best road trip cars used

Best Road Trip Cars in 2023

Get ready to hit the road for vacations and holidays in a car that's fuel efficient, reliable and comfortable. We found the best road trip cars for any adventure.

Kia Motors America |

Looking for Adventure? Head Out on the Highway!

People have a lot of pent-up travel lust after years of pandemic restrictions and uncertainty. Air travel in particular has seen a huge rise this summer, with the busiest day in the industry's history occurring in June. Rather than fight those busy flights, hit the road in a new vehicle that can fit all your luggage and maybe even help you keep your cool.

No single car is the perfect road trip vehicle for everyone, but great road trip cars have some features in common. We looked for vehicles that have good gas mileage for fewer stops at gas stations, enough USB ports to keep everyone's devices charged up and comfortable seats in all rows. Driver assistance features are important too, as they can help reduce fatigue during long days on the road.

When new information becomes available, we update our reviews, so the information in these slides might not match the reviews exactly.

Let's take a look at the best road trip cars so we can – finally – get out of town.

Hyundai Motor America |

2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

$31,350 | usn overall score: 8.7/10.

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is among the best in its class. Its long list of features was refreshed for the new model year, and it was a finalist for our Best Hybrid SUV for the Money and Best Hybrid SUV for Families awards. The regular hybrid is the best for road tripping, with up to 38 mpg on the highway. The available plug-in hybrid shines brightest when you can take full advantage of its 33 miles of electric-only power around town.

Inside, there's tons of room for adults in both rows of seating and a huge cargo area. An 8-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay , wireless Android Auto , four USB ports and wireless device charging come standard.

2023 Volkswagen Atlas

$34,460 | usn overall score: 8.0/10.

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas has enough room to bring along everybody and all their gear. It's available with two or three rows of seating, and even the optional third row has enough room for shorter adults or squirmy kids. It has more cargo space behind the third row than most in its class. A 6.5-inch touch screen and smartphone compatibility come standard.

Despite being a 3-row SUV, the Atlas is easy to maneuver, even when you leave the highway for city streets. It can also tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly configured if you plan to bring a small camper or want to tow some toys for your vacation.

2023 Lincoln Navigator

$77,635 | usn overall score: 8.8/10.

Wherever your road trip takes you, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator will make sure you arrive in comfort and style. It's one of the best luxury large SUVs, with a well-built and high-quality interior. Standard features include a 13.2-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot and five USB ports.

Every seat in all three rows is comfortable, and the available L model adds extra space to an already roomy cargo area. And though it is large, the Navigator turns in decent fuel economy estimates for its class, with up to 23 mpg on the highway. Standard safety features like lane-keep assist can help reduce driver fatigue too.

2023 Chevrolet Suburban

$57,200 | overall score: 8.2/10.

The 2023 Chevrolet Suburban is the classic family road trip SUV. It's huge, with more cargo space than almost any SUV out there. It can be configured to seat up to nine people (though it's a tight fit). With seven or eight seats, even the third row provides enough legroom for adults. The interior is sturdy enough for epic journeys, and it comes with an 8-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone connectivity and six USB ports.

Depending on how you configure it, the Suburban can tow up to 8,300 pounds, enough for the average camper. It also comes with driver-assistance features like lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist and automatic emergency braking.

2023 Genesis G90

$88,400 | usn overall score: 9.3/10.

The 2023 Genesis G90 was completely redesigned this year, and it added an optional mild-hybrid powertrain that improves acceleration when passing on the highway. The available air suspension makes long drives a dream, and the long list of standard safety features-including adaptive cruise control-eases the tedium of driving.

The Nappa leather interior wraps the road tripper in luxury, and both rows of seating are comfortable for adults. The trunk is large enough for several suitcases, and it opens automatically as you approach. The G90 also has one of the longest warranties in the business.

2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

$30,725 | usn overall score: 8.2/10.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid takes everything that has made this compact SUV popular over the years, like a comfortable ride and plenty of standard high-tech features, and added a fuel-efficient and quick-accelerating hybrid powertrain. It can get up to 41 mpg on the highway, which helps cut road trip costs. It was also a finalist for our Best Hybrid SUV for the Money award.

The interior is solidly built, and both rows of seating are comfy. There's also great visibility for everyone, so games of "I Spy" may get competitive. An 8-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone compatibility and a Wi-Fi hotspot come standard. Adaptive cruise control and traffic-sign recognition (both standard) help you when driving in unfamiliar locations.

2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

$32,950 | usn overall score: 8.3/10.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid is a more fuel-efficient version of the popular compact SUV, with up to 43 mpg on the highway. It's been completely redesigned this year, with more standard tech features and an improved infotainment system. A 7-inch touch screen, smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot and four USB ports come standard.

The seats are comfy in both rows, with room for adults to stretch out even on road trips. The rear seats recline, so whoever is off driving duty can take a nap. Standard adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist help reduce the fatigue that can come with hours of driving.

2024 Kia Carnival

$33,200 | overall score: 8.5/10.

The 2024 Kia Carnival basically begs you to get the show on the road, and it comes standard with several advanced safety features, including driver-attention monitoring.

The interior is upholstered with easy-to-clean materials, and all three rows have enough room for adults, though the third row is short on headroom. It also has lots of cargo space, even with all three rows in use. An 8-inch touch screen, smartphone compatibility and seven USB ports come standard.

2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

$50,795 | usn overall score: 8.6/10.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacific Hybrid is a plug-in hybrid, so when you reach your destination and charge up, you can drive about 32 miles on electric power alone. Under electric power, this Chrysler gets 82 MPG-equivalent, and gasoline-only driving returns up to 30 mpg on the highway. These are great numbers for a minivan.

There's also a ton of tech included, like a 10.1-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone connectivity and Amazon Alexa compatibility. All three rows of seating have lots of head- and legroom, and there's plenty of storage space. Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control and a surround-view parking camera system.

2023 Ram 1500

$31,270 | usn overall score: 9.0/10.

If your road trip plan involves a camper or boat, you'll want to look into the 2023 Ram 1500 . When properly equipped, it can tow up to 12,750 pounds. As with most pickups, you can configure the 1500 in whatever way works for you.

There are a lot of options and body styles to choose from too, but they all have a spacious, high-quality interior. The availability of safety features and infotainment tech depends on the trim you choose and the options you select, so you can custom-build the road-tripping pickup of your dreams – or the one that fits your budget.

2023 Honda Civic

$23,750 | usn overall score: 8.7/10.

Your road-trip car is probably also your go-to-work-every-day car. The 2023 Honda Civic ably handles both roles. It's one of the best compact cars in its class, and we named it the Best Compact Car for the Money as well as one of the Best Cars for Teens . All of its scores are high, especially when it comes to safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave it the Top Safety Pick+ designation.

It's not just safe, it's also thrifty, with up to 42 mpg on the highway. A 7-inch touch screen and smartphone connectivity come standard. It also comes with adaptive cruise control and traffic-sign recognition, which make driving in unfamiliar areas a bit easier.

2023 Ford Mustang

$27,770 | usn overall score: 9.2/10.

Sometimes you want to live the American road trip dream in an impractical sports car. But guess what – the 2023 Ford Mustang is a rather practical sports car with one of the highest overall U.S. News scores. There are several available engines, but sticking with the base turbo-four means an estimated 32 mpg on the highway.

Living the American muscle car fantasy on the open road is best for two people, since the Mustang's rear seats are pretty small. Its standard infotainment system has a 4.2-inch display – not a touch screen – and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Standard safety tech includes automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. But maybe most importantly, for purposes of the dream, the Mustang is available as a convertible.

Road Trip Car Characteristics

Passenger space : People turn cranky when they aren't comfortable after hours on the road. There needs to be space for everyone to stretch out.

Cargo space : At the very minimum, you'll be bringing luggage along and maybe also camping gear or tubes for floating the river. Make sure there's space for your gear.

Fuel economy : Stopping for gas on a road trip can get expensive. Fuel efficiency, particularly from hybrid powertrains, can ease the pain of stopping at the pump.

Infotainment : An AM/FM radio is no longer sufficient for most people. An infotainment system that's easy to use while driving and can connect to smartphones is key.

Safety tech : Driving long distances causes fatigue, and fatigue causes accidents. Modern driver-assistance features can help you stay alert and in your lane.

Reliability : No one wants to be the car in the breakdown lane while on their road trip. A good predicted reliability score shows that a particular model has on average been a solid performer over time.

John M. Vincent | U.S. News & World Report

Road Trip Car FAQs

What is the best car for road trips.

The best car for road trips is the one that fits your budget and your needs, so there's no one vehicle that will work for everybody. That said, the 2023 Honda Civic is a strong pick. It provides comfort, features, safety and reliability, and all for one of the lowest price tags on this list.

What is the best SUV for road trips?

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid combines a long list of standard features with great fuel economy, and it has one of the most spacious interiors in its class.

What is the best luxury car for road trips?

The redesigned 2023 Genesis G90 will take you anywhere in comfort and style. Most of its best features are standard, including leather upholstery.

What is the most comfortable car for long trips?

On a list of very comfortable vehicles, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid is probably the most comfortable, especially for back-seat passengers who can take advantage of those reclining seats. If comfort is your priority, take a look at our list of most comfortable cars for more options.

U.S. News and World Report |

More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report

Plenty of families take road trips, so you might want to check out the winners of our 2023 Best Cars for Families awards too. Maybe you've been left stranded on an unfamiliar road by your former car and are looking for the most reliable cars available. If you know you need to bring along a lot of gear, see our roundup of compact SUVs with the most cargo space .

When you're ready to buy a new car, use our Best Price Program to pre-negotiate a great price with a local dealership. You can arrange for online buying and even vehicle delivery through the program.

U.S. News & World Report |

Best Cars for Road Trips

2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid - $31,350 | Overall Score: 8.7/10
2023 Volkswagen Atlas - $34,460 | Overall Score: 8.0/10
2023 Lincoln Navigator - $77,635| Overall Score: 8.8/10
2023 Chevrolet Suburban - $57,200 | Overall Score: 8.2/10
2023 Genesis G90 - $88,400 | Overall Score: 9.3/10
2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid - $31,225 | Overall Score: 8.2/10
2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid - $32,950 | Overall Score: 8.3/10
2024 Kia Carnival - $33,200 | Overall Score: 8.5/10
2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid - $50,795 | Overall Score: 8.6/10
2023 Ram 1500 - $31,270 | Overall Score: 9.0/10
2023 Honda Civic - $23,750 | Overall Score: 8.7/10
2023 Ford Mustang - $27,770 | Overall Score: 9.2/10

Browse Cars

10 Best Affordable Road Trip Cars

A road trip is a fantastic way to spend a vacation. Out on the open road, you can take time to appreciate and relish the journey, not just the destination. You have the freedom and flexibility to change your plans on the fly, and you don't have to deal with TSA security lines or three-ounce liquid restrictions. Sounds great, right? Now you just need to find a suitable vehicle that won't break the bank.

