Banner image – Ford Mustang – Credit: David Newhardt/Newspress
Cars are more than just a means of transportation. They can offer us freedom, opening up a world of adventure and helping us create treasured memories. And nowhere is this more true than on a road trip.
When it comes to travel, cheap flights can be convenient, but they also have some drawbacks. When you’re thousands of feet in the air, you can’t just stop off wherever you like – such as a scenic viewpoint or picturesque village. For that kind of freedom and flexibility, it’s best to jump in the car and hit the open road.
But you don’t have to leave the country (or even your county) to enjoy a road trip. Sometimes, short drives along rural roads can be just as fulfilling as epic adventures.
Whatever kind of road trip you enjoy, there are plenty of vehicles that can help you get the most out of them. Below, we list 10 of the best cars for road trips.
1. Alfa Romeo Giulia
Alfa Romeo has always made great saloons that are perfect for road trips. Not only are they great to drive but there’s plenty of interior space – including boot space. Admittedly, they don’t have the best reputation reliability-wise. However, anyone who’s owned one will tell you that the flaws are an endearing part of an Alfa’s character.
The Alfa 159 remains one of the best pieces of modern car design, and it drives really well too. However, if you want to experience road-tripping in something newer with character, comfort, and plenty of boot space for holiday luggage, the Giulia fits the bill.
2. BMW 330d Touring
Many see the BMW 330d Touring as just an estate car, a load-lugger for school runs or trips to Costco. But we disagree. In fact, we think it’s one of the best road trip cars on the planet.
The BMW 330d Touring has loads of space, which is perfect for throwing a tent or lots of bags in the back. It gobbles up miles effortlessly and does so without needing to refuel constantly.
“But it’s a diesel,” I hear you say. Yes, it is, and you could have a 330i petrol or 330e plug-in hybrid instead. However, considering that you can leave your house and be in central Europe without stopping to refuel, the diesel can seem like a no-brainer.
The 3 Series Touring is comfortable and spacious. Plus, there are plenty available on the used market to suit all budgets and personalities.
3. Ford Mustang
What is it about American cars and road trips? When we hear the word ‘Mustang’, many of us imagine cruising along Route 66 with the wind in our hair and not a care in the world. But whether you’re driving along the A6 or Route 66, a classic Mustang is one of the ultimate road trip cars.
You don’t have to choose a classic model though. Ford still makes the Mustang, so you can grab a new one and drive off into the sunset. But if you’re going to buy an older one, we suggest avoiding some of the 1980s and ‘90s models, as they aren’t as fun or reliable. And, if you want that classic V8 feel, you might also want to stay clear of the modern EcoBoost variety.
4. Land Rover Discovery Sport
Road trips don’t always mean tarmac roads. So what if you want to experience an off-the-beaten-track adventure?
For many, the go-to choice for this kind of road trip is either a Range Rover or Mercedes-Benz G-Class. However, these are quite expensive and the Range Rover doesn’t have the best reputation for reliability these days.
With this in mind, why not consider the Discovery Sport? It has the looks, space for up to seven, and all the tech for streaming your favourite road trip playlist. Plus, it’s a Land Rover, so going off-road is in its DNA and it has all the clever technology to make it seem easy.
5. Mazda MX-5
We featured the Mazda MX-5 in our list of the best value sports cars – both the current model and the previous generations. That’s because it can make you smile whether you’re running an errand or tackling the great NC500 route in Scotland.
It’s easy to drive and putting the roof down is simple. While it only has space for two – meaning large group road trips are off the table – it’s a great choice for those who want nothing but the open road ahead of them. No matter if you’re heading to a friend’s, embarking on an adventure across Europe, or just hitting the road to de-stress after work, the Mazda MX-5 will always remind you that driving can be fun.
6. Mercedes SL
The Mercedes-Benz SL has been around since the days of the 300SL Gullwing in the 1960s. But we aren’t suggesting you spend thousands, or even millions, on one of those. The SL has stayed in production through the decades because it’s a great car, with plenty of comfort and luxury. Not to mention its ability to waft along long stretches of motorway or deliver sports car-like handling on twisty rural roads.
