9 Best Used Road Trip Cars in 2024

Nothing beats the freedom and adventure of hitting the open road for a long trip. Whether you're cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway, exploring national parks, or navigating the heartland of the United States, the vehicle you drive can make or break your road trip experience. The best used road trip cars offer a blend of comfort, fuel efficiency, reliability, and technology—all at an affordable price. By opting for a used car for your family, you can save on the initial cost without sacrificing the key features that make road trips enjoyable.

In this guide, we’ll explore nine of the best used cars for road trip, focusing on vehicles that are perfect for long drives across the U.S. Whether you need something spacious for a family or something compact for a solo journey, we’ve got you covered.

Car Model	Engine Options	Fuel Efficiency (MPG)	Seating Capacity	Cargo Space (cu. ft.)	Towing Capacity
Subaru Outback	2.5L 4-cylinder or 2.4L turbo	26 city / 33 highway	5	32.5 (75.7 with seats down)	2,700 lbs
Toyota Highlander	3.5L V6	20 city / 27 highway	8	16 (84.3 with seats down)	5,000 lbs
Honda CR-V	1.5L Turbocharged 4-cylinder	28 city / 34 highway	5	39.2 (75.8 with seats down)	1,500 lbs
Ford Explorer	2.3L EcoBoost or 3.0L V6	21 city / 28 highway	7	18.2 (87.8 with seats down)	5,600 lbs
Mazda CX-5	2.5L 4-cylinder	25 city / 31 highway	5	30.9	2,000 lbs
Jeep Grand Cherokee	3.6L V6 or 5.7L V8	19 city / 26 highway	5	36.3	7,200 lbs
Chevrolet Traverse	3.6L V6	18 city / 27 highway	8	23 (98.2 with seats down)	5,000 lbs
Toyota Prius	1.8L 4-cylinder Hybrid	58 city / 53 highway	5	24.6	N/A
Ford Mustang	2.3L Turbocharged 4-cylinder or 5.0L V8	21 city / 30 highway	4	13.5	1,000 lbs

9 Best Used Road Trip Cars

1. Subaru Outback

When it comes to road trips, especially ones that take you off the beaten path, the Subaru Outback is hard to beat. This rugged crossover SUV is designed for adventure, with an all-wheel-drive system that handles various terrains from mountain trails to desert highways. Whether you're headed to the Grand Canyon or the Rockies, the Outback provides the versatility and reliability you need for both off-road and highway driving.

Why it's great: The Subaru Outback is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. Its high ground clearance makes it ideal for rugged terrain, while its spacious interior ensures you can bring all your gear without sacrificing comfort.
Key features: All-wheel drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space (75.7 with seats folded), advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, and fuel efficiency of 26 MPG city / 33 MPG highway.

2. Toyota Highlander

For families or groups planning a road trip, the Toyota Highlander is one of the best options available. This midsize Toyota SUV offers plenty of space for passengers and luggage, making it a comfortable ride for long distances. Known for its reliability, the Highlander is a vehicle you can trust to take you across the country without any mechanical worries.

Why it's great: The Highlander is equipped with advanced safety features and provides a smooth, comfortable ride, making it ideal for long-distance road trips. Its third-row seating offers room for up to 8 passengers, making it perfect for large families.
Key features: Seating for up to 8, Toyota’s reputation for longevity and reliability, cargo space of 16 cubic feet (84.3 with seats folded), and fuel efficiency of 20 MPG city / 27 MPG highway.

Also Read: 7 Best Used Cars for Camping

3. Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is one of the most reliable and fuel-efficient compact SUVs available on the used car market. It's known for its spacious interior, smooth ride, and excellent fuel economy. If you’re planning a road trip that involves long stretches of highway driving, the CR-V’s comfort and features make it an excellent choice.