Whether it's a solo trip on winding backroads, a whimsical off-grid adventure with friends, or a family bonding session across state lines, there's an affordable option for any road trip you can think of. We came up with 10 of the best road-trip cars you can buy today, most of which are available for less than $33,486, which is the average vehicle transaction price in 2016.

Be sure to visit our Incentives and Rebates page to learn about current incentive and rebate offers before you buy.

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1. 2016 Volkswagen Golf

If you're looking to hit the highway with a couple of friends and explore a new city or two, a compact hatchback is a smart pick. Compacts are inherently maneuverable and if you can find one with good outward visibility, generous interior space and great fuel economy, you're good to go. You won't find a better embodiment of these qualities than the 2016 Volkswagen Golf.

The Golf offers real space for four adults, or five in a pinch, with a handy 22.8 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seatbacks and an almost SUV-like 52.7 cubic feet with those seatbacks folded down. The large windows afford great sightlines in every direction, while the standard 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces enough power to slingshot you around an on-ramp without much effort. And yet, it gets 29 mpg combined in EPA testing (25 city/36 highway). This is sensible German engineering at its best.

2. 2016 Toyota Prius

If city touring is in your road-trip plans and you need more space than a compact vehicle can offer, check out the midsize 2016 Toyota Prius. It's a top pound-for-pound contender in passenger space and road comfort, not to mention its unbeatable fuel economy.

Go all-in with the Prius Eco model and you'll get ultra-low rolling-resistance tires along with a slight weight reduction, resulting in 56 mpg combined (58 city/53 highway). That extends fueling intervals to a bladder-challenging range somewhere north of 600 miles. Efficiency aside, this Prius is also more comfortable and rewarding to drive than any generation before it. And its midsize dimensions mean there's plenty of space for people and cargo.

3. 2016 Hyundai Genesis

Maybe you're someone who thinks a road trip — even one that takes weeks and a couple hundred miles a day — should not be a test of endurance. If so, a cushy luxury sedan like the 2016 Hyundai Genesis might suit you.

A base price of $39,700 might sound like it's stretching the definition of "affordable," but that's where this Hyundai's exceptional value comes into play. For the money, the Genesis simply can't be matched for feature content or interior quality, and it comes with industry-leading warranty coverage. The standard, smooth-revving 3.8-liter V6 is the smart choice (the optional V8 plays in a different league), and you can specify rear- or all-wheel drive.

4. 2016 Mazda CX-5

Maybe you're tired of the city because you have to live in one for 350 days a year. In that case, the point of a road trip is to get as far away from cities — or even roads themselves — as possible. We're with you.

The 2016 Mazda CX-5 is a winner here. On the pavement, it's downright sporty for a crossover, with impressive fuel economy to boot. But it can also be equipped with a capable all-wheel drive system for mild off-road exploration. While rock-crawling jaunts may be off the table, the versatile CX-5 should provide more overall satisfaction than a single-purpose off-road vehicle.

5. 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata

For the driver whose trip revolves around roads rather than destinations, a sublime connection between car and driver moves to the top of the priority list. Unfortunately, this kind of connection often comes with a monthly payment that looks more like a mortgage. But the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a notable exception.

The Miata provides a lightweight body, a feisty four-cylinder engine, a taut suspension and communicative steering, delivering endless driving fun in a package that's barely big enough to fit two. The cabin may be too cozy for certain body types, and the trunk is limited to 4.6 cubic feet of space, so plan on packing light. But spend just five minutes behind the wheel of the MX-5 and you'll completely understand the appeal.

6. 2017 Ford Mustang Convertible

Summer brings plenty of opportunities to soak up some rays. And if you live in a place that doesn't see sunshine on a regular basis, you'll definitely want to take full advantage of these months.

It's true that the Miata, the No. 5 pick, is a seriously good convertible, but it has real space constraints. So if your passenger and cargo needs are greater, the 2017 Ford Mustang Convertible is another great drop-top option. The Mustang may not be as spry as the Miata, but with double the seats, significantly more trunk capacity and nearly double the horsepower from even the base V6 engine, it compensates nicely in other areas. If you need more power, a turbo four-cylinder and V8 are also available. In any configuration, this is iconic American motoring.

7. 2016 Honda Odyssey

This list would not be complete without today's quintessential road trip vehicle: the minivan. For years, the minivan has provided larger families with a maximally efficient means of traveling together, supplanting the thirsty and unwieldly station wagons.

As in other vehicle segments, there are minivans that stand out from the crowd. Offering seating for up to eight, the 2016 Honda Odyssey is one of our favorites, scoring top marks in interior space and comfort, everyday drivability and even composure around corners. Some high-end features available on the Odyssey include a 12-speaker surround-sound audio system and a 16.2-inch widescreen rear entertainment screen with HDMI connectivity, as well as the industry's first on-board vacuum system. Wrangling the kids could still be a challenge, but convincing them to climb aboard a rolling movie theatre will take far less effort.

8. 2017 Chevrolet Traverse

So you need to haul a lot of people and cargo to faraway places, but you refuse to join the Minivan Alliance. No problem. The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse is a comfortable and unusually spacious three-row SUV that accommodates up to eight passengers and starts at around $30,000.

The Traverse can tow up to 5,200 pounds when properly equipped, which is impressive for a crossover. It also comes with a 288-horsepower V6 engine that can be paired with all-wheel drive. Even with all three seating rows in use, there's still a generous 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding the second- and third-row seats opens up a whopping 116.3 cubic feet, topping this segment by a wide margin. An all-new Traverse is waiting in the wings and will be substantially smaller, so if you like the road-trip possibilities opened up by that cavernous cabin, grab a current-generation Traverse while you still can.

9. 2016 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

If the Chevy Traverse's 5,200-pound towing capacity seems puny to you, perhaps the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel's 9,050-lb capacity is more like it. If your road trip involves pulling a trailer, a boat or even a camper, you'll want a truck with enough muscle to make quick work of any route.

The Ram 1500's EcoDiesel V6 provides outstanding fuel economy (20 mpg city/28 highway) along with a healthy 420 pound-feet of torque. The four-door crew cab can seat up to six and is surprisingly pleasant on long hauls thanks to its airy cabin, supportive seats and supple coil-spring rear suspension. Note that the EcoDiesel carries about a $5,000 premium, which nudges even the cheapest diesel-powered crew cab past our price cutoff. But this engine is certainly worth the extra money if towing and fuel economy (or simply extended driving range) are top priorities.

10. 2017 Honda Ridgeline

If you like the utility of a truck but prefer the refined driving character of a car, the 2017 Honda Ridgeline could be the road-trip champion you've been waiting for. Based on the Honda Pilot SUV, the Ridgeline is packed full of versatile features catering to an active lifestyle, so it's a great choice for trips with outdoorsy themes.

The bed of the Ridgeline is where most of the magic happens. A dual-hinged tailgate folds down or swings open from the side to reveal lockable underfloor storage. You can toss your gear in there, or else throw in some drinks and ice to convert it into a fully stocked cooler (the melted ice drains out via a removable plug at the bottom). Also available on top-line models is a 540-watt sound system, paired with the industry's first truck-bed audio system. It makes every stop on your itinerary a party waiting to happen.

2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness

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10 Best Road-Trip Vehicles That You Can Buy Right Now

CR's tests show that these are the best road-trip models across popular categories

Finding the perfect road-trip vehicle means striking a balance among many factors, such as front and rear seat comfort, space, fuel economy, ride quality, and noise. It also should be a vehicle that’s easy to live with when you’re not traveling, and with strong safety and reliability. That is a lot to ask of a single vehicle, but our analysts have scrutinized our test and survey data to find the best road-trip vehicles in 10 popular categories.

To find the standouts, we considered all those factors among models that meet the stringent criteria to be recommended by Consumer Reports . Each vehicle below scores at least average in those factors, plus they provide 500 miles or more of highway cruising range, based on our fuel-economy tests. They also have a sizable trunk or cargo area, based on our measurements. Because of the qualification needed to make a great long-distance runner, we omitted subcompact SUVs and small cars. We also list suitable alternatives, where possible.

All the vehicles featured here, except the Buick, come standard with forward collision warning (FCW) and automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection. (The advanced safety systems are optional on the Buick.)

The 10 models below are road-trip warriors, based on CR data. You can assemble your own list with CR ratings by using our A-to-Z guide . If you’re a Consumer Reports member, the full list is available to you here.

If you haven’t signed up yet, click below and become a member to access this full article and all our exclusive ratings and reviews for each vehicle we buy and test. Joining also gives you full access to exclusive ratings for the other products our experts evaluate in several categories, including electronics and appliances.

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The Best Road Trip Cars From Every Category

When "Head out on the highway" is more than just a line from a song to you, these are the cars to buy.

Civic Hatchback

Embarking on an epic road trip adventure requires the perfect companion, and selecting the ideal car for the journey can significantly impact your experience. In an era where sustainability and efficiency take center stage, the realm of road trip vehicles has transformed. From the ever-expanding array of electric vehicles to power-oriented marvels, the choices have never been more exhilarating. The question is simple: What is the best car for long-distance driving?

That's a loaded question, so today, we'll explore the best road trip cars in 10 different segments, guiding you through options that guarantee comfort, dependability, and the freedom to navigate extensive distances effortlessly. Whether plotting a picturesque coastal drive, a cross-country odyssey, or a quick weekend escape, these road trip-ready vehicles will enhance the journey, and perhaps even the destination. Prepare to embark on your open-road adventure with unwavering confidence as we unveil the top contenders in the domain of road-trip cars.

The Hatchback: 2024 Honda Civic Hatch

The latest Civic Hatchback keeps its enjoyable driving dynamics intact despite being a more grown-up car than any Civic before it. In base form, its 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder produces an ample 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, while a turbocharged 1.5-liter ups the stakes to 180 hp and 177 lb-ft. Plus, if you're still of the old-school persuasion and like to be in control of the experience, you can get a six-speed manual gearbox in the Sport and Sport Touring trims - or a CVT if you prefer to relax.

With combined EPA ratings of up to 35 mpg in turbo guise and 33 mpg in base form, the Civic is light on gas, and starting at an MSRP of $24,950, it's light on your bank account from the get-go.

Combine its mechanical attributes with a spacious cabin and large trunk (24.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats), and it's a winner already. Factor in a full suite of connectivity options like a seven-inch touchscreen and matching digital gauge cluster (nine- and 10.2 inches respectively on the Sport Touring), and you have one of the most complete long-distance vehicles on the market and a perfect family road trip car.

