8.1/10.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas has enough room to bring along everybody and all their gear. It's available with either three rows of seating or two rows in the Cross Sport configuration. The third row is comfy for kids and adults on shorter trips. The Atlas has more cargo space behind the third row than most in its class.

Refreshed for 2024, in either configuration, a 12-inch touch screen with smartphone connectivity and a Wi-Fi hot spot are standard, along with wireless device charging and four USB ports. The Atlas can also tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly configured if you plan to bring a small camper or want to tow some toys for your vacation.

2024 Ford Mustang

$30,920 | usn overall score: 8.1/10.

Sometimes you want to live the American road trip dream in an impractical sports car. But guess what – the redesigned 2024 Ford Mustang is a rather practical sports car. It's as exciting to drive as you could hope, and it still manages to turn in great fuel economy numbers that won't put a damper on your budget.

The Mustang's interior has been updated with a more modern, tech-forward look. Its standard infotainment system has a large 13.2-inch touch screen and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Standard safety tech includes automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. But maybe most importantly, for purposes of the dream, the Mustang is available as a convertible.

2024 Chevrolet Suburban

$59,200 | overall score: 8.2/10.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban is the classic family road trip SUV, and it's the winner of our 2024 Best Large SUV for Families award. It's huge, with more cargo space than almost any SUV out there. It can be configured to seat up to nine people, though that means someone has to sit in the middle of the front bench seat. In any case, the third row provides enough legroom for adults.

The interior is sturdy enough for epic journeys, and it comes with an 8-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone connectivity and six USB ports. Depending on how you configure it, the Suburban can tow up to 8,300 pounds, enough for the average camper. It also comes with driver-assistance features like lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist.

2024 Kia Carnival

$33,600 | overall score: 8.2/10.

The 2024 Kia Carnival makes a strong case for the classic family minivan as the ultimate road-trip vehicle, especially with pricing that's among the most affordable on this list. It comes with a good list of standard safety features for long drives, including lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring.

The interior is upholstered with easy-to-clean materials, and all three rows have enough room for adults, though the third row has a bit less legroom than the first two. It also has lots of cargo space, even with all three rows in use. If you don't need the last row for passengers, it folds flat into the floor for even more cargo space. An 8-inch touch screen, smartphone compatibility and a whopping seven USB ports come standard.

2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

$53,425 | usn overall score: 8.3/10.

The plug-in hybrid 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid achieves up to 30 mpg in combined driving when operating in hybrid mode, which is great for any minivan. Once you reach your destination, plug this family hauler in overnight to be able to drive about 32 miles on electric power.

There's also a ton of tech included, like a 10.1-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone connectivity and Amazon Alexa compatibility. All three rows of seating have lots of head- and legroom, and there's plenty of storage space. Standard safety features include stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

2024 Lincoln Navigator

$82,765 | usn overall score: 8.6/10.

Wherever your road trip takes you, the 2024 Lincoln Navigator will make sure you arrive in comfort and style. It's one of the best luxury large SUVs, with a well-built and high-quality interior. Standard features include a 13.2-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot and five USB ports.

Every seat in all three rows is comfortable, and the available L model adds extra space to an already roomy cargo area. Though the Navigator is large, its powerful engine easily gets it up to speed on the highway. Standard safety features like lane-keep assist and stop-and-go adaptive cruise control can help reduce driver fatigue too.

2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

$32,575 | usn overall score: 8.6/10.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is among the best in its class and was a finalist for our Best Hybrid SUV for the Money and Best Hybrid SUV for Families awards this year. The regular hybrid is the best for road tripping, with up to 38 mpg on the highway. But it doesn't sacrifice power for efficiency, with enough get-up-and-go for passing on the highway. All-wheel drive is standard for a sure-footed feel.

Inside, there's tons of room for adults in both rows of seating and a huge cargo area. A 10.25-inch touch screen is standard, along with Apple CarPlay , Android Auto , four USB ports and wireless device charging.

GENESIS MOTOR AMERICA |

2024 Genesis G90

$89,200 | usn overall score: 8.7/10.

If your road-trip budget allows for a little luxury. the 2024 Genesis G90 delivers. It has a capable V6 and an optional mild-hybrid powertrain that improves acceleration when passing on the highway. The available air suspension makes long drives a dream, and the extensive list of standard safety features–including adaptive cruise control and a head-up display–eases the tedium of driving.

The Nappa leather interior wraps the road tripper in luxury, and both rows of seating are comfortable for adults. The trunk is large enough for several suitcases, and it opens automatically as you approach. The G90 also has one of the longest powertrain warranties in the business.

2025 Ram 1500

$40,275 | usn overall score: 8.7/10.

If your road trip plan involves a camper or boat, you'll want to look into the 2025 Ram 1500 . When properly equipped, it can tow up to 11,580 pounds. As with most pickups, you can configure the 1500 in whatever way works for you, with bed, cab and powertrain options in addition to trim levels and packages to add on.

All of the available body styles have a spacious, high-quality interior. Quite a few safety features are standard, including stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert. The infotainment system got an upgrade for the 2025 model year, which means even more available features, including three screen sizes, three sound systems, and a long list of available tech features.

2024 Honda Civic

$23,950 | usn overall score: 8.7/10.

You probably need one car to handle both the daily commute and the road trip vacation, and you need it to be affordable. Enter the 2024 Honda Civic . It's one of the best compact cars in its class, and we named it the 2024 Best Compact Car for the Money . All of its scores are high, especially when it comes to safety. It has the lowest MSRP on our list yet comes standard with desirable amenities like adaptive cruise control and traffic-sign recognition. It's also thrifty, with up to 42 mpg on the highway.

A 7-inch touch screen and smartphone connectivity come standard. The front seats in particular are supportive over the long haul, and the Civic has more overall interior space than most rivals.

Road Trip Car Characteristics

Passenger space: People turn cranky when they aren't comfortable after hours on the road. There needs to be space for everyone to stretch out.

Cargo space: At the very minimum, you'll be bringing luggage along and maybe also camping gear or tubes for floating the river. Make sure there's space for your gear.

Fuel economy: Stopping for gas on a road trip can get expensive. Fuel efficiency, particularly from hybrid powertrains, can ease the pain of stopping at the pump.

Infotainment: An AM/FM radio is no longer sufficient for most people. An infotainment system that's easy to use while driving and can connect to smartphones is key.

Safety tech: Driving long distances causes fatigue, and fatigue causes accidents. Modern driver-assistance features can help you stay alert and in your lane.

Reliability: No one wants to be the car in the breakdown lane while on their road trip. A good predicted reliability score shows that a particular model has on average been a solid performer over time.

Genesis Motor America |

Road Trip Car FAQs

What is the best car for road trips.

The best car for road trips is the one that fits your budget and your needs, so there's no one vehicle that will work for everybody. That said, the 2024 Honda Civic is a strong pick. It provides comfort, features, safety and reliability, and all for one of the lowest price tags on this list.

What is the best SUV for road trips?

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid combines a long list of standard features with great fuel economy, and it has one of the most spacious interiors in its class.

What is the best luxury car for road trips?

The 2024 Genesis G90 will take you anywhere in comfort and style. Most of its best features are standard, including leather upholstery.

What is the most comfortable car for long trips?

On a list of very comfortable vehicles, the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid is probably the most comfortable, especially for back-seat passengers who can take advantage of the reclining seats. If comfort is your priority, take a look at our list of most comfortable cars for more options.

U.S. News and World Report |

More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report

Plenty of families take road trips, so you might want to check out the winners of our 2023 Best Cars for Families awards too. Maybe you've been left stranded on an unfamiliar road by your former car and are looking for the most reliable cars available. If you know you need to bring along a lot of gear, see our roundup of compact SUVs with the most cargo space .

When you're ready to buy a new car, use our Best Price Program to pre-negotiate a great price with a local dealership. You can arrange for online buying and even vehicle delivery through the program.

U.S. News & World Report |

Best Cars for Road Trips in 2024 and 2025

2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid: $34,050 | USN Overall Score: 8.0/10
2024 Volkswagen Atlas: $36,985 | USN Overall Score: 8.1/10
2024 Ford Mustang: $30,920 | USN Overall Score: 8.1/10
2024 Chevrolet Suburban: $59,200 | Overall Score: 8.2/10
2024 Kia Carnival: $33,600 | Overall Score: 8.2/10
2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid: $53,425 | USN Overall Score: 8.3/10
2024 Lincoln Navigator: $82,765 | USN Overall Score: 8.6/10
2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid: $32,575 | USN Overall Score: 8.6/10
2024 Genesis G90: $89,200 | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10
2025 Ram 1500: $40,275 | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10
2024 Honda Civic: $23,950 | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10

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The Best Road Trip Cars From Every Category

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Civic Hatchback

Embarking on an epic road trip adventure requires the perfect companion, and selecting the ideal car for the journey can significantly impact your experience. In an era where sustainability and efficiency take center stage, the realm of road trip vehicles has transformed. From the ever-expanding array of electric vehicles to power-oriented marvels, the choices have never been more exhilarating. The question is simple: What is the best car for long-distance driving?

That's a loaded question, so today, we'll explore the best road trip cars in 10 different segments, guiding you through options that guarantee comfort, dependability, and the freedom to navigate extensive distances effortlessly. Whether plotting a picturesque coastal drive, a cross-country odyssey, or a quick weekend escape, these road trip-ready vehicles will enhance the journey, and perhaps even the destination. Prepare to embark on your open-road adventure with unwavering confidence as we unveil the top contenders in the domain of road-trip cars.

The Hatchback: 2024 Honda Civic Hatch

The latest Civic Hatchback keeps its enjoyable driving dynamics intact despite being a more grown-up car than any Civic before it. In base form, its 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder produces an ample 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, while a turbocharged 1.5-liter ups the stakes to 180 hp and 177 lb-ft. Plus, if you're still of the old-school persuasion and like to be in control of the experience, you can get a six-speed manual gearbox in the Sport and Sport Touring trims - or a CVT if you prefer to relax.

With combined EPA ratings of up to 35 mpg in turbo guise and 33 mpg in base form, the Civic is light on gas, and starting at an MSRP of $24,950, it's light on your bank account from the get-go.

Combine its mechanical attributes with a spacious cabin and large trunk (24.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats), and it's a winner already. Factor in a full suite of connectivity options like a seven-inch touchscreen and matching digital gauge cluster (nine- and 10.2 inches respectively on the Sport Touring), and you have one of the most complete long-distance vehicles on the market and a perfect family road trip car.

The Crossover: 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

This fuel-efficient road trip car boasts a hybrid system, achieving an impressive 38 mpg combined EPA rating. The hybrid powertrain comprises a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder with electric augmentation, paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox, producing 226 hp and 258 lb-ft.

Whether traveling with a full crew or just a few, the standard all-wheel drive ensures surefootedness over any surface and in any climate through sun, snow, and rain.

Ideal for family road trips, it boasts a comfortable and spacious interior equipped with rear USB ports and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Five seats with ample rear legroom enhance the appeal of this compact crossover, and its generous 38.7-cu-ft trunk accommodates all your gear. You can use all five seats, or drop the 60:40-split rear seats to carry larger items. Starting at $32,325, the Tucson Hybrid ticks all the right boxes .

The Sports Car: 2024 Mustang GT Coupe

While there may be many options in contention for the title of the best sports car , we maintain when it comes to road trips, the Mustang has them all soundly beaten. A new generation has arrived for 2024, sporting updated styling and a new fighter jet-inspired interior with larger infotainment and digital gauge cluster screens.

Under the hood, the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 has been upgraded and now produces 36 hp more in the 2024 Mustang GT than the old model, totaling 486 hp. It comes with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional 10-speed auto, which may be better suited to long-distance cruising.

Should the road get twisty on your journey, the Mustang GT's combination of power, noise, and agility means an entertaining road trip is in the cards, and the supportive Recaro front seats hold you in place comfortably. Ample rear legroom - yes, it's a four-seater sports car - and a 13.5 cubic foot trunk make it practical too, and since you can get it as a coupe or a convertible, it's perfect for summer road trips.

The Wagon: 2024 Volvo V60 Cross Country

The Volvo V60 Cross Country excels in various aspects such as space, speed, off-road capability, etc. This versatile vehicle is a gem for road trips and an overall top-tier option. Sporting 26 mpg combined from a 250-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, its raised ground clearance and AWD give it the ability to tackle dirt roads without the hefty fuel economy of traditional SUVs.

It comes fully equipped with advanced safety features, including a rear cross-traffic alert system and traffic sign recognition, plus semi-autonomous highway driving capabilities. A five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA backs this up and ensures a safe road trip for the whole family.

It boasts an available Wi-Fi hotspot, enhancing connectivity on your journeys and keeping the kids occupied, and its spacious interior means they'll be comfortable for hours. 22.5 cubic feet of trunk space will accommodate suitcases, tents, and more; if you need extra, the fold-down rear seats let you accommodate even more. Additionally, you can add a roof-mounted bicycle rack, perfect for those with an active lifestyle, making it one of the best cars for road-tripping.

The Minivan: 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid

The $51,095 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid harmoniously blends gas and electric power, catering to road trips with its ample combination of cargo space, people space, and frugality. Furnished with a 3.6-liter V6 augmented by electric power, it produces 260 hp. It lays down this power through a front-wheel drivetrain. If you want AWD, you can have it, but that would require the non-hybrid Pacifica.

Spacious with seating for eight occupants, it looks after the family with advanced safety features like emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane assist, and blind spot monitoring. There's versatility aplenty with Stow 'n Go seating that avails additional cargo space without physically having to remove seats from the minivan, and between 32.3 and 140.5 cubic feet.

A heated steering wheel and three-zome climate control add extra luxury, and the new Pinnacle model adds even more luxury to the road trip experience. The panoramic rearview mirror helps to keep an eye on the kids during the, 'Are we there yet' arguments.

The Truck: 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor

Should road trips in 2023 call for a more 'cross-country' experience, the Ford F-150 Raptor is the only pickup truck for the job. While the allure is strong to go for the TRX-beating Raptor R and its supercharged V8, for road trips, we think the base Raptor is better, thanks to its twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6. Not only do you get 450 hp and 510 lb-ft sent to all corners via a 10-speed automatic gearbox, but you get 15 mpg combined (instead of the R's 12 mpg). You can still tow 8,200 lbs, get a versatile truck bed, and those sweet Fox shocks that can take you to hell and back.

Inside, all F-150 models come with standard features like a 12-inch digital gauge display and Sync 4-enabled infotainment system, soft bucket seats, wireless charging, and 400W USB ports with outlets in both the cab and the bed. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. With five seats, ample power, and go-anywhere capability, the F-150 Raptor is a road-trip truck with no equal.

The Full-Size SUV: 2023 Cadillac Escalade

If you need three rows of seats, a body-on-frame chassis, an abundance of passenger and storage space, and supreme luxury, the Cadillac Escalade may be the best road trip SUV there is, even if it does cost a slip more than $80,000.

With a versatile engine lineup including a Duramax diesel six-cylinder (277 hp/460 lb-ft) and a 6.2-liter V8 (420 hp/460 lb-ft), both saddled with a buttery-smooth 10-speed automatic, the Escalade can tow up to 8,200 lbs, meaning you can take everything with you on holiday. The spacious cabin accommodates a ton of cargo, and an available long-wheelbase ESV variant even makes the third row of seating adult-friendly.

The Escalade is loaded with exceptional tech such as the 38-inch diagonal OLED display encompassing instrumentation and infotainment, and a full-color head-up display. Super Cruise hands-free driving making long-distance trips on the highway a cinch, too.

The Grand Tourer: 2024 Lexus LC Hybrid

We've chosen the LC Hybrid for this list, but we wouldn't fault you for picking any of the LC models. The standard variant packs a sonorous naturally aspirated V8 (coupe and convertible), but for covering distance, the LC 500h's 3.5-liter V6 and twin electric motors still packs a 354-hp punch while consuming considerably less fuel at 29 mpg combined vs. the V8's 19 mpg. It looks achingly gorgeous, too. The downside is an electronic CVT, but with the additional torque of the e-motors, and given the laidback cruising nature of the LC, it's a forgivable offense.

Road trip cars typically need big trunks, and the LC falls short here with only 4.7 cubic feet in hybrid form, but with 2+2 seating in which the rear seats aren't suited for passengers, there's plenty of additional storage space in the cabin.

Packed with Lexus' array of safety systems, and now featuring a decent infotainment system , the car is technologically up-to-date and safe for you and a loved one to hit the road and soak up the miles in comfort and luxury.

The Luxury Sedan: 2024 Audi S8

The 2024 Audi S8 redefines the road trip experience with its blend of luxury and performance. Beneath its hood lies a formidable 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering 563 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. While everyone knows the Mercedes-AMG S63 in this segment, the Audi S8 is seen as more of a sleeper, an understated performance sedan that can lap up the miles without shouting about its 3.8-second 0-60 mph potential. Combined with the nimbleness of its rear-axle steering and the surefootedness of its all-wheel drive, it's the perfect car for almost any occasion.

Whether you're seated up front or reclining in the massaging rear seats, you're swathed in luxury and cutting-edge technology. Plush leather seats provide a sense of opulence, while the MMI Touch Response infotainment system and onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, ensure seamless connectivity and entertainment throughout your road trips, while an optional rear-seat entertainment system keeps passengers engaged on extended journeys.

The only downside is the $120,600 price tag.

The Convertible: 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet

The Porsche Carrera GTS Cabriolet redefines the essence of road trips with its breadth of performance and capability. It's fast, it's comfortable, it's feature-laden, and it even has four seats - what more could you ask for? Beneath its curvaceous exterior lies a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, delivering 473 hp and 420 lb-ft, and with your choice of rear- or all-wheel drive, you get a 0-60 mph time of under 3.4 seconds and all-weather confidence.

Inside, the Carrera GTS Cabriolet pampers occupants with opulent leather seats and a cutting-edge infotainment system, including the Porsche Communication Management system. For audiophiles, the optional Burmester sound system promises exceptional audio quality, enhancing the soundtrack of your road trip.

With a front cargo area measuring 4.7 cubic feet and rear seats that can double as storage in a pinch, there's plenty of space for your luggage. Then, when the weather is right, a 12-second drop of the top lets you feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin. When the journey matters more than the destination, few cars do road trips like the 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet.

Car Culture

The Best Road Trip Cars for Exploring Solo, Sightseeing with Family, and More

We’re still working out where to safely travel in the immediate future, but what’s certain is that after months of staying close to home, we couldn’t be more ready to make a move—which means we're officially on the hunt for the best road trip cars. With gas prices holding steady, there’s no better time to load up your favorite playlists and hit the road, company optional. We’ve gone ahead and done the research for you, assembling a list of some of the best road trip cars to pick up at your local rental agencies to help ensure a seamless and safe trip, whether you’re traveling with your kids, going solo, or looking for an off-road adventure.

For packing in the whole family

Chrysler pacifica.

It’s only fitting that the brand that first put minivans on American roads is behind the award-winning Chrysler Pacifica (named Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and Family Car of the Year by Cars.com). The sleek styling of the eight-seater will firmly put to rest any reservations about maintaining cool cred, while the spacious interior’s in-floor access bins and stow-and-go second- and third-row seats allow for a variety of configurations, no matter your family’s size . Opt for a model with all-wheel drive that automatically engages if you hit adverse weather.

The glossy, streamlined fourth-generation A8 is a stunner, from the sporty new grille to the interior’s ambient lighting. Once in motion, check out the drive select system; the comfort setting, which softens the steering and acceleration, will let you smoothly take precious cargo down rough roads. Warning: your kids will compete for the rear seats, thanks to the excess legroom, panoramic sunroof, and futuristic, neatly stowed console that controls all the rear amenities, like heated and massaging seats. Parking sensors and lane departure warning come standard.

Chevy Suburban

Don’t let the outsize proportions scare you off. The newly revamped Chevy Suburban ranks high when it comes to second-row legroom and cargo space, and now has an expanded third row that can comfortably accommodate long-legged teens. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and multiple cameras (up to nine) for 360-degree exterior views. For added security, there’s also hidden storage so that you can secure your valuables anytime you leave the vehicle. Opt for a model with dual rear screens to keep the kids endlessly entertained.

The Mazda6 has a quiet cabin that can block out road noise on long drives.

For trekking 2,500 miles across the country

Toyota camry.

The Toyota Camry has consistently ranked as one of the most reliable midsize vehicles for the past three decades, making it one of the best picks for any trip. It offers incredible fuel economy, getting 29 miles per gallon in the city, and 41 miles per gallon on the highway (which also means fewer stops!) and has a notably quiet cabin where you can blast tunes and keep up with directions on the standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Pedestrian detection, lane departure, brake assist, and lane tracing assist from Toyota’s Star Safety System also keep the Camry centered in its lane.

Genesis G70

The refined Genesis G70 has been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, one of many accolades for this polished, comfortable sedan. It’s a pleasure to sit in the top-notch driver’s seat, with its well-padded diamond quilted Nappa leather. The cockpit feel is enhanced by aluminum accents, a short, stylish gear box, and the G70’s agile and responsive handling, which makes short work of the miles ahead. Added bonus: the trunk can fit multiple carry-ons or larger suitcases, and the rear seat folds for extra cargo space.

The Mazda6 is a good-looking sport sedan with a stylish interior designed for maximum comfort, a necessity when you’re spending days on the road. The Mazda6 gives you a peppy, smooth drive and a quiet cabin that blocks out exterior noise. There are convenient wheel-mounted controls, easy-access sound controls, and a solid navigation system that’s also a breeze to program. Standard features include folding rear seats, blind spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, and low-speed forward-collision warning.

For exploring solo, safely

Toyota rav4.

When you’re on your own, reliability takes on a whole new level of importance. That’s where the RAV4 comes in: after more than 25 years on the road, the model remains a winner for its manageable size, dependable performance, and commendable fuel economy, getting 27 miles per gallon in the city, and 35 miles per gallon on the open road. You’ll appreciate the car's many safety touches, which include interior lights that illuminate as you approach and driver assistance features such as an integrated backup camera, folding and fully reclining rear seats, lane-tracing assist, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Ford Mustang

America’s love affair with the Mustang began over 50 years ago and it’s still going strong. The allure is obvious, from those legendary lines to the sound of the high-powered engine—but what lies at the heart of the Mustang’s enduring popularity is that once you slide into those bucket seats, it’s an unbeatably fun, and fast, ride. Standard models come with a rearview camera, six-speed manual transmission, and a complimentary dose of nostalgia.

Honda Accord

Ten generations in, the Accord has solidified its spot as one of the most durable and nimble vehicles on the road, a winning combination for a swift, problem-free drive. The distinctive sedan’s spacious interior provides ample legroom and comfort for even the tallest of drivers and the stellar fuel economy (30 miles per gallon in the city, and 38 miles per gallon on the highway) make it a no-brainer for any trip. Driver assist technology, including traffic sign recognition and an automatic braking system that kicks in to help prevent collisions, come standard.

The Land Rover Defender's roof can support up to 600 pounds, perfect for a roof tent.

For navigating the backroads

Land rover defender.

Land Rover has long perfected the marriage of form and function, making the Defender one of the best off-roading vehicles out there. Tackling muddy or rocky ground? The quick turn of a dial will let you select a suitable suspension and traction mode for the terrain you’re on and, if you approach water, the 3D-surround camera and wade-sensing system will gauge the depth and allow you to navigate through up to 35 inches. When parked, the rear seats fold down with the touch of a button, and the roof supports a tent and occupants up to a combined 600 pounds.

Subaru Ascent

The Ascent is Subaru’s largest SUV, and it puts that size to good use with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds (enough to haul a small trailer). The generously sized cabin seats up to eight passengers, and the rear seats fold flat to haul extra cargo or to pinch hit as a makeshift bed. Traveling with a group? The Ascent’s roof rail capacity of 700 pounds nicely accommodates a sturdy rooftop tent. Standard features include all-wheel drive, driver assist technology, and a rear-seat reminder alert that sounds when anything is left behind as you prepare to exit the vehicle.

Volkswagen Atlas

VW’s seven-seater Atlas has already seen a few changes since its relaunch three years ago. It’s one of the largest crossover SUVs, has unmatched cargo and passenger space, folding second- and third-rows, and roof rails that you can use to secure anything from kayaks to boxes of gear. The Atlas is also capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds, has four adjustable all-wheel drive modes, stability enhancing systems, a hands-free liftgate, and park distance control.

Washington Pass Along the North Cascades Highway

For going greener

Ford fusion hybrid.

