When the time comes for a traditional American best cars for cross-country road trips, you’ll need a car that can transport you there safely and comfortably. We searched for cars with lots of room for passengers and their belongings, such as matching sets of baggage or backpacks. Some of these cars are suitable for transporting the entire family, while others are designed for romantic getaways. High safety ratings and an abundance of standard safety features were particularly crucial for long drives.
And despite how much we’d all like to run away carefree, rising gas prices are a fact of life. You’ll find quite a few hybrids on this list because fuel efficiency played a significant role in our decision-making. as well as an electric car.
Why these Cars are Important?
The Cross-country road trips cars are an American tradition, and they can be an adventure of a lifetime. But with the right car, they can be even better. A cross-country road trip is not all about the destination, it is also about the journey. That’s why it’s so important to invest in the right vehicle that will make your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible. If you’re planning on driving across the country, our review cars that will help ensure your adventure goes off without a hitch.
Things To Consider While Buying
For most drivers, the ideal car for a cross-country road trip are economical and fuel efficient. However, if you’re looking for better performance and more comfort, you may consider vehicles like the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry.
You’ll also want to factor in how much luggage you plan on bringing with you when deciding which car to buy. If you’re only going to be carrying one small bag, then an economy car will probably suffice.
But if you plan on taking along your large suitcase, then a sedan or hatchback is your best bet. Ultimately, it’s to consider these factors before making your decision so that you can purchase the right vehicle for your needs.
Here I’ll Show You The Top 7 Cars Perfect for a Cross Country Road Trip
However, certain vehicles are undoubtedly more suitable for a cross-country journey than others. We’ve compiled the top 7 best vehicles to take on cross-country road trips that are appropriate for various outings, from weekend trips to the highlands to cross-country journeys. The trip, the items you’ll be carrying, and whether you’re taking the whole family or just yourself must all be considered when choosing the right car.
1. Subaru Outback Wilderness
2. Ford Mustang Mach-E
3. Kia Carnival
4. Jeep Rubicon 4xe Wrangler Unlimited
5. Kia Telluride
6. Suburban Chevrolet
7. Volvo V90
1. Subaru Outback Wilderness
MSRP Starting At: $36,995
Since its introduction in 1996, the entry-level Outback has been a touring adventure vehicle. It blended the fuel efficiency and agility of a sedan with the storage space of an early crossover SUV, and it has since given hundreds of thousands of Americans pleasurable drives.
The Subaru Outback Wilderness trim level first appeared in 2022 the model year. When we initially looked at it, we kind of assumed it would be a tape-stripe-and-tire package that didn’t distinguish itself from the other Outback trims, but we were incorrect. Because of mechanical differences, the Outback Wilderness is more suited to all-around touring, especially if your itinerary includes some mild off-road travel.
The final drive ratio is numerically lower for the Outback Wilderness. The roof rack is made to support a static weight of 700 pounds, making it ideal for a tent and its occupants. For the Outback wilderness, Subaru has adjusted its Eyesight suite of cutting-edge safety technologies.
Safety Features of Suburban Chevrolet
- Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
- Height-adjustable passenger seat
- Multi-level heating passenger seat
- Reinforced Roof Rails
- Anti-Glare Hood Design
- Flexible Fold-Down Rear Seating
- Driver Assist Technology
- Anti-Glare Hood Design
- Ground Clearance with Front Skid Plate
- Improved Angles, and Enhanced X-MODE
- Pre-collision safety system
- Post-collision safety system
- Dual front side-mounted airbags
- Front and rear head airbags
2. Ford Mustang Mach-E
MSRP Starting At: $43,850
The Ford Mustang Mach-E has a range of at least 260 miles and can go up to 300 miles with the optional range extender. The Mustang Mach-E can operate quietly. The car has enough cargo space for all your belongings. Four people’s worth of bags for a week could fit in the back without any problems. That space increases to 59.7 cubic feet when the back seats are folded.
The brand-new Nissan Leaf has a 300-mile range on a single charge. The largest network in the nation with manufacturer backing is called Blue Oval Charge Network. In the United States, there are more than 19,000 charging terminals and over 19,500 charging stations, including DC Fast Chargers.
You may plot your route on the Ford Pass app and schedule charging stations along the way. In 45 minutes, a Level 3 charger can fully charge a car from 10% to 80%. The business also offers a battery with an enhanced range that can add up to 59 miles of range in just 10 minutes.
Advanced Technology Features of Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Powerful fast-charging capability
- 19-inch wheels
- Bang & Olufsen sound system
- Panoramic sunroof
- Power liftgate
- Standard automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning
- Standard blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Available adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Bang & Olufsen audio system.