The Crossover: 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

This fuel-efficient road trip car boasts a hybrid system, achieving an impressive 38 mpg combined EPA rating. The hybrid powertrain comprises a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder with electric augmentation, paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox, producing 226 hp and 258 lb-ft.

Whether traveling with a full crew or just a few, the standard all-wheel drive ensures surefootedness over any surface and in any climate through sun, snow, and rain.

Ideal for family road trips, it boasts a comfortable and spacious interior equipped with rear USB ports and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Five seats with ample rear legroom enhance the appeal of this compact crossover, and its generous 38.7-cu-ft trunk accommodates all your gear. You can use all five seats, or drop the 60:40-split rear seats to carry larger items. Starting at $32,325, the Tucson Hybrid ticks all the right boxes .

The Sports Car: 2024 Mustang GT Coupe

While there may be many options in contention for the title of the best sports car , we maintain when it comes to road trips, the Mustang has them all soundly beaten. A new generation has arrived for 2024, sporting updated styling and a new fighter jet-inspired interior with larger infotainment and digital gauge cluster screens.

Under the hood, the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 has been upgraded and now produces 36 hp more in the 2024 Mustang GT than the old model, totaling 486 hp. It comes with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional 10-speed auto, which may be better suited to long-distance cruising.

Should the road get twisty on your journey, the Mustang GT's combination of power, noise, and agility means an entertaining road trip is in the cards, and the supportive Recaro front seats hold you in place comfortably. Ample rear legroom - yes, it's a four-seater sports car - and a 13.5 cubic foot trunk make it practical too, and since you can get it as a coupe or a convertible, it's perfect for summer road trips.

The Wagon: 2024 Volvo V60 Cross Country

The Volvo V60 Cross Country excels in various aspects such as space, speed, off-road capability, etc. This versatile vehicle is a gem for road trips and an overall top-tier option. Sporting 26 mpg combined from a 250-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, its raised ground clearance and AWD give it the ability to tackle dirt roads without the hefty fuel economy of traditional SUVs.

It comes fully equipped with advanced safety features, including a rear cross-traffic alert system and traffic sign recognition, plus semi-autonomous highway driving capabilities. A five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA backs this up and ensures a safe road trip for the whole family.

It boasts an available Wi-Fi hotspot, enhancing connectivity on your journeys and keeping the kids occupied, and its spacious interior means they'll be comfortable for hours. 22.5 cubic feet of trunk space will accommodate suitcases, tents, and more; if you need extra, the fold-down rear seats let you accommodate even more. Additionally, you can add a roof-mounted bicycle rack, perfect for those with an active lifestyle, making it one of the best cars for road-tripping.

The Minivan: 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid

The $51,095 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid harmoniously blends gas and electric power, catering to road trips with its ample combination of cargo space, people space, and frugality. Furnished with a 3.6-liter V6 augmented by electric power, it produces 260 hp. It lays down this power through a front-wheel drivetrain. If you want AWD, you can have it, but that would require the non-hybrid Pacifica.

Spacious with seating for eight occupants, it looks after the family with advanced safety features like emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane assist, and blind spot monitoring. There's versatility aplenty with Stow 'n Go seating that avails additional cargo space without physically having to remove seats from the minivan, and between 32.3 and 140.5 cubic feet.

A heated steering wheel and three-zome climate control add extra luxury, and the new Pinnacle model adds even more luxury to the road trip experience. The panoramic rearview mirror helps to keep an eye on the kids during the, 'Are we there yet' arguments.

The Truck: 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor

Should road trips in 2023 call for a more 'cross-country' experience, the Ford F-150 Raptor is the only pickup truck for the job. While the allure is strong to go for the TRX-beating Raptor R and its supercharged V8, for road trips, we think the base Raptor is better, thanks to its twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6. Not only do you get 450 hp and 510 lb-ft sent to all corners via a 10-speed automatic gearbox, but you get 15 mpg combined (instead of the R's 12 mpg). You can still tow 8,200 lbs, get a versatile truck bed, and those sweet Fox shocks that can take you to hell and back.

Inside, all F-150 models come with standard features like a 12-inch digital gauge display and Sync 4-enabled infotainment system, soft bucket seats, wireless charging, and 400W USB ports with outlets in both the cab and the bed. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. With five seats, ample power, and go-anywhere capability, the F-150 Raptor is a road-trip truck with no equal.

The Full-Size SUV: 2023 Cadillac Escalade

If you need three rows of seats, a body-on-frame chassis, an abundance of passenger and storage space, and supreme luxury, the Cadillac Escalade may be the best road trip SUV there is, even if it does cost a slip more than $80,000.

With a versatile engine lineup including a Duramax diesel six-cylinder (277 hp/460 lb-ft) and a 6.2-liter V8 (420 hp/460 lb-ft), both saddled with a buttery-smooth 10-speed automatic, the Escalade can tow up to 8,200 lbs, meaning you can take everything with you on holiday. The spacious cabin accommodates a ton of cargo, and an available long-wheelbase ESV variant even makes the third row of seating adult-friendly.

The Escalade is loaded with exceptional tech such as the 38-inch diagonal OLED display encompassing instrumentation and infotainment, and a full-color head-up display. Super Cruise hands-free driving making long-distance trips on the highway a cinch, too.

The Grand Tourer: 2024 Lexus LC Hybrid

We've chosen the LC Hybrid for this list, but we wouldn't fault you for picking any of the LC models. The standard variant packs a sonorous naturally aspirated V8 (coupe and convertible), but for covering distance, the LC 500h's 3.5-liter V6 and twin electric motors still packs a 354-hp punch while consuming considerably less fuel at 29 mpg combined vs. the V8's 19 mpg. It looks achingly gorgeous, too. The downside is an electronic CVT, but with the additional torque of the e-motors, and given the laidback cruising nature of the LC, it's a forgivable offense.

Road trip cars typically need big trunks, and the LC falls short here with only 4.7 cubic feet in hybrid form, but with 2+2 seating in which the rear seats aren't suited for passengers, there's plenty of additional storage space in the cabin.

Packed with Lexus' array of safety systems, and now featuring a decent infotainment system , the car is technologically up-to-date and safe for you and a loved one to hit the road and soak up the miles in comfort and luxury.

The Luxury Sedan: 2024 Audi S8

The 2024 Audi S8 redefines the road trip experience with its blend of luxury and performance. Beneath its hood lies a formidable 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering 563 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. While everyone knows the Mercedes-AMG S63 in this segment, the Audi S8 is seen as more of a sleeper, an understated performance sedan that can lap up the miles without shouting about its 3.8-second 0-60 mph potential. Combined with the nimbleness of its rear-axle steering and the surefootedness of its all-wheel drive, it's the perfect car for almost any occasion.

Whether you're seated up front or reclining in the massaging rear seats, you're swathed in luxury and cutting-edge technology. Plush leather seats provide a sense of opulence, while the MMI Touch Response infotainment system and onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, ensure seamless connectivity and entertainment throughout your road trips, while an optional rear-seat entertainment system keeps passengers engaged on extended journeys.

The only downside is the $120,600 price tag.

The Convertible: 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet

The Porsche Carrera GTS Cabriolet redefines the essence of road trips with its breadth of performance and capability. It's fast, it's comfortable, it's feature-laden, and it even has four seats - what more could you ask for? Beneath its curvaceous exterior lies a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, delivering 473 hp and 420 lb-ft, and with your choice of rear- or all-wheel drive, you get a 0-60 mph time of under 3.4 seconds and all-weather confidence.

Inside, the Carrera GTS Cabriolet pampers occupants with opulent leather seats and a cutting-edge infotainment system, including the Porsche Communication Management system. For audiophiles, the optional Burmester sound system promises exceptional audio quality, enhancing the soundtrack of your road trip.

With a front cargo area measuring 4.7 cubic feet and rear seats that can double as storage in a pinch, there's plenty of space for your luggage. Then, when the weather is right, a 12-second drop of the top lets you feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin. When the journey matters more than the destination, few cars do road trips like the 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet.

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The 10 Best Road Trip Cars for Open-Road Adventures

By: Tim Huber Published: Aug 16, 2023

In 1956, the U.S. government passed the Federal-Aid Highway Act, allocating $26B to construct an initial 41,000-mile interstate network . In response to the network’s construction, countless restaurants, motels, and roadside attractions would pop up along these now-iconic highways in order to cater to automotive travelers — ultimately kicking off a grand and long-held tradition of road tripping that’s as American as baseball or apple pie.

And while there are plenty of factors that can have an enormous impact on the overall quality of your time spent on the road — such as your starting point, ultimate destination, travel companions, and budget — the single biggest variable is undoubtedly one’s choice of ride. With the exception of a handful of new EVs , practically every car currently in production is more than capable of taking on cross-country touring duties, however, there’s a shortlist of models that objectively lend themselves to road-tripping far better than anything else on the market. And it’s this crop of vehicles that we’ll be exploring today in this guide to the best road trip cars you can buy — delving into the most capable long-distance cars available, along with what factors and qualities make a model ideal for long-haul travel.

The Best Road Trip Cars Rundown

Best Affordable Pick

Subaru Outback

Best Retro-Inspired

Ford Bronco Sport

Best Two-Door

Abarth 124GT

Best Long-Range Pick

Volvo XC60 Recharge

Best Full-Size SUV

Jeep Grand Wagoneer

Best Sport Wagon

Audi RS 6 Avant Performance

Porsche Taycan GTS Sport Turismo

Best Grand-Tourer

BMW ALPINA B8 xDrive Gran Coupe

Best Hybrid Pick

Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid

Best Mid-Sized SUV

Aston Martin DBX707

Cross-country capabilities.

What Factors Make For An Ideal Road Trip Car?

Though there are clearly several blatant areas to explore when buying a road trip-focused car — such as range, comfort, and cargo space — there’s also a myriad of less obvious, though still massively important elements to take into consideration when shopping in this space. Below, we’ll briefly touch on seven of the most pivotal areas to think about prior to pulling the trigger on your purchase.

Range: Though most of the world’s major highway networks are littered with gas stations and service shops, the reality is that having to exit the freeway and pull over every other hour to fill up isn’t exactly convenient, which is why a car’s range (on a single tank) is of such importance. At the very least, you’ll want a vehicle that affords several hundred miles of autonomy between trips to the pump. This area is even more important for electric cars , as — despite there being close to ten million charging stations scattered across the planet — there are far more gas stations than EV chargers. As such, you’ll not only want to review an EV’s range, but also the charging network that’s available for said EV.

