Summer has arrived! While our ideas of relaxation may all differ, I think there are a couple of things we can agree on. BBQs, pool days, and road trips all scream summer. Without these things, this season just would not feel complete. Road trips have always been a weakness & a true love of mine. When I was little I would curl up in the back of the car with a fresh book, as I got older I loved to hop in a car packed full of friends and hit the open road, and now as a mom, I can’t wait to pass this love down to my kiddos. If you can’t have one of these amazing campervans, here is a List of the 10 Best Road Trip Cars of 2020. As you plan for your summer adventures, keep in mind how important it is to find the right ride for you and your family.
Important Features for Road Trippin’
Before you dive into choosing a car, you might want to consider what features are really important to you! Obviously, a family with one kiddo winding the scenic roads of the coast might be looking for some different things than a family of 7 headed across the country. Check out a detailed list of features to look for here!
1. An Easy to Use Navigation System
One thing that is essential for any road trip is a navigation system! Unless you are a map expert, but I don’t know very many of those these days. You might be thinking you can just use your phone, but I’ve found our car navigation to be a little easier to use since I can see the map on a big screen right in front of me. Plus, I pay more attention to it when driving than I do my phone. Kelly Blue Book says the best system is the Uconnect found in Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram.
*The key to surviving a good road trip with kids is being able to find all the fun Instagramable treats along the way.
2. Cupholders Here, There & Everywhere
You can never have too many cupholders, especially on a long road trip. They save you from spills and make it easy for everyone to stay hydrated. Occasionally, they can double as extra storage space too. Every family’s needs will differ as far as how many they need, but the thing you will want to pay close attention to is placement. The Subaru Ascent has 19, so I think you’ll have one in every spot you need!
3. On Board Vacuum (My Personal Favorite!)
Need I say more? I hate a messy car and having an onboard vacuum keeps everything neat. The Honda Odyssey has a great one with far reach, I speak from experience!
The Best Road Trip Cars of 2019
Now for the list that you came here for, the best road trip cars! If you are in the market for a new ride, these are 5 of my absolute favorites! If you would like to see some other options, head to kbb.com!
1. 2019 Ford Expedition
The more full the crew, the more fun the road trip! The Ford Expedition has room for 8 people and all your other stuff; from strollers to luggage. It also has the capability to tow if you will be bringing some larger things along with you like a boat. The Ecoboost V6 and 10-speed automatic transmission help the Ford Expedition to be pretty efficient for a large SUV. At the end of the day, I also just love the sleek modern look this car has!
2. 2019 Volkswagon Atlas
If you have seen the Volkswagon Atlas commercials, then you already know why this is the perfect road trip vehicle. It is a midsize crossover SUV with three comfy rows of seating. Even an adult can sit comfortably in the third row and it is very easy to climb back to. It has V6 power and all-wheel drive, just in case you’re up for a little off roading.
3. 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
You may recall a few summers ago I took the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF for a spin with a friend of mine up the Northern California Coast. It was a stark difference from the family-style vehicles I have been driving the past 16 years, but man that open air blowing through my hair while gazing on what seemed like an endless CA coast was INCREDIBLE!
I actually had the opportunity to drive both the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF and the Mazda MX-5 Miata with a soft cover. Both vehicles handle the twists and turns of the road amazingly, but I definitely preferred the quiet cabin of the RF model a little more when driving with the top is in place.
4. 2019 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid
A road trip is a classic vacation, but that doesn’t mean you have to leave your modern mentality behind. The Honda Clarity hybrid is the perfect way to do this. Not to mention, it is roomy and reliable. It’s also great if you’re set on stopping as little as possible, as you won’t have to refuel very often. It gets 42 MPG. Although, if you are bringing kids along I can assure you the bathroom breaks will still be plentiful.
5. 2019 Ram 1500
You’re probably wondering why the heck a truck is one of my top 5 road trip cars. It’s a more simple answer than you think; towing! Whether you are planning a vacation on a lake or bring your AirStream deep into the forest, you are going to want a vehicle that’s an ace at towing. Plus, it is roomy inside with 5 seats and a luxurious interior. And, it has the Uconnect System we talked about above.
Do you enjoy a good road trip?
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