3. Kia Carnival
MSRP Starting At: $32,300
Plug-in hybrid technology is added to the Chrysler Pacifica, but it only increases the all-electric range by roughly 20 miles. Both the Toyota Sienna and the Pacifica provide all-wheel drive (AWD), which has long been missing from the minivan market.
The most recent arrival into the vast minivan market is the Kia Carnival. The second row of SX Premium trim has the finest seats in the house, with completely reclined chairs. Bold “Tuscan Lumber” orange upholstery is among the interior colors.
The only attractive minivan on the market is the Kia Carnival. There are exterior features that are exclusive to this minivan. Additionally, it has just an inch less legroom than a Chevrolet Suburban but superior headroom.
Standard Features of Kia Carnival
- Dual-screen infotainment system with a digital gauge display
- Large center console
- Second-row seats that have pop-up footrests
- An 8.0-inch infotainment screen is standard
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control
- Lane-keeping assist
- Automatic high-beam headlamps
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Solar Control Glass Front Windshield
- Rear Spoiler w/ LED Taillight
- Driver Attention Warning w/ Leading Vehicle Departure Alert
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist w/ Pedestrian Detection
4. Jeep Rubicon 4xe Wrangler Unlimited
MSRP Starting At: $57,495
With the seats in place, the two-door Wrangler has a meager 12.9 cubic feet of room, which is just big enough for a few days’ worth’s of luggage. The distinction between this and the two-door Wrangler is the word “Unlimited.”
The word “Rubicon” in the trim name denotes that this trim is best for off-road driving. All Wranglers are better than most other cars at climbing rough hills and fording mud holes, but the Rubicon comes with a ton of accessories that you can’t get aftermarket. This is much more than just a cosmetic package thanks to features like push button sway bar disconnects and lockers, as well as front and rear Dana 44 axles.
The 4xe follows by using a button situated on the dash, this Wrangler’s plug-in hybrid system, which is pronounced “four-by-e,” also allows it to run entirely on electricity. In other words, you can use silent electric power to drive the Wrangler Rubicon 4xe in low range while taking advantage of the enormous torque provided by an electric motor.
You can travel roughly 20 miles on electric power while on the road or in town, covering all your local running distances without ever stopping at a gas station. We’ve driven the 4xe on a long 6.5-hour trip, and even though it’s not a Lincoln Town Car, it’s surprisingly enjoyable to drive on the highway.
Convenient Features of Jeep Rubicon 4xe Wrangler Unlimited
- Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
- Post-collision safety system
- Dual front side-mounted airbags
- Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
- Stability control
- Traction control
- Child seat anchors
- Rear door child safety locks
- 4-wheel ABS
- Front and rear ventilated disc brakes
- Emergency braking assist
- Tire pressure monitoring
- Dusk sensing headlamps
- Auto delay off headlamps
- Keyless ignition
- Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
- Audio and cruise controls on the steering wheel
- Power steering
- Rearview camera
5. Kia Telluride
MSRP Starting At: $31,999
Up to seven passengers can enjoy upscale transportation in the Kia Telluride, which was previously only available in vehicles of the Chevrolet Suburban/Lincoln Navigator class. Although the new Jeep Wagoneer is unquestionably a superb choice for such a journey, Telluride’s MSRP starts at over twice that amount.
You receive the same 291-hp V6 engine regardless of the Telluride you choose. Like any high-end SUV on the market, the seating is outstanding. The above-average gas mileage will be appreciated by you (20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway).
With a head-up display, an eight-inch touchscreen, USB ports for each outboard passenger, and a cutting-edge Kia Connect app that offers remote start, remote climate control, Find My Car, Rear Occupant Alert, and remote door lock and unlock, technology is on par with everything but the cutting-edge passenger-side screen in the Jeep Wagoneer.
Important Features of Kia Telluride
- 12.3-inch Touchscreen Display w/ Navigation, Kia Connect & SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
- Rear-View Monitor w/ Dynamic Parking Guidance
- Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™
- Smart Key w/ Push Button Start & Remote Start
- Dual-Zone Auto Climate Control w/ Rear Vents
- 9-Airbags including Rear Side Impact
- Auto Emergency Braking Technology w/ Pedestrian, Cyclist & Junction Turning Detection
- Blind Spot Detection Technology
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Lane Keeping & Following Assist Technology
- Safe Exit Assist
- Rear Occupant Alert w/ Ultrasonic Sensors
- LED Projector Headlights
- Syntex Seat Trim
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Rear Privacy Glass
- One-Touch Sliding & Folding 2nd-Row Seats
6. Suburban Chevrolet
MSRP Starting At: $51,700
With a travel trailer, three children, a dog, and everything else you could need to make the journey as memorable as possible before your children leave for college and their own exciting lives, you’ve been preparing a life-changing summer trip across the United States. The Chevrolet Suburban is the car you require.