Comfort: Being comfortable in a car is obviously important, though this factor matters far more when dealing with road trip cars, as drivers — and their passenger(s) — typically spend hours at a time inside the cabin of these vehicles. Consequently, this makes a given car’s comfortability level of extreme significance. And while there are dozens of factors that contribute to how comfortable a car is, some of the more important elements to consider are the seats, their construction and upholstery, their level of adjustability, and whether they offer heating, cooling, or massage functions. Additional areas like dual climate control and robust soundproofing can also hugely up a car’s comfortability.

Amenities: While there’s no denying that comfort is a hugely important area when dealing with road trip cars, there are nonetheless a handful of additional features that can very much bolster one’s enjoyment during long-range drives. Alongside amenities like touchscreen infotainment setups and moon/sunroofs, there are also features like web browsers and connectivity to streaming services that can enhance the users’ experience. Likewise, most of today’s best road trip cars also pack advanced suites of electronic driver assists such as forward collision warning and avoidance systems, lane keep assist, blindspot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, just to name a few. Some brands also offer supplementary amenities, like Tesla, which sells cars equipped with features like “Caraoke,” HEPA filtration systems, and of course, the American automaker’s state-of-the-art autopilot system.

Storage: The longer the road trip, the more gear the driver will typically need. As such, the amount of cargo space afforded by a particular vehicle is of utmost importance, as roomier rides will boast more internal real estate for stashing bags and equipment. And, though this is clearly a crucial area to consider when reviewing cars for road trips, it is worth pointing out that one can always supplement a car’s internal square footage with a roof rack or rooftop cargo box, though this option is obviously less convenient — and will often slightly mitigate fuel — or battery — consumption. You’ll also likely want to consider how many people the car seats, as well as how much cargo space is available for each passenger’s bags and gear. Backseat legroom is also a crucial area to consider when reviewing this element.

Reliability & Service Intervals: The reality is that the vast majority of new cars are incredibly reliable and should have no issue driving cross country several times over. With that said, there are some models with better reputations when it comes to overall reliability. Additionally, if you plan to use this vehicle for extensive road-tripping, you’ll also want to look into the model’s required service intervals, as these figures can hugely vary. And, whether it’s a road trip car or a daily commuter — or even a motorcycle — it’s always worth looking into whether any recalls have been issued for a particular model.

Manufacturer & Dealer Support: When going on a road trip, not only is it important to review how often a car needs to be serviced but also where it can be serviced, as some makes will boast a markedly more robust dealership and support network should you need a part repaired or replaced. This extends to areas like the availability of roadside assistance offered by a marque. It’s also worth pointing out that rarer and more exotic models will make for a much more difficult time sourcing replacement parts – as it’s not that hard to find a replacement component for a BMW car just about anywhere in the country, though the same can’t be said for models from brands like Bentley or Aston Martin.

Drivetrain & Performance: Unlike commuting where the main objective is simply to get from A to B, long-range road-tripping is all about enjoying the journey and embracing the open road. As such, having a car that affords a more spirited driving experience makes for a markedly more enjoyable time behind the wheel, which is why reviewing a model’s engine is so important. Alongside the engine configuration itself, you’ll also want to check out its aspiration type and displacement — as well as horsepower and torque figures, 0-60mph times, and top speeds. A car’s suspension package is another crucial area to consider, as it will directly impact a model’s overall handling, as well as the smoothness of the ride. Quite a few cars also offer the best of both worlds with adjustable air ride suspension setups that can be lowered for spirited runs through the canyons, or raised back up for ultra-smooth and plush freeway travel.

Long-Haul Legends

The Best Road Trip Cars Currently On The Market

Now that you’re up to speed on what areas to take into consideration when shopping, let’s get into our picks for the finest and most well-appointed new road trip cars that are currently available on showroom floors.

An affordably-priced, rugged and spacious wagon with raised roof rails, 8.7” of ground clearance, & Subaru’s Starlink multimedia package all as standard.

Best Affordable Pick: One of the most versatile vehicles currently on the market, the latest generation Subaru Outback is a fantastic road trip car with seating for five, more than 75 cubic feet of cargo space, and an optional turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer engine. With features like 9.5” of ground clearance and asymmetrical all-wheel drive as standard, the Outback is also capable of some light off-roading duties .

Engine: Turbocharged 2.4L Boxer Four or NA 2.5L Boxer Four Power: 260HP & 277FT-LBs or 182HP & 176FT-LBs Cargo Space: 75.7 Cubic feet Range: 600+ Miles Seats: 5 MSRP: $28,895

A road-focused variant of Ford’s revived retro-inspired SUV that still packs Hoss suspension & cutting-edge electronics.

Best Retro-Inspired: One of the most anticipated new models from the last decade, Ford’s revived Bronco platform is a 4×4 vehicle that comes with more than 65 cubic feet of cargo space, an advanced electronics package, Hoss suspension, and nearly 9” of ground clearance. Sold in a variety of trim levels, the Sport-spec Bronco was also intentionally designed to be as modular as possible — an area furthered by the absolutely enormous range of factory accessories offered for the American SUV .

Engine: Turbocharged 1.5L Inline-Three or Turbocharged 2.0L Inline Four Power: 181HP & 190FT-LBs or 250HP & 277FT-LBs Cargo Space: 65.2 Cubic Feet Range: 416 Miles Seats: 5 MSRP: $31,230

An Abarth-specFiat 124 Spyder with a Garrett turbo, Bilstein shocks, & Brembo brakes all as standard.

Best Two-Door: Sharing its platform with the Mazda Miata, the Fiat 124 Spyder is the definition of a true driver’s car , standing as a peppy open-top roaster that can be had for a reasonable price. For those less concerned with cost, the company also makes the Abarth 124GT — a limited-edition variant with a Garrett Turbocharged engine, a dedicated sport mode, Bilstein shocks, Brembo brakes, 17” alloy wheels, special race seats, and a GT-specific slate gray livery. Sadly, the GT-spec isn’t offered on American shores, unlike the base model 124.

Engine: Turbocharged 1.5L Inline-Four Power: 170HP & 184.4FT-LBs Cargo Space: 4.94 Cubic Feet Range: 535 Miles Seats: 2 MSRP: $44,085

A luxurious Swedish-made hybrid mid-sized SUV with a more than 500-mile range per tank.

Best Long-Range Pick: A plug-in hybrid version of Volvo’s mid-sized SUV, the XC60 Recharge is a wildly-advanced vehicle that boasts features like best-in-class navigation, an optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system, a built-in Google smart assistant, and a state-of-the-art onboard air filter. Equipped with an all-wheel-drive setup, the five-seater’s turbocharged 2.0-liter hybrid inline-four generates more than 450hp and 523ft-lbs of torque, allowing for a machine that’s equal parts comfortable and exhilarating.

Engine: Turbocharged 2.0L Hybrid Inline-Four Power: 455HP & 523FT-LBs Cargo Space: 63.3 Cubic Feet Range: 520 Miles (or 32 Battery Only) Seats: 5 MSRP: $57,900

A revived take on Jeep’s legendary full-sized luxury SUV that sports a 6.4L V8, an AWD system, & over 116 cubic feet of storage space.

Best Full-Size SUV: First unveiled in March of last year, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a revived full-size SUV that, like the original model, offers the pinnacle of comfort and class. Returning after 30 years out of production, the Grand Wagoneer comes with quilted Palermo leather seats, a 6.4L V8 mated to one of three AWD systems, over 116 cubic feet of storage and cargo space, a 10,000lb towing capacity, and an ultra-top shelf McIntosh MX950 Entertainment System — all as standard fare.

Engine: 6.4L V8 Power: 470HP & 455FT-LBs Cargo Space: 116.7 Cubic Feet Range: 477 Miles Seats: 7 MSRP: $91,140

An ultra-potent family-hauler & grocery getter with a 621-hp bi-turbo V8 offering 3.3-second 0-60 runs and a 190-mph top speed.

Best Sport Wagon: The Audi RS 6 Avant is an ultra-high-performance sleeper that’s conducive to everything from track days to family-hauling duties to road trips. Alongside RS-spec components and wheels, this highly up-specced model comes adorned in a slammed stance with a full aero kit, a carbon trim package, nearly 60 cubic feet of cargo space, and, most importantly, a 621-hp 4.0-liter bi-turbo V8 that enables this elite sport wagon to achieve a 3.3-second 0-60mph time and a top speed of 190mph.

Engine: Twin-Turbocharged 4.0L V8 Power: 621HP & 627FT-LBs Cargo Space: 59.3 Cubic Feet Range: 425 Miles Seats: 5 MSRP: $125,800

A streamlined, 911-inspired shooting brake-style version of Porsche’s mighty new fully-electric four-door.

Best EV: Marking the Stuttgart firm’s first-ever all-electric offering, the Taycan GTS Sport Turismo is unequivocally one of the very best road trip cars currently in production. It offers an incredibly smooth ride, an impressive 300-mile range, and a decent amount of cargo space thanks to the extended sport back. Thanks to an ultra-potent 440kW EV powertrain setup and Overboost power with a launch control function, the GTS Sport Turismo-spec Taycan can reach 60mph from a standstill in 3.5 seconds flat.

Engine: Dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors Power: 440kW (590HP) & 626FT-LBs Cargo Space: 42.8 Cubic Feet Range: 313 Miles Seats: 5 MSRP: $141,200

A 612-hp ALPINA-tuned & upgraded grand touring car based on BMW’s already luxurious & thoroughly-capable 8 Series.

Best Grand-Tourer: While to the average observer, this road trip car may just look like a BMW 8 Series, those in the know are well aware of the ultra-top-shelf exotics offered by famed tuning outfit ALPINA. This high-end grand tourer’s ALPINA transformation includes 21″ ALPINA wheels, ALPINA 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes, an ALPINA Aerodynamic Kit, an ALPINA Sport suspension package with twin-tube gas-pressure shocks, double-wishbone multi-link aluminum suspension in front, and an integral-V multi-link aluminum setup in the rear, and an interior with ALPINA Lavalina leather steering wheel, engraved glass controls, and a unique digital instrument cluster. Finally, at the heart of this car is a 4.4-liter bi-turbo V8 that’s been tuned by ALPINA to produce 612hp and 590ft-lbs of torque.

Engine: Twin-Turbocharged 4.4L V8 Power: 612HP & 590FT-LBs Cargo Space: 15.5 Cubic Feet (Trunk Only) Range: 432 Miles Seats: 5 MSRP: $149,300

A hybrid-boosted bi-turbo 4.0-liter V8-powered version of Bentley’s normally V12-powered flagship model that retains its world-class luxury.

Best Hybrid Pick: The Bentley Flying Spur has long been one of the most luxurious and well-optioned cars on the market, making it an objectively fantastic choice for road-tripping — assuming you can swing its fairly exorbitant MSRP. However, last summer, the famed British firm rolled out a new version of the car that sees its usual V12 and V8 engine options swapped out in favor of a hybrid-boosted bi-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that makes 542hp and 568ft-lbs of torque and allows for a top speed of 177mph and a 0-60mph time of just 4.1-seconds. This hybrid luxury car also offers a range of 435 miles — or an all-electric range of 25 miles, if you want to go green for a portion of your trip.