This attractive midsize gas-electric hybrid lets you keep track of energy output on customizable dashboard screens. Along with a roomy interior and 10-way power driver seat for maximum comfort, standard features include an eight-inch touchscreen and voice command for easy access to directions and entertainment, blind spot monitoring, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and a rearview camera.

Toyota Prius

The Prius has spent the last two decades accumulating industry accolades, and it’s still going strong. The gas-electric hatchback comes with stellar stats: consistently top-ranked on safety lists, excellent fuel economy (it averages 50 miles per gallon in the city, and 54 miles per gallon on the highway) and a reliable history. The company has also upped the model’s standard features, which now include a mammoth 11.6-inch screen, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, an integrated backup camera, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. (And you’d be surprised how much you can fit in the trunk.)

Jaguar I-Pace

Be prepared to throw any preconceived notions about “boring” electric vehicles out the window when you encounter Jaguar's I-Pace. In the plush and surprisingly spacious cabin, take a minute to check out the detailed instrument panel, then select dynamic mode for a sporty, full-throttle ride. Before you zoom off, download an app like ChargePoint so that you’ll be able to quickly pinpoint fast-charging stations along your route—though with a 253-mile range, you'll have enough juice to get from, say, Washington D.C. to New York .

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Best Road Trip Cars: Top 10

Hitting the open road; there isn’t much that matches this feeling of freedom and adventure.

The great North American road trip is as old as the invention of the automobile itself. For over a century people have gotten behind the wheel to explore all our expansive continent has to offer.

Today it’s easy to board a plane and fly virtually anywhere in the world. But it doesn’t offer the same sights, sounds, and experiences as driving through the mountain passes, vast canyons, and twisting ocean drives in our own backyard.

Modern vehicles have made these journeys more enjoyable than ever too. Massaging seats, driving assists, crisp audio systems, and climate controlled seats are just a few of luxurious found in a plethora of automobiles. But what are the best road trip cars? There’s different answers for different people. Below we’ve selected 10 great choices that should offer a great solution for most.

Buick Enclave

For passengers, the best road trip cars need one thing above all else – comfort. When it comes to three-row SUVs, not many provide a more pleasing ride than the Buick Enclave . By eschewing any sporty pretences, the Enclave is set up to isolate occupants from the world outside. Expansion gaps, broken pavement, and rough concrete are swallowed up by the suspension making any road surface feel buttery smooth.

Great sound isolation and a V6 engine that’s rarely strained adds to the relaxed, cruiser feel of the Enclave. If hour after hour of freeway slogging encompasses your larger family’s road trip, this Buick is worth a consideration.

Chevrolet Suburban Diesel

Some road trips involve a couple taking a jaunt down a coastal highway. Others involve a large family, their pets, all their gear, and a sizeable trailer being hauled through the mountains. The Chevrolet Suburban diesel is a vehicle for the latter. With tremendous levels of torque, expansive levels of interior room, and respectable fuel economy, this is about as close as you can get to taking your house on the road.

Up to nine passengers can fit in the Suburban and towing capacity can reach 8,200 lbs. Plus, this big Chevrolet drives smaller than its size suggests, making it approachable for a variety of drivers.

Ford Mustang Convertible

Now we’ll change gears to the best road trip cars for two. When hitting the open byways along picturesque landscapes on a beautiful day, nothing beats driving a convertible. Drop tops are few and far between these days, but one icon remains; the legendary Ford Mustang . Taking a drive down the pacific coastal highway in California behind the wheel of a Mustang is something everyone should experience at least once. Ford’s pony car can even accommodate two small rear passengers if a young family is looking for an adventure.

This may not be the first choice for long distance, multi-day cruising. But wheeling a Mustang from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon on a warm spring day sounds great to us.

Honda Civic

Not everyone needs a large SUV or a sports car for an enjoyable road trip. Plenty of smaller vehicles are up for task, proving ample comfort, space, and impressive fuel economy. Chief amongst these choices is our favorite compact car here at AutoGuide, the Honda Civic . Available in a variety of flavors, the sweet spot for long distance driving is either the sedan or hatchback with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine.

It provides plenty of power for the small car and sips gas. The car is fun enough to drive, but supple enough to not punish passengers. A premium interior is just the icing on the cake. The hatchback is the more practical choice of the two body styles and our personal pick. But really, one can’t go wrong with either Civic.

Kia Sportage Hybrid

The hottest segment right now is compact SUVs, even if these utility vehicles aren’t all that compact anymore. Being the primary vehicle for millions of families, many of these smaller SUVs will see duty as the transportation choice during vacation getaways. With so many options on the market, what is one to choose? Our current recommendation is the Kia Sportage , specifically the hybrid.

With ample power and impressive fuel economy, the Sportage features a sophisticated interior that delivers near mid-size levels of space. It’s also one of the more comfortable rides in the segment which should keep passengers happy.

Lexus ES 300h

Moving back to cars, the Honda Civic and Ford Mustang might not provide enough interior space or ride comfort for everyone’s taste. A great alternative for these road trippers would be the Lexus ES 300h . It’s one of the most supple riding, smooth driving sedans out there that just happens to also be very fuel efficient.

Like the Buick Enclave, the ES 300h eats up mile after mile of road without fatiguing the driver or its occupants. The Lexus’ focus is on comfort, refinement, and sound isolation rather than driving dynamics, which makes it a perfect long-distance cruising partner.

So far we covered gas, diesel, and a lot of hybrid choices. But what if you want to take a road trip in an electric vehicle? Many might scoff at this idea, but there are EVs on sale now that have surprising levels of range. Vehicles like the Lucid Air Grand Touring with a maximum range of 516 miles. That should give drivers a full day’s worth of driving before the car would need a charge.

The Lucid Air doesn’t come cheap though, with the Grand Touring beginning at a price of $138,000. A more affordable option, albeit with less range, is the Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD that can travel 358 miles on a single charge and should cost under $60,000.

Not all road trips involve driving to a destination with accommodations. Some adventures include bringing the accommodations with you, like a big fifth-wheel travel trailer. For this task, a vehicle with enough interior space for a family as well as enough towing capacity to haul such a trailer is needed. This is the realm of full-size pick up trucks.

Our choice is the Ram 1500 . With the adjustable air suspension, the Ram features very un-truck-like ride comfort, yet can still do truck things. With the efficient and torquey EcoDiesel engine, the Ram 1500 can tow upwards of 9,600 lbs. when properly equipped. If that’s not enough capability, there is the gasoline 5.7-liter V8 Hemi with a mild hybrid system that can pull upwards of 12,750 lbs.

Subaru Outback

Once upon a time, the best road trip cars were ruled by wagons. But the segment is nearly dead, with very few options left. One choice that is still available is a great one; the Subaru Outback . As a lifted crossover, this wagon-on-stilts features a long travel suspension that swallows up all but the worst road imperfections. The long wheelbase prevents the vehicle from wandering on the freeway and in the grandest of Subaru traditions, the Outback has fantastic sight-lines all around.

Being a wagon, there is amble room for passengers in the rear and their cargo behind them. The entry level engine, although good on gas, might be a bit overmatched for a fully-loaded Outback. Luckily, there is a punchy turbocharged option as well.

Toyota Sienna

Part of the reason station wagons demised as the go-to-choice for the best road trip cars was the invention of the minivan. But the practical people haulers have since fallen out of favor as well, and few choices exist on the market. The ones that are left are all very appealing and can’t be beat in terms of passenger space, cargo capability, and ease of operation.

Our recommendation for a road trip minivan is the Toyota Sienna . With a standard hybrid engine, the Sienna is surprisingly efficient and should travel long distances between fill-ups. There is also optional all-wheel drive, a major plus if your road trip involves a wintery chalet escape. New this year is the Woodland Edition that offers additional ground clearance for even more rough-road capability.

Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here .

A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.

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The best road trip cars

Nothing picks up your mood faster than taking a long and relaxing road trip somewhere you love. But not every car is well suited to life on the road, and when you’re headed out for a long trip, the last thing you want is a car that can’t handle it. When you are ready to embark on a journey around the country, these cars have what it takes to help you enjoy the ride.

2020 Subaru Crosstrek

2020 honda hr-v, 2020 ford mustang gt convertible, tesla model 3, chevrolet bolt, 2020 ferrari gtc4lusso, 2020 volvo xc90, 2020 toyota prius, 2020 mazda mx-5, 2020 jaguar f-type convertible, lexus ls 400, volkswagen westfalia camper, ford crown victoria.

The best road trip cars have comfortable seats, lots of entertainment features, and plenty of room for all of your gear. Here are the best cars you can take on a long trip.

A good road trip car must be reliable, practical, capable, and fun, and few automakers satisfy those requirements better than Subaru. We’d love to take a WRX STI cross country, but the fuel-sipping Crosstrek makes our list for its rugged construction and well-rounded character. Plus, there’s plenty of room for speed and spoilers later.

With fuel economy ratings of 27 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, the Crosstrek is an apt choice for couples or small families looking to log some serious highway miles. All-wheel drive is standard, of course, and with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, this compact crossover will go just about anywhere you need it to, on or off the interstate.

With the Fit, Honda proved a good value doesn’t always come with squished proportions and a chintzy interior. And, with the Fit-based HR-V , the Japanese firm added an extra dose of practicality to the mix.

Honda’s smallest crossover boasts 6.7 inches of ride height and an ingenious “Magic Seat” interior layout, which allows passengers to configure the cabin in five different modes — normal, split, tall, utility, and lounge. That means the car can easily ferry anything, whether it be luggage, bikes, tall plants, or even surfboards.

The HR-V’s biggest asset is its relatively low cost, which comes both at the dealer (starting MSRP is $20,620) and at the pump (it returns up to 28 mpg city/34 mpg highway when ordered with front-wheel drive). Throw in a plethora of safety features and you’re all set.

What goes better with a great American road trip than an emblematic American car? Nothing, that’s what. The Ford Mustang GT is a legend through and through, and the sixth-generation model is the most refined version yet. It has the best interior of any pony car before it, and with an independent suspension setup front and rear, this horse can corner with the best of ‘em. Ford recently updated the model with more tech features, too, including an available digital instrument cluster that will let you keep an eye on key road trip metrics such as speed, distance to empty, and the tunes blasting through the speakers.

Let’s be honest, you don’t need a thumping V8 soundtrack for a successful road trip, nor do you need the open wind rustling through your hair. You definitely want them, though, and the Mustang GT Convertible happens to provide both. “GT” does stand for “Grand Tourer,” after all.

For years, electric cars and road-tripping were mutually exclusive; range anxiety kicked in before you got a chance to leave your state. Advances in battery technology make the latest crop of electric vehicles better-suited to long drives. The Tesla Model 3 has up to 322 miles of driving range in its Dual Motor Long Range configuration, so you can drive from Detroit to Indianapolis without needing to stop and charge.

When you do need to fill up, you can rely on Tesla’s growing network of Supercharger stations. There are thousands of charging points in each state so finding one is a breeze, especially if you plan ahead. Clever features — such as in-car gaming and Netflix streaming — will help you pass the time while your car sips electricity.

If a Tesla isn’t your thing, or if the Model 3 is too expensive, the Chevrolet Bolt is another great option for those seeking a zero-emissions road-tripper. It offers 259 miles of range, so it can drive from New York City to Washington, D.C., in ideal conditions, and it’s spacious enough to comfortably carry a full load of passengers and their gear.

You can zap the Bolt’s battery with about 100 miles of range every 30 minutes when it’s plugged into a DC fast charger, a type of station that’s getting much easier to find as America’s charging infrastructure expands, though keep in mind you’ll need a special charging port Chevrolet charges extra for. Alternatively, if you’re not in a rush, the Bolt gains 25 miles of range per hour plugged in when it’s hooked up to a 240-volt level two charger, which you can find outside of many hotels, restaurants, and other businesses.

Ah, the practical Ferrari. The successor to the FF , the GTC4Lusso is a grand tourer in every sense of the word, as its gorgeously-appointed interior and quiet ride are offset by a 681-hp V12 and a trick four-wheel steering system. It does “GT” a bit differently, however, as the three-door configuration and shooting brake profile make this a head-turner in more ways than one.

It may not have the storage capacity of an SUV (though Ferrari is working on that ) or the fuel economy of a hybrid, but the GTC4Lusso is as easy to drive in the city as it is on the Italian autostrada, and the brilliant V12 will never, ever get old. These are the keys to life, folks, and don’t let anyone ever tell you differently. This machine speaks tech , too. Ferrari recently added a large screen with a split-view function, as well as Apple CarPlay compatibility.

We know Volvo can build safe, sophisticated, and elegant machines, but the levels of opulence found in the XC90 make us rethink our outlook on the brand entirely. Not only is the XC90’s interior one of the best we’ve ever seen in an SUV, its smart technology and excellent efficiency make it a no-brainer if you prefer your road trips with a group.

The available Bowers & Wilkins sound system is nothing short of fantastic in this car (a key factor for this list), and it can be shuffled between a variety of listening modes, including studio, concert hall, and stadium. The XC90 also features polished semi-autonomous technology for laid-back driving, and the tablet-style touchscreen interface is one of the most intuitive units on the market. Throw in an efficient T8 powertrain that combines a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with a plug-in hybrid system and you have the ultimate long-haul cruiser for up to seven people.

While most of the vehicles on this list emphasize fun, style, or practicality, the Toyota Prius is nearly singular in its goal: Maximum fuel economy. The most fuel-efficient car on the road without a plug, the Eco model returns up to 58 mpg on the freeway and flaunts a total range of more than 600 miles. In a word? Wow.

Toyota made notable enhancements to interior quality and driving dynamics over the previous generation, improvements that will be appreciated if you’re forced to sit in the car for extended periods. Looking to save at the pump? The Prius is your best bet. Select the plug-in Prime model if you’re looking to add a few miles of electric-only driving to your trip without stopping to charge a battery-electric car.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata wrote the book on the modern roadster, so it’d be a travesty if we didn’t include it. The long-standing sports car is as close to perfect as an inexpensive two-seater can be, with an expertly-balanced chassis, a fantastic six-speed manual, and a tangible passion for driving you can actually feel through the steering. It’s one of the few cars that hasn’t gotten significantly bigger or heavier since its inception.

There aren’t a ton of bells and whistles here, but that’s not the point. The MX-5 is about escapism done simply, and it emphasizes that better than just about any car on the market. It’s best suited for solo or short two-person trips, but the fourth-generation model features just enough modern gadgetry to keep you busy if the brilliant engineering isn’t enough.

Ok, we needed at least one more convertible for our list, and Jaguar’s stunning F-Type is one of the most evocative drop-tops ever put to pavement. It has the look, it has the sound — my goodness, the sound — and most importantly, it has the feeling. It’s also fast, agile, and surprisingly refined, as the suspension can be tuned depending on what surface you’re rocketing over.

Practicality takes a back seat in this one (if there were back seats, that is), but people don’t buy V8-powered convertibles because of logic or reason. They buy them because they’re beautiful, stirring, and create a new experience every time you press the start button. Hell, if all you need is to get somewhere quickly and you can’t live without your three favorite suitcases, you’d probably just buy a plane ticket. For the rest of us, open up the throttle and enjoy the ride.

With the new cars out the way, let’s take a short look back at a few legacy options. Lexus’ first vehicle, the LS 400 , was the product of a project called Circle F , which was Toyota chairman Eiji Toyoda’s vision to build the world’s best car. The result was something that shockingly still feels modern today, with a buttery ride, rock-solid reliability, and a tasteful interior that has stood the test of time. Speaking of sturdiness, the sedan’s 4.0-liter V8 is the only automobile engine to be rated by the FAA, meaning the 260-hp power plant is tough enough to power a plane. Seriously.

Impressive credentials aside, used LS400’s can be found for less than a few thousand dollars nowadays, which is an absolute steal for the amount of car you’re getting. Throw in reasonable fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway and you might have the best budget road trip car in the world.

The Volkswagen Westfalia Camper is a hotel on wheels.

Westfalia is a German company that, for about 50 years from the 1950s, made a name for itself in the vehicle-as-living-space world. Westfalia created innovative liveable quarters made to fit inside Volkswagen’s iconic vans. Their configurations included pop-up camper designs, folding tables and chairs, portable toilets, sinks, stoves, and refrigerators. Daimler Chrysler purchased Westfalia’s conversion group in 1999.

The Ford Crown Victoria – or “Crown Vic” – is an iconic car known for its longevity and surprisingly large interior. Most people recognize them from classic movies or old-school taxicabs.

Range: 1,500 feet
Paging: One-way communication

If you’re looking for a basic, straightforward system that does what it needs to without costing an arm and a leg, Audiovox has got you covered. It features a decent range of approximately 1,500 feet, which should be adequate for most motorists. It has three-button remotes that only offer one-way communication, making it the perfect fit for motorists seeking an easy-to-use system.

The Audiovox is as effective and dependable as it is simple. You can program it to ignite the engine, thereby warming it up for as little as 5 minutes or as long as an hour, depending on your preferences. Audiovox’s APS57Z also lets you lock and unlock the car and pop the trunk open, as long as you are standing within range. You can use the Audiovox on fuel-powered as well as hybrid cars, and it’s CarLink capabilities allow it to sync up with your smartphone.

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Owning and leasing a vehicle used to be the two primary ways to get behind the wheel. However, that's starting to change with the advent of car subscription services. These plans essentially take leasing to the extreme, covering every aspect of car ownership aside from the cost of fuel. That means you won't have to worry about unexpected expenses related to insurance or maintenance, as your single monthly payment takes care of all those headaches.

If you plan on driving a single vehicle for a long time, owning a car is undoubtedly a more frugal option. After all, there's nothing better for your wallet than having a paid off car. But if you can't be bothered to worry about the stresses of modern car ownership -- or you love checking out a new vehicle every few months -- car subscription plans are a nice alternative.

Whether you do your driving with an off-road vehicle, one of the most impressive EVs on the road, or anything in between, the driving experience can be made all the better by knowing you look good doing so. Keeping your vehicle clean isn’t always the easiest chore, nor is it something everyone likes to do. You can make shorter work of it with a pressure washer, and with warmer weather around the corner we decided to round up the best pressure washers for cars in 2024. The best pressure washers for cars in 2024

Buy the if you want the best pressure washer for cars overall. Buy the if you want the best gas-powered pressure washer for cars. Buy the if you want the best handheld pressure washer for cars. But the if you want the best budget pressure washer for cars.

In-car technology is advancing more quickly than anyone imagined, and it's also easier to upgrade an older car with Bluetooth and other cutting-edge features than it's ever been. Numerous aftermarket companies allow motorists to benefit from useful connectivity and safety features without having to buy a new car. In fact, Bluetooth has become a cheap, easy upgrade on any vehicle regardless of its age or value.

Bluetooth can be used to make phone calls (it channels the conversation through your car's speakers) or to stream music directly from your smartphone, though some of the more basic systems are limited to calls. Either way, it's a feature that significantly reduces distractions and allows the driver to keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times. That's why most states have laws that require hands-free calling while driving.

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From efficient to exotic, these are the best road trip cars for exploring the country

Pack up and hit the road make your travels memorable this year with these amazing road trip cars.

Woman leaning out of passenger window in a moving car.

When embarking on your next great road trip adventure , camping, or even a vacation, for that matter, the car you take is nearly as important as the route. Some drivers consider a 1-hour drive to get a leftover Christmas tree as a legit “road trip,” but that’s not what we’re talking about here. The cars on this list are unique vehicles that you’ll want to drive cross-country on an adventure to find some of the best routes in America .

Lamborghini Urus

Jeep cherokee xj, porsche 911, ford bronco, ferrari gtc4lusso, mazda mx-5 miata, honda element, toyota prius, land rover defender, lincoln navigator black label, classic volkswagen camper van, westfalia sven hedin cuv, 1966 chevy corvette, 1965 ford mustang convertible, morgan 3-wheeler.

The vehicles you see here range from classic icons to exotic supercars. Most are relatively affordable; some aren’t. Of course, we didn’t forget about SUVs that have enough room for the entire family (and Fido, too!). Choosing a car to take on a road trip is a highly personal decision. But at the end of the day, these are the best cars for road trips, hands down.

Let’s not bury our lede. Two words: Lamborghini . SUV . If you’re not worried about money and you’re a fan of very, very, very fast road trips, you can stop reading now. The latest Lamborghini Urus is most likely the only road trip car on your wish list. The company’s (pretty much) first foray into the SUV market is a dramatic one. The angular Urus highlights a steeply raked roofline, sleek LED lighting, and huge 22- or 23-inch wheels stuffed inside jagged hexagonal wheel wells.

This is an SUV that will not be mistaken for any other. It’s neither practical nor affordable for most mortal men, but who really cares with a twin-turbo, 4-liter V8 under the hood? The 641 horsepower pushes the Urus to a top speed of 190 miles per hour, making it the fastest production SUV on the planet. If you’ve ever wanted to take a 36-hour, coast-to-coast road trip, your ride is ready.

Over the years, most SUVs — even hardcore models — have softened as manufacturers realize their customers rarely choose to venture off-road. Case in point: The latest generation of the Jeep Cherokee shares its platform with the previous generation Dodge Dart. However, the older Jeep Cherokee XJ is the SUV for purists who plan to spend as much (maybe a little more) time off the pavement as on.

Don’t let the fact that it’s dated dissuade you. That just means you can find an older model for a song. Additionally, replacement and aftermarket parts are readily available, it has plenty of room for your friends and your best outdoor gear , and the bulletproof 4.0-liter engine will probably outlast you.

“ Which 911?” you may be asking. Fair question. We’re not picky as long as it’s a Carrera 4S Cabriolet. Hardcore enthusiasts will tsk-tsk anything but a hardtop, but for pure road trip fun, it’s either a convertible or nothing. Honestly, almost any model of the modern Porsche 911 will do, as it’s still among the best sports cars to balance performance, handling, convenience, and comfort.

It even seats four, although we’d recommend using the cafeteria-tray-sized rears for storage or “friends” you’re not particularly fond of. For a legit sports car, it’s a damn-near-perfect everyday driver, which is what also makes it one of the best cars for road trips.

The all-new Ford Bronco might be the coolest and most highly anticipated SUV to land in the last century. It’s true to the beloved original at its core: Rugged, utilitarian, and ready to go anywhere you point it. The latest version is available as a two- or four-door variety in a handful of trim levels, each tailored for different degrees of on- or off-road use.

If you’re serious about the “go anywhere” factor, we highly recommend springing for the Sasquatch package, which upgrades the already capable Bronco with 35-inch tires, electronic-locking front and rear axles, and Bilstein position-sensitive dampers. Translation: Even without pavement, there’s almost no road trip this thing can’t take.

A $300,000 road tripper? Hey, in for a penny, in for a pound. If a 911 isn’t disco enough for you, Ferrari’s curiously named GTC4Lusso may do the trick. At more than 4,233 pounds, it’s heavy by any standard. It gets abysmal gas mileage (11/17 mpg city/highway). And did we mention it costs as much as a vacation condo in the Florida Keys? In short: It’s almost completely impractical to drive to Pottery Barn, let alone long distances. Almost .

What it does have is four mostly usable seats — ideal for bringing along three friends or one friend and a reasonable amount of luggage for two humans on a high-performance, cross-country road trip. That the 6.3-liter V-12 engine boasts 680 hp and 514 lb-ft capable of pushing this 4WD beast past 200 mph is, to put it mildly, a bonus.

Of course, for most mortal men, six-figure sports cars are rarely attainable. Enter the Mazda MX-5. For less savvy car folk, the Miata may seem a better fit for fast-talking, middle-aged realtors with bleach-blonde perms, but the latest Miata generation has vastly outgrown that image.

Recent iterations of the MX-5 are excitingly fast and a blast to drive, thanks to a short-throw shifter and rock-solid handling. The seats are more comfortable than most other sports cars, and it also boasts decent fuel economy (if you’re shopping for sports cars in this stratum, we’ll assume gas mileage matters to you). Its biggest selling point is the convertible top — available as either a soft or power retractable hardtop. Sure, the trunk is barely big enough for a duffel bag. Just pack light, drop the top, and don’t overthink it.

If you’re incredulous as to how anyone could place the Honda Element and Porsche 911 on the same list of greatest road-tripping cars of all time, stay with us. The now-discontinued (as of 2011) Element never gained mass appeal due in large part to its love-it-or-hate-it delivery-van-inspired design. But that’s precisely what makes it a great road-tripping vehicle.