It’s a Merc, so it’s generally reliable, with plenty of luggage space and comfy, armchair-like seats. Drop the roof in a classic model and you’ll feel like a movie star or Bobby Ewing in Dallas.
As we said, Mercedes still makes the SL, but today it’s more about tech than just the love of the drive – not that you’ll feel short-changed if you splash out on a modern version. Prices range from just a grand for an early 2000s model to over a hundred thousand for a new one. But if you can find a well-looked-after SL, we’re confident you’ll love the memories you make with it.
7. Porsche 911
For many, the Porsche 911 is probably the greatest road trip car of all time – and probably the greatest sports car too. Whether you’re looking at a 20-year-old model for 10 grand or a brand new one for a hundred, every drive in a 911 is an experience.
It’s easy to overlook a car like this in favour of something more practical, but, as far as sports cars go, the 911 is one of the most practical around. It’s comfortable, with little seats in the back and well-thought-out luggage space. Provided nothing major goes wrong, they don’t cost that much to run either.
Whether it’s a quick trip along Welsh back roads, a jaunt up to Scotland, or cruising across Europe, the 911 won’t disappoint.
8. Tesla Model 3
While electric cars aren’t for everyone, it’s difficult to fault the Tesla Model 3 for its overall ownership experience. They also have plenty of chargers around the UK and Europe, making it tempting for long-distance adventures.
But it’s not just about the convenience: the Model 3 has great interior space, is made from good quality materials, and, for the most part, is a joy to drive.
What’s more, potential buyers can choose between a long-range or performance model, so no matter what you’d like out of your road trip, the Model 3 has you covered. Because it’s electric, you might find yourself saving money on fuel too.
There are lots of used Model 3s on the market right now, with prices dropping to as little as £20K.
9. Volkswagen Multivan
The Volkswagen Multivan isn’t going to win any awards for dynamic driving, but you can’t beat it for covering long distances with friends, family, and all their stuff. Available as a plug-in hybrid, it’s remarkably efficient on big journeys, and with excellent visibility from its large windows, everyone gets a good view of the landscape.
The seats can be moved around for more passengers or luggage space, and it has all the latest tech and comfort features. If you’re looking for something a bit older in the used market, why not consider the Caravelle instead, with plenty available to suit all budgets?
10. Volvo XC90
A sports utility vehicle (SUV) might seem like the obvious road trip car. After all, they have lots of space, plenty of tech, and are generally very comfortable to ride in. However, unless you’re talking about a Porsche Cayenne or Range Rover Sport, they usually aren’t much fun on great roads.
While the Land Rover Discovery Sport delivers the spirit of adventure, we’ve chosen the Volvo XC90 as a luxurious option – ideally the T8 Recharge hybrid version. Not only is it one of the safest cars in the world, but it also has a really smooth, torquey engine that ticks all the boxes when it comes to efficiency and performance.
The Volvo XC90 has seven seats (or lots of boot space if you only have a few passengers) and floats along like a luxury limo when you just want to take in the sights. If it’s long-distance road trips you’re after, the Volvo will always make sure you enjoy the drive and arrive feeling like you’ve just popped down the road.
Final thoughts…
Of course, what car you choose isn’t what makes a great road trip. Setting off on the open road is all about exploring new places and making treasured memories. So whether you’re taking the vehicle you already own or a rental car, road trips are the perfect chance to get a taste of adventure.
That said, if you’re looking to purchase a new car and like (or would like) to take it on road trips, we hope this list has been helpful.
All our choices are available with various engines and equipment, and you should be able to find a price to suit you in the used market. They also all offer something different, and we’ve picked them because they aren’t purely road trip cars, but ones you can live with every day.
After all, that’s what a great road trip car should be: one that’s just as suited to popping to the shops as it is on an epic journey. So you can set off on an adventure on the turn of a dime, and experience the unique mix of freedom, independence, and spontaneity that only a road trip can bring.
For more car content, why not visit our motoring section? Here, you’ll find a range of content, such as; 10 of the best small, reliable cars for 2024 and 11 ways to keep fuel costs down.
Are you a fan of road-tripping? If so, do you have any suggestions to add to this list? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.