Engine: Twin-Turbocharged 2.9L Hybrid V6 Power: 542HP & 568FT-LBs Cargo Space: 12.4 Cubic Feet (Trunk Only) Range: 435 Miles (or 25 Miles Battery Only) Seats: 5 MSRP: $210,600

A 707-hp mid-sized SUV boasting genuine supercar-grade performance with a 193-mph top speed & a 3.3-second 0-60 time.

Best Mid-Sized SUV: First unveiled in early February of 2022, the Aston Martin DBX707 represents the world’s most powerful luxury SUV . Taking its name from its 707-hp output, the DBX707 is another ultra-high-end vehicle that boasts a unique mix of world-class comfort and performance. Alongside a 360-mile range and a decent amount of cargo space, the DBX707 also packs a 4.0-liter bi-turbo V8 engine that’s mated to a 9-speed “wet clutch” automatic transmission and allows for 3.3 seconds 0-60mph runs and an impressive top speed of 193mph — a fairly insane figure considering this is an SUV.

Engine: Twin-Turbocharged 4.0L V8 Power: 707HP & 664FT-LBs Cargo Space: 54 Cubic Feet Range: 360 Miles Seats: 5 MSRP: $236,000

The Best SUVs for Camping

Want to check out an additional selection of vehicles that are great for recreational use? Then be sure to cruise over to our guide to the best SUVs for camping for the most comfortable and well-appointed rolling base camp options.

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Best Summer Road Trip Vehicles

Independence Day weekend signaled the highest travel volume for Americans on record, trailing only 2019 by 2.5%, according to AAA. Nearly 48 million travelers took to the roads, seas and skies to depart the daily woes of pandemic life that’s loomed overhead since March 2020. Modes of transport include air, bus, train and boat (yes, cruises are slowly returning) and, of course, the esteemed automobile. In fact, the vast majority of travelers favored the summer road trips over all other options. AAA reports that 91% of travelers, or 43.6 million Americans, hit the road for their long-weekend vacation. That’s the highest on record for the 4th of July holiday and a 5% increase compared to 2019. With road tripping front and center, it’s a good thing many modern vehicles offer spacious, well-appointed cabins equipped with advanced infotainment systems and built-in Wi-Fi hotspots to keep passengers entertained and connected to friends (or work) while on the go. Ample cargo space also eliminates the stress and the cost of checking luggage or packing within rigid weight limits. Here is a list of the best summer road trip vehicles. It includes two-and thee-row SUVs in the midsize category (and one truck) that offer competitive fuel economy, generous cargo and passenger space, modern technology and host of advanced driver-assistance features to keep driver fatigue at bay and safety top of mind.

Chevrolet Traverse Largest Midsize SUV On The Block
Honda Pilot Family First, But Surprisingly Capable At Pavement’s End
Ford Explorer The Stalwart Of The Midsize Segment
Nissan Rogue A Worthy Competitor
Kia Telluride Uptown Looks Without Breaking The Bank
Jeep Grand Cherokee Serious Off-Road Ability And Features
Hyundai Palisade The Dark Horse
GMC Sierra 1500 Taking Aim At The Premium Pickup

2021 Chevrolet Traverse

Price Starting From

via CarsDirect

Why We Picked It

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse is the largest midsize SUV, roomier than Ford Explorer and cheaper than its near-luxury Buick Enclave sibling. It almost offers as much interior space as the full-size Chevrolet Tahoe. Every row is passably comfortable and it drives reasonably well. It also tows 2.5 tons and offers intuitive infotainment and standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Its cockpit appointments could be better and too much safety tech is restricted to costlier trim lines.

Pros & Cons

Lots of space for cargo and passengers, even in third row
Intuitive infotainment system with Wi-Fi standard
310-horsepower V6 helps tow 5,000 pounds
Safest 2021 Traverse cost $21,000 extra
Tough to maneuver, park in town
Can’t match interiors or value of Kia, Hyundai SUVs

Also Featured In

#5 in Best 3-Row SUVs For 2023

2021 Honda Pilot

The Pilot carries over mostly unchanged for the 2021 model year, except for Honda making its smooth-shifting nine-speed transmission standard across the lineup. The automaker’s All-wheel drive also is available across all models, a useful upgrade to families that live in seasonal regions, especially with driving modes that adjust for Snow, Sand and Mud (it also has a mildly impressive 7.3 inches of ground clearance). But driving dynamics are lackluster while cruising around town and styling is generic. Nonetheless, the Pilot’s spacious cabin, host of standard safety tech and plentiful small space storage makes it an effective tool whether running errands or embarking on long family road trips.

Spacious, family-friendly cabin
Competitive fuel economy compared with rivals
All-wheel drive available across the lineup
Bland interior
Overly aggressive lane-keeping assistance system
Virtually no usable cargo space with third row intact

#3 in Best Midsize SUVs for 2023

#6 in Best AWD SUVs

#9 in Best 3-Row SUVs For 2023

2021 Ford Explorer

The current-generation Ford Explorer debuted for the 2020 model year and now sits on a rear-wheel drivetrain for enhanced capability. Ford’s updates has helped it make inroads against its European and Asian rivals, but it still stumbles in the comfort and with fit and finish categories, which makes it hard to justify the exorbitant prices some of the configurations demand. But midsize SUV is still a top-seller, offering standard seating for seven (or six when outfitted with two second-row captain’s chairs) and handful of engine choices, including a powerful 300-horsepower 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, a 3.0-liter hybrid powertrain with 318 horsepower or a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 400 horsepower. All engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and a four-wheel drivetrain is available. Depending on its powertrain, the Explorer achieves up to 29 mpg on the highway (up to 28 mpg in combined city and highway driving).

Tows up to 5,000 pounds
Confident, mostly smooth ride
Plenty of storage and cargo space
Gets expensive quickly
Some cheap-feeling interior trim
Third row not suitable for anyone but small children

#9 in Best Hybrid SUVs For 2023

#12 in Best Midsize SUVs For Towing, 2023 Edition

#6 in Best 3-Row SUVs For 2023

#9 in Best Midsize SUVs for 2023

2021 Nissan Rogue

Nissan’s new Rogue is proof that thoughtful packaging and desirable tech can push any vehicle to the next level. It’s powertrain doesn’t offer an overwhelming amount of power, but it gets high marks for efficiency, especially when configured with front-wheel drive. Inside the cabin is two rows with comfortable seating for five. An available sliding panoramic moonroof brings in fresh air and daylight to brighten long drives. The Rogue’s back row slides and reclines for passenger comfort, and the cargo area features an adjustable floor with dividers and shelves to make the most of the segment-topping 39.3 cubic-feet of storage capacity. It also comes with a host of advanced driver-assistance safety tech, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection as well as alerts for lane departure and blind spots, and features an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Supremely comfortable seats
Family-friendly to the max
Refined driving dynamics
Too much wind and road noise
Could use a few more horsepower
Top trims get expensive

#11 in Best MPG SUVs For 2023

2021 Kia Telluride

Top Telluride trims get premium features and all the tech goodies, but Kia’s biggest SUV is a solid value and great family vehicle no matter how it’s configured. The interior is comfortable and spacious, and its modern, muscular styling makes compelling case for young families disinterested in the shrinking minivan segment. The midsize SUV is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired and to an eight-speed automatic transmission with 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It’s also rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Telluride boasts a slew of standard advanced driver-assistance safety tech including front and rear automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control. It makes ample use of technology to help with long trips such as the available “driver talk” intercom to communicate with passengers in the rear, an optional quiet mode that limits audio to the front row and the available Rear Occupant Alert feature included with UVO subscription to give parents traveling with small children peace of mind.

Impressive and attractive cabin
Unbelievable value
Capable and comfortable for families
Impressive and beautiful cabin

#2 in Forbes Wheels Car Of The Year For 2021

#9 in Best AWD SUVs

#2 in Best 3-Row SUVs For 2023

#2 in Best Midsize SUVs for 2023

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the original family-hauling SUV with legitimate off-roading credentials and is the largest of the brand’s line of rugged activity vehicles. The current, fourth-generation Grand Cherokee will end its run at the end of 2021, but it remains an excellent melding of off-road ability and luxury that’s hard to top at its price point, especially with 11 models in its lineup. New for 2021 is a new, longer wheelbase version, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, that offers bigger families a third row. The five-seater Grand Cherokee is available with four engine options that range from the standard 3.6-liter V6 with 295 horsepower and 260 pound feet of torque to a 6.4-liter turbocharged V8 with 475 horsepower and 470 pound feet of torque. It offers offers best-in-class towing capacity of up to 7,200 pounds when properly equipped. It’s known for its off-road capability, but it’s equally renowned for cozy cabin comfort, including a 8.4-inch touchscreen, heated front and rear seats and an available dual panel sunroof that brings the outdoors in on long drives. The interior also can be dressed in a wide selection of luxurious leather and wood finishes. The two-row version boasts a segment-topping 36.3 cubic-feet of storage behind the second row, a figure bested only by Toyota’s utilitarian 4Runner (47.2 cubic-feet).

Brings more off-road capability than most in its class
Better comfort and ride quality than most off-road focused vehicles
Quadra-Lift suspension more than adept on the road or off of it
The price can ratchet up quickly with options
In its 11th model year, can’t help but feel a bit old
Not the best crash-test ratings

#3 in Best AWD SUVs

#6 in Best SUVs With Roof Rails For 2021

#6 in Best Off-Road SUVs For 2023

2021 Hyundai Palisade

Hyundai hit it out of the park with its new affordable three-row midsize SUV. The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offers a host of technology features and high-end touches such as quilted Napa leather interior materials that level-set it with luxury competitors that cost thousands dollars more. The seven- or eight-seater is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque and is paired with an eight-speed transmission. Inside the cabin are many technology features to keep connected on the road, including a 10.25-inch navigation display mounted above the center stack, optional wireless charging, seven USB outlets and the ability to connect two Bluetooth devices at the same time (one for a mobile connection and the other for audio streaming). Designed with road-tripping in mind, the Palisade features 16 cup holders, an optional intercom system to communicate with rear passengers and a roof vent diffuser that improves airflow to pets or kids in the third row. To store cargo and gear, the Palisade offers 18 cubic-feet of storage with the third row up and 45.8 when folded flat.