By “great,” we mean “practical.” The rear cargo space is dead flat with an industrial floor liner that can be hosed down when needed. That means you can pack a lot more than you’d expect inside the deceptively roomy cargo space, especially with the two rear seats removed. Plus, it tackles sand, mud, dirt, and any other caked-on bits of nature with ease. The four seats also can be configured into a single — albeit bumpy — bed of sorts, which is ideal for car camping couples. Spring for the AWD model for better traction and a standard rear sunroof for campsite stargazing.

If dad jokes are your jam, and you have never met a pair of pleated khaki shorts you didn’t like, it probably doesn’t get more perfect than the Toyota Prius. While previous models of the now-iconic hybrid lacked any semblance of style or fun, the latest generation is at least making an effort. But we’re including it on this list for one simple reason: Insane fuel economy.

The entry-level Eco model is the cheapest and greenest Prius in the lineup, promising nearly 60 mpg on the highway and a road-tripping range of over 600 miles. Imagine driving from Manhattan to San Francisco on the equivalent of just five tanks of gas .

If you want all the legendary badassery of the Land Rover brand without the frilly techno-gadgetry of the company’s newest models, it doesn’t get any better than the classic Land Rover Defender . This truck’s long history stretches back more than a century, and most enthusiasts regard it as the best, most off-road-capable truck ever built.

Whether trekking over mountains, on safari in Africa, or fording chest-high whitewater rapids, the Defender is designed to go anywhere you need it to go. If you’re planning to spend any significant time off-roading on your next road trip, look no further.

The draw of driving an ultra-luxe RV cross-country is being able to take all the creature comforts of home with you. No matter where you overnight, you’ll always have your espresso maker, 24-setting washer, and favorite recliner with you. The Lincoln Navigator Black Label 4×4 doesn’t offer quite that level of convenience. But it is the closest approximation on four wheels, making it one of the cushiest road-tripping vehicles a couple of years’ salary can buy.

For nearly $100,000, flagship Navigator owners have access to multiple infotainment screens, a ridiculous satellite audio system, 30-way adjustable heating and cooling leather massage seats, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a sleek, sporty, notice-me design that no one will ever mistake for an Escalade.

Frankly, there isn’t a vehicle more iconic of the classic American road trip than the Volkswagen Camper Van, so we’re required by law to include it on this list. It’s wholly unreliable and guaranteed to spend more time in the shop than on the road.

But quirks aside, it’s beautiful, fun, nostalgic, and entirely practical when you consider that you’re driving your hotel room across the country. You can score one cheaply on eBay. Just be sure to pack plenty of snacks, spare parts, a robust toolkit, and a current AAA membership.

If you want all the usability and a dash of the nostalgia of the classic VW Camper Van without the maintenance and reliability headaches, look to Westfalia. The company has built a brand on outfitting new VW Crafter vans to create the most practical, full-featured, and comfortable camper vans on the market.

Westfalia’s swanky Sven Hedin, in particular, is a CUV (“caravaning utility vehicle”) that crams the usefulness of a legit, full-sized RV into a vehicle not much larger than a minivan. There are multiple table/counter spaces, a comfortable bed, a half bathroom with a toilet and sink, a workable kitchen with a cooktop, sink, and dual-drawer fridge, and a surprising amount of storage space for your gear. Sure, the price tag is close to $70,000, but imagine all the money you’ll save on Motel 6 stays.

Of course, a classic American road trip deserves a classic — the classic — American pony car. Our money is on the original 1966 Corvette. The sleek, unmistakable silhouette is arguably one of the most beautiful and distinctive in automotive history. Add to that a throaty V8 with serious horsepower, and it promises one helluva drive no matter where in the country you’re headed.

Not a Chevy lover? We get it. If you’re a communist who hates Corvettes, your best American-made road-trip-worthy alternative is a 1965 Ford Mustang (ideally a convertible). It’s difficult to imagine a car that would inspire more patriotic nostalgia on a long-haul road trip through Middle America than this classic ‘Stang. Regardless of which manufacturer’s camp you fall into, this first-generation pony car is an icon of sports car design. It screams: “I like fast things, Bob Seger, and cold domestic beer!” (Not necessarily in that order.) And, for that, we salute it.

Sure, the Morgan 3-Wheeler isn’t technically a car, but don’t get too hung up on semantics. If you don’t give a toss about practicality; if you don’t concern yourself with pesky things like rain, cargo space, or bugs in your teeth; if you value fun above all else, the Morgan 3-Wheeler is the road trip vehicle for you. Its unapologetic design has changed little in the more than 100 years since its world debut. It’s raw, mechanical, and just plain cool. Whether day-tripping through the White Mountains of New Hampshire or cross-country solo-ing, it’s every bit as exhilarating and pure to drive. One soldier in Britain’s Royal Flying Corps described it as “the nearest thing to flying without leaving the ground.”

You really can’t go wrong with any of these options. All are arguably the “best car for road trips.” Each vehicle on this list has its own strengths for a cross-country road trip across the USA. Some options may be more comfortable and larger than others, but undertaking a long road trip in any one of these 14 cars is guaranteed to result in a memorable journey.

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Advice and insights

Depending on what you drive (and how well you take care of it), your car may have anywhere between zero and half a dozen different car warning lights on the dash at any given time. They're all trying to tell you something, and some are more urgent than others.

Dashboard warning lights that you need to understand If you've got a new light on your dash (or have been driving around with one for longer than you care to admit), you're in the right place. Below, we'll break down all the most common warning lights in a car that you'll see from behind the wheel, what they mean, and how to get them off your dash. Check engine/service engine light Ah yes, the dreaded check engine light. For many of us, the check engine light feels like a probable death sentence for our cars, but truth be told, it's not always a big deal. Your car flashes the check engine light any time something's wrong with any part of your engine or emissions system.

The car tires are often the most overlooked part of a vehicle. Despite being tasked with literally keeping your car on the road, most owners pay more attention to a car’s engine, fluids, or brakes. Without tires, your car wouldn’t be able to get down the road, making them just as important as gas and oil. Just like any other part of your car, tires need to be maintained. Luckily, tire maintenance is a DIY process that’s easy to do and can help you avoid tire repair service.

If you’re the kind of person who changes your car’s oil, then you’ll probably have all the tools you need to maintain your car’s tires. Gather them after organizing your garage. You’ll want to get into a habit of regularly checking your car’s tires. Whether it’s after every car wash or every season, maintaining your car’s tires helps keep you on the road and out of a ditch.

A lot has changed in the autoverse in the last couple of decades. Looking forward to new cars meant high-horsepower, V-8 speed machines like the mind-bendingly fast Chevy Corvette Z06 or the captivating BMW Z8. Even a decade ago, the concept of a fast and exciting hybrid like Bimmer's enigmatic i8 was at the forefront of technological wonderment. But with the dawn of 2024, we have since readjusted our expectations to the current automotive climate. Our pulse still quickens at the idea of massive power, no matter how it is produced. However, with the onset of the electric revolution, a car's range has become a number that is almost, if not more, exciting. The following are what we think are the nine best electric cars on the market in 2024.

9. Chevrolet Bolt In terms of excitement, being cost-effective isn't precisely exhilarating... except when paying that monthly car note. So, while the 2024 Chevy Bolt's main feature is its ability to allow you to drive to the grocery store and buy groceries, it also happens to be aesthetically appealing. With a base price of just $27,495, the Bolt offers total electric transportation with an EPA-estimated range of up to 259 miles. If space is more of a priority than range, then the crossover Bolt SUV may be preferred. In either case, Chevy's low-cost EV is one worth keeping an eye on in 2024.

10 Best Affordable Road Trip Cars

A road trip is a fantastic way to spend a vacation. Out on the open road, you can take time to appreciate and relish the journey, not just the destination. You have the freedom and flexibility to change your plans on the fly, and you don't have to deal with TSA security lines or three-ounce liquid restrictions. Sounds great, right? Now you just need to find a suitable vehicle that won't break the bank.

Whether it's a solo trip on winding backroads, a whimsical off-grid adventure with friends, or a family bonding session across state lines, there's an affordable option for any road trip you can think of. We came up with 10 of the best road-trip cars you can buy today, most of which are available for less than $33,486, which is the average vehicle transaction price in 2016.

Be sure to visit our Incentives and Rebates page to learn about current incentive and rebate offers before you buy.

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1. 2016 Volkswagen Golf

If you're looking to hit the highway with a couple of friends and explore a new city or two, a compact hatchback is a smart pick. Compacts are inherently maneuverable and if you can find one with good outward visibility, generous interior space and great fuel economy, you're good to go. You won't find a better embodiment of these qualities than the 2016 Volkswagen Golf.

The Golf offers real space for four adults, or five in a pinch, with a handy 22.8 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seatbacks and an almost SUV-like 52.7 cubic feet with those seatbacks folded down. The large windows afford great sightlines in every direction, while the standard 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces enough power to slingshot you around an on-ramp without much effort. And yet, it gets 29 mpg combined in EPA testing (25 city/36 highway). This is sensible German engineering at its best.

2. 2016 Toyota Prius

If city touring is in your road-trip plans and you need more space than a compact vehicle can offer, check out the midsize 2016 Toyota Prius. It's a top pound-for-pound contender in passenger space and road comfort, not to mention its unbeatable fuel economy.

Go all-in with the Prius Eco model and you'll get ultra-low rolling-resistance tires along with a slight weight reduction, resulting in 56 mpg combined (58 city/53 highway). That extends fueling intervals to a bladder-challenging range somewhere north of 600 miles. Efficiency aside, this Prius is also more comfortable and rewarding to drive than any generation before it. And its midsize dimensions mean there's plenty of space for people and cargo.

3. 2016 Hyundai Genesis

Maybe you're someone who thinks a road trip — even one that takes weeks and a couple hundred miles a day — should not be a test of endurance. If so, a cushy luxury sedan like the 2016 Hyundai Genesis might suit you.

A base price of $39,700 might sound like it's stretching the definition of "affordable," but that's where this Hyundai's exceptional value comes into play. For the money, the Genesis simply can't be matched for feature content or interior quality, and it comes with industry-leading warranty coverage. The standard, smooth-revving 3.8-liter V6 is the smart choice (the optional V8 plays in a different league), and you can specify rear- or all-wheel drive.

4. 2016 Mazda CX-5

Maybe you're tired of the city because you have to live in one for 350 days a year. In that case, the point of a road trip is to get as far away from cities — or even roads themselves — as possible. We're with you.

The 2016 Mazda CX-5 is a winner here. On the pavement, it's downright sporty for a crossover, with impressive fuel economy to boot. But it can also be equipped with a capable all-wheel drive system for mild off-road exploration. While rock-crawling jaunts may be off the table, the versatile CX-5 should provide more overall satisfaction than a single-purpose off-road vehicle.

5. 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata

For the driver whose trip revolves around roads rather than destinations, a sublime connection between car and driver moves to the top of the priority list. Unfortunately, this kind of connection often comes with a monthly payment that looks more like a mortgage. But the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a notable exception.

The Miata provides a lightweight body, a feisty four-cylinder engine, a taut suspension and communicative steering, delivering endless driving fun in a package that's barely big enough to fit two. The cabin may be too cozy for certain body types, and the trunk is limited to 4.6 cubic feet of space, so plan on packing light. But spend just five minutes behind the wheel of the MX-5 and you'll completely understand the appeal.

6. 2017 Ford Mustang Convertible

Summer brings plenty of opportunities to soak up some rays. And if you live in a place that doesn't see sunshine on a regular basis, you'll definitely want to take full advantage of these months.

It's true that the Miata, the No. 5 pick, is a seriously good convertible, but it has real space constraints. So if your passenger and cargo needs are greater, the 2017 Ford Mustang Convertible is another great drop-top option. The Mustang may not be as spry as the Miata, but with double the seats, significantly more trunk capacity and nearly double the horsepower from even the base V6 engine, it compensates nicely in other areas. If you need more power, a turbo four-cylinder and V8 are also available. In any configuration, this is iconic American motoring.

7. 2016 Honda Odyssey

This list would not be complete without today's quintessential road trip vehicle: the minivan. For years, the minivan has provided larger families with a maximally efficient means of traveling together, supplanting the thirsty and unwieldly station wagons.

As in other vehicle segments, there are minivans that stand out from the crowd. Offering seating for up to eight, the 2016 Honda Odyssey is one of our favorites, scoring top marks in interior space and comfort, everyday drivability and even composure around corners. Some high-end features available on the Odyssey include a 12-speaker surround-sound audio system and a 16.2-inch widescreen rear entertainment screen with HDMI connectivity, as well as the industry's first on-board vacuum system. Wrangling the kids could still be a challenge, but convincing them to climb aboard a rolling movie theatre will take far less effort.

8. 2017 Chevrolet Traverse

So you need to haul a lot of people and cargo to faraway places, but you refuse to join the Minivan Alliance. No problem. The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse is a comfortable and unusually spacious three-row SUV that accommodates up to eight passengers and starts at around $30,000.

The Traverse can tow up to 5,200 pounds when properly equipped, which is impressive for a crossover. It also comes with a 288-horsepower V6 engine that can be paired with all-wheel drive. Even with all three seating rows in use, there's still a generous 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding the second- and third-row seats opens up a whopping 116.3 cubic feet, topping this segment by a wide margin. An all-new Traverse is waiting in the wings and will be substantially smaller, so if you like the road-trip possibilities opened up by that cavernous cabin, grab a current-generation Traverse while you still can.

9. 2016 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

If the Chevy Traverse's 5,200-pound towing capacity seems puny to you, perhaps the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel's 9,050-lb capacity is more like it. If your road trip involves pulling a trailer, a boat or even a camper, you'll want a truck with enough muscle to make quick work of any route.

The Ram 1500's EcoDiesel V6 provides outstanding fuel economy (20 mpg city/28 highway) along with a healthy 420 pound-feet of torque. The four-door crew cab can seat up to six and is surprisingly pleasant on long hauls thanks to its airy cabin, supportive seats and supple coil-spring rear suspension. Note that the EcoDiesel carries about a $5,000 premium, which nudges even the cheapest diesel-powered crew cab past our price cutoff. But this engine is certainly worth the extra money if towing and fuel economy (or simply extended driving range) are top priorities.

10. 2017 Honda Ridgeline

If you like the utility of a truck but prefer the refined driving character of a car, the 2017 Honda Ridgeline could be the road-trip champion you've been waiting for. Based on the Honda Pilot SUV, the Ridgeline is packed full of versatile features catering to an active lifestyle, so it's a great choice for trips with outdoorsy themes.

The bed of the Ridgeline is where most of the magic happens. A dual-hinged tailgate folds down or swings open from the side to reveal lockable underfloor storage. You can toss your gear in there, or else throw in some drinks and ice to convert it into a fully stocked cooler (the melted ice drains out via a removable plug at the bottom). Also available on top-line models is a 540-watt sound system, paired with the industry's first truck-bed audio system. It makes every stop on your itinerary a party waiting to happen.

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The 9 Best Road Trip Cars: Staff Picks

I polled most of the crew here for their picks and then prodded for extra justification to back up their (incorrect) opinions.

By Nick Caruso

Welcome to the most subjective argument to ever take place in the history of mankind. When it comes to road trips, what you’re driving is more important than where you’re going, what you eat on the way and what you listen to on the road — indeed, it may be even more important than who you bring along for the ride. We all have strong road trip car opinions, often driven by some form of nostalgia or aspiration.

I polled most of the crew here for their picks and then prodded for extra justification to back up their (incorrect) opinions. As it turns out, our choices aren’t all that dissimilar, but “agree to disagree’ all the same, right? Perhaps you’ll find some inspiration — or consternation — below.

Andrew Maness, Contributor: Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Wagon

The-9-Best-Road-Trip-Cars-Ever-gear-patrol-Mercedes-AMG-E-63-S-Wagon

Explain yourself: A perfect power to comfort ratio.

Anything else to add? The E 63 S Wagon checks all the right boxes. It’s a sleeper you can actually sleep in; it’s rare but you don’t have to be precious with it; it sounds phenomenal; it’s shockingly fast and you can get it with those top-notch Mercedes-Benz massaging front seats . Get it in the unassuming Diamond Silver Metallic over Nut Brown Nappa Leather with Natural Grain Ash trim for maximum “zen-den” effect.

Where are you driving? After setting out along the Pacific at dawn, I’d head northeast up to Ojai to Highway 33, then on to Bakersfield to hit Highway 178 to Lake Isabella. Then all the way to Highway 190 that runs through Death Valley. From there it’s a quick shot to Vegas, north on Highway 93 to Great Basin National Park and Highway 50, “The Loneliest Road In America.” 50 East leads to Central Utah where there are otherworldly landscapes to be explored. Once I’d had enough of the desert I’d point the car north to Wyoming and Montana before looping back west through Idaho and Oregon for some of the most incredible roads in the country.

Destination? Flathead Lake, Montana .

Best road trip snack? Bananas and almonds.

First song on your road trip playlist? “Rock and Roll” by Led Zeppelin .

What’s your personal road trip philosophy? Do have a general idea of where you’d like to end up each day; don’t feel the need to adhere to your plans exactly. The best road trips usually take shape after they’ve started, so don’t be too precious with your time. If you’ve got a passenger or two, always be open to their suggestions.

What is the front seat passenger’s primary responsibility? Snack distributor.

Essential Road Trip Gear: Andrew Maness Wilson Sun Sunglasses by Garrett Leight $346 The Slider Lip Balm by Lucky Bastard $8 Center Court Gilbert Crockett 2 by Vans $70

Andrew Connor, Associate Staff Writer: Porsche 911 Targa 4S

The-9-Best-Road-Trip-Cars-Ever-gear-patrol-Porsche-911-Targa-4S

Explain yourself: The roof. Or occasional lack thereof. Top-down road trips are a delight, and the gorgeous, geeky retractable roof on the new 911 Targa gives you that open-air freedom with the flexibility and comfort of having a hardtop.

Anything else to add? The “standard” Targa 4 is probably plenty of car, but fortunately, the S and GTS offer more power and suspension tuning if that’s your thing. I think if you are the type to buy a car like this for extensive road-tripping, the goldilocks-grade S model will have the right amount of power for Fun Time Driving without being too hardcore.

Where are you driving? The hell out of the US, up towards Nova Scotia, making sure to spend plenty of time driving the sublime roads around Cape Brenton Island. Eventually ending up in Halifax to consume copious amounts of Salmon.

Destination? Halifax .

Best road trip snack? Trail mix, but for the love of god make sure you don’t drop an M&M and accidentally sit on it. I’ve been burned before.

First song on your road trip playlist? “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen . Cliche but a classic.

What’s your personal road trip philosophy? Road-tripping, to me, is just as much about enjoying a car as it is going somewhere new, so take the scenic route when possible.

What is the front seat passenger’s main responsibility? Navigation.

Essential Road Trip Gear: Andrew Connor Espadrilles by Soludo $60 Spotify Premium $10/month Clover Sunglasses by David Kind $295

Nick Caruso, Associate Editor: Aston Martin DB11 V12

The-9-Best-Road-Trip-Cars-Ever-gear-patrol-Aston-Martin-DB11

Explain yourself: Easily the most beautiful, sumptuous V12 grand tourer available today.

Anything else to add? The DB11 V12 is an absolute grand slam of a car. Aston is growing massively right now while hoping to hold onto its roots: a heritage of making sporting cars in the hand-built, British tradition that are as capable as they are gorgeous. Most “car guys” prefer the V8 version because it’s lighter and therefor sportier to some degree. This is my choice, though: a completely customizable automobile (I configured the one pictured myself) designed to be owned and driven by sporting gentlemen; fast and violent-sounding, yes, but also velvety smooth thanks to its liquid V12. It is ultimate comfort, devilish luxury and top-tier, future-grade design rolled into one with a heavy, heaping dollop of the brand’s 100-plus-year history on top. Opt for custom-fit luggage, or perhaps some beautiful pieces of your own, and point in the direction of a heavenly getaway in a stylish, equally-stunning paradise.

Where are you driving? Start north on the California coast and wind down through Carmel-by-the-Sea, eventually winding my way to Montecito for a week of good food, ocean roar and, well, showing off my car.

Destination? Coral Casino Club

Best road trip snack? Whatchamacallit candy bars, but not to be eaten in the car. Sorry.

First song on your road trip playlist? “Runnin’ Down a Dream” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

What’s your personal road trip philosophy? Driving is my Zen place. I’ll drive for hours without making a sound, without the radio on, alone with my thoughts and the road. I love the way I can manipulate a car and optimize a driving route. Conversely, I cherish road trips with good company — provided my passenger has good music taste. Extra points if they can harmonize.

What is the front seat passenger’s main responsibility? DJ.

Essential Road Trip Gear: Nick Caruso No. 10 Weekender by Lotuff $850 S140 Pivot Merino Button-Up by Outlier $198 Google Pixel 2 XL by Google $1,398

Bryan Campbell, Staff Writer: 1991 Buick Century Wagon

The-9-Best-Road-Trip-Cars-Ever-gear-patrol-1991-Buick-Century-v2

Explain yourself: Space. You need to be able to feel like you can live out of the car. Because sometimes you have to.

Anything else to add? This is the car I grew up in as a kid, which I affectionately, yet plainly referred to as ‘the blue car’. (We had an ’87 VW Scirocco too, that was ‘the black car’.) The Buick was dark blue with wood grain paneling over a dark blue velour interior. Was it the hottest place in the world in the summer? Hell yes. But there was so much room in that car it might as well have been a modern SUV . And on shorter trips where luggage wasn’t necessary, you can bet my sister and I were in the trunk making use of the rear-facing rumble seat, taunting drivers behind us. Plus, one perk to the velour upholstery was it provided serious entertainment on the trips up to the Poconos. Once it was dark enough, all you had to do was rub your hair on the seat back and give your sibling a visible taser shock of static electricity.

Where are you driving? The most memorable trips were through snow storms up to Woodlock Pines to meet extended family for Christmas or New Years. I haven’t been back in years — I’m sure the place has modernized by now — but it was definitely a holdout establishment from the ’70s judging by all the decor.

Best road trip snack? Jerky.

First song on your road trip playlist? “Oh, Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison . This song would always eventually blast through the tape deck, and as a kid I loved it every time.

What’s your personal road trip philosophy? Bring enough sustenance to keep you going to the next gas station, because those are the only stops.

Essential Road Trip Gear: Bryan Campbell Game Gear by Sega $78+

Brian Leon, Contributor: Mercedes-Benz SL600

The-9-Best-Road-Trip-Cars-Ever-gear-patrol-Mercedes-Benz-SL600

Explain yourself: It’s a V12 Mercedes-Benz convertible.

Anything else to add? The Mercedes SL-Class is simply the world’s favorite grand touring car. It’s been around longer than you have (probably) and though the current one may be the last, there’s a reason SL is the last word in drop-top luxury touring. For the money, the R129 generation (1989-2002) is my favorite, as it proves that boxy can still be beautiful. Capitalize on the current wave of 90s nostalgia and pick up one with a V12 for less than $25,000 in mint condition.

Where are you driving? The Overseas Highway from Miami to Key West seems a fitting route for the SL. At just 127.5 miles, it’s on the short end of the road trip spectrum, but why not extend your starting point a bit further north along the coast? Like Savannah, or Myrtle Beach… or Portland, Maine.

Destination? If you’re already down there, why not hit the southernmost point in the continental U.S. ? At least it’s by the beach…

Best road trip snack? Beef jerky.

First song on your road trip playlist? Keeping it on theme: “Miami” by Will Smith .

What’s your personal road trip philosophy? If you stick to the planned route, you’re not really on a road trip, are you?

Essential Road Trip Gear: Brian Leon Men’s Classic Cap by Mercedes-Benz $26 Retro 49mm Sunglasses by Carrera $170 UV Aqua Rich Sunscreen by Bioré $14

AJ Powell, Assistant Editor: 2015 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring

The-9-Best-Road-Trip-Cars-Ever-gear-patrol-2015-Subaru-Forester-XT-Touring

Explain yourself: It’s an AWD sleeper with a turbo. What more could you want in a road trip car?

Anything else to add? I can say from personal experience that this car is a blast to go cross country and back in. It’s got enough giddy-up to be fun across middle America. More importantly, it has a vast dealer network to keep up with the scheduled maintenance and oil changes while on the road.

Where are you driving? I’ve yet to check off a road trip through the South, so the ideal route would be to kit this thing out with a handful of bike racks and head down to Asheville. Once there, exploring the backroads in sport mode would be worth the trip.

Destination? Asheville, NC .

Best road trip snack? Haribo Sour Peaches.

First song on your road trip playlist? “Winter” by TV On The Radio .