There aren’t many cars that can tow 7,800 pounds behind them and comfortably transport eight people. It’s time to consider full-size pickup trucks with a fifth-wheel arrangement if you’re pulling a travel trailer larger than that. The Suburban’s enormous freight volume adds to its interest.
A good-sized armor might be brought back from your vacation if just the second row of seats is occupied. By folding the backmost seat up, you can create 76.7 cubic feet of space. Given its practicality, this vehicle is effectively a pickup truck with 121 cubic feet of capacity when all the seats are folded down.
The Suburban can transport eight people comfortably and 7,800 pounds behind it. If only the second row of seats is full, you might bring back a sizable armoire from your vacation. You can add 76.7 cubic feet of space by folding the backmost seat up.
Safety & Security Features of Kia Telluride
- Pre-collision safety system
- Post-collision safety system
- Dual front side-mounted airbags
- Front, rear, and third-row head airbags
- Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
- Stability control
- Traction control
- Child seat anchors
- Rear door child safety locks
- 4-wheel ABS
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- stability control system with brake assist
- Daytime Running Lamps, LED
- Front outboard Passenger Sensing System
- Forward Collision Alert
7. Volvo V90
MSRP Starting At: $56,200
Volvo’s V90 Cross Country is one of the most upscale station wagons on the market in the United States. A 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine with a turbocharger AND a supercharger may offer a highway fuel economy of up to 29 mpg and can hold 69 cubic feet of stuff.
It has a beautiful interior. You won’t mistake it for anything else in this class because it is sophisticated and not at all busy. Museum quality Linear Walnut with Blond upholstery. The Infotainment screen, which has been around for quite some time, is essentially the only component that needs an upgrade. Unlike many of its rivals in this price range (and below) the V90 still requires plugging it in.
It also has a towing capability that is almost as high as that of a midsize SUV. This is the wagon that looks the part among a few others made by manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz and Audi.
Advanced Safety Features of Volvo V90
- Blind spot information system (BLIS)
- Detects and corrects drifting
- Avoid collisions
- 360° parking view
- Reverse with confidence
- Help to cross oncoming traffic
- Front License Plate Bracket
- Metal-Look Grille w/Chrome Surround
- Power Liftgate Rear Cargo Access
- Tailgate/Rear Door Lock Included w/Power Door Locks
- Perimeter/Approach Lights
- LED Brake lights
- Headlights-Automatic High beams
- Manual Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column
- Power Rear Windows, Fixed 3rd Row Windows
- DSTC/RSC Electronic Stability Control (ESC) And Roll Stability Control (RSC)
Conclusion
If you’re thinking of taking a road trip across the country and you want to be sure that your car will get you there in style, comfort, and safety, then this guide will help you pick the right vehicle for your needs. In conclusion, these are the best cars for a cross country road trip. They will get you there in style and comfort and have all the features necessary to make your trip as effortless as possible.
FAQ
Q.1) Which are the Best Road Trip Cars Under $10000?
Chevy Silverado (1999-2007)
Toyota 4Runner (1995-2009)
Subaru Outback (2004-2014)
Isuzu Trooper (1992-2002)
Toyota Tacoma (1995-2004)
VW Vanagon Multivan (1979-1992)
Toyota Corolla (1998-2010)
Q.2) What do I require for a car for a cross-country road trip?
A countrywide and state-specific atlas.
Relevant paper road maps.
Guidebooks for destinations that you plan to explore in-depth.
Dashboard mount for your phone or a satellite GPS.
Portable chargers
Automotive manuals
Proper vehicle registration
Car insurance
Automotive fluids
Cleaning rags and supplies
Crowbar
Duct and electrical tape
Gallon of water
Gas canjacks
Q.3) How many miles a day should I drive cross country?
You must take a 45-minute break for every 4.5 hours of driving. For long-distance travel, this means you can safely run around 500 miles in a day. You should adjust this number based on your speed limit and the likelihood of other circumstances, such as toll roads, fatigue, and long traffic or pauses.
Q.4) Is it secure and safe to sleep in your car on a road trip?
Never leave your car running overnight. Leaving the engine running can cause dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning. Make a bed in the back seat: If you can, fold down the back seats of your car to make room for your bed. If not, sleep in the back seat.