Plush, pleasant interior
Advanced safety features abound
Some handling sharpness is compromised for ride comfort
The Kia Telluride, Palisade’s sister car, steals the show with sharper looks
Some brand snobs will have a hard time with the Hyundai nameplate

#1 in Best Midsize SUVs for 2023

#4 in Best 3-Row SUVs For 2023

2021 GMC Sierra 1500

Not all road trips end where the pavement does. The GMC Sierra 1500 full-size pickup is ideal mode of travel when adventuring means heading off the pavement without sacrificing comfort and style. The Sierra has lots of virtues, including a trick multi-function tailgate, an excellent towing safety suite and plenty of room. It’s also good looking, with the off-road themed AT4 a particular style standout. Its available 6.2-liter V8 and 3.0-liter diesel six also give good performance and hauling capability. On the other hand, the Sierra’s top trims don’t seem quite as premium as billed, and many of the Truck’s features are shared with its less-expensive sibling, the Chevy Silverado, which also has a higher max tow rating.

Excellent optional powertrains
Multi-function tailgate
Handsome styling
Premium interior not as premium as priced
Pricier than Silverado

#6 in Best Full-Size Trucks For 2023

#5 in Best Trucks For Towing, 2023 Edition

#3 in Best Diesel Trucks For 2023

#3 in Best Luxury Trucks For 2022

The best road trip cars

Nothing picks up your mood faster than taking a long and relaxing road trip somewhere you love. But not every car is well suited to life on the road, and when you’re headed out for a long trip, the last thing you want is a car that can’t handle it. When you are ready to embark on a journey around the country, these cars have what it takes to help you enjoy the ride.

2020 Subaru Crosstrek

2020 honda hr-v, 2020 ford mustang gt convertible, tesla model 3, chevrolet bolt, 2020 ferrari gtc4lusso, 2020 volvo xc90, 2020 toyota prius, 2020 mazda mx-5, 2020 jaguar f-type convertible, lexus ls 400, volkswagen westfalia camper, ford crown victoria.

The best road trip cars have comfortable seats, lots of entertainment features, and plenty of room for all of your gear. Here are the best cars you can take on a long trip.

A good road trip car must be reliable, practical, capable, and fun, and few automakers satisfy those requirements better than Subaru. We’d love to take a WRX STI cross country, but the fuel-sipping Crosstrek makes our list for its rugged construction and well-rounded character. Plus, there’s plenty of room for speed and spoilers later.

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With fuel economy ratings of 27 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, the Crosstrek is an apt choice for couples or small families looking to log some serious highway miles. All-wheel drive is standard, of course, and with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, this compact crossover will go just about anywhere you need it to, on or off the interstate.

With the Fit, Honda proved a good value doesn’t always come with squished proportions and a chintzy interior. And, with the Fit-based HR-V , the Japanese firm added an extra dose of practicality to the mix.

Honda’s smallest crossover boasts 6.7 inches of ride height and an ingenious “Magic Seat” interior layout, which allows passengers to configure the cabin in five different modes — normal, split, tall, utility, and lounge. That means the car can easily ferry anything, whether it be luggage, bikes, tall plants, or even surfboards.

The HR-V’s biggest asset is its relatively low cost, which comes both at the dealer (starting MSRP is $20,620) and at the pump (it returns up to 28 mpg city/34 mpg highway when ordered with front-wheel drive). Throw in a plethora of safety features and you’re all set.

What goes better with a great American road trip than an emblematic American car? Nothing, that’s what. The Ford Mustang GT is a legend through and through, and the sixth-generation model is the most refined version yet. It has the best interior of any pony car before it, and with an independent suspension setup front and rear, this horse can corner with the best of ‘em. Ford recently updated the model with more tech features, too, including an available digital instrument cluster that will let you keep an eye on key road trip metrics such as speed, distance to empty, and the tunes blasting through the speakers.

Let’s be honest, you don’t need a thumping V8 soundtrack for a successful road trip, nor do you need the open wind rustling through your hair. You definitely want them, though, and the Mustang GT Convertible happens to provide both. “GT” does stand for “Grand Tourer,” after all.

For years, electric cars and road-tripping were mutually exclusive; range anxiety kicked in before you got a chance to leave your state. Advances in battery technology make the latest crop of electric vehicles better-suited to long drives. The Tesla Model 3 has up to 322 miles of driving range in its Dual Motor Long Range configuration, so you can drive from Detroit to Indianapolis without needing to stop and charge.

When you do need to fill up, you can rely on Tesla’s growing network of Supercharger stations. There are thousands of charging points in each state so finding one is a breeze, especially if you plan ahead. Clever features — such as in-car gaming and Netflix streaming — will help you pass the time while your car sips electricity.

If a Tesla isn’t your thing, or if the Model 3 is too expensive, the Chevrolet Bolt is another great option for those seeking a zero-emissions road-tripper. It offers 259 miles of range, so it can drive from New York City to Washington, D.C., in ideal conditions, and it’s spacious enough to comfortably carry a full load of passengers and their gear.

You can zap the Bolt’s battery with about 100 miles of range every 30 minutes when it’s plugged into a DC fast charger, a type of station that’s getting much easier to find as America’s charging infrastructure expands, though keep in mind you’ll need a special charging port Chevrolet charges extra for. Alternatively, if you’re not in a rush, the Bolt gains 25 miles of range per hour plugged in when it’s hooked up to a 240-volt level two charger, which you can find outside of many hotels, restaurants, and other businesses.

Ah, the practical Ferrari. The successor to the FF , the GTC4Lusso is a grand tourer in every sense of the word, as its gorgeously-appointed interior and quiet ride are offset by a 681-hp V12 and a trick four-wheel steering system. It does “GT” a bit differently, however, as the three-door configuration and shooting brake profile make this a head-turner in more ways than one.

It may not have the storage capacity of an SUV (though Ferrari is working on that ) or the fuel economy of a hybrid, but the GTC4Lusso is as easy to drive in the city as it is on the Italian autostrada, and the brilliant V12 will never, ever get old. These are the keys to life, folks, and don’t let anyone ever tell you differently. This machine speaks tech , too. Ferrari recently added a large screen with a split-view function, as well as Apple CarPlay compatibility.

We know Volvo can build safe, sophisticated, and elegant machines, but the levels of opulence found in the XC90 make us rethink our outlook on the brand entirely. Not only is the XC90’s interior one of the best we’ve ever seen in an SUV, its smart technology and excellent efficiency make it a no-brainer if you prefer your road trips with a group.

The available Bowers & Wilkins sound system is nothing short of fantastic in this car (a key factor for this list), and it can be shuffled between a variety of listening modes, including studio, concert hall, and stadium. The XC90 also features polished semi-autonomous technology for laid-back driving, and the tablet-style touchscreen interface is one of the most intuitive units on the market. Throw in an efficient T8 powertrain that combines a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with a plug-in hybrid system and you have the ultimate long-haul cruiser for up to seven people.

While most of the vehicles on this list emphasize fun, style, or practicality, the Toyota Prius is nearly singular in its goal: Maximum fuel economy. The most fuel-efficient car on the road without a plug, the Eco model returns up to 58 mpg on the freeway and flaunts a total range of more than 600 miles. In a word? Wow.

Toyota made notable enhancements to interior quality and driving dynamics over the previous generation, improvements that will be appreciated if you’re forced to sit in the car for extended periods. Looking to save at the pump? The Prius is your best bet. Select the plug-in Prime model if you’re looking to add a few miles of electric-only driving to your trip without stopping to charge a battery-electric car.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata wrote the book on the modern roadster, so it’d be a travesty if we didn’t include it. The long-standing sports car is as close to perfect as an inexpensive two-seater can be, with an expertly-balanced chassis, a fantastic six-speed manual, and a tangible passion for driving you can actually feel through the steering. It’s one of the few cars that hasn’t gotten significantly bigger or heavier since its inception.

There aren’t a ton of bells and whistles here, but that’s not the point. The MX-5 is about escapism done simply, and it emphasizes that better than just about any car on the market. It’s best suited for solo or short two-person trips, but the fourth-generation model features just enough modern gadgetry to keep you busy if the brilliant engineering isn’t enough.

Ok, we needed at least one more convertible for our list, and Jaguar’s stunning F-Type is one of the most evocative drop-tops ever put to pavement. It has the look, it has the sound — my goodness, the sound — and most importantly, it has the feeling. It’s also fast, agile, and surprisingly refined, as the suspension can be tuned depending on what surface you’re rocketing over.

Practicality takes a back seat in this one (if there were back seats, that is), but people don’t buy V8-powered convertibles because of logic or reason. They buy them because they’re beautiful, stirring, and create a new experience every time you press the start button. Hell, if all you need is to get somewhere quickly and you can’t live without your three favorite suitcases, you’d probably just buy a plane ticket. For the rest of us, open up the throttle and enjoy the ride.

With the new cars out the way, let’s take a short look back at a few legacy options. Lexus’ first vehicle, the LS 400 , was the product of a project called Circle F , which was Toyota chairman Eiji Toyoda’s vision to build the world’s best car. The result was something that shockingly still feels modern today, with a buttery ride, rock-solid reliability, and a tasteful interior that has stood the test of time. Speaking of sturdiness, the sedan’s 4.0-liter V8 is the only automobile engine to be rated by the FAA, meaning the 260-hp power plant is tough enough to power a plane. Seriously.

Impressive credentials aside, used LS400’s can be found for less than a few thousand dollars nowadays, which is an absolute steal for the amount of car you’re getting. Throw in reasonable fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway and you might have the best budget road trip car in the world.

The Volkswagen Westfalia Camper is a hotel on wheels.

Westfalia is a German company that, for about 50 years from the 1950s, made a name for itself in the vehicle-as-living-space world. Westfalia created innovative liveable quarters made to fit inside Volkswagen’s iconic vans. Their configurations included pop-up camper designs, folding tables and chairs, portable toilets, sinks, stoves, and refrigerators. Daimler Chrysler purchased Westfalia’s conversion group in 1999.

The Ford Crown Victoria – or “Crown Vic” – is an iconic car known for its longevity and surprisingly large interior. Most people recognize them from classic movies or old-school taxicabs.

Range: 1,500 feet
Paging: One-way communication

If you’re looking for a basic, straightforward system that does what it needs to without costing an arm and a leg, Audiovox has got you covered. It features a decent range of approximately 1,500 feet, which should be adequate for most motorists. It has three-button remotes that only offer one-way communication, making it the perfect fit for motorists seeking an easy-to-use system.

The Audiovox is as effective and dependable as it is simple. You can program it to ignite the engine, thereby warming it up for as little as 5 minutes or as long as an hour, depending on your preferences. Audiovox’s APS57Z also lets you lock and unlock the car and pop the trunk open, as long as you are standing within range. You can use the Audiovox on fuel-powered as well as hybrid cars, and it’s CarLink capabilities allow it to sync up with your smartphone.