What’s your personal road trip philosophy? Methodically planned down to where the closest Steak n Shake is at each fuel stop. Tire pressure? Check? Wiper fluid? Check. You get the picture.

Essential Road Trip Gear: AJ Powell Ruggedized Series Kekunam 3 Rooftop Tent by Tepui $2,100 Mobile Powerstation by River $600 Pismo Sunglasses by SPY $120

Tyler Duffy, Contributor: Mercedez Benz W113 280SL Pagoda

The-9-Best-Road-Trip-Cars-Ever-gear-patrol-Mercedez-Benz-W113-280SL-Pagoda

Explain yourself: Understatement. The 280SL is pared down from its predecessor SLs and sleeker than its successors. You won’t look like a doofus climbing out of gull-wing doors. There’s at least a 50/50 chance you can escape the coffee shop without being dragooned for a 40-minute conversation by an eager car enthusiast.

Anything else to add? When former Mercedes F1 Champion Nico Rosberg cruises along the Mediterranean, he drives a 1970 280SL.

Where are you driving? I depart my charming Carmel-by-the-Sea inn. I turn south on Route 1. I leave my worries and the ubiquitous Bay Area tech bros in the rearview mirror as I savor perhaps America’s most striking coastline. Leisurely lunch with a view. I turn around in time to arrive for my pre-cocktail hour massage, because in this world that’s entirely reasonable.

Destination? Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Best road trip snack? Cinnamon Altoids.

First song on your road trip playlist? “It’s Hard To Be a Saint in the City” by Bruce Springsteen .

What’s your personal road trip philosophy? Leave earlier than any sane person would in the morning. Pace yourself with the liquids. Avoid lactose and legumes before traveling in polite company.

Essential Road Trip Gear: Bryan Campbell Aviator Classic Sunglasses by Ray-Ban $153

Will Price, Associate Staff Writer: 1996 Toyota 4Runner

The-9-Best-Road-Trip-Cars-Ever-gear-patrol-1996-Toyota-4Runner

Explain yourself: Sickening trunk space. I don’t pack light on road trips. Why should I? This isn’t air travel. I can bring whatever I want, so long as I don’t encroach on others’s leg room.

Anything else to add? The ’96 4Runner happens to be the car I learned to drive in. If you have the option (you probably won’t), you want the 4X4 stick shift model. Oh, and it needs to be red. Kismet led me to the man I rented this same car from some 10 years after learning to drive (in Puerto Rico of all places), and I’ll never forget bumping into cones while parallel parking or speeding up a mountain in it.

Where are you driving? You’ve got to rent the 4Runner from a suspect shirtless man in San Juan, Puerto Rico — with cash — and take the 149 to the 143, then Route 10. This runs you through an exceedingly up-and-down rain forest on crumbling gravel roads one-and-a-half cars wide. The canopy becomes so dense inside the Toro Negro rainforest it may as well be night, and oncoming vehicles aren’t keen on using headlights (honking horns is customary when swinging around blind corners). After a slew of switchbacks and 75-degree uphill shots the foliage finally thins, and the sun comes back. The rest of the drive you’re looking up the slopes of the tallest mountain on the island, and down at Poncé and San Juan far and below. When you arrive at Kurt’s coffee farm, you’ll be treated to a freshly grown, roasted and ground cup of espresso in a gazebo at cloud level. Not a bad reward for your efforts. (Hint: if there’s a chance of rain, do not go.)

Destination? Hacienda de Café Pomarrosa .

Best road trip snack? Certainly not beef jerky (sue me). Road trip snacking should feed into other timeless road trip activities, like rolling the windows down. Hence, roasted peanuts (unshelled) are peak road trip snack.

First song on your road trip playlist? “Triumph” by Wu-Tang Clan .

What’s your personal road trip philosophy? We’ll stop however many times we damn well please. Might we be a bit late? Sure. Do we care at all? No. I don’t always agree with the classics, but it’s the journey that you remember, not the destination. Before I embarked on my first road trip without him, my occasionally wise father told me this: if you’re thinking about getting there, you’re traveling, not road-tripping. This is either one of those really insightful messages or me glamorizing my dad’s words too much.

Essential Road Trip Gear: Will Price Aviators by Persol $259 Zinc Sunscreen by Babo Botanicals $22 Slippers by Derek Rose $195

Hunter D. Kelley, Associate Designer: 2018 Volvo V60 Polestar Wagon

The-9-Best-Road-Trip-Cars-Ever-gear-patrol-Volvo-V60-Polestar-Wagon

Explain yourself: The combination of stealth and power.

Anything else to add? This is one of the coolest wagons out there due to its sleeper status. It has classic Volvo styling mixed with subtle high-performance hints that not everyone will pick up on. To most, it looks like a standard Volvo V60, but to me, those massive Brembo brakes and blue Polestar badge tell me everything I need to know. This is not your father’s wagon.

Where are you driving? NY to LA as fast as possible.

Best road trip snack? Pizza Combos.

First song on your road trip playlist? “One” by Metallica .

What’s your personal road trip philosophy? Speed when possible, but do so safely. Don’t forget to take in the sights.

Essential Road Trip Gear: Hunter Kelley Waze Free MacigMount by Scosche $18+

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AI-Assisted Car Shopping

The 9 Best Cars For Traveling and Road Trips in 2024

Source: Pixabay

Few things are more exciting than great American road trips. While merely the idea of road trips is enough to spark excitement, driving the best car for traveling is one of the most crucial factors affecting your overall experience. After all, you’ll want to drive a vehicle that provides ample comfort, safety, and amenities.

Of course, with the rising gas prices, you’ll also want to drive a car that offers good fuel economy. Therefore, more people are considering all-electric or hybrid vehicles for road trips.

Today, we have compiled some of the best cars for traveling and road trips. These heavy-duty vehicles offer comfort, safety, utility, and comfort features. Let’s hit the highway with these road trip-worthy vehicles.

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1. 2022 Honda Odyssey

The Honda Odyssey is an excellent family van, so it’s not surprising that it’s also the best car for traveling and road trips. If you have a bigger family, you’ll surely appreciate the Odyssey’s flexible and spacious cabin – its second and third rows are some of the roomiest in its class. Honda’s innovative Magic Slide seats allow multiple configurations to maximize the space.

Throw in the quietest cabin in the segment and a decent list of in-car entertainment features; the Honda Odyssey is more than capable of delivering a delightful road trip experience for the whole family. Moreover, the Odyssey also boasts many safety and driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, which is excellent for long-distance driving. Finally, this minivan has a decent fuel economy of 19 city / 28 highway.

2. 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

If you’re looking for overall practicality and roominess for your long-hauler trips, it’s hard to go wrong with what the RAV4 offers. Toyota hybrids have come a long way since the OG Prius, and the advancements in electric technology have certainly extended to the RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime Plug-in. The 2022 RAV4 Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor producing 219 hp. Thus, the RAV4 can deliver on-demand power whenever you need it during your trip.

For safety, the 2022 RAV4 comes with various standard safety features such as lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, auto high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The tech features are a bit outdated with the base 7.0-inch screen, but it can be upgraded to a 9.0-inch unit along with optional features like a JBL sound system and wireless smartphone charging. Fuel economy is also strong at EPA-estimated 41 mpg city and 38 mpg highway.

3. 2022 Kia Telluride

To no one’s surprise, the formidable Kia Telluride is more than equipped to take you and your family on long road trips. The Telluride remains one of the most highly-rated three-row SUVs in the market, so it’s a no-brainer that it’s a good option for extended trips. For starters, it boasts more standard driver assistance features than most of its segment rivals, including road-trip-worthy features like driver drowsiness monitoring and stop-and-go active cruise control.

Its standard 10.25-inch touchscreen is also larger than most of its competitors. Plus, it has six USB ports, ensuring that everybody’s gadgets are juiced during the trip. All three rows of seats are comfortable enough for adults, with optional 2nd-row captains chairs for better comfort.

4. 2022 Subaru Outback

Once dubbed as the “swiss army knife of vehicles,” the off-road-focused Subaru Outback is unsurprisingly a good choice for active road trip enthusiasts. The venerable station wagon is a fantastic road trip machine for groups of five, thanks to its standard AWD, 75 cu-ft of cargo space, and an optional turbocharged engine.

The Outback comes with a roof rack for your gear, including kayaks and bikes. If you get the Wilderness model, you also receive an excellent 9.5 inches of ground clearance for maximum go-anywhere capability – perfect for road trips with off-roading on the side. Finally, the 2022 Outback delivers excellent fuel economy at 26 mpg city and 33 on the highway.

5. 2022 Honda Ridgeline

Work and towing generally comes to mind when thinking of pickup trucks and not long road trips on the freeway. Well, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline might change your mind. With its unibody construction, this midsize pickup provides the driving comfort and handling of an SUV. While this midsize pickup may not be as heavy-duty as its aggressive competitors, it gives a smooth and comfortable ride which is a godsend when you’re on a long trip.

The Ridgeline has a 280-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine, so it packs enough power to prevent yawn-inducing drives. Its towing capacity is a respectable 5000 pounds, so it should accommodate some of the most popular travel trailers.

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6. 2022 Ford Bronco Sport

The return of this iconic compact crossover has undoubtedly taken the market by storm. With its impressive specs, the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport crushes it whether you’re driving on concrete jungles or taking on long road trips. Its truck-like shape allows the Bronco to have generous interior and cargo spaces, making it the best car for traveling for adults.

The 2022 Bronco Sport shines on the road less traveled, a lot better than its rival SUVs. The base 181 hp, turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine is good, but the 245 hp turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder is even better. Fortunately, this iconic SUV also has excellent fuel economy at 25 mpg city and 28 mpg highway for the base engine.

7. 2022 Volkswagen Jetta

If you want the best car for traveling but is budget-friendly, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta is an easy recommendation. Despite its compact classification, the Jetta boasts a refined cabin and roomy passenger seating. The Jetta delivers impressive ride quality for an economy car, a foreign concept for its segment competitors.

With only a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 158 hp, it’s not the most engaging model on this list. However, it does have a decent list of standard safety and driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, and available adaptive cruise control. Advertised mpg ratings are 31 city / 41 highway, which are fantastic numbers.

8. 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is a best-in-class SUV with a long list of standard features, a superbly quiet cabin, and the fastest Tucson available. The 2023 Tucson comes in Hybrid and PHEV plug-in models, so you’re not entirely reliant on gasoline. Regarding fuel economy, the Hybrid Tucson has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 38 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. Meanwhile, the PHEV plug-in offers a rating of 80 MPGe combined and 33 miles with all-electric. With such fuel economy numbers, long road trips became less of a hassle.

9. 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

While it may not be as roomy as other vehicles on this list, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid is an ideal travel companion for solo travelers, couples, and small families. The popular subcompact SUV is another solid option for traveling and road trips due to its top-notch fuel economy. Of course, the selling point for the CR-V hybrid is its excellent fuel efficiency, which offers up to 43 mpg on the highway. It includes a wide array of standard tech features and an improved infotainment system to keep everyone entertained on the road.

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Best Cars for Your Road Trip

CR's experts highlight the best long-distance haulers for individuals, small groups, and large families

Honda Accord Hybrid, Tesla Model3, Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Lexus RX450H, Toyota Highlander Hybrid on an illustrated background

At CR, we think the best cars for road trips are the same ones that are great for everyday driving. They have lots of usable cargo space, a comfortable ride, and key safety technology, and they get great gas mileage. Lately, many vehicles that meet these criteria are hybrids. Today’s versions are bigger and more practical for more uses, while still offering significant fuel savings over their gas-only counterparts. Many also offer active driver assistance technology that can make driving less stressful. The Lexus RX450h and Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Sienna can even tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped—enough to haul a small camper.

@consumerreports Here are great long-distance haulers for individuals, small groups, and large families. For ratings and reviews, visit cr.org/cars 🚙. #cartok #carsoftiktok #roadtrip ♬ original sound - Consumer Reports

Room for One (or Two)

Three's comfortable, for the whole family.

Editor’s Note: This article also appeared in the July 2022 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

Keith Barry

Keith Barry has been an auto reporter at Consumer Reports since 2018. He focuses on safety, technology, and the environmental impact of cars. Previously, he led home and appliance coverage at Reviewed; reported on cars for USA Today, Wired, and Car & Driver; and wrote for other publications as well. Keith earned a master’s degree in public health from Tufts University. Follow him on Twitter @itskeithbarry .

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The Best Cars for a Road Trip

Best cars for cruising the open road .

Whether you want to travel cross-country or drive to a neighboring state, a road trip is a popular mode of transportation for summer vacations. Even with high gas prices, car travel is typically more cost-effective than air travel with the added bonus of avoiding TSA regulations and baggage weight requirements.

Just like having the right travel companion, having the right car can greatly improve the quality of your road trip. And because everyone’s travel needs are different, we’ve selected the best road trip cars across multiple vehicle categories. After all, a family road trip with small children would require a different vehicle than cruising the California coast.

We’ve selected the best road trip cars based on reliability, fuel efficiency, cargo/passenger space, and safety. These cars also have convenience features that can come in handy for road travel, including a WiFi hotspot, smart cruise control, automatic high beam headlights, and lane-keep assist. Other features that appear on some of the vehicles on the list include rear entertainment systems and roadside assistance.

Best Small SUV for a Road Trip

Subaru Outback

iSeeCars Reliability Score: 8.6

Average New Car Price: $36,679

Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $34,433

The best small SUV for a road trip is the Subaru Outback. The Outback is among the most spacious vehicles in the class and offers plenty of room for cargo and passengers. It also has excellent fuel economy. If your road trip includes rugged adventures, you can opt for the Wilderness model, which adds increased ground clearance for off-roading. The Outback comes standard with many safety features including adaptive cruise control, while more driver assistance features like blind spot monitoring are available on higher trims. All-wheel drive (AWD) comes standard so this vehicle can handle road trips in all seasons.

Best Midsize SUV for a Road Trip

Honda Pilot

iSeeCars Reliability Score: 9.2

Average New Car Price: $43,648

Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $38,652

If a midsize SUV is your preferred vehicle for a road trip, chances are you have a family in tow. The Honda Pilot three-row crossover is the ultimate family SUV, which makes it an excellent choice for road trip transportation. The Pilot comes standard with seating for eight, while a seven-seat configuration with second-row captain chairs is also available. The spacious Honda Pilot offers three roomy rows of seats and comes standard with an 8-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, HD Radio, and two USB ports. Higher trims offer even more road trip-friendly features including second-row USB ports, wireless device charging, navigation, a rear-seat entertainment system, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and the CabinTalk PA system. Front-wheel drive models get an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, which is typical for the midsize three-row SUV class.

Best Large SUV for a Road Trip

Chevrolet Suburban

iSeeCars Reliability Score: 9.1

Average New Car Price: $67,883

Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $57,792

By nature, large SUVs have dismal gas mileage, which can make them less than ideal for road trips. However, if you are hauling a large family and lots of cargo, a full-size SUV might be necessary. While midsize SUVs sacrifice trunk space when the rear seats are in place, full-size SUVs like the Chevrolet Suburban have a massive cargo hold in addition to three spacious rows of seats. The Suburban can haul up to eight passengers and has 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind its third-row, 93.8 cubic feet with these seats folded, and 144.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. Standard infotainment features include a 10.2-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, eight USB ports, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and satellite radio. Available infotainment features include a navigation system, wireless device charging, and a rear-seat entertainment system with two 12.6-inch touch screens to keep children occupied.

Best Minivan for a Road Trip

Toyota Sienna

iSeeCars Reliability Score: Coming Soon

Average New Car Price: $49,553

Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $38,914

While some think a minivan might cramp their style, others appreciate the function and features the vehicle provides. And if you’re making frequent stops with small children, the easy entry/exit process of a minivan can’t be beat. The hybrid Toyota Sienna provides the best of both worlds as a spacious family hauler and a fuel-efficient hybrid. Standard infotainment features include a 9-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, seven USB ports, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Available features include a navigation system, wireless device charging, and a rear-seat entertainment system. You can even get an in-car intercom to easily communicate with rear passengers. Standard safety features include blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control.

Best Sports Car for a Road Trip

Ford Mustang

iSeeCars Reliability Score: 7.8

Average New Car Price: $49,128

Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $36,338

If your cargo needs aren’t too large, a fun-to-drive American sports car can be the ultimate road trip companion. The Mustang has one of the largest trunks in its class, although the coupe is more spacious than the convertible. It also seats four passengers, which makes it more practical than a two-seater. With its base 310-horsepower turbo-four cylinder engine and 10-speed automatic transmission, the Mustang gets up to 21 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, which is more than most sports cars. The Mustang comes standard with a voice-controlled SYNC infotainment system and a Wi-Fi hot spot, and a larger touchscreen, navigation system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available. The Mustang also has a suite of standard safety features like blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control is also available.

Best Sedan/Hatchback for a Road Trip

Mazda Mazda3

The Mazda 3 is a fun-to-drive small car that’s available as a sedan or hatchback. While the sedan has below-average cargo space for the class, it can do the job if you’re a light packer. For more space, there’s the hatchback that offers comparable cargo space to subcompact SUVs. The Mazda3 comes standard with a responsive 155-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that provides plenty of power for your daily commute. You can also opt for a more powerful 186 horsepower four-cylinder or a turbocharged 227 horsepower four-cylinder. The Mazda3 sedan gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, while the hatchback gets 26/34 mpg city/highway. The Mazda 3 comes standard with automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Best Electric Car for a Road Trip

Tesla Model 3

iSeeCars Reliability Score: 7.2

Average New Car Price: $57,452

Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $50,572

With an electric vehicle, you won’t have to re-fuel, but depending on the length of your trip, you’ll likely have to re-charge. The Tesla Model 3 has between 272 miles and 358 miles of range, and if you use its standard navigation system, it will provide you with places along your route where you can charge the battery pack. Other standard infotainment features include a 15-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless device charging. It has a front and rear trunk, which has a total of 23 cubic feet of cargo space, which is comparable to a subcompact SUV and should provide enough room for luggage. The Model 3 comes with a full suite of standard safety features like forward collision warning and active cruise control. Available features include full self-driving capability, which can reduce the stress of long-distance road trips. These features include automatic lane change, automatic parking, and stop sign and traffic light recognition.

Best Hybrid Car for a Road Trip

Toyota Highlander Hybrid

iSeeCars Reliability Score: 9.5

Average New Car Price: $47,515

Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $45,097

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a reliable, capable crossover with a high-quality cabin and three spacious rows of seats. The Highlander comes standard with a suite of safety features including cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and pedestrian detection. Front-wheel-drive Highlander Hybrids get an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while all-wheel drive versions get up to 35 mpg in the city and on the highway. For comparison, AWD versions of the standard Highlander get 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Best Luxury SUV for a Road Trip

iSeeCars Reliability Score: 8.5

Average New Car Price: $52,016

Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $44,654

The BMW X3 small crossover is an excellent choice if you want a premium long-distance hauler that blends efficiency with performance. The X3 leads the class in cargo capacity and comfortably seats five people with ample headroom and legroom. It comes standard with a lively 248-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder and is one of the most fuel-efficient small SUVs available. It has a suite of standard safety features including blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. Available driver assistance features include steering assist and lane change assist. The X3 has plenty of standard infotainment features including a 10.25-inch touch screen, navigation, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.

Best Luxury Sedan for a Road Trip

iSeeCars Reliability Score: 8.3

Average New Car Price: $64,181

Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $49,141

The Audi A6 midsize sedan is our choice if you want to travel the open road in a luxury sedan. It has a spacious, elegant cabin and features Audi’s confident driving dynamics. The A6’s base turbocharged four-cylinder engine gets 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, which is excellent for the class. The A6 comes standard with all-wheel drive so it can handle all weather conditions. The A6 standard infotainment features include 10.1-inch upper touch screen, an 8.6-inch lower touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, navigation and satellite radio. It also has a panoramic sunroof so road trippers can enjoy open-air driving. Standard safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beam headlights. Adaptive cruise control is available.

Bottom Line

The ideal American road trip can vary greatly depending on your travel preferences and how many travel companions are joining you. That’s why the best road trip vehicles exist across multiple categories. So whether you’re taking a leaf-peeping excursion through New England, a family road trip to Disney World, or an expedition through the mountains, we can help you find the best vehicle for your road trip. While all modern new cars are equipped with active safety features, some vehicles offer more standard features than others. The same goes for infotainment features, although more premium vehicles tend to have more of the latest and greatest technology.

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Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary: From the Pacific to the Redwoods!

Are you looking for the best California road trip itinerary to explore the most beautiful places in the Golden State? Our 10 days in California itinerary will take you from the rugged coast and beautiful beaches to the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevadas. Hike the Mojave desert, sleep underneath a yucca tree, and visit the lowest place on the continent while you road trip in California. Read our 10 day California Road Trip guide now. You may also like our post on 20 Best Road Trips in the USA .

Welcome to our ultimate California road trip planner!

We created this planner to help you plan the perfect road trip around California and it contains all the essential information you need to plan your trip today including budget and costs, what to eat, where to stay, etc.

Here you will find recommendations for a variety of California itineraries as well as get more information on California road trip must-see attractions including the Golden Gate Bridge, Big Sur, Yosemite, and Los Angeles.

Our mission? To make sure you have a blast in California!

Pacific Coast Highway near Big Sur is the most scenic drive in the world

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California is our favorite destination ever.

I have been enamored with California long before I visited it.

California, San Jose, and the West coast are randomly thrown around in conversations in India – because everyone knows someone working in Silicon Valley – and you can’t help but know about this slice of America.

Growing up, I knew more about Cisco, Apple, Google, and Yahoo (remember when everyone used Yahoo?!) than San Francisco, Yosemite, and Big Sur.

And Disney – because everyone knows Disney!

California has such a unique history.

The oldest, tallest, and widest trees live here and guess what, they have been around since prehistoric times – yes, even dinosaurs lived among the redwood trees!

One of the lowest, aridest, and hottest places on earth is right here in California in Badwater Basin.

And as for scenic places: California has so many of them!

We love Big Sur and its rocky coast, the wildflower super blooms, blue Lake Tahoe, Mono Lake and its tufas, unique shapes of Joshua trees!

There are so many things to see in California road trip that the list just goes on!

General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park during the winter

Also Read: 24 Best Places to Visit in California in winter

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And that’s why in our California road trip itinerary of 10 days, we take you around all these unique and beautiful places in the Golden State.

Our California 10 day road trip itinerary is perfect for driving around dreamy landscapes of yellow poppies, orange orchards, purple foliage, and lush green vineyards.

We have divided this California roadtrip itinerary into 4 essential stretches as per the geographic features of the state – yepp, we are that geeky – and you can customize it as you want.

Best waterproof walking shoes for California beaches

If you are a beach person like me, then extend the Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary to 10 days.

If you are a mountain lover like my hubby, then take a 10 day road trip from San Francisco to Yosemite.

Yosemite Valley Tunnel View in the winter

Pick your favorite area and stay there as long as you want. Or follow our California in 10 days itinerary exactly as described!

As always, we have also included suggestions for if you have more or less time.

Whatever you chose, you are going to have the time of your lives – because this is California!

Balboa Park's Casa de Balboa Building in San Diego, California

“Every time I come, I’m still amazed at the breadth California has. Big Sur, Yosemite, the desert… I love it.” – Theo James, the English actor

Best of California Road Trip 10 Days Itinerary

We, like most people, have seen California in bits and pieces rather than in one go.

We first visited California almost a decade ago and did San Francisco, Los Angeles, and the theme parks.

Second time around, we visited Death Valley National Park on a road trip from Vegas.

Then I lived and worked in the Bay area in tech (oh, the irony!) and that’s when we explored the California National Parks, North Coast, and the Sierra Nevada side of the state.

Our most popular posts: 22 Best City Breaks in the USA The Best Things to do in New York on your first visit Ultimate List of Best Places to visit in the USA

Most recently, we did the San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip along the gorgeous Pacific Coast Highway – oh and also road-tripped Southern California and Disney with the kids.

On our next trip – we plan to do the North Coast and Redwoods Scenic Highway AGAIN.

Yeah – that’s how much we love California – have been to many destinations several times and still can’t have enough.

The best way to tour California is obviously by driving. The state is beautiful but huge and it’s not easy planning California trip that covers all the major attractions with limited time in hand.

Huntington Beach, California is sunny and warm in winter

And planning a California road trip with kids is even more difficult – how do you prioritize between theme parks and natural attractions?

And that’s where we rush in – your knights in shining armor – delivering the ultimate 10 day California road trip itinerary.

