The year is winding down, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t a great time to plan your next road trip. The cooler months have so much to offer around the country, and year-round road trips allow you to explore the different regions in a whole new light. Finding the right vehicle for long drives can make family or solo trips even more enjoyable, and if you’re looking for the best vehicle for your road trip, you’ve come to the right place!
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What to Look for in a Road Trip Vehicle
Your ideal road trip vehicle might look different than your neighbor’s. It all depends on what types of road trips you like – family adventures, camping excursions, and sightseeing trips might all call for a different type of ride. However, they’ll all have a few things in common in terms of what to look for.
Size & Cargo
Packing for a cross-country drive is no easy task. It doesn’t hurt to be prepared for anything, and whether you’re car camping or trying to fit the whole family, you’ll want plenty of space for everyone – and everything. Look for a vehicle with adaptable seating, like the three-row Nissan Pathfinder or Honda Pilot. The back rows can easily fold down for extra storage, or keep them up to seat up to eight passengers. You can also look for built-in or add-on accessories like a roof rack or cargo organizer to keep things out of the way.
Comfort
Don’t underestimate the power of a comfortable seat when you’re on a cross-country trek. Features like leg room and heated seats to keep the whole crew nice and comfortable for the long-haul. Some vehicles, like the Hyundai Palisade, even have massaging seats for ultimate relaxation. Entertainment features like a Bluetooth-capable infotainment system will make the ride more enjoyable and give everyone a turn at setting the soundtrack for the drive.
Fuel Economy
Great fuel economy is a huge positive for both road trips and everyday life. Although you might think that large SUVs and fuel efficiency might not go hand in hand, there are now several hybrid and electric options that offer the best of both worlds. For example, the Outlander PHEV will get you a combined 64 MPG with convenient plug-in charging, while hybrid electric vehicles like the Kia Sorento Hybrid offer 35 MPG without the need to charge.
Driver Assist Features
If you’ve never used driver assist features, you’ll be amazed at how useful and convenient they are for both short and long drives. Once fatigue sets in, you’ll love how helpful features like lane keep assist and driver attention warnings can be. Just be sure you don’t rely on them too much; if you find yourself drifting too often, take a rest or switch drivers.
Plan Your Road Trip with Carnamic
The Carnamic team is here to help you find the road trip vehicle of your dreams! Visit one of our several Bay Area locations for personalized service and to test drive your next car, truck, SUV, or van today.
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