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Buying Guides

Give yourself peace of mind by installing a front and rear dash cam in your car. Compared to dash cams that only have a front-facing camera, a front and rear dash cam will also record everything that happens behind your vehicle, which will be helpful in determining who's at fault when there's a rear-end collision. With front and rear dash cams coming in various models and made by different brands, it's going to be hard to choose what to equip your car with, so to help with your decision, we've listed the best front and rear dash cams below. The best front and rear dash cams in 2024

Buy the if you want the best overall front and rear dash cam. Buy the if you want a front and rear dash cam that's loaded with smart features. Buy the if you want a front and rear dash cam with smart features for an affordable price. Buy the if you want a front and rear dash cam with 4K resolution for cheap. Buy the if you want a front and rear dash cam on a very tight budget.

Whether you do your driving with an off-road vehicle, one of the most impressive EVs on the road, or anything in between, the driving experience can be made all the better by knowing you look good doing so. Keeping your vehicle clean isn’t always the easiest chore, nor is it something everyone likes to do. You can make shorter work of it with a pressure washer, and with warmer weather around the corner we decided to round up the best pressure washers for cars in 2024. The best pressure washers for cars in 2024

Buy the if you want the best pressure washer for cars overall. Buy the if you want the best gas-powered pressure washer for cars. Buy the if you want the best handheld pressure washer for cars. But the if you want the best budget pressure washer for cars.

In-car technology is advancing more quickly than anyone imagined, and it's also easier to upgrade an older car with Bluetooth and other cutting-edge features than it's ever been. Numerous aftermarket companies allow motorists to benefit from useful connectivity and safety features without having to buy a new car. In fact, Bluetooth has become a cheap, easy upgrade on any vehicle regardless of its age or value.

Bluetooth can be used to make phone calls (it channels the conversation through your car's speakers) or to stream music directly from your smartphone, though some of the more basic systems are limited to calls. Either way, it's a feature that significantly reduces distractions and allows the driver to keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times. That's why most states have laws that require hands-free calling while driving.

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When Driving is about Lifestyle, Car Life Nation is the Answer

Best Used Cars to Take on a Road Trip

Driving across country is one of the quintessential American vacations. Because the country is so large and there’s so much to see and do, it’s easy to hop in your car and roam the roads. Whether it’s sightseeing in a big city, stopping at roadside attractions, or enjoying the view on a stretch of scenic highway, road trips can be a fun and relaxing way to take a family vacation. If you have a lot of kids, if you’re doing a lot of outdoor activities, or if you’re a chronic over-packer, you need a used car that can go the distance.

The best used cars or SUVs for road trips will have a lot of cargo space, get good gas mileage, have features that will keep your family safe, and have the tech you need to make you feel at home when you’re on the road. For most larger families, a used SUV is the perfect fit for a long vacation spent on the road. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of some of the best used SUVs for traveling and doing activities. With these SUVs, you can focus on what really matters: enjoying time with your family.

Nissan Pathfinder

The Nissan Pathfinder is one of the best crossovers on the market and also has three rows. The Pathfinder was just updated and redesigned for the 2017 model year, so you can be confident that newer Pathfinders have all the latest and greatest technology and modern features you expect from your SUV, and you’re likely to find a fully loaded model for a used car price. If you have small children, the Pathfinder’s EZ Flex Seating System allows the second row to move up to 5.3 inches forward or backward, giving you easier access to the second row. Plus, there is plenty of legroom for, great for stretching out on long car rides. There are also storage compartments in the floor so there’s no need to pack light when you take the Nissan Pathfinder on a road trip.

Chevy Tahoe

When you’re on a road trip, you want a car you can rely on. The Chevy Tahoe has taken home Kelley Blue Book’s awards for five-year cost to own, best resale value, and best family car. The SUV also won the Edmunds buyers’ most wanted large SUV. The Tahoe was also named the most dependable large SUV by J.D. Power’s 2017 Vehicle Dependability Study.

Keep boredom at bay with up to seven USB ports, a 110-volt three-prong outlet, and an available wireless charging station, keeping your family is powered up and ready to go. There is also an available 4G LTE Wi-Fi connection. Utilize all 94.7 cubic feet of storage space when you fold down the second and third rows or seat up to nine people in the premium leather seats with heated first and second-row seats.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Go longer between filling up at the pump with the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s impressive 730 miles of range using the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine. This turbocharged engine and its 24.6-gallon fuel tank deliver an impressive 25 MPG combined–not bad for a large SUV. The leather seats and heated and ventilated front row will also keep you nice and comfy on those long drives. Your family will also never be bored with entertainment features like the 19 speaker, 825-watt Harman Kardon audio system, available built in Wi-Fi hotspot, and available Bluray capable rear seat entertainment system.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is one of the top-selling three-row SUVs in the nation and is one of the most capable crossovers currently available. The Highlander offers the perfect balance of cargo space and passenger accommodations, meaning you can take everything you want with you without worrying about being cramped. The hybrid engine also gets an impressive EPA-estimated 30/28 MPG in the city and on the highway.

The Honda CR-V is a highly decorated vehicle, having ranked towards the top of U.S. News and World Report’s awards for best compact SUV, best compact SUV for the money, and best compact SUV for families. It comes with a large cargo area that’s easy to load because of the vehicle’s low floor height. If you choose the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the CR-V will get up to 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway, saving you money at the pump. The EX trim or higher also gets you an array of safety features and other aides.

The GMC Acadia has also recently been redesigned for the 2017 model year, meaning you can get more bang for your buck on a used vehicle. The Acadia is also well-known for providing a lot of legroom for its passengers, so it will be comfortable for everyone on those long drives. Plus, your family will never be bored with all of the available entertainment features. The GMC IntelliLink system comes with Apple Carplay and Android Auto capabilities, giving you easy access to music, directions, and more. There is also an available built-in Wi-Fi connection, saving your family’s data plan from overuse, and available rear seat entertainment system to keep the kids occupied. Say “Goodbye” to hours upon hours of, “Are we there yet?”

Chevy Equinox

The Chevy Equinox was designed to give you the best of everything. This versatile crossover won the J.D. Power Dependability Award for most dependable compact SUV in 2015. Enjoy up to 39 MPG on the highway and haul all you want with 63.5 cubic feet of storage space. Unloading will be a breeze with the available hands-free gesture liftgate that opens with the simple wave of your foot.

Stay connected with the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto capabilities, and don’t worry about the family’s data plan when you use the available 4G LTE Wi-Fi connection. Your family will thank you on those long car rides. Plus, the Chevy Equinox uses cutting-edge technology to keep everyone in the car safe, as it has ten different safety features available.

Dodge Durango

The Dodge Durango is spacious, quiet, and comfortable, blending utility and creature comforts. The eight-speed automatic transmission has improved the performance and fuel economy in both the V6 and V8 engines available for the model. The optional Uconnect 8.4-inch infotainment system includes intuitive operation, making it easy to use when you’re on the go. The Durango has generous cargo space and can tow 1,000 to 2,000 pounds more than competitors in its class, making it the ideal choice for vacations involving boats or toys.

No matter where you’re headed, there is a used car or SUV for your family that is the perfect blend of price, performance, fuel economy, and features. Whether you need a compact, midsize, or full-size SUV, there are plenty of options to choose from that will meet all of your individual quirks and wants. To learn more, contact your local dealership and schedule a test drive today.

The 9 Best Road Trip Cars: Staff Picks

I polled most of the crew here for their picks and then prodded for extra justification to back up their (incorrect) opinions.

By Nick Caruso

Welcome to the most subjective argument to ever take place in the history of mankind. When it comes to road trips, what you’re driving is more important than where you’re going, what you eat on the way and what you listen to on the road — indeed, it may be even more important than who you bring along for the ride. We all have strong road trip car opinions, often driven by some form of nostalgia or aspiration.

I polled most of the crew here for their picks and then prodded for extra justification to back up their (incorrect) opinions. As it turns out, our choices aren’t all that dissimilar, but “agree to disagree’ all the same, right? Perhaps you’ll find some inspiration — or consternation — below.

Andrew Maness, Contributor: Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Wagon

The-9-Best-Road-Trip-Cars-Ever-gear-patrol-Mercedes-AMG-E-63-S-Wagon

Explain yourself: A perfect power to comfort ratio.

Anything else to add? The E 63 S Wagon checks all the right boxes. It’s a sleeper you can actually sleep in; it’s rare but you don’t have to be precious with it; it sounds phenomenal; it’s shockingly fast and you can get it with those top-notch Mercedes-Benz massaging front seats . Get it in the unassuming Diamond Silver Metallic over Nut Brown Nappa Leather with Natural Grain Ash trim for maximum “zen-den” effect.

Where are you driving? After setting out along the Pacific at dawn, I’d head northeast up to Ojai to Highway 33, then on to Bakersfield to hit Highway 178 to Lake Isabella. Then all the way to Highway 190 that runs through Death Valley. From there it’s a quick shot to Vegas, north on Highway 93 to Great Basin National Park and Highway 50, “The Loneliest Road In America.” 50 East leads to Central Utah where there are otherworldly landscapes to be explored. Once I’d had enough of the desert I’d point the car north to Wyoming and Montana before looping back west through Idaho and Oregon for some of the most incredible roads in the country.

Destination? Flathead Lake, Montana .

Best road trip snack? Bananas and almonds.

First song on your road trip playlist? “Rock and Roll” by Led Zeppelin .

What’s your personal road trip philosophy? Do have a general idea of where you’d like to end up each day; don’t feel the need to adhere to your plans exactly. The best road trips usually take shape after they’ve started, so don’t be too precious with your time. If you’ve got a passenger or two, always be open to their suggestions.

What is the front seat passenger’s primary responsibility? Snack distributor.

Essential Road Trip Gear: Andrew Maness Wilson Sun Sunglasses by Garrett Leight $346 The Slider Lip Balm by Lucky Bastard $8 Center Court Gilbert Crockett 2 by Vans $70

Andrew Connor, Associate Staff Writer: Porsche 911 Targa 4S

The-9-Best-Road-Trip-Cars-Ever-gear-patrol-Porsche-911-Targa-4S

Explain yourself: The roof. Or occasional lack thereof. Top-down road trips are a delight, and the gorgeous, geeky retractable roof on the new 911 Targa gives you that open-air freedom with the flexibility and comfort of having a hardtop.

Anything else to add? The “standard” Targa 4 is probably plenty of car, but fortunately, the S and GTS offer more power and suspension tuning if that’s your thing. I think if you are the type to buy a car like this for extensive road-tripping, the goldilocks-grade S model will have the right amount of power for Fun Time Driving without being too hardcore.

Where are you driving? The hell out of the US, up towards Nova Scotia, making sure to spend plenty of time driving the sublime roads around Cape Brenton Island. Eventually ending up in Halifax to consume copious amounts of Salmon.

Destination? Halifax .