Our California trip planner is more like going on a series of best California road trips – each more gorgeous than the previous.

Also, we follow this road trip along two of California’s most popular routes: south on the SR1 or Pacific Coast Highway and then back north along the scenic SR 395 through Eastern California .

That’s what makes our itinerary the absolute best California driving trip planner!

You can also call it the California National Parks road trip because we will be visiting the most popular of them on an epic road trip.

We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Stretch 1: Down The Pacific Coast – 4 Days

Often enough, when someone talks about a California driving holiday, this stretch along the Pacific Coast Highway is the one they actually mean.

Constantly ranked among the top scenic drives in the world, the coastal drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles is the best of both worlds.

It combines the urban getaways of California’s two largest cities with the natural panoramas of Big Sur and the Pacific.

If you have limited time, we would recommend spending 3 to 4 days along this route.

If you want to focus only on this coastal road trip, then just drive south on a road trip from San Francisco on SR1.

Take your own time to enjoy roadside stops like Carmel-By-The-Sea, Morro Bay, and the stunning Big Sur.

Hike or camp and explore nature.

Here’s our suggestion for this stretch of 10 day California itinerary planner.

Union Square is the heart of Christmas festivities in San Francisco

San Francisco – 1 Day

Start with our San Francisco road trip planner.

San Francisco is our favorite city to start a 10 day California trip.

The city is quite easy to fly into; the 3 airports of San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland are located close by and many airlines have deals to the Bay area.

We would recommend spending a minimum of one day in San Francisco before picking up your rental car and driving south.

Or you can rent a car before, see SF, and then drive the PCH.

You can also start your 10 day road trip from Los Angeles, in that case, adjust your plans accordingly.

San Francisco street cars look charming during the holidays

Read this now! Whatever you do – don’t casually park your car at an empty garage in San Francisco. Car Break-ins in San Francisco are very common, as we discovered to our ill-fortune . On our latest trip to San Francisco, we had parked in a garage two blocks away from Pier 39 and came back to find the rear glass broken and both our children’s suitcases gone! We had to spend quite some time to sort the issue and it left a sad memory on an otherwise awesome road trip around California in 10 days. We would recommend parking at your hotel while taking a cab or the tram to explore the city.

San Francisco has many names – SF, San Fran, Fog City, the City by the Bay, Frisco (though don’t say that in front of locals) or simply, the City – going back to the days of the Wild West when there was nothing much in Northern California but the city.

San Francisco is colorful, vibrant, and bohemian.

It’s amongst our favorite US cities – right there at the top along with New York , Chicago , and New Orleans.

San Francisco City Hall decorated for Christmas

There are quite a few things to do in San Francisco: unsurprisingly most of them begin at or near the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco’s gigantic urban park.

Begin your visit at the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center near the southern end of the bridge.

Learn interesting facts and see construction relics from the building of the Golden Gate Bridge before visiting the bridge itself.

Next walk across all 1.7 miles of this engineering marvel and icon of America.

The views of the bay from the bridge are beautiful and you feel an indescribable thrill while walking across it.

Definitely the highlight of your California travel itinerary!

Up for more adventure?

Bike the Golden Gate!

We have done it twice – most recently with our 3 yrs and 6 months old kids – it is a superb experience.

We love biking across to Sausalito, exploring the quaint town, and taking the ferry back to San Francisco.

You can also bike to the redwoods if you have more time.

Read our ultimate guide to biking the bridge here.

If not biking, then use the rest of your day to explore San Francisco’s highlights: Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, Lombard Street, and Ghirardelli Square.

If you want to spend more time in San Francisco, see the Painted Ladies – those famous SF houses shown in Full House!

You can also check out the city from the Twin Peaks.

The Golden Gate Park is perfect for a stroll.

Ride the cable car to Chinatown and have some dumplings and noodles for lunch.

Spend an afternoon admiring the beautiful architecture of the Palace of Fine Arts or visit the prison of Alcatraz Island.

Visit the beautiful redwood trees at Muir Woods National Monument or whale watch and hike at Point Reyes.

San Francisco is a beautiful city and you can easily spend a couple of days there as a part of your 10 day trip to California.

Read our San Francisco posts now to plan this part of the trip: San Francisco 3 to 5-day itinerary ideas 17 Best Things to do in San Francisco on your first visit

The area around San Francisco is also full of activities and tourist attractions.

Here are some suggestions if you want to spend a few more days exploring around the Bay Area during your California itinerary of 10 days:

Napa & Sonoma

Take a day trip from San Francisco to Napa Valley along the Silverado Trail.

Sonoma County is also a great place to visit for wine lovers.

You can tour the many vineyards, taste local wines, dine at Michelin starred restaurants, and visit famous tasting rooms.

If you happen to visit in the fall, you will see beautiful fall colors in the vineyards and be able to attend grape stomping.

San Jose is popular with millennials and those working in Silicon Valley.

You will find plenty of trendy nightclubs and bars in San Jose.

If you enjoy shopping, check out the high fashion brands on Santana Row.

For outdoor lovers, a hike to Mission Peak is a must while families will love the Winchester Mystery House.

Silicon Valley

If you love tech then you need to visit Silicon Valley.

It boasts the largest concentration of geeks and nerds – and as a fellow geek, I say it quite fondly!

Start your visit at the Computer History Museum to know everything about the machine that changed our lives.

Then see Google’s Android lawn sculptures in Mountain View or the garage where Hewlett Packard began in Palo Alto.

Visit Stanford University’s sprawling campus as well as Facebook and Apple!

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip – 2 Days

On to the next part of the 10 day road trip in California.

After seeing San Francisco, drive south along the SR1 or Pacific Coast Highway.

Over the next 2 days, you will follow the coastal route to Los Angeles while making plenty of stops along the way.

Check the coastal communities of Half Moon Bay and Davenport before reaching Santa Cruz.

If you have kids, spend some time at the Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk.

Next visit Monterey and Carmel by the Sea. Hike in Point Lobos or walk the coastal bluffs at Garrapata State Park.

On the way, you will see secret beaches, hidden coves, and beautiful views.

Wineries near paso Robles in Central California

As you begin driving PCH1 while following our 10 days in California itinerary, you understand why artists settle here, photographers and writers both wax lyrical about this region, and why the drive is called the most beautiful in the world.

We recommend staying somewhere in the vicinity of Carmel Highlands for the night.

The next day, rise early for the star attraction of the drive: the 90-mile long rugged, wild Big Sur.

Big Sur is 6 hours from Los Angeles and you have a big day ahead.

It is really hard to describe Big Sur.

Rocky cliffs, foaming waves, spring wildflowers, lighthouses, migrating whales, turquoise water, redwood trees: Big Sur has everything.

December in California is the perfect time to go whale watching near Monterey

It is gorgeous in a wild way.

In Big Sur, you will find amazing state parks, some of California’s best hiking trails, iconic beaches, and tons of marine life, including otters, elephant seals, and dolphins.

Some areas of Big Sur can be closed at any given time of the year due to floods or landslides – so we recommend checking out the PCH status before your 10 days road trip California.

Beach hiking trails in Monterey California

Read more about all the attractions including the beautiful McWay Falls in our post One day in Big Sur .

Other attractions of the Pacific Coast Highway drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles include Monterey’s famous 17-mile drive, the seaside towns of Pismo Beach and Morro Bay, the famous Hearst Castle, Santa Barbara, and the beaches of Malibu.

For the purposes of this California Itinerary of 10 days, we would suggest 2 to 3 days on PCH.

However, if you have more time then the PCH is easily a 4 day to week-long road trip in itself.

To read more about all the awesome stops on PCH and planning a detailed itinerary, check out our article on Planning a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway .

Also Read: Top 10 Convertible drives in the USA

Los Angeles – 1 Day

While San Francisco and Silicon Valley are for tech lovers, Los Angeles is for Hollywood fans.

How long to stay in Los Angeles is a tricky question.

If you only have one day in Los Angeles, start by seeing the famous Hollywood sign and then visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame to take selfies with your favorite stars.

Also, see the Kodak Theatre (now Dolby Theatre) which hosts the Oscars and tour the movie star homes on Rodeo Drive.

Venice canals at Christmas in Los Angeles

If you have more time to explore Los Angeles, we suggest starting with lunch at the Santa Monica Pier.

Then visit the Griffith Observatory and see Los Angeles from above.

Or you can take a behind the scenes VIP studio tour at one of your favorite studios: pick from Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures or Sony!

You can also check out the beautiful exhibits at the Getty Center or the beautiful modern art at the Broad.

LA also has many other top museums and a large number of attractions – read our post on Best Things to do in Los Angeles for more ideas.

For more help in planning your day, read our Los Angeles itinerary for first-time visitors .

Here are some suggestions to explore the area beyond Downtown Los Angeles:

No California family road trip is complete without a trip to Disney.

Both of California’s Disney Parks are located close to Los Angeles in Anaheim.

On the best California vacation itinerary, you have to meet Mickey, Goofy and other beloved cartoon characters!

Kids also get to meet Disney’s princesses in full attire at the parks.

To plan a California family vacation itinerary including a trip to Disney, read our Disney posts .

Universal Studios

To understand all about movie-making, see movie sets, and enjoy thrilling rides visit Universal Studios.

This theme park has really cool attractions and the Studio Tour will take you through sets based on Shutter Island, Jaws, King Kong, and more.

Harry Potter fans will love visiting Hogwarts and taking thrilling rides based on the books and movies – and is a must-visit if you are spending 10 days in California.

Colorful houses near Santa Cruz, California

Channel Islands National Park

For a unique experience, customize our itinerary for California 10 days and visit the remote Channel Islands.

Comprised of 5 islands, the park has excellent wildlife, sea caves, and lots of natural beauty.

You can take a ferry to the park from Ventura.

Optional: San Diego – 1 Day

From Los Angeles, you can venture on the next part of California 10 day itinerary or extend your trip down the coast by visiting San Diego.

Not many people know that San Diego is the oldest city on the West Coast.

It has beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture and lots of history.

Read our post 22 Best Things to do in San Diego now to know more about this beautiful city.

If you have one day, you can visit the Historic Old Town and understand the Mexican and Wild West roots of the city.

Next, visit the famous Balboa Park with its beautiful architecture, renowned museums, and the San Diego Zoo.

Round off your time in the city by exploring the historic Gaslamp Quarter and its Victorian architecture and trendy eateries, hotels, and pubs.

This area is perfect for ending the day with dinner and drinks.

If you have more than a day, visit the famous San Diego Sea World and see the dolphins in action.

San Diego is home to many beautiful beaches; the Mission Beach boardwalk is very popular.

Other things to see include Mission San Diego, Sunset Cliffs Park, and the bustling waterfront area of Seaport Village.

If you have more time on 10 day itinerary California, check out the dramatic sculptures in the desert city of Borrego Springs.

Related: For more California road trip ideas, check out our post on 12 Best California road trips

Christmas decorations in Old San Diego Town California

Stretch 2: Through The Arid Californian Desert – 2 Days

Continue on the California road trip route planner through deserts of southern California.

While most people associate California primarily with the coast and then with the dense redwood forests, the state is also renowned for its unique desert landscapes.

Most of these parts of southern California have a desolate beauty.

It is full of desert cities like Palm Springs which offer unique tourist attractions for visitors.

In this post, we focus our California 10 days itinerary on exploring two of the region’s national parks: Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park.

Joshua Tree National Park – 1 Day

Located partly over the Colorado desert and the Mojave desert, Joshua Tree National Park is named after the iconic Joshua tree.

This is a type of Yucca tree that is twisted, scraggly, and found only in the Mojave desert of California.

The easily recognizable tree looks even more dramatic in the desert landscape and bare rock formations of Joshua Tree National Park.

The national park is one of the most underrated California road trip destinations.

Its unique vistas have drawn photographers and artists to the park for decades.

Read our post on One Day in Joshua Tree to plan your trip.

There are many things to do in Joshua Tree and its otherworldly landscape.

One of the best ways to see Joshua Tree is by driving around the paved road in the park.

Campsites in Joshua Tree are spectacular and hikes through Yucca trees and cacti adventurous.

The Hidden Valley Trail is a short mile-long trail that offers great desert landscape views.

The park has many popular geological rock formations that are used for rock climbing.

The park also has a dark night sky and is good for stargazers, astronomy enthusiasts, and night sky photographers.

Wildlife and birding opportunities around the park are also numerous.

Barker Dam in Joshua Tree National Park at sunrise

Read more in our post 24 Best Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park .

While deciding how to plan a trip to California, we recommend keeping more time aside to explore the many attractions surrounding Joshua Tree.

You can easily include them on a South California road trip from San Diego to Joshua Tree in this order: San Diego – Anza Borrego – Galleta Meadows – Salton Sea – Palm Springs – Joshua Tree.

Here’s some more information about these desert experiences that are worth adding to your itinerary if you have the time.

Salton Sea

The Salton Sea is an inland lake created by flooding from an irrigation canal of the Colorado River that carries water to the Imperial Valley in 1905.

Several resort communities were built along the new lake.

However, the lake has no discharge and as a result, the water became unusually saline causing the death of marine life.

As a result, the communities were abandoned and are extremely popular with ruin photographers.

If you have teens, then definitely include Bombay Beach ruins in your California vacation itinerary – they will love to see random objects lying on the beach.

Today, the Salton Sea shoreline is filled with deteriorating structures and RV communities.

The Salton Sea is also located directly on top of the San Andreas fault and geothermal activity including mud pools are present along the coast.

The Salton Sea State Recreation Area is popular for birding, boating, picnicking, and camping.

Beautiful interior of the church at the Santa Barbara Mission in California near Christmas

Palm Springs

Palm Springs, located in the Colorado desert region, is one of the biggest Californian desert cities.

If you want a relaxing vacation, then Palm Springs is one of the best California ideas.

One of its main attractions is the Palm Springs aerial tramway which takes you up Mount San Jacinto and offers great views of the surrounding area.

Palm Springs also has many great museums, boutique stores, restaurants, and resorts.

It is one of the most popular winter vacation destinations in the USA.

If you plan to visit Palm Springs, then check out our post on 30 Best Things to do in Palm Springs, California.

Palm Springs California in amazing to visit in December

Anza Borrego and Galleta Meadows Sculptures in Borrego Springs

While California has many beautiful state parks, few know about its largest – Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

This park is at its most beautiful in the spring when the cacti flower and the desert landscape comes alive with colors.

Anza Borrego Desert State Park is just two hours away from San Diego and can be seen on a San Diego Joshua Valley road trip.

In nearby Borrego Springs, you can see the unusual Galleta Meadows Estate sculptures.

These sculptures created by artist Ricardo Breceda are free to visit and beautiful works of art.

By driving all over the land you can spot dragons, serpents, wooly mammoths, and other fantastic creatures.

Also, read our post on Planning the ultimate Southern California itinerary.

Coachella Valley Preserve

Coachella’s Thousand Palms Oasis is a unique chance to see the oasis environment in the middle of the desert.

The oases directly sit on fault lines and the water seeping through the faults has given life to California Fan Palms and other big palms in the arid desert.

Wildlife including sheep, goats, bobcats, etc, also can be spotted at the oasis.

Entry to the reserve is free and it has many hiking trails plus offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

There are also other hiking areas close to Coachella Valley Preserve including Indian Canyons where you can hike through slot canyons.

Scenic road to Death Valley National park, California

Death Valley National Park – 1 Day

Comprising of areas of the Mojave desert and the Great Basin desert, Death Valley is vastly different than Joshua Tree National Park.

For the most part, Death Valley is devoid of vegetation and is home to a variety of geological formations including the badlands, sand dunes, and the famous salt flats.

Death Valley also has the distinction of being the lowest point in North America and is also one of the hottest and driest places in the country.

No trip to Death Valley National Park is complete without visiting the Badwater Basin salt flats.

The salt flats, at 282 feet below sea level, are the lowest place in North America.

Death Valley National Park has many scenic drives that are perfect for exploring around the park.

Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes are good for taking a stroll, exploring the desert plants, viewing animal tracks, and sunrise/sunset photography.

The park has many interesting geological formations.

Death Valley also has a dark night sky and is great for stargazing and photographing the Milky Way.

Read our post on 14 Best Things to do in Death Valley National Park for more information.

Badlands view from Zabriskie Point in Death Valley National Park at Dusk, California

We know you are planning to roadtrip California, but we can’t talk about Death Valley without mentioning Las Vegas.

Las Vegas is also a great city to begin your road trip to California.

The distance between Vegas and Death Valley is just over 2 hours and the route is quite scenic.

In fact, it is one of our favorite road trips from Las Vegas.

You can see the Sin City and then go on a road trip through California – an epic Las Vegas Los Angeles San Francisco trip, if you will!

Or you can also go on a memorable Las Vegas Grand Canyon road trip from California.

For Las Vegas travel inspiration, read our post on 52 Best Things to do in Las Vegas .

Frozen Convict Lake surrounded by mountains on a winter day;

Stretch 3: Up Through The Sierra Nevada – 4 Days

After seeing Death Valley, take a road trip on California’s Scenic Highway 395.

This road trip is scenic whether you do it from north to south or like we recommend here, from south to north.

The best time to see the aspens turn yellow here is in fall.

The total distance from Death Valley to your final destination of Yosemite is 4 hours when the Lee Vining road to Yosemite is open in the summer.

However, we recommend keeping aside 4 days for this road trip as it has some of the most underrated road trip destinations in California including the Manzanar National Historic Site, Alabama Hills, Ancient Bristlecone pine forest, Bodie Ghost Town, etc.

For more information on these Route 395 stops, see this article .

Roads in Kings Canyon National Park in winter

For the purposes of this itinerary, we focus on the popular attractions of Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite, and Lake Tahoe.

Route 395 will take you high up into the Sierra Nevada mountains, known for their spectacular beauty.

The Sierra Nevadas are home to many national and state parks including the mighty Yosemite and crystal clear high mountain lakes.

For the rest of your Californian road trip, you will be exploring the High Sierras and its many breathtaking attractions.

This is a welcome respite after the desert landscapes of Death Valley and Joshua Tree and depending on when you visit you will be able to see beautiful meadows, wildflowers, fall foliage, and even snow!

Lake Tahoe looks spectacular even in the winter

Mammoth Lakes And Mono Lake – 1 Day

Contrary to their name, Mammoth Lakes is not a lake but a winter ski town in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Mammoth Mountain is the main winter skiing area with a variety of ski runs.

In summer, it is a favorite with mountain bikers and hikers.

The town does have several beautiful lakes that are accessible only in the summer but none of them are named Mammoth.

The area has beautiful alpine meadows with wildflowers in spring and natural hot springs for some R&R.

In one day, we recommend taking the roughly one hour drive around the Lakes Basin and visiting all the lakes.

You can hike, picnic, kayak, and fish in whichever lake you like.

Or maybe just hang up a hammock and read a book by the lake.

Nearby Mono Lake is a saltwater lake surrounded by unique towering limestone formations called the tufa.

The lake visitor center has great information about the formation of the lake and the tufa while the short South Tufa trail is great for exploring the surrounding area.

The trail takes you along the lakeshore and among the tufas.

We suggest stopping here for an hour or so; Mono Lake accepts National Park Pass for entry.

On the way from Mammoth Lakes to Mono Lake, you will pass by June Lake and Devils Postpile Monument.

Enjoy snowshoeing on Lake Tahoe in winter

June Lake Loop Road is a great place to see the fall colors while the Devils Postpile National Monument is a unique geological formation of basalt columns.

Rainbow Falls, a 31m plunging waterfall, is another popular attraction of the monument.

Past Mono Lake, take the Lee Vining Road into Yosemite.

The official name of the road is Tioga Pass Road and it is closed in winter and spring (usually November to May) due to snow.

In that case, you can’t really visit Yosemite from the eastern side.

To know alternative routes in winter, check here .

Yosemite National Park – 2 Days

Best known for its giant sequoia trees, bald granite cliffs, and spectacular waterfalls, Yosemite National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Yosemite along with Yellowstone National Park and Grand Canyon National Park is known as the ‘Big Three’ and receives over 4 million visitors each year.

Yosemite is a must-stop on any Ca road trip itinerary.

The best time to visit Yosemite National Park is from the summer to fall when Tioga Pass Road is open.

Beautiful winter scenery in Yosemite National Park, California

We suggest spending 2 days in Yosemite National Park to hike, drive along scenic roads, and see the major attractions.

On your first day, start by taking a Yosemite Valley Tour.

The Yosemite Valley is surrounded by the bald granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome.

Most of the waterfalls including Yosemite Falls are also located in the valley.

The Valley is also where most of the park services including accommodations, shuttle buses, etc are located.

The Valley has hiking trails for all difficulty levels that lead to stunning views of Yosemite.

Lower Yosemite Falls hike is a short and easy trail that goes to the base of the falls.

Touring the Yosemite Valley via the free shuttle bus is the easiest way to see the national park.

However, if you are visiting in summer (especially long weekends) it can get very crowded – so plan to start early in the morning.

The Valley Visitor Center has great information and exhibits about the history and geology of Yosemite, plus it is a good place to get souvenirs, postcards, and magnets.

The aptly-named Mirror Lake reflects Half Dome peak and is beautiful to visit.

However, it dries up towards the end of summer and is best seen in spring/summer.

Another must in the Valley if you’re visiting in summer is Glacier Point.

Located along the valley rim, it can be reached only by car or private tour.

The views from Glacier Point are stellar. It is also the base for many of Yosemite’s rim hikes.

We suggest spending one day exploring the valley. Yosemite also offers paid guided tours if you prefer them.

On the next day, you can go up the Tioga Pass road if it is clear of snow.

This is your chance to experience Yosemite devoid of the crowds.

The shuttle bus will take you up the Tioga Pass road to Tuolumne Meadows.

To see Yosemite’s giant sequoia trees, visit the Mariposa Grove.

This area is also accessible by the park shuttle.

End your day by visiting Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Village.

Photographer Ansel Adams’s stunning black and white photos of Yosemite are a great reminder of how Yosemite looked over half a century ago.

Lake Tahoe And Emerald Bay – 1 Day

If you continue along Route 395 from Yosemite, you will reach lake Tahoe.

Note: Route 395 itself does not reach Lake Tahoe, so you will be following 207 from the Nevada side.

The deep blue water of Lake Tahoe surrounded by snow-clad mountain peaks of the Sierra Nevadas is one of California’s iconic images.

Located on the California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is a popular travel destination for Californians throughout the year.

In winter it is popular for snowshoeing, skiing, and sledding.

Summer in Lake Tahoe is made for biking and camping.

In fall, the area around Lake Tahoe comes alive with spectacular fall foliage and is one of the top fall drives in the country .

South Lake Tahoe or the California side is best for enjoying the outdoors and nature with family while the Nevada side has lots of casinos and is more touristy.

Crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe (CC 2.0 – Christian Abend )

The drive around Lake Tahoe is 72 miles long and takes about three hours.

It is highly scenic and one of the best road trips in California.

Much of the shoreline of Lake Tahoe is public and the views of the lake from the drive are stunning.

The lake looks a pretty shade of blue during the day and taking a beautiful picture of the water is a highlight of your visit.

An essential stop along the drive is the Emerald Bay State Park.

The drive here is spectacular and the views of the turquoise lake are lovely.

There are many other ways to enjoy Lake Tahoe.

You can take a helicopter tour or enjoy watersports on the lake.

The Sierra Nevada mountain ranges are an absolute delight for outdoor and nature lovers.

What you will see in these 4 days is just the tip of the iceberg.

The High Sierras have many beautiful alpine valleys, lakes, ghost towns, waterfalls, and hiking trails worth exploring.

If you can spend more time in the Sierra Nevada, then here are some other must attractions:

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

These are the two other national parks located in the High Sierras.

The giant sequoias surround you as you drive the park roads creating a surreal and unique experience.

The twisting and turning roads here are not for the faint-hearted (hint: carry some Dramamine!).

Both national parks have great hiking trails and lots of wildlife.

John Muir Trail

While it is not possible to hike in a short time, John Muir Trail deserves a special mention.

This is a long-distance trail in the Sierra Nevada and passes through Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks.

It is as renowned as the Appalachian or the Pacific Crest Trail.

Bodie Ghost Town

The old mining ghost town of Bodie is an hour away from Mammoth Lakes.

Preserved as a state park, the town is full of historic saloons and deserted buildings.

While Sacramento is not in the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges, the city is on the way while returning to San Francisco from Lake Tahoe and makes for a great addition to our California road trip itinerary recommendations.

One of the top attractions in Sacramento is the California State Railroad Museum.