Why it's great: The Honda CR-V is the perfect mix of affordability, comfort, and reliability. It's well-suited for road trips, offering plenty of cargo space and one of the best fuel economies in its class.
Key features: Spacious interior, cargo space of 39.2 cubic feet (75.8 with seats folded), intuitive infotainment system, and fuel efficiency of 28 MPG city / 34 MPG highway.

4. Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer is a staple in the SUV market and one of the best used road trip cars for families who need extra space and power. The Explorer delivers a comfortable ride, a roomy interior, and excellent towing capability, making it a versatile choice for any adventure—from long road trips to hauling a camper or boat for a weekend escape.

Why it's great: With seating for up to 7 and ample cargo space, the Ford Explorer is a great choice for families who need both passenger and storage capacity for long road trips.
Key features: Powerful engine options, available all-wheel drive, towing capacity of up to 5,600 pounds, and fuel efficiency of 21 MPG city / 28 MPG highway.

5. Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 offers a luxurious feel at a reasonable price point. It stands out for its sharp handling, stylish design, and upscale interior, making it a great choice for those who want both comfort and performance on a long road trip.

Why it's great: The CX-5 offers excellent fuel economy for an SUV, and its interior rivals luxury brands in terms of fit and finish. It’s perfect for couples or small families looking for a compact yet comfortable road trip vehicle.
Key features: Sleek design, high-end materials, cargo space of 30.9 cubic feet, and fuel efficiency of 25 MPG city / 31 MPG highway.

6. Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is an iconic SUV that offers the perfect balance between off-road capability and on-road comfort. Whether you’re planning a road trip that involves national parks, desert trails, or simply city-to-city travel, the Grand Cherokee can handle it all.

Why it's great: The Grand Cherokee’s off-road capabilities make it a top choice for adventurous road trippers who want to explore rugged terrains without sacrificing comfort.
Key features: Available four-wheel drive, towing capacity up to 7,200 pounds, off-road systems like Selec-Terrain, and fuel efficiency of 19 MPG city / 26 MPG highway.

7. Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevrolet Traverse is a midsize SUV that offers one of the most spacious interiors in its class. It's perfect for families or groups who need extra space for luggage, camping gear, or sports equipment. Its ride is smooth and comfortable, making it a great choice for long highway drives.

Why it's great: The Traverse’s spaciousness and versatile seating arrangements make it perfect for road trips that require maximum cargo and passenger capacity.
Key features: Cargo space of 23 cubic feet (98.2 with seats down), seating for up to 8, and fuel efficiency of 18 MPG city / 27 MPG highway.

8. Toyota Prius

For those looking to maximize fuel efficiency, the Toyota Prius is the best used road trip car. Its hybrid engine delivers excellent fuel economy, allowing you to travel longer distances with fewer stops. The Prius also offers a surprisingly spacious interior for a compact car.

Why it's great: The Prius is ideal for long-distance travel, especially for those who prioritize reducing their carbon footprint. With its excellent fuel efficiency, you’ll spend less on gas and more on your trip experiences.
Key features: Hybrid engine with 58 MPG city / 53 MPG highway, spacious interior for a compact car, and advanced safety features.

9. Ford Mustang

For those seeking a more thrilling road trip experience, the Ford Mustang provides the perfect blend of power and style. Its strong engine options and sporty handling make it a great choice for scenic drives along iconic American highways like Route 66.

Why it's great: The Mustang is an exciting option for road trippers looking to enjoy the drive itself. Its sporty nature and iconic design make it one of the best used road trip cars for thrill-seekers.
Key features: Convertible option, powerful engine choices, and fuel efficiency of 21 MPG city / 30 MPG highway.

Conclusion

The best used road trip cars offer a mix of reliability, fuel efficiency, and comfort, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. Whether you need a family-friendly SUV like the Toyota Highlander or a fuel-efficient hybrid like the Toyota Prius, these vehicles are perfect for making the most of your next road trip. Opting for a used car allows you to enjoy the benefits of these features at a more affordable price, making it possible to plan even more road trips in the future.