A road trip is different from your everyday commute, and not just because of the distance. You need greater levels of comfort, fuel efficiency, and safety to really enjoy your road trip. So, does your car make the cut, or should you consider renting a vehicle for your big adventure? Ask yourself these questions to discover your best road trip vehicle.
1. What are your essential road trip needs?
The size and type of road trip vehicle depend on:
- Passengers: How many people are going on the road trip? Of course, the greater the number, the larger the vehicle. You don’t want to be cramped together for an extended drive—the road trip will become unbearable pretty fast.
- Cargo space: What do you plan to carry for the road trip? Think of camping gear, clothing, sporting equipment, road trip snacks, plus the souvenirs you’ll pick up on the way.
- Distance and duration: How far do you plan to drive for your road trip? A smaller vehicle is ideal for a short day trip, while a larger, more spacious vehicle works great for long drives.
2. Which type of vehicle do you prefer?
Once you figure out the factors above, it’s time to weigh the pros and cons of your preferred vehicle.
- A compact car is perfect for a solo road trip or with one partner. But it can get uncomfortable on a long journey, and may not have enough cargo space for large equipment.
- A sedan is great for small families or friends on the road, or for solo or couple road trips with extra gear.
- An SUV works for off-road adventures because of the all-wheel drive option and high ground clearance. But it may not be as fuel efficient or maneuverable in certain conditions.
- A minivan is perfect for group travel, plus the sliding doors are convenient if you plan to make many stops on the road trip. You can also fit plenty of gear and even sleep in it if you need to.
- An RV or campervan is the classic road trip vehicle, especially for extended trips. But the more amenities in the vehicle, the more it costs to rent it for a journey.
3. What’s your vehicle’s fuel efficiency?
You want to maximize the distance you can travel per gallon and minimize your environmental impact. Fuel efficiency is also important for your road trip because you may have limited refueling options on long-distance trips. Good fuel efficiency means you can drive farther and make it to the next pump. Verify your car’s MPG rating to optimize your fuel consumption.
Note: If you want to use a hybrid or electric vehicle for your road trip, prioritize charging stations in your road trip planner.
4. How comfortable is your vehicle?
If your current car meets the above criteria, ask yourself if you can bear driving it for long hours. Consider the legroom, adjustable seats, air conditioning, infotainment system, smartphone integration, etc. Your car becomes a second home on a road trip, so make sure you can live in it happily.
5. How safe is your vehicle?
When you’re out on the road, you want the peace of mind that comes from your car’s safety features. Things like your anti-lock braking (ABS) and automatic emergency braking (AEB), stability control system, and corrective steering features should be in top shape. Also, check your airbags and seatbelts work properly before you head out on your road trip.
6. How driveable is your vehicle?
Smaller cars maneuver better in urban areas and congested highways, while larger vehicles excel on rougher terrain. If you decide to rent a minivan or RV for your road trip, choose a few models and take them on a test drive to check the suspension, drivetrain options, and overall drivability.
7. How reliable is your vehicle?
Don’t take a road trip in a car that’s prone to breaking down easily or costs a fortune to repair. A road trip-worthy vehicle has a good reliability track record and known issues that are relatively easy to fix when you’re on your journey. The best thing to do is to go online and check the vehicle’s consumer reports and first-hand reviews before you make your choice. A routine maintenance should be enough to prepare the vehicle for your road trip and get you there and back safely.
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100 Road Trips 
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