Stretch 4: Along The Wild North Coast

There are many things to do in Northern California including national parks, scenic drives, beautiful coastal towns, and more.

You will need another 5 days minimum to fully explore the Northern part of the state.

Hence, we do not recommend covering the North Coast if you are following this California Road Trip Itinerary for 10 Days – you simply won’t have time.

The best way to explore this region is to plan a separate road trip in the northern part of the state, the details of which you can read here in our post, Ultimate Northern California road trip itinerary .

California’s North Coast is less visited, unspoiled, and partially unexplored compared to the famous central Coast and the crowded southern coast.

The prehistoric coastal redwood trees grow in groves along the road all the way up to Oregon.

Hwy 1 ends at Leggett where it joins Hwy 101.

While the road follows the coast, for the most part, it turns inward in the area of the Lost Coast.

The remote Lost Coast as the name suggests is devoid of major highways and remains the ultimate adventure for a 10 day trip to California.

However, the coast is not the only unique thing about Northern California.

The northern part of the state is also home to geothermal activity.

You can climb lava tunnels at Lava Beds National Monument and see volcanic craters, domes, mud pools, etc at Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Here are a few attractions of the region:

Redwoods National and State Park

The Redwoods National and State Parks were created to preserve the old-growth redwood forests.

The Redwoods are the tallest living trees on Earth and also among the oldest.

The National Park and state parks are also home to a number of endangered animals including spotted owl, species of sea lions, etc.

The unique environment of the dense redwood forests by the coast has resulted in the park being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Seeing the Redwoods covered in fog during winter or spring is a surreal experience.

Point Reyes

Point Reyes National Seashore, located in Marin County, preserves a large swath of northern California’s coastal wilderness.

Most popular attractions at Point Reyes include Alamere Falls on Wildcat Beach and Point Reyes Lighthouse.

Other attractions include the endangered tule elk herd that can be seen around Tomales Point, Native American redwood houses, earthquake trail, and dramatic cliffside beaches.

Avenue of the Giants

Avenue of the Giants is an over 30 miles long scenic highway that passes through the Humboldt Redwoods State Park and its mighty coastal redwood trees.

Roadside attractions include tunnels cut into redwood trees, giant groves, and unique roadside attractions like a house created from a single redwood log and a Redwood RV.

We suggest hiking in the Redwood groves to experience the truly gigantic trees.

The quaint seaside town of Mendocino is quite different from the coastal towns on the Central Coast.

It reminded me of Maine and the coastal upper East coast due to its Victorian mansions painted in pretty pastel colors.

The town is a historical landmark and very pretty to wander and explore.

Nearby Mendocino Headlands State Park and Russian Gulch State Park are worth a visit.

Nearby Fort Bragg is no fort but a lumber town on the North Coast.

The famous ‘Glass Beach’ of which I’m sure you have seen pics floating around on social media is in Fort Bragg.

The beach is a part of MacKerricher State Park, a state park with amazing views of the undeveloped headlands, beaches, and tide pools.

Another popular attraction in Fort Bragg is the Skunk Train – a railroad built to haul timber logs from the redwood forests.

Other attractions on the North Coast include the pretty Victorian towns of Ferndale and Eureka, Del Norte Redwood State Park, and the seaport community of Crescent City.

More 10 Day California itinerary ideas for slow travelers

You can use our California road trip planner to customize your itinerary based on your interests.

If you can only spend 10 days in California, then seeing all the above attractions can be overwhelming; here are a few suggestions for those who like slow travel.

California coast road trip itinerary

One great option is to go on a 10 day pacific coast highway trip or 10 day west coast road trip.

That way you can spend more time in the cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles while seeing Big Sur at a leisurely pace.

On this San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip in 10 days, you can tour the lighthouses, hike the trails, picnic on the beach, visit the wineries of the Central Coast, and enjoy nature – seriously the best road trip in California.

You can even do the San Francisco to San Diego road trip in 10 days.

In that case, we would recommend keeping aside 2 days each for the 3 major cities and spending the rest of the time in the Big Sur region.

This San Francisco 10 days trip lets you enjoy the beauty of the coast while visiting the Sierra Nevadas and the desert later.

California National Parks itinerary

California has 9 national parks – all of them are unique and make for an exciting California National park road trip.

You can visit either the most popular ones or all of them, depending on how much time you want to spend in each park.

We would suggest starting from Los Angeles, then seeing Joshua Tree and Death Valley before visiting Kings Canyon and Sequoia.

Then see the beautiful Yosemite Valley. From Yosemite, head north to Lassen and then finally see Redwoods parks before returning to San Francisco.

You can also see Pinnacles and Channel Islands if you have the time, to complete the national parks in California road trip.

You can also use this route for creating your own California RV trip itinerary, since most national parks have RV campgrounds.

Northern California road trip itinerary

Another great option for those who like slow travel is to plan a Northern California itinerary for 10 days.

Start your road trip from San Francisco and drive along the less visited North Coast and see the majestic redwood trees.

Drive along the Redwoods Scenic Byway before turning towards the mountains and exploring the caves at Lava Tubes National Monument.

Visit Mount Shasta on your way to Lassen Volcanic National Park and end your trip in Sacramento, a couple of hours away from San Francisco.

For more information on how to plan a California road trip focusing on the northern part of the state, read our in-depth post on Northern California road trip .

If you have less time: California itinerary 7 days

If you can’t spare 10 days, then we also have suggestions for 7 day California road trip routes.

With only 7 days in california, we would recommend focusing on one region and exploring it at a leisurely pace.

Of course, you can opt for a 7 day southern California itinerary or a 7 day California coast road trip along the PCH, but you can also consider some unique road trip ideas in California which explore its most popular attractions.

Here are our favorites if you want to see the best of California in a week:

7 day road trip from San Francisco to Yosemite

If you are wondering how to spend a week in California but still see the most popular attractions, then this itinerary is for you.

Start your road trip in San Francisco, see the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Mission District, Fisherman’s Wharf etc in two days.

Then spend a day in Napa Valley and nearby Calistoga before seeing Sacramento.

In Sacramento, see the state capitol and the railroad museum then make your way to Yosemite National Park.

Take a tour of the Yosemite Valley and see the famous El Capitan as well as the many waterfalls.

Enjoy the panoramic view from the Tunnel View Outlook.

Then depending on the season, visit the Tuolumne Meadows area.

Return to San Francisco to complete 7 day road trip in California.

North California coast road trip

This California 1 week itinerary is perfect for slow travel.

Land in San Francisco and take a day or two to explore it’s many attractions.

Then rent a car and drive north.

Part of this road trip is on the Pacific Coast Highway 1 till Legett, after which you will be driving along the famous Redwood scenic byway.

For your first stop, explore the beautiful Point Reyes.

See the lighthouse and the shipwreck, then eat oysters in Tomales Bay.

Drive along the Avenue of the Giants and pass through the Redwood tunnels.

Hike in the prehistoric Fern Canyon and visit the glass beach at Fort Bragg, then last stop at Eureka or Crescent City to finish the California coast 7 day itinerary.

7 Day Southern California trip itinerary

For this ca road trip planner, begin your trip with a day or two in San Diego or Los Angeles and then wind your way around Southern California’s desert attractions.

See famous Joshua Tree and Palm Springs.

Enjoy the fantastic landscape of the Mojave desert and drink a delicious date shake.

See the sculptures in Borrego Springs.

Then visit Anaheim and enjoy the theme parks.

There are also many things to do in Anaheim besides Disney.

7 Day California Coast Road Trip

This is one of the most popular california driving holidays itineraries.

Follow this California road trip itinerary 7 days along the world famous Pacific Coast Highway.

See the major cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Explore the charming mountain side towns of Pismo Beach and Morro Bay. Learn to surf and spot the elephant seals.

Spend some time hiking and enjoying the wild, rugged vibe of Big Sur.

Take a tour of the Point Sur Lighthouse and hike down to Keyhole Rock. Go whale watching.

If you have more time: California road trip itinerary 14 days

This two week california driving itinerary is perfect for long summer vacations, when most parts of the state including the High Sierras are completely accessible.

Just use our main California trip planner, but add in all optional ideas including San Diego and the beautiful northern coast.

Then see the Lassen Volcanic National Park area and visit the beautiful Burney Falls from Redding.

Spend some time in Mount Shasta and head back to San Francisco to complete California 2 week itinerary.

We hope you liked our California road trip blog.

Now you have everything ready to plan your perfect California trip itinerary, so make the most of it.

Did we miss any hidden gems in the Golden State?

Which part of the road trip did you enjoy the most? Let us know in the comments!

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10 of the best road trips in the USA

Jan 5, 2024 • 6 min read

Take to the open road and discover a different side to the USA © monkeybusinessimages / Getty Images

While a plane may get you there faster, road-tripping across the US is one of the most iconically American things you can do.

Get up close and personal with the country’s most striking landscapes – dense eastern forests, windswept plains, red rock canyons, dramatic Pacific coastlines – and make pit stops at some of its most famous cities all in one go.

Crisscrossed with an extensive network of pretty well-maintained highway systems, the US is remarkably easy to traverse by car . Some distances may be long, but gas, food and accommodations are largely easy to come by (except in some of the most rural locales), and a set of wheels gives you the freedom to do extra side quests along the way.

Here’s a list of our favorite routes across America’s wide open spaces, along with some tips on how to make the most of your journey.

1. Pacific Coast Highway

Best road trip for Pacific views San Diego–Seattle; 1600 miles; 8–12 days

The Pacific Coast Highway delivers one of the US’ most iconic road trip experiences, linking together the West Coast’s most notable metropolises, quirky California beach towns, ancient redwood forests, and the dramatic capes and pools of the Pacific Northwest . The route includes Hwy 1, Hwy 101 and I-5, starting in San Diego ; it winds up the coast through LA , Big Sur , San Francisco and Redwood National & State Parks , eventually terminating in Seattle .

Planning tip: Always check for road closures, particularly in the Big Sur area, where rockslides are common along the sea cliffs.

2. Blue Ridge Parkway

Best Appalachian road trip Cherokee, NC–Waynesboro, VA; 469 miles; 2–5 days

This spectacular route takes you through the heart of the US’ oldest mountain range, delivering view after view of rolling green mountains chock full of enchanting hiking trails, thundering waterfalls, ancient rock formations and prolific wildlife. The Parkway – part of the NPS system – begins adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and passes through the spectacular Pisgah National Forest, a number of state parks and recreation areas, and Roanoke, VA, before ending at the southern entrance of Shenandoah National Park .

Detour: In addition to state and national parks , many one-off hikes originate along the parkway. Consult trail maps to avoid missing some of Appalachia’s top routes.

Roadside attraction along historic Route 66 in Kingman Arizona

3. Route 66

Best road trip for American kitsch Chicago–Los Angeles; 2250 miles; 1–2 weeks

Nicknamed the Mother Road, Route 66 has permanently ingrained itself in the international psyche as the original US road trip. Starting in Chicago , it crosses eight different states and connects travelers to national parks, weird-but-wonderful roadside attractions and tons of vintage Americana.

Planning tip: The route can be driven in pieces or all at once, but we suggest allotting plenty of time to explore – distances are long, and the activities are numerous.

4. Natchez Trace

Best road trip for Southern history Pasquo, TN–Natchez, MS; 444 miles; 2–3 days

The path for the Natchez Trace was originally carved not by humans, but by buffalo that wandered the region from middle Tennessee to Natchez, MS. Indigenous hunters and traders soon followed, and later the route became a full-fledged thoroughfare for European colonists, soldiers and dignitaries. Today, a trip down the Trace yields gorgeous scenery, historic towns and the experience of traveling one of the most storied roads in the country.

5. Florida Highway 1

Best road trip for Gulf Coast culture Amelia Island–Key West; 475 miles; 6 days

Florida’s Hwy 1 runs the length of the state’s Atlantic Coast before banking east at Miami and ending in stunning Key West . This sublime multi-day journey takes you through tons of Florida ’s most iconic stops: historic St Augustine , windswept Canaveral National Seashore , Nascar-fueled Daytona, laid-back Fort Lauderdale and the glam and glitter of Miami and South Beach.

Planning tip: Hurricane season lasts from June through October – with the most active months being August and September – and has the potential to significantly affect Florida. If you’re visiting during this window, keep your eyes on the forecast.

Cowboys herd American buffalo across an auburn plain

6. Badlands – Black Hills Loop

Best road trip to experience the Great Plains Badlands National Park–Badlands National Park; 330 miles; 2 days

If you want to get a taste of how expansive the Great Plains really are, head to South Dakota for this fascinating road trip through a state of huge ecological and cultural importance. Start your trip at the mind-bendingly beautiful Badlands National Park before looping over to the Black Hills, home to the Crazy Horse Memorial , Mt Rushmore and Wind Cave National Park . Along the way, take in views of thriving buffalo herds, fascinating rock formations and plenty of rolling hills.

7. San Juan Skyway

Best road trip for Rocky Mountain peaks Durango–Durango; 236 miles; 1–3 days

The San Juan Skyway delivers some of the Rockies ’ biggest views in high definition. This route – which includes the renowned Million Dollar Highway – leapfrogs across central Colorado’s mountainous core connecting Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Mesa Verde National Park , known for the cliff dwellings left behind by the Ancestral Puebloans.

Whether you’re a history buff, ski bum, landscape photographer or simply someone who enjoys a thrilling drive, San Juan Skyway has something for you.

Planning tip: A fact that can be deduced by its name, the San Juan Skyway runs through high-altitude terrain, and that makes road conditions somewhat unpredictable, particularly during shoulder season. Always check for closures or local warnings before heading out.

8. Richardson Highway

Best road trip for Alaska outdoors Fairbanks–Valdez; 364 miles; 2–4 days

No road trip list would be complete without a journey through the country’s largest, northernmost state. The Richardson Highway, Alaska’s oldest highway, connects Fairbanks with Valdez, winding past dramatic mountain peaks and glaciers and giving travelers a front seat to some of the country’s most jaw-dropping natural attractions. Be sure to make pit stops for hiking, fishing and whitewater rafting.

An older couple take a break from hiking to enjoy the view at Utah outlook overlooking a canyon. They are sitting on the cliff's edge and soaking in the scenery. The mountains and canyon are in front of them.

9. Scenic Byway 12

Best road trip through red rock country Bryce Canyon National Park–Capitol Reef National Park; 122 miles; 1 day

Southern Utah feels like an entirely different planet, and this backroads route takes you through the best scenery this geologically diverse state has to offer. Start your journey in the town of Panguitch – right outside of Bryce Canyon – and follow the road through red rock canyons, historic towns and pine forests until you finish your journey in Torrey, gateway to Capitol Reef National Park , one of the west’s best-kept secrets.

Detour: From Torrey, it’s an easy 2.5-hour drive to Moab , Canyonlands and Arches , making these routes the best way to see Utah’s Big 5 . And the road itself takes you through some amazing lunar-like scenery that contrasts sharply with the red rocks – wild.

10. Coastal New England

Best road trip for Atlantic maritime vibes New York City–Portland, ME; 430 miles; 3–5 days

Prep yourself for seafood chowder, picturesque oceanside towns and all the lobster you can handle – this coastal New England trip will definitely help you find your sea legs. Start in New York City and make your way north along the coast, stopping to enjoy the lovely beaches in Rhode Island , Massachusetts’ wealth of historical heavy hitters and New Hampshire’ s lighthouses before arriving in culinary-minded Portland, ME .

This article was first published May 22, 2019 and updated Jan 5, 2024.

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Scenic road in the Canadian Rockies during a vibrant sunny summer sunrise. White RV Driving on route. Taken in Icefields Parkway, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada., License Type: media_digital, Download Time: 2024-08-21T21:06:05.000Z, User: bfreeman_lonelyplanet, Editorial: false, purchase_order: 65050, job: Online Editorial, client: Best places to RV , other: Bailey Freeman

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A rock ledge over the cliff of Yosemite National Park, during sunset

Best Road Trips From San Francisco

Top road trip destinations from san francisco.

Gently sloping vineyard where parallel rows of ripe vines stretch out into the distance, with low rolling hills in the background

Napa Valley

🚗 70 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 30 minutes

Ask any wine lover to nape a California wine and Napa Valley is likely to be the first they will name. In the last few years, Napa Valley has become known worldwide for the wines produced here.

Driving across Golden Gate Bridge to leave the city, this is a short drive, so you might want to extend your road trip by visiting the San Francisco Bay National Estuary Research Reserve en route.

Yosemite National Park

🚗 170 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 20 minutes

One of the most famous National Parks in the United States, Yosemite National Park is located close to San Francisco. The stunning park offers iconic views of cliffs, waterfalls, and sequoias. It's a place of true natural wonder!

On your way to Yosemite, you can also take some time to visit the Oakland Zoo, especially if traveling with family, and the Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum.

Calm clear water in lake Tahoe, with Trees and Mountains in the background

🚗 230 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 30 minutes

Lake Tahoe is surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountain range which gives it one of the most unique and instantly recognizable landscapes in the world. Its picturesque blue waters are almost 100% pure (that is drinking water!).

As you drive to Lake Tahoe, you can sample some great wines in Napa Valley, have a Michelin-starred dinner in Yountville and spend some time in Sacramento en route.

Los Angeles

🚗 460 miles ⏱️ 10 hours

Compared to the more old-school city design of San Francisco, Los Angeles spreads over a huge area spanning multiple different cities and neighborhoods. You can also visit movie studios, theme parks, and famous beaches here.

This is a beautiful coastal drive, but keep in mind that this route gets affected by landslides so check before traveling. En route, you can visit stunning coastal towns like Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Santa Barbara.

Big Sur, California taken from a hill looking down at a secret waterfall and sand beach surrounded by rocks on a sunny day.

🚗 150 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 15 minutes

Big Sur is one of the most iconic stretches of the coast in the world. The dramatic cliffs, waves beating the rocks and rugged nature have meant that movies, TV and the advertising industry come here a lot for the views.

The famous coastline starts once you round Monterey Bay and pass through Carmel-on-Sea. On the way there, you can also make a stop at the beautiful Monterey State Beach.

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA taken at Las Vegas strip skyline at sunny day with Caesars Palace, the Flamingo and Paris Hotel and casino are in the background.

🚗 570 miles ⏱️ 9 hours

Las Vegas needs little introduction or reason to go - the entertainment capital of the world has everything from insane hotels to endless gambling, clubs, bars and restaurants and dozens of shows happening every single night.

On your way to Sin City, we recommend taking some time to visit Kern County Museum in Bakersfield, Calico Ghost Town near Barstow and Mojave National Preserve.

Yellowstone National Park

🚗 950 miles ⏱️ 14 hours, 20 minutes

Yellowstone National Park is a stunning landscape of geothermal features like geysers and hot springs, magnificent waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. It's a must-visit for any nature lover.

On this sizeable drive, you will have plenty of amazing places to visit, such as Sacramento, stunning Lake Tahoe, Reno and cute town of Idaho Falls.

Sunrise through redwood trees in the Redwood National & State Parks in northern California.

Redwood National Park

🚗 340 miles ⏱️ 6 hours

Explore the majestic Redwood National Park, home to the tallest trees on earth. It's an ideal destination for hiking, wildlife viewing, and spending time in unspoiled nature.

Make sure to spend some time in Santa Rosa en route to visit the Charles M. Schulz Museum and have a drive through the Chandelier Tree in Legget.

View of Portland, Oregon overlooking a river on a Fall Afternoon

🚗 635 miles ⏱️ 10 hours

If you are looking for an urban break in one of the hippest cities in the Pacific Northwest, you will love Portland for its eclectic vibe, thriving arts scene, and renowned food and coffee culture.

En route, take in the scenery of Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark and Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens as well as visiting the cute towns of Eugene and Salem.

Crater Lake National Park

🚗 400 miles ⏱️ 6 hours, 30 minutes

The Crater Lake National Park surrounds a beautiful deep blue lake that sits in a volcano that erupted in 5,700 B.C. At 1,900 feet deep, this is the deepest lake in the United States, which gives it a gorgeous color.

On the way, you can spend some time in Redding to visit its museums and admire the scenery around Lake Shasta and Klamath Falls.

Santa Barbara

🚗 640 miles ⏱️ 12 hours, 40 minutes

Santa Barbara is a coastal city known for its Mediterranean-style white stucco buildings, beautiful beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere. Enjoy wine tasting, upscale shopping, and beach activities.

On your way from one coastal paradise to another, you can also make stops to explore the otherworldly Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks, as well as have some urban fun in Fresno and Bakersfield.

Downtown San Diego skyline in California, USA at sunset

🚗 560 miles ⏱️ 10 hours, 15 minutes

Even if you have been before, you should visit San Diego for its endless sunshine, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife. Highlights include the San Diego Zoo, the USS Midway Museum, and the historic Gaslamp Quarter.

There is endless coastal scenery on this drive on the Pacific Coast Highway, which you can enjoy in Santa Cruz, Monterey and Los Angeles. Keep an eye out for road closure warnings due to landslides.

A giant Marilyn Monroe statue called "Forever Marilyn" in between the palm trees on a sunny day

Palm Springs

🚗 680 miles ⏱️ 13 hours, 40 minutes

Escape from San Francisco to Palm Springs, a desert oasis famous for its mid-century modern architecture, trendy hotels, and hot springs. This getaway is ideal for a chic retreat with plenty of sun.

Before you reach the luxurious resorts of Palm Springs, we recommend visiting Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks en route. You can even make a detour to Death Valley if you have the time.

Joshua Tree National Park

🚗 720 miles ⏱️ 13 hours, 15 minutes

Joshua Tree National Park is famously known as where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet. Famous for its stargazing, rock climbing, and the unique Joshua trees, it's a haven for adventurers and nature lovers.

If you have some extra time, you can also visit Lake Tahoe, the stunning landscapes of Yosemite, Mammoth Lakes and the majestic desert scenery of Death Valley.

Evening view of the skyline in Phoenix, Arizona

🚗 840 miles ⏱️ 14 hours, 10 minutes

Phoenix blends desert beauty with city vibes. Here, you can explore diverse museums, championship golf courses, and extensive hiking trails as well as enjoy vibrant sunsets and a rich Southwestern culture.

You won't be short of great new places to discover on this road trip, including sunny Monterey, ever-busy Los Angeles and beautiful Joshua Tree National Park.

View of the canyon and the Colorado River running through it from Desert View Point

Grand Canyon National Park

🚗 840 miles ⏱️ 14 hours, 20 minutes

Visit one of the world's most iconic natural wonders, Grand Canyon National Park. The best way to explore its vast depths and stunning panoramas is either by hiking, rafting or simply observing from the rim.

On the way, we highly recommend taking your time to visit Yosemite National Park, beautiful Mammoth Lakes, detour to Death Valley and try your luck in Las Vegas.

Death Valley National Park

🚗 410 miles ⏱️ 8 hours

Death Valley National Park is the hottest place on Earth and the largest US National Park outside Alaska. This unique national park has a mixed geography with rugged mountains, cracked lake beds from lakes that dried out in the past, and huge sand dunes.

The most direct drive will take you past San Luis Reservoir and through Bakersfield before you reach Death Valley.

Vancouver False Creek panorama at sunset with bridge and boat. The photo is taken on a rather clear day and shows Vancouver's silhouette.

🚗 950 miles ⏱️ 15 hours, 30 minutes

The buzzing city of Vancouver is known for its scenic views, its melting pot of many cultures, and its excellent culinary scene. Don't miss the beautiful Stanley Park and the bustling Granville Island.

In addition to the beautiful scenery of California forests and mountains, you can also visit urban hubs such as Sacramento, Portland, and Seattle en route.

Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Pescadero, California, USA, a landmark of Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) at Big Sur, surrounded with colorful wildflowers in spring time.

Pescadero and Half Moon Bay

🚗 50 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 20 minutes

The drive south to Pescadero along the Pacific Coast is full of stunning views and offers the opportunity to see classic California with its relaxed beach-side vibes and picturesque small towns.

This section of the Pacific Coast is home to beautiful beaches and coastal towns such as Pacifica State Beach, Gray Whale Cove State Beach and Half Moon Bay.

Urban landscape in downtown San Jose, Silicon Valley, California

San Jose and Silicon Valley

Places like Menlo Park, Redwood, Palo Alto, Cupertino and Mountain View have long been associated with the world's largest technology firms. Here, you will see the HQs of Google, Apple, Facebook and dozens of other tech giants.

To make the best of your drive, you can also visit Filoli Historic House and Garden en route or even make a short detour to Redwood City for a meal.

City skyline with river in front with vertical lift bridge and river cruise boat

🚗 90 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 30 minutes

The vibrant city of Sacramento has been California's capital since 1854 and is a perfect place to visit to see a mix of history, retro chic and relaxed vibes.

On the way to Sacramento inland, you will get the opportunity to visit Benicia Capitol State Historic Park and if you are traveling with family, don't miss out on Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo.

San Juan Bautista

🚗 100 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 40 minutes

A road trip to San Juan Bautista is your opportunity to dive into California's history and get a glimpse of how people lived here in the early 19th century, during the early years of colonization.

On this relatively short drive, you can make detours to Palo Alto and San Jose and even visit the famous author John Steinbeck's House on the way.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

🚗 160 miles ⏱️ 3 hours

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small and charming village, just south of Monterrey and a short drive south along the coast from San Francisco. In this picturesque village, you will see fairy-tale cottages, upscale boutiques, and beautiful white-sand beaches.

As you make your way to Carmel, you can spend some time in Half Moon Bay, Pescadero, Shark Fin Cove and the surfing paradise of Santa Cruz.

Mendocino, California, USA with grass and wildflowers in the foreground, a rocky sea cover and sunset.

🚗 160 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 15 minutes

Despite its modest size, there is plenty to do in Mendocino. Set right on the coast, you can visit the beautiful 1909 lighthouse and explore the rocky beach complete with a hike that takes you to Frolic Cove with a shipwreck from 1850.

This drive to Mendocino is an ocean lover's paradise with stunning Point Reyes National Seashore, Sonoma Coast State Park and Point Arena Lighthouse en route.

Seattle skyline from Kerry Park viewpoint (Seattle, United States), Mount Rainier in the background.

🚗 940 miles ⏱️ 19 hours, 30 minutes

Seattle offers the perfect blend of urban fun and natural beauty. Explore the iconic Space Needle, bustling Pike Place Market, and enjoy coffee from the city that invented Starbucks.

On the way, we recommend hugging the Pacific Coast to visit Sonoma Coast State Park, Mendocino, Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, Humboldt Redwoods State Park and Cannon City.

Zion National Park

🚗 810 miles ⏱️ 14 hours, 30 minutes

Zion National Park is famous for its steep red cliffs, canyon hikes, and stunning vistas. Don't forget to experience adventurous trails like Angel's Landing and The Narrows during your visit.

Not only the amazing destination, the drive to Zion itself has some bucket-list places to visit such as Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Las Vegas.

Denver, Colorado, USA with a view of the Colorado State Capitol Building and the city of Denver at Sunset. Rocky Mountains on the horizon.

🚗 1,200 miles ⏱️ 19 hours, 20 minutes

Explore Denver, a dynamic city at the base of the Colorado Rockies, known for its stunning natural scenery, hip arts scene, and craft beer culture. Don't miss the historic Lower Downtown (LoDo) and the vibrant nightlife.

On the way, we recommend taking breaks and visiting Lake Tahoe, Reno, as well as making a detour to Moab to visit Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

Rock Smith State Park at sunset near Bend, Oregon, with the last rays of sun flaring through the rugged rocks on the horizon

🚗 800 miles ⏱️ 16 hours

Bend is a high desert city in Oregon known for its stunning natural scenery and outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and skiing. Its vibrant local beer scene is also a major draw.

There are plenty of amazing places you can visit and extend your vacation, such as Santa Rosa, Fort Bragg, Redwood National and State Parks and Coos Bay before you head inland.

Panoramic view across Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes and Tomales Bay

🚗 50 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 45 minutes

The Point Reyes National Seashore has some of the most picturesque hikes you'll see anywhere in the country. Steep inclines overlook dramatic rocky cliffs with the ocean waves slamming against them.

As you start your journey, you will drive across Golden Gate Bridge and head to Marin County and Tomales Bay before you reach Point Reyes.

Sonoma and Sebastopol

🚗 70 miles ⏱️ 2 hours

Sonoma is one of the most famous wine areas in the United States. The area is split into two - Sonoma Valley, which runs parallel to its more famous Napa cousin, and Sonoma Coast, which runs all the way to Sea Ranch.

After visiting the fabulous wineries of Sonoma, you can extend your road trip to visit Santa Rosa before you reach Sebastopol.

A horse-drawn antique stagecoach waits outside a historic building in Columbia, California on a sunny day

Columbia and Sierra Nevada

🚗 140 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 30 minutes

Columbia is a historic city that was born during the boom of the gold rush. The moment gold was discovered locally, thousands flocked to the city in the 19th century. Today, the Columbia State Historic Park covers the downtown district of the town.

On your way to the Sierra Nevada region and Columbia, you can also visit Anthony Chabot Regional Park, Del Valle Regional Park and Moaning Caverns Adventure Park in Vallecito.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

🚗 330 miles ⏱️ 7 hours

The Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of the lesser-known and less visited National Parks in California, which is exactly why you should go. This will allow you to avoid the crowds and enjoy hot springs, mud pots, and volcanoes.

There is plenty to do on this drive, especially if you are traveling with family or are young at heart. Make sure to check out Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo and have a Jelly Belly Factory Tour en route.

Giant sequoia tree with a man-made window in the base large enough for a car to drive through

🚗 180 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 20 minutes

Leggett is home to the famous drive-through Chandelier Tree. This small community offers access to stunning redwood forests and scenic drives, ideal for a unique adventure.

A few amazing places you can visit en route include Sonoma Coast State Park, Fort Ross State Historic Park, Mendocino and Fort Bragg.

Kings Canyon National Park

🚗 240 miles ⏱️ 4 hours

Majestic sight after majestic sight, Kings Canyon National Park has one of the most varied landscapes in the area. You will get to marvel at deep canyons, monolithic sequoia trees, rugged mountains and beautiful foothills in this national park.

En route, you can spend some time and enjoy a picnic at San Luis Reservoir, visit museums in Fresno and even extend your trip to Sequoia National Park.

San Luis Obispo

🚗 250 miles ⏱️ 5 hours, 30 minutes

San Luis Obispo is known for two things - it's virtually never-ending sunshine and the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Worth visiting in its own right, San Luis Obispo and the nearby Morro Bay are popular Pacific Coast stops.

Make sure you pack your swimming suits because this drive will take you past a few beautiful beach towns. The other amazing places to visit are Santa Cruz, Monterey, Carmel-on-the-Sea and Big Sur.

Beach view with people watching a humpback whale breaching

🚗 230 miles ⏱️ 4 hours

Cayucos is a quintessential beach town on California's Central Coast. It boasts sandy shores, antique shops, and a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing seaside escape.

Make sure to add San Juan Bautista, Mission Soledad and Paso Robles to your itinerary on your way to Cayucos.

Downtown skyline of Redding with snow-capped Mt Shasta in the background

🚗 220 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 30 minutes

Sitting on the Sacramento River and close to the Lassen Volcanic National Park, Redding is a perfect spot from which to explore northern California as well as have a lot of things to do in the city itself.

We recommend booking a Jelly Belly Factory Tour en route, as well as making a detour to Sacramento if your schedule allows you.

Nevada City

🚗 150 miles ⏱️ 3 hours

If you fancy getting out of San Francisco for a weekend full of forests, mountains and fresh air, Nevada City might be the best option that you can reasonably get to on a Friday night and come back from on Sunday evening.

Before you reach Nevada City, you can also visit California Museum and Sacramento Zoo as well as let your inner adventurer out at Quarry Park Adventures in Rocklin.

Bolinas lagoon on pacific coast California

🚗 30 miles ⏱️ 1 hour

The beautiful Marin County town sits on the edge of Bolinas Bay and is surrounded by nature - Point Reyes, the Muir Woods National Monument, Samuel P Taylor State Park and Tomales Bay are all within easy reach.

This drive is dotted with beautiful vistas. As you drive away from the city, take a moment to stop at Golden Gate View Point to admire the views and make sure you have your camera ready for Muir Beach Overlook.

Beautiful Gualala River flowing towards the ocean into the sunset

🚗 120 miles ⏱️ 3 hours

Gualala is a small seaside town up the coast from San Francisco, just inside Mendocino County as you drive up PCH. The area is unusual in that coastal fogs that affect much of northern California don't happen here due to prevailing ocean winds.

As you travel north on the Pacific Coast Highway, take some time to visit Sonoma Coast State Park and Fort Ross State Historic Park en route.

Yuba River flowing through the small town with forested mountains in the background

Downieville

🚗 190 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 30 minutes

Downieville and its cousin up the road Sierra City sat on the North Yuba River are all about the outdoors. You can enjoy hiking trails of all levels here as well as some more adventurous activities, if you dare!

This route will take you to the outskirts of Sacramento, but if you have time we recommend spending some time in this colorful city to visit the California State Railroad Museum and Crocker Art Museum.

Historic metal marker on composite rock base monument for the National Pony Express Centennial

Virginia City

🚗 250 miles ⏱️ 4 hours

Another town that grew rapidly during the gold rush, Virginia City's downtown is a historical marvel with a wooden boardwalk and real classic buildings. You will feel like you are stepping back into the Wild West here.

Some of the amazing places you can explore on this drive include Sacramento, stunning Lake Tahoe just a short detour away and Reno.

Longer road trips from San Francisco

A view of Fern Canyon, with two sides of the canyon covered in green fern, and a fallen tree in the middle

Pacific Northwest Forests

🚗 1,255 miles ⏱️ 28 hours

Explore dense forests, canyons overtaken by ferns, and diverse wildlife on this magical road trip visiting the Pacific Northwest Forests.

Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA downtown skyline at dusk.

🚗 1,260 miles ⏱️ 19 hours

Santa Fe is known for its Pueblo-style architecture, colorful arts scene home to many galleries, rich history and delicious cuisine.

Moraine lake panorama in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

🚗 1,275 miles ⏱️ 22 hours

Banff is a resort town in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, known for its spectacular natural beauty, wildlife, and outdoor sports.

Mount Rushmore

🚗 1,500 miles ⏱️ 23 hours

Mount Rushmore is an iconic symbol of America's history, featuring the monumental carvings of four US presidents.

Skyline of downtown Dallas, Texas under a beautiful sky.

🚗 1,820 miles ⏱️ 27 hours

A modern metropolis in north Texas, Dallas is known for its commercial and cultural heart where you can enjoy vibrant arts and rich history.

Orlando, Florida, USA: Universal Studios Globe

🚗 2,940 miles ⏱️ 45 hours

Orlando, the theme park capital of the world, offers endless fun with attractions like Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios.

New York City

🚗 3,190 miles ⏱️ 50 hours

New York City is famously the city that never sleeps. Explore iconic landmarks like Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty.

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The Best Electric Car For Long Road Trips Revealed By The German ADAC, And It's Not What You'd Expect

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Range remains the most imperative figure for those wanting to consider a new electric car . Global brands have invested expansive capital in new battery technologies, resulting in today's EVs being far more practical than the options that were available just five years ago. In the U.S., the EPA conducts extensive testing to give us a clear idea of what we can expect a new electric car to cover on a single charge, which it updates every year.

Drivers typically have a good sense of how much fuel an ICE vehicle consumes based on their personal ownership experience, but many are unsure about the electricity consumption of an electric vehicle . Understanding this is essential for evaluating whether an electric car is economical to operate.

We know that an EV's claimed or estimated range depends on the battery capacity and the power consumption of the electric motor. Aerodynamics and curb weight also play a role. There's an understanding that lower power consumption leads to a longer range, but battery capacity also plays a role in this result. Early electric cars lacked good efficiency returns, but manufacturers are now focused on improving this by investing large capital in future electric drivetrain technologies.

The General German Automobile Club, commonly referred to as the ADAC, regularly tests electric cars of various sizes and price ranges, in the same fashion as the EPA. It pays special attention to range and power consumption as part of its car tests. These tests follow standardized conditions, applying equally to all types of vehicles, including electric ones, under the ADAC Ecotest . The ADAC continuously updates its list of tested models, but only includes vehicles currently available on the market, excluding discontinued series.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the ADAC, the EPA, and the Federal Highway Administration.

2024 BMW IX: It Just Makes More Sense Than BMW's XM

Hear me out on this one... BMW might have nailed the electrified SUV the first time. When the XM is just too much, don't forget about BMW's own IX.

The BMW iX And Lucid Air Are the Best EV Road-Trippers

The ADAC explains that smaller electric models don't necessarily achieve long-range figures by adopting larger battery packs. The Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV achieved impressive range results despite featuring 65 kWh net battery capacity. This is primarily thanks to their more efficient electric drivetrain technologies and lower curb weight figures. In the ADAC Ecotest, even the Renault Zoe , with its 52 kWh battery, covered 208 miles before running out of juice. The French automotive group has since put this model to rest with the next-generation R5 E-Tech set to replace it with a larger battery option. The ADAC says it will conduct a test on this option once it becomes available.

Currently, the BMW iX xDrive50 and Lucid Air Grand Touring lead with test ranges of 379 miles, benefiting from both their efficient drives and their large batteries. The Bavarian option features a 105 kWh battery, while the American sedan employs a larger 112 kWh pack. The ADAC Ecotest allows for direct comparisons between vehicles under standardized conditions. However, real-world results may differ due to factors like high speeds and cold temperatures, which can significantly reduce range. Interestingly, both of these figures are noticeably less than their EPA-estimated figures.

The BMW iX xDrive50 Covers 379 Miles On A Single Charge

The is the Bavarian brand's flagship electric SUV option, with proportions akin to the X5. The xDrive50 model is the entry-level specification in the U.S. for the time being, but we know that a range of rear-wheel drive eDrive40 derivatives are on the way. This particular option features a pair of BMW's electrically excited motors, producing a collective 516 horsepower and 564 pound-feet.

BMW iX xDrive50 Performance Specifications

The iX features Samsung SDI's 111.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which takes 78 hours to charge via a conventional 120-volt Level One charging point and 11 hours when using a Level Two 240-volt system. Direct current 350-volt Level Three fast charging replenishes 10 to 80 percent in 35 minutes. The EPA estimates the base xDrive50 to cover 311 miles on a single charge when equipped with the 20-inch wheels. This decreases to 307 miles on 22-inch wheels. This is relatively close to the ADAC's testing results.

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The Lucid Air Grand Touring Covers 379 Miles On A Single Charge

The Lucid Air Grand Touring 's position at the top of the ADAC's testing is no surprise to us, but we'll admit that its result is much lower than we'd think. This particular derivative features a pair of permanent-magnet motors that work together to generate 819 horsepower and 885 pound-feet. The EPA estimates this model will cover a whopping 516 miles on a single charge, which is staggeringly higher than the German firm's readings.

Lucid Air Grand Touring Performance Specifications

When it comes to why the 2024 Lucid Air Grand Touring is capable of such an incredible range, this is thanks to its 112 kWh 900 volt lithium-ion battery pack. This is one of the largest battery options in its class, which plays a big role in the model's ability to achieve such an incredible range on a single charge, despite a relatively high combined power output.

The Fiat 500E Is, Apparently, As Good As It Gets

The charming 500 is back, in electric form, but this time around, will Fiat manage to keep the sales up?

Don't Take The Fiat 500e On A Road-Trip

As per the ADAC's testing, the Fiat 500e Inspi(Red) should be right at the bottom of your list if you want an EV for long-distance travels, with a 93-mile range. This is no surprise to us, considering the EPA also hands it the same title for the U.S. region. This subcompact EV is designed for extra-urban use, boasting a single permanent-magnet motor that generates 115 horsepower and 162 pound-feet.

Fiat 500e Inspi(RED) Performance Specifications

As per the EPA-estimated energy consumption figures, the 500e returns a 116 MPGe or 29 kWh per 100 miles combined consumption estimate with a 149-mile range claim on standard tires. Once you fit all-season tires, the consumption worsens to 110 MPGe or 31 kWh per 100 miles with a 141-mile range estimate. Fiat only fits this model with a fairly compact 37 kWh, which explains the low range figure. The small capacity means it'll recover 10- to 80-percent of its charge in around 35 minutes.

Every EV You Can Buy With More Than 350 Miles Of Range Today

When it comes to electric vehicles, range is a make-it-or-break-it feature. Here are the electric models that have a range of more than 350 miles.

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 Is The Most Efficient EV

The results of the tested vehicles in the ADAC Ecotest show how positive the range of electric cars has developed in recent years. In 2010, all electric vehicles reached an average range of 76 miles, making them suitable for everyday use in the U.S., which currently has an average 40-mile daily driving distance .

As of 2023, this average has increased to 244 miles. Larger, heavier vehicles typically consume more power, but the differences in consumption are noteworthy. The ADAC declares the Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE Rear-Wheel Drive the most efficient EV option, partly thanks to its aerodynamically efficient exterior design. It achieves an impressive 15.5 kWh per 62 miles on the ADAC Ecotest. This is somewhat on par with the EPA's 25 kWh per 100 miles estimates. The Fiat 500e benefits from the second-best figure, with 23.8 kWh per 62 miles.

Hyundai Ioniq 6 Performance Specifications

On the other hand, larger vehicles like the Citroën Spacetourer, and its counterparts like the Opel Zafira Life and Peugeot Traveller, consume much more energy, at around 30 kWh per 62 miles. None of these options are available in the U.S. The ADAC also indicates how an EV's shape and proportions plays a big influence on how much energy it consumes. The Hyundai Ioniq 6's 77.4 kWh battery covers 345 miles on a single charge, while the Ioniq 5 with the same battery covers 292 miles and returns an 18.2 kWh per 62-mile efficiency rating,

TopSpeed's Best Electric Car Of 2024: Hyundai IONIQ 6

The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is one of the highest-range EVs on the market today, but that's not the only reason we've picked it as the best EV of 2024

The Current State Of Energy Losses While Charging

The ADAC highlights how important an EV's charging speed is when analyzing overall EV efficiency. Charging losses also occur during recharging, which means that your EV consumes more energy than the manufacturer claims. This happens primarily due to the onboard charging conversion of alternating current from the grid into direct current for battery storage, but you still have to pay for all the electricity from the socket. The ADAC factors these charging losses into their tests.

Unlike the on-board computer's consumption figures, the ADAC Ecotest and WLTP consumption specifications include charging losses. All vehicles in the ADAC tests are charged via a 22 kW wallbox under consistent temperatures, allowing them to take in the maximum charging power supported by their onboard chargers.

The differences between the energy required for a full charge and the net battery capacity are considerable. The BMW iX needs 120.2 kWh to fully charge its 105 kWh battery, and the Ford Mustang Mach-E requires 106.3 kWh for its 88 kWh battery. While charging losses account for much of this difference, other factors like battery age, preconditioning, tolerances, and temperature also play a role.

A Baja Road Trip, a Car Accident, and an Unexpected Friendship

Where the real journey began. All photos by Joey Sackett

Highway 1 in Baja can be a dangerous road, we knew that much.

The plan was to pick up Cooper in Baja, chase waves, and drop him at the San Diego airport. The last chapter to his five-month trip. Cooper had just quit his job in Seattle and biked to Baja, towing his surfboard behind in a mini trailer and surfing down the West Coast. I quit my corporate life in Seattle a year before him and moved into my car, chasing adventure and learning to take photos.

We were an hour from the next break, Cooper was changing the song, distracted by his phone.

He tried to correct course but turned the wheel too hard to the right. At 70 miles per hour, we were now rolling through the air, flipping, weightless. The fearful anticipation slowed down time, and the world fell silent. When we hit the ground our bodies whipped around the cab while anchored in our seatbelts. We rolled five times through the desert, at one point it seemed like it’d never end. “Can we stop flipping already,” I thought, “so we can keep driving and set up camp.” Suddenly, everything was okay. We’d be at the next surf spot in no time.

Death came knocking, but there was no epiphany, not a ripple of regret, nor the faintest memory of family. Just a refusal to accept reality. At least the movies prepared me for the slow motion and ringing in my ears.

A Baja Road Trip, a Car Accident, and an Unexpected Friendship

The real heroes of our story.

Finally, the world was upright again. The vultures above must’ve been upset to see us walk out of the car in good health. The dust settled, and the severity of the situation set in. I had been living in that car, and now it was a pile of Mexican scrap metal, 10 hours south of the border in Baja.

A bilingual mother and nurse from San Diego pulled over and treated the cut on the bridge of my nose, she gave us water, and even translated with the Mexican insurance agent over the phone.

I felt so stupid, a nuisance sitting on the road embankment, bandaged up, covered in sand. I stared blankly at all my clothes and belongings scattered on the sand. I’ve never felt more vulnerable, doubts filled my head. It was only the first few months into #vanlife. Was this life of adventure really for me? I should have never left my corporate job.

Then a short, stocky man approached, offering to grab his truck and take us and our things to the junkyard, where the totaled car was being dropped. We graciously accepted his offer.

Baja: Come for the waves, stay for the relationships with good people.

Armando, the man with the truck, returned. We piled our things in the truck bed, drank beers, and got to know him, his wife, and three-year-old son, all seated in the front bench seat of his lifted F-150. We laughed and chatted for two hours in my intermediate Spanish before arriving at the junkyard. Armando even helped set us up for a ride to the border for the next day.

Armando was so genuine, and beer never tasted so good. I was indebted and inspired. In a matter of minutes the worst situation of my life turned wildly beautiful.

As I got my life sorted, Armando texted me asking when I’d come back, an invitation of sorts. I immediately schemed a plan for when I had a new set of wheels. Then COVID hit and the trip was delayed. But always staying in touch with Armando, sending photos and catching up. The year after, Cooper couldn’t take enough time off work. But I had to go. I had to thank the man that showed me kindness during my lowest low. The man that reinvigorated my soul with adventure.

And so I did. I traveled down the Baja again to meet Armando and his family. We ate oysters, watched the local baseball game, and danced to Norteño music. It was everything I had dreamt. But something was missing: Cooper. The circle was still broken.

Yeah, the Baja is fun.

This March, after five years of talk, Cooper and I, along with a friend named Tyrus, crossed the Tijuana border with surfboards stacked on his Subaru Forester. Cooper and I even took Spanish lessons for this moment so that we could properly thank Armando. Memories flooded in as those familiar cacti flew passed the window. Cooper shared his memory of a Mexican Coca Cola bottle flipping in slow motion through the cab as the car turned end over end. I opened up about some tears I held back after the accident while on a call with my Dad. We both remember how lucky we got. Lucky to be alive, and even luckier to have made a friend out of it.

As we made our way south to Armando, we chased waves – the only way to travel in Baja. After surfing, we’d sleep under the stars. Then we’d keep on south to the next wave, trying to stay off the highway as much as possible, but always moving closer to Armando.

Eventually, we arrived at the southern most point of the trip, Armando’s home. My third time here and the town was as familiar as ever, no directions needed. We pulled up to his ranch-style home and embraced. Without wasting time, the grill was hot and chairs set in the sandy yard.

Finally, the prophecy foretold. Armando’s brother-in-law parked in the driveway and dropped a box of a hundred oysters next to the grill. Five years earlier, while Cooper and I were sitting in the back seat of his Ford F-150 talking about the delicious oysters in Baja, we said, “one day we’ll come back and we’ll all eat oysters together.”

Wish you were here.

My Spanish improves each year, so each visit has been new in its own way. I understand more, I talk more, I connect with Armando and his family, and the conversation gets more complex. But these aren’t complex matters; it’s all quite simple. There’s a big sign one block from Armando’s home that sums it up better than I could: “There are a lot of small people, in small places, doing small things, that can change the world.”

“Hay mucha gente pequeña, en lugares pequeños, haciendo cosas pequeñas, que puedan cambiar el mundo.”

Armando, a local Mexican teacher, drove past a car wreck on his way home from school and just pulled over to see how he could help out. That’s the short version. Sometimes, I guess, it doesn’t take too much to change someone else’s world.

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The grand tour: one for the road preview – the best saved for last.

Big spoiler alert : We’re fresh from watching an hour-long preview version of the final episode of The Grand Tour . Many spoilers ahead, so leave immediately if you don’t want to know anything yet. However, we won’t tell you how it ends.

It’s 22 years since Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and, err… Jason Dawe rebooted Top Gear . And 21 since James May would replace Dawe to complete the trio.

Going back to watch those very early Top Gear episodes today is a bit of a strange experience. There’s an element of entertainment, but it’s all very magazine-style, led by three middle-aged men who clearly work well together, but the chemistry doesn’t feel electric.

Watching that, it’s even stranger knowing just what it would become. Watching these three middle-aged men grow into old men, and along the way becoming the most iconic trio in all of motoring, possibly all of television. Watching the plucky British TV motoring show evolve into a global entertainment phenomenon

Now, 21 years later, the end is here. 22 series of Top Gear, three series of The Grand Tour, 23 specials, one May purple striped shirt, two near-fatal Hammond crashes, utterly countless shouts of ‘POWER’ from Clarkson later, the end is here.

While it almost looked like it would all be over unceremoniously in 2015, the trio are ending it in 2024. Best of all, they’re ending it on their terms.

Yet, in those 22 years, some things just don’t change. It all starts with the usual call from Mr Wilman, directing each of them to turn up at South Mimms Services just north of London in their chosen electric cars. Only they’re in Zimbabwe, and very much not in electric cars.

Unlike every other special before it though, there’s no elaborate premise, there’s no point trying to be made or some grand feat they’re particularly aiming to conquer. They’re in Zimbabwe because they just wanted to be, and the choice of cars is simply stuff they’ve always wanted.

It turns out that means a Lancia Montecarlo for Jeremy, a Ford Capri GXL (not a GT) for Richard, and a Triumph Stag for James. There’s a real last-day-of-school feel of things off the bat. The aim of the trip? Drive from the east side of the country to the west, as simple as that.

From the get-go, this feels like the purest special they’ve done in a long, long time. It’s all the better for it, too. The emphasis of the show is firmly on the trio, the cars and the country merely serve as props for us to experience them being them for one trip. That delightfully never really changes.

It’s not without some scripted dicking around. One particular moment comes when, in his ‘absence’, Wilman sends along the usual backup car in case one of the trio breaks down. In a nod to the original Botswana special, this is a VW New Beetle. It’s immediately faced with a rather spectacular ending, thanks to a comically elaborate setup. We won’t spoil it, but it feels a bit like the show is making fun of itself.

It goes back on one particular tradition though, which really does hit home the sense that this is ending. At one stage, a fuel line on Hammond’s Capri dislodges itself, which, shock-horror, May chooses to help him fix. Clarkson even hangs around for it. A grown man could cry.

This hour-long preview only offered a highlight of the content that will come in Friday’s full release, which I’m led to believe comfortably tips the two-hour mark. But the purity of this special shines through – this is Clarkson, Hammond and May being just them. It’s shaping up to be the best piece of content they’ve produced in The Grand Tour era in my opinion, and they’ve saved it for last.

It’s a nugget of content that alone reaffirms the fact they’re the best to have ever done it, and the best that ever will do it.

Amazon will try and take the show in a new direction, and there’s no doubt some other motoring-focused TV series will emerge in the future. Those could be very good, but they’ll be eternally compared to the original three. There’s no escaping that, and I don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing.

Oh, and the ending. I’m not going to give you the details, because you simply need to experience it for yourself, but make sure there’s a few tissues close by for those tears. I’ll give you a hint, though – look at the country bordering to the west of Zimbabwe.

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7 Days in Southern Spain: The Perfect Road Trip Itinerary

Are you planning a road trip through Southern Spain?

Whether you’re looking for hidden gems or want to cover the main highlights, I have you covered!

I’ve been living in Southern Spain since 2020 , so I’ve had plenty of time to explore all the beautiful destinations, savor the local flavors, and uncover the best stops along the way.

I know it can feel overwhelming to plan a road trip that would capture the essence of Andalucía, from Moorish architecture in Granada to the beaches of the Costa del Sol. But don’t worry—this itinerary will save you time and ensure you don’t miss a thing.

Ready to hit the road?

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links – if you decide to book using one of the links, I will earn a small commission that helps me run this site. This is at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

How Much Time Do I Need For Southern Spain?

Southern Spain, particularly the region of Andalusia, is full of historical cities, picturesque villages, and places with breathtaking natural beauty.

To fully appreciate what Southern Spain has to offer, I recommend staying for at least 7 days to cover the main highlights .

Seven days allows you to visit main destinations and attractions without rushing from one place to the next, and you will also have plenty of time to chill and relax.

If you’re considering staying a little longer, I have also offered some additional places to explore for each of the destinations on this itinerary.

Best Time to Visit Southern Spain

The best time to start your Southern Spain road trip is during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) .

The weather is pleasantly warm during these seasons, so it’s ideal for exploring the cities and villages without the heat and crowds you would experience in the summer months. Summer is Spain’s main holiday season, and most of the activity is focused on the coastline of Costa del Sol.

The inland cities are very hot in the summer months, and most of the locals leave to stay in the seaside apartments. If you’re booking accommodation in places like Seville or Cordoba in summer, you might notice is much more affordable, and that’s because it’s very hot in there.

Spring is wonderful as the landscape is lush, and the cities host local festivals.

nasrid palace gardens alhambra granada spain

Road Trip Itinerary Overview

This 7-day road trip will cover the key highlights and will include the most iconic locations in Southern Spain.

Each day is carefully planned to ensure a balance of sightseeing, relaxation, and a chance to get to know the Spanish culture.

You’ll begin in Seville, the heart of Andalusia, and make your way through historic cities and charming villages, concluding your journey on the sun-soaked beaches of Costa del Sol.

Airports in Southern Spain

To plan your trip, I recommend booking your flights to and from Malaga Costa del Sol airport (AGP), which is the main travel hub for travelers from Europe and beyond.

Alternatively, if you’re coming from outside of Europe, Madrid airport (Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport IATA: MAD, ICAO: LEMD) is a great option with connecting flights to the US and also Asia.

The drive from Malaga to Seville takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, and from Madrid to Seville, approximately 5 hours. If you arrive late at night, both airports have hotels conveniently located for overnight stays.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Seville

Your journey begins in Seville, the capital of the autonomous region of Andalusia.

There is a lot to see in Seville, but to cover the main highlights, you can focus on three main places of interest. I recommend staying in Seville overnight and heading out to Cordoba in the morning.

Royal Alcazar of Seville

This stunning royal palace was built in a blend of Mudéjar, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Originally built as a Moorish fortress, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for its intricate tilework, lush gardens, and historic significance. Check more photos here .

Time For Visit : 2 hours

Tickets : Get your tickets here with audio guide included , or book a guided tour here .

Seville Cathedral & Giralda Tower

The largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous not only due to its size, but also because it is the home of the tomb of Christopher Columbus. The Giralda Tower , originally a minaret, offers spectacular views of the city and is an iconic symbol of Seville.

Time for Visit: 1 – 1.5 hours

Seville: Cathedral, Giralda, and Royal Alcázar Guided Tour

Barrio santa cruz.

This charming old Jewish quarter of Seville is known for its narrow, winding streets and beautiful squares bursting with flowers and historical buildings. Take a lazy stroll through this old town and stop in the local bars to taste the tapas selection.

If You Have More Time

If you want to extend the time you spend in Seville, there are quite a few stunning places and palaces you shouldn’t miss out on! Check out the articles below to read the full guide!

Plaza de Espana (famous square in Seville)
Casa de Pilatos (must see movie location)
Palacio de las Dueñas (stunning example of Andalusian architecture)
Casa de Salinas (private residence and a stunning palace)
Palacio De La Condesa De Lebrija (cool palace with ancient mosaics)

Where to Eat in Seville

For an authentic dining experience and tapas, head to Universal People Bar , a short walk away from the Church of El Salvador .

El Pinton Restaurante is another great option in Seville, offering contemporary twists on traditional dishes.

Where to Stay in Seville

One of my favourite places is Hotel Casa 1800 and they have a hotel right on the main street leading to the Cathedral. I think you will love the location.

For a truly luxurious experience, Hotel Alfonso XIII is a historic five-star property located near Seville’s major landmarks, including the Alcázar and Cathedral.

For a more modern and stylish option, EME Catedral Hotel provides chic rooms with a rooftop pool and stunning views of the Giralda Tower. If you prefer a boutique stay, Corral del Rey in the Alfalfa district offers a blend of traditional Andalusian design with modern amenities.

Day 2: Seville to Córdoba

Distance : 140 km

Drive Duration : 1.5 hours

On day two, drive to Córdoba, a city renowned for its impressive Moorish architecture and the most important monument – the Mosque Cathedral of Cordoba .

The Mosque of Córdoba is a UNESCO World Heritage site known as a mix of two different religions, being home to an Islamic mosque and a Christian cathedral. It’s one of the most impressive religious buildings you’ll ever see, and definitely a bucket list destination.

You will need approximately two hours for your visit, and you can get tickets with the audio guide here . Alternatively, you can check the option below, which also includes a tour of the other attractions.

After the Mezequita, I recommend a short walk through the old town (Juderia de Córdoba) and heading out towards Bario San Basilio, where you will find the pretty flower-filled patios. They are not all open to the public (only during the patio festival in May), but some can be visited for a small fee – you can check it out here .

After the walk, I highly recommend exploring the Alcazar of Córdoba , which is right next to Bario San Basilio. The gardens are stunning!

Jewish Quarter, Synagogue, Mosque, and Alcázar Tour

If you want to explore a bit more, here are some other options in Córdoba:

Palacio de Viana – beautiful historical palace with gorgeous gardens
La Casa Andalusí – a little hidden gem in the Juderia
Bullfighting Museum – learn more about the history of bullfighting

Where to Eat in Córdoba

Taberna Patio de la Juderia is a great flamenco option located just north of the Mezquita, set in a traditional home dating back to the 18 th century.

Alternatively, Casa Pepe de la Judería offers delicious dishes in a beautiful setting – this award winning restaurant is a good option for an intimate meal.

Where to Stay in Córdoba

For convenient access to all the attractions, I recommend staying in the old town (Juderia), from where you can easily walk everywhere. Most of the hotels will charge an extra fee for parking, so make sure to check the details before booking.

Which places are worth considering?

For a luxurious experience, Hotel Hospes Palacio del Bailío is a restored 16th-century palace that combines modern amenities with historic elegance. If you’re looking for a boutique option, Las Casas de la Judería offers a unique stay in a series of connected traditional Andalusian houses with beautiful courtyards.

Eurostars Conquistador is ideal for those wanting proximity to the famous Mezquita, providing comfort and a perfect location.

Day 3: Córdoba to Granada

Distance : 207 km

Drive Duration : 2 hrs 10 mins

Your next destination is Granada, home to the world-famous Alhambra, a sprawling palace and fortress complex with breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Granada is my favourite place in Southern Spain, and if you can, I highly recommend extending your stay in this city to explore beyond the main sights and attractions.

Before planning your trip, it’s essential to book your tickets to Alhambra in advance, they tend to sell out very fast, even outside of the main tourist season. Alhambra consists of four main parts – the main Nasrid palace with gardens, the Alcazaba fortress , the Palace of Charles V and finally the beautiful Generalife Gardens . You will need at least half a day to explore them all.

In the afternoon and early evening, wander through the Albayzín neighborhood, known for its narrow, winding streets and stunning views of the Alhambra. I also recommend booking a local flamenco show in one of the caves in Sacromonte, I really liked this show (see my photos here ).

Granada: Alhambra and Nasrid Palaces Entry Ticket

generalife gardens of alhambra in granada spain

Where to Eat in Granada

Granada is famous for its free tapas served with every drink, one of a very few places in Andalusia which still keeps this old tradition.

Head to Restaurant Mirador de Morayama if you want a traditional Carmen experience with Alhambra views – Carmens are traditional gardens in Granada with beautiful setting and views. Check my photos here .

For the best views, I recommend Restaurante El Huerto Juan de Ranas , which is just below Mirador San Nicolas. It is a little more expensive, but the views are the best in Granada and food was fabulous too!

I’ve been to Granada six times already and on every visit discover new beautiful places, here are just some of my favourites:

Sacromonte Abbey
Sacromonte Caves Museum
Carmen de los Martires (short walk from Alhambra)
Science Museum of Granada
Basilica San Juan de Dios
La Cartuja Monastery

Where to Stay in Granada

Granada offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from charming boutique hotels to luxury stays with breathtaking views of the iconic Alhambra.

For an unforgettable experience, consider Parador de Granada , a historic hotel which is set within the Alhambra complex itself, offering stunning views and a beautiful atmosphere. Hotel Alhambra Palace also boasts incredible views, combining elegance with Moorish architecture. For a more boutique option, Casa 1800 Granada ( where I also stayed ) provides a cozy atmosphere near the city center, just a short walk from the Alhambra.

For budget-friendly options, you can check the Albaicin area for the best value apartment rentals, many with beautiful views! My favourite go to place is Lime Home Apartments (I stayed there twice, check photos here and here ).

Day 4: Granada to Ronda

Distance : 179 km

Drive Time: 2 hours

On day four, head out in the morning and drive to the dramatic cliffside town of Ronda, in the heart of Andalusia.

Ronda is a beautiful traditional Andalusian town with a dramatic location, sitting on the edge of an El Tajo gorge, which cuts the town in half. The famous bridge of Puente Nuevo connects the two parts of the town and serves as the main attraction.

Ronda has a long history of bullfighting, so don’t forget to explore the historic Plaza de Toros , one of Spain’s oldest bullrings. There is also a small museum dedicated to the history of bullfighting. Visit the Mondragón Palace for insights into the town’s Moorish past and also don’t miss the Arab Baths , well-preserved ruins from the 13th century.

Enjoy the rest of the afternoon sipping a glass of wine and enjoying a dinner with a view of the gorge or the beautiful countryside of Ronda.

Ronda: Guided Walking Tour

Where to Eat in Ronda

For lunch, try Tragata Restaurant , a highly recommended spot for delicious tapas.

In the evening, enjoy a meal at Restaurante Santa Pola , which offers traditional Andalusian dishes and great views.

If you have some time left in the afternoon, I highly recommend a trip to Setenil de las Bodegas . This small village is famous for homes carved into rocks, and huge cliffs just hanging over the streets. It’s a sight you shouldn’t miss! Setenil is only about 20 minute’s drive from Ronda.

Where to Stay in Ronda

For a luxurious stay, consider Parador de Ronda , offering breathtaking views of the El Tajo gorge.

If you’re looking for boutique charm, you can try Hotel Montelirio , known for its historic architecture and cozy atmosphere. For budget-conscious, Hotel Ronda provides comfort in a central location. To experience the local countryside, consider staying at a rural guesthouse, such as La Perla Blanca , a peaceful retreat surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.

Day 5: Ronda to Marbella

Distance : 63 km

Drive Time: 1 hour

Marbella is a very popular holiday hotspot on Costa del Sol, favored by celebrities and locals alike.

It’s a place where you get a taste of everything – whether you prefer a traditional charming white village, flashy shopping district with a megayacht marina, or a beach destination with excellent beach clubs and nightlife – Marbella has it all.

Spend your morning by having a relaxing walk on the Paseo Maritimo promenade, head to Marbella old town for lunch and exploring (check out Farm Restaurant in old town ), and leave some time to explore the flashy district of Puerto Banus .

Where to Eat in Marbella

Marbella is one of the cities I visit very often, so I have a few favourite restaurants that I like to return to. You can check them out with photos here .

Marbella is one of the places that you can explore at a slow pace, and it doesn’t have that many attractions to tick off from your box.

If you fancy filling your time with more activities, I recommend a short 30-minute drive to visit the Bioparc in Fuengirola , check out the Sohail Castle , and stop for a drink in a chiringuito.

For those who prefer more outdoor experiences, you can hike the El Concha mountain or book some other outdoor experiences with a guide here:

Guadalmina River Guided Canyoing Adventure
Off Road Quad Bike Tour
Sunset Cruise from Puerto Banus

Where to Stay in Marbella

Here are some top hotel recommendations for your stay in Marbella:

Marbella Club Hotel : A luxurious beachfront resort offering elegant rooms, lush gardens, and a private beach. Perfect for a tranquil and high-end experience.

Puente Romano Beach Resort : Known for its Mediterranean-style village setting, this resort offers tennis courts, fine dining, and direct beach access. Popular with celebrities.

Amàre Beach Hotel Marbella : An adults-only beachfront hotel ideal for a modern, chic getaway with a rooftop bar and beach club.

Day 6: Pueblos Blancos

On day six, take a scenic drive back towards Malaga and visit two beautiful Pueblos Blancos on your way.

First up, just north in the hills above Marbella, you will find the beautiful villages of Ojen . A sleepy little town with one main attraction – caves with views! (see photos below)

You won’t need more than a couple of hours to explore Ojen , so stay for lunch on the main village square, and after that, head towards Mijas Pueblo.

In Mijas Pueblo , head straight to the heart of the town to explore the white-washed streets, pretty churches and squares with tapas restaurants. For the best views (see photo below), head to the park at the edge of the town, and for something a little different, check out the local bullring – unique in shape and said to be the smallest one in Spain!

After you tick off two of these beautiful towns, I recommend heading to Malaga to stay there overnight and explore the city the next day.

Where to Eat

In Ojen, all of the small restaurants on the main square by the church have a great selection of tapas at very reasonable prices.

In Mijas Pueblo, my go-to place is a small local cafe near the bullring called Blue Bike Cafe , loved by locals and tourists alike.

On your way to Malaga, you can stop in Fuengirola, which is just 15 minutes from Mijas Pueblo. Fuengirola has a beautiful beach promenade stretching over 7 km, so it’s a great place to take some time to chill on the beach.

The main attractions in the city are the Bioparc (like a zoo but better!) and the Sohail Castle.

Where to Stay in Malaga

Malaga has plenty of options for both luxury and also budget travelers. To save time on commuting, I recommend staying in the area of the old town, which will allow you to walk to all the main attractions.

For luxury, the Gran Hotel Miramar offers stunning beachfront views, a spa, and a rooftop pool (I stayed there myself, you can check my review here ). For a more boutique experience, Room Mate Valeria is centrally located near the port, blending style with comfort.

Budget travelers will appreciate Hotel Sur Málaga , a charming and affordable option in the heart of the city. For those looking to stay in the historic district, Molina Lario provides modern amenities with easy access to key attractions like the Alcazaba and Málaga Cathedral.

Day 7: Malaga

On your final day, leave some time to explore the coastal capital of Costa del Sol – Malaga.

If you stay in the old town, you can reach the main attractions – Alcazaba , Picasso Museum and Gibralfaro – easily on foot! Spend the rest of the day exploring the beautiful streets of Malaga old town and check out the most popular shopping street, Calle Larios, to get some souvenirs before you head back home.

Picasso Museum Tickets:

Where to Eat in Malaga

A few local favorites in Malaga include El Pimpi, Pez Lola and La Casa Lola. For other recommendations, I recommend this food and travel blog.

Renting a Car in Southern Spain

Now the most important question – where to rent a car and when?

First, I recommend that you secure your car rental as soon as you have your flights. Especially in the main holiday season, if you book it early, it will save you quite a bit of money.

To get the best deals on your car rental, you can contact local companies to get a quote, or you can use a price comparison site to find one.

Discover Cars is the one I recommend. It’s an award-winning car rental comparison site that will source deals and offers from local companies so you can find the perfect car for you in seconds.

The site is very easy to use, and you can use lots of different filters if you have specific requirements for the type of car you want. The small print details are clear and easy to see for each of the options, so you will be confident knowing how much are you paying and for what exactly.

A lot of companies will charge extra for GPS – you shouldn’t pay for it, it’s not necessary at all. If you don’t want to use your mobile data to navigate from your phone, I recommend installing an app called Waze, which is excellent for navigating local traffic and works without mobile data.

Practical Travel Tips for Driving in Spain

Spain is a safe country to drive in, and the roads are in very good condition, with clear signs everywhere.

Traffic drives on the right side of the road, and speed limits are listed in kilometers per hour.

In cities, be aware of narrow streets and pedestrian zones where traffic may be restricted. I personally always try to leave the car somewhere on the edge of the old town, for example and prefer walking as it is often much faster than navigating the traffic by car.

Another reason to consider the above is the fact that parking in the city center can be tricky, especially if you’re visiting smaller towns which do not have too many central parking facilities. Always check where you want to park before you’re heading out, and don’t count on finding a free spot on the streets.

Toll roads (autopistas) are common, especially on major highways, so keep some cash or a credit card handy. You can easily spot whether the road is a toll road if it has the letter P in it (as in ‘paid’). So A-7 is the free highway, but the AP-7 that runs alongside it is a toll road. If you want to calculate the cost of the toll for your trip, you can use this free toll calculator – it also estimates the cost of your petrol.

Fuel stations are widely available, but it’s a good idea to fill up before heading into rural areas. Lastly, always carry your driver’s license, passport, and car rental documents when driving.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed this Southern Spain road trip itinerary and found lots of ideas on how to plan your trip!

With this 7-day itinerary, you’ll be able to explore Andalusia’s most iconic cities and landscapes while enjoying the freedom and flexibility of having your own car.

Whether you’re marveling at the Alhambra in Granada, savoring tapas in Seville, or relaxing on the beaches of the Costa del Sol, this trip will definitely be an unforgettable adventure.

Save This for Later

Want to get back to your planning later? Save these images in your Pinterest account so you can find them later.

While there, don’t forget to follow my account here for more inspiration for everything related to Southern Spain!

southern spain road trip itinerary travel guide 2

Hi, I'm Lucia

At Viva La Vita, I will help you to discover Southern Spain like a local!

I've been living on Costa del Sol since 2020, and fill these pages with first-hand insights, personal experience and practical tips that will help you plan a wonderful trip to Spain. Make yourself at home and find the best places to explore in Andalusia and beyond.

Chellaston road blocked for three hours after triple-car crash

All three emergency services attended as drivers faced delays

Updated 17:41, 10 SEP 2024

A photo showing the scene of this lunchtime's collision

Emergency services were called to a traffic collision in a Derby suburb this afternoon (Tuesday, September 10). The incident, which happened at around 1.30pm, took place in Derby Road at Chellaston, close to Sutton Avenue.

The road was closed initially while police, fire and ambulance attended to the incident, which involved three cars. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) said that they were called at around 1.30pm by EMAS (East Midlands Ambulance Service) to assist.

Derbyshire police also confirmed the situation at the time, saying: "Emergency services are currently dealing with a collision in Derby Road, Chellaston. We were called to the collision just before 1.30pm on Tuesday 10 September. The road is blocked while the incident is being dealt with."

The cars were recovered by the end of the afternoon but nothing is known yet about the condition of anyone involved.

This was a live breaking news situation and we brought you the updates below as they happened:

Join us on WhatsApp 15:27

That concludes our live coverage of this incident

As Derbyshire police have said they are unlikely to have any more information about this incident this evening, we will end our live coverage.

Our thoughts are with those people involved in the collision and we wish them well.

Thank you for staying with us while we brought you this afternoon's live coverage.

Join us on WhatsApp to get the latest news straight to your phone

Cars have been recovered

Derbyshire police have confirmed that the cars involved in the incident have now been recovered.

There still appears to be heavy traffic in the area though looking at AA Traffic News.

A police spokesman says there is still no further news about the condition of the people in the cars at this stage.

This is what the police said earlier

Derbyshire police have said they will update Derbyshire Live as soon as they are able but in the meantime issued this earlier:

A spokesman said: "Emergency services are currently dealing with a collision in Derby Road, Chellaston. We were called to the collision just before 1.30pm on Tuesday, 10 September.

The road is blocked while the incident is being dealt with.

Police have been directing traffic

Traffic has been able to get past the scene of the incident, allowing it to keep moving - albeit slowly.

Police are directing vehicles, allowing just one past at a time from alternate directions.

It is a busy road at the best of times, so maybe avoid the area if you can.

Traffic still very busy

AA Traffic News is still reporting that there is some congestion on Derby Road in Chellaston, south of Shelton Lock.

Drebyshire Live is still waiting to receive a statement on the incident from Derbyshire police.

Join us on WhatsApp

If you want to get the latest headlines first, then why not join us on WhatsApp?

For the headlines from Derbyshire, click here.

If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice: https://bit.ly/41EZjzx

Congestion in the area of the incident

This image from AA Traffic News shows congestion in Derby Road this afternoon.

Traffic is either very slow or stopped altogether in parts. Drivers should try to find an alternative route for the time being.

What we know so far about the incident

All three main emergency services have been called to Derby Road in Chellaston this afternoon following what appears to be a three-car collision.

A fire engine from Ascot Drive has attended, following a request from EMAS.

Derbyshire police have said they will be able to provide more information about the situation in a short while.

Meanwhile the road remains closed to traffic and drivers are warned to avoid the area if possible.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service
Emergency Services
Traffic and Travel
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Civic Hatchback

The Hatchback: 2024 Honda Civic Hatch

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The Minivan: 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid

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The Full-Size SUV: 2023 Cadillac Escalade

The Grand Tourer: 2024 Lexus LC Hybrid

The Luxury Sedan: 2024 Audi S8

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For going greener

Toyota Prius

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