Best road trip snack? Trail mix, but for the love of god make sure you don’t drop an M&M and accidentally sit on it. I’ve been burned before.

First song on your road trip playlist? “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen . Cliche but a classic.

What’s your personal road trip philosophy? Road-tripping, to me, is just as much about enjoying a car as it is going somewhere new, so take the scenic route when possible.

What is the front seat passenger’s main responsibility? Navigation.

Essential Road Trip Gear: Andrew Connor Espadrilles by Soludo $60 Spotify Premium $10/month Clover Sunglasses by David Kind $295

Nick Caruso, Associate Editor: Aston Martin DB11 V12

The-9-Best-Road-Trip-Cars-Ever-gear-patrol-Aston-Martin-DB11

Explain yourself: Easily the most beautiful, sumptuous V12 grand tourer available today.

Anything else to add? The DB11 V12 is an absolute grand slam of a car. Aston is growing massively right now while hoping to hold onto its roots: a heritage of making sporting cars in the hand-built, British tradition that are as capable as they are gorgeous. Most “car guys” prefer the V8 version because it’s lighter and therefor sportier to some degree. This is my choice, though: a completely customizable automobile (I configured the one pictured myself) designed to be owned and driven by sporting gentlemen; fast and violent-sounding, yes, but also velvety smooth thanks to its liquid V12. It is ultimate comfort, devilish luxury and top-tier, future-grade design rolled into one with a heavy, heaping dollop of the brand’s 100-plus-year history on top. Opt for custom-fit luggage, or perhaps some beautiful pieces of your own, and point in the direction of a heavenly getaway in a stylish, equally-stunning paradise.

Where are you driving? Start north on the California coast and wind down through Carmel-by-the-Sea, eventually winding my way to Montecito for a week of good food, ocean roar and, well, showing off my car.

Destination? Coral Casino Club

Best road trip snack? Whatchamacallit candy bars, but not to be eaten in the car. Sorry.

First song on your road trip playlist? “Runnin’ Down a Dream” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

What’s your personal road trip philosophy? Driving is my Zen place. I’ll drive for hours without making a sound, without the radio on, alone with my thoughts and the road. I love the way I can manipulate a car and optimize a driving route. Conversely, I cherish road trips with good company — provided my passenger has good music taste. Extra points if they can harmonize.

What is the front seat passenger’s main responsibility? DJ.

Essential Road Trip Gear: Nick Caruso No. 10 Weekender by Lotuff $850 S140 Pivot Merino Button-Up by Outlier $198 Google Pixel 2 XL by Google $1,398

Bryan Campbell, Staff Writer: 1991 Buick Century Wagon

The-9-Best-Road-Trip-Cars-Ever-gear-patrol-1991-Buick-Century-v2

Explain yourself: Space. You need to be able to feel like you can live out of the car. Because sometimes you have to.

Anything else to add? This is the car I grew up in as a kid, which I affectionately, yet plainly referred to as ‘the blue car’. (We had an ’87 VW Scirocco too, that was ‘the black car’.) The Buick was dark blue with wood grain paneling over a dark blue velour interior. Was it the hottest place in the world in the summer? Hell yes. But there was so much room in that car it might as well have been a modern SUV . And on shorter trips where luggage wasn’t necessary, you can bet my sister and I were in the trunk making use of the rear-facing rumble seat, taunting drivers behind us. Plus, one perk to the velour upholstery was it provided serious entertainment on the trips up to the Poconos. Once it was dark enough, all you had to do was rub your hair on the seat back and give your sibling a visible taser shock of static electricity.

Where are you driving? The most memorable trips were through snow storms up to Woodlock Pines to meet extended family for Christmas or New Years. I haven’t been back in years — I’m sure the place has modernized by now — but it was definitely a holdout establishment from the ’70s judging by all the decor.

Best road trip snack? Jerky.

First song on your road trip playlist? “Oh, Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison . This song would always eventually blast through the tape deck, and as a kid I loved it every time.

What’s your personal road trip philosophy? Bring enough sustenance to keep you going to the next gas station, because those are the only stops.

Essential Road Trip Gear: Bryan Campbell Game Gear by Sega $78+

Brian Leon, Contributor: Mercedes-Benz SL600

The-9-Best-Road-Trip-Cars-Ever-gear-patrol-Mercedes-Benz-SL600

Explain yourself: It’s a V12 Mercedes-Benz convertible.

Anything else to add? The Mercedes SL-Class is simply the world’s favorite grand touring car. It’s been around longer than you have (probably) and though the current one may be the last, there’s a reason SL is the last word in drop-top luxury touring. For the money, the R129 generation (1989-2002) is my favorite, as it proves that boxy can still be beautiful. Capitalize on the current wave of 90s nostalgia and pick up one with a V12 for less than $25,000 in mint condition.

Where are you driving? The Overseas Highway from Miami to Key West seems a fitting route for the SL. At just 127.5 miles, it’s on the short end of the road trip spectrum, but why not extend your starting point a bit further north along the coast? Like Savannah, or Myrtle Beach… or Portland, Maine.

Destination? If you’re already down there, why not hit the southernmost point in the continental U.S. ? At least it’s by the beach…

Best road trip snack? Beef jerky.

First song on your road trip playlist? Keeping it on theme: “Miami” by Will Smith .

What’s your personal road trip philosophy? If you stick to the planned route, you’re not really on a road trip, are you?

Essential Road Trip Gear: Brian Leon Men’s Classic Cap by Mercedes-Benz $26 Retro 49mm Sunglasses by Carrera $170 UV Aqua Rich Sunscreen by Bioré $14

AJ Powell, Assistant Editor: 2015 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring

The-9-Best-Road-Trip-Cars-Ever-gear-patrol-2015-Subaru-Forester-XT-Touring

Explain yourself: It’s an AWD sleeper with a turbo. What more could you want in a road trip car?

Anything else to add? I can say from personal experience that this car is a blast to go cross country and back in. It’s got enough giddy-up to be fun across middle America. More importantly, it has a vast dealer network to keep up with the scheduled maintenance and oil changes while on the road.

Where are you driving? I’ve yet to check off a road trip through the South, so the ideal route would be to kit this thing out with a handful of bike racks and head down to Asheville. Once there, exploring the backroads in sport mode would be worth the trip.

Destination? Asheville, NC .

Best road trip snack? Haribo Sour Peaches.

First song on your road trip playlist? “Winter” by TV On The Radio .

What’s your personal road trip philosophy? Methodically planned down to where the closest Steak n Shake is at each fuel stop. Tire pressure? Check? Wiper fluid? Check. You get the picture.

Essential Road Trip Gear: AJ Powell Ruggedized Series Kekunam 3 Rooftop Tent by Tepui $2,100 Mobile Powerstation by River $600 Pismo Sunglasses by SPY $120

Tyler Duffy, Contributor: Mercedez Benz W113 280SL Pagoda

The-9-Best-Road-Trip-Cars-Ever-gear-patrol-Mercedez-Benz-W113-280SL-Pagoda

Explain yourself: Understatement. The 280SL is pared down from its predecessor SLs and sleeker than its successors. You won’t look like a doofus climbing out of gull-wing doors. There’s at least a 50/50 chance you can escape the coffee shop without being dragooned for a 40-minute conversation by an eager car enthusiast.

Anything else to add? When former Mercedes F1 Champion Nico Rosberg cruises along the Mediterranean, he drives a 1970 280SL.

Where are you driving? I depart my charming Carmel-by-the-Sea inn. I turn south on Route 1. I leave my worries and the ubiquitous Bay Area tech bros in the rearview mirror as I savor perhaps America’s most striking coastline. Leisurely lunch with a view. I turn around in time to arrive for my pre-cocktail hour massage, because in this world that’s entirely reasonable.

Destination? Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Best road trip snack? Cinnamon Altoids.

First song on your road trip playlist? “It’s Hard To Be a Saint in the City” by Bruce Springsteen .

What’s your personal road trip philosophy? Leave earlier than any sane person would in the morning. Pace yourself with the liquids. Avoid lactose and legumes before traveling in polite company.

Essential Road Trip Gear: Bryan Campbell Aviator Classic Sunglasses by Ray-Ban $153

Will Price, Associate Staff Writer: 1996 Toyota 4Runner

The-9-Best-Road-Trip-Cars-Ever-gear-patrol-1996-Toyota-4Runner

Explain yourself: Sickening trunk space. I don’t pack light on road trips. Why should I? This isn’t air travel. I can bring whatever I want, so long as I don’t encroach on others’s leg room.

Anything else to add? The ’96 4Runner happens to be the car I learned to drive in. If you have the option (you probably won’t), you want the 4X4 stick shift model. Oh, and it needs to be red. Kismet led me to the man I rented this same car from some 10 years after learning to drive (in Puerto Rico of all places), and I’ll never forget bumping into cones while parallel parking or speeding up a mountain in it.

Where are you driving? You’ve got to rent the 4Runner from a suspect shirtless man in San Juan, Puerto Rico — with cash — and take the 149 to the 143, then Route 10. This runs you through an exceedingly up-and-down rain forest on crumbling gravel roads one-and-a-half cars wide. The canopy becomes so dense inside the Toro Negro rainforest it may as well be night, and oncoming vehicles aren’t keen on using headlights (honking horns is customary when swinging around blind corners). After a slew of switchbacks and 75-degree uphill shots the foliage finally thins, and the sun comes back. The rest of the drive you’re looking up the slopes of the tallest mountain on the island, and down at Poncé and San Juan far and below. When you arrive at Kurt’s coffee farm, you’ll be treated to a freshly grown, roasted and ground cup of espresso in a gazebo at cloud level. Not a bad reward for your efforts. (Hint: if there’s a chance of rain, do not go.)

Destination? Hacienda de Café Pomarrosa .

Best road trip snack? Certainly not beef jerky (sue me). Road trip snacking should feed into other timeless road trip activities, like rolling the windows down. Hence, roasted peanuts (unshelled) are peak road trip snack.

First song on your road trip playlist? “Triumph” by Wu-Tang Clan .

What’s your personal road trip philosophy? We’ll stop however many times we damn well please. Might we be a bit late? Sure. Do we care at all? No. I don’t always agree with the classics, but it’s the journey that you remember, not the destination. Before I embarked on my first road trip without him, my occasionally wise father told me this: if you’re thinking about getting there, you’re traveling, not road-tripping. This is either one of those really insightful messages or me glamorizing my dad’s words too much.

Essential Road Trip Gear: Will Price Aviators by Persol $259 Zinc Sunscreen by Babo Botanicals $22 Slippers by Derek Rose $195

Hunter D. Kelley, Associate Designer: 2018 Volvo V60 Polestar Wagon

The-9-Best-Road-Trip-Cars-Ever-gear-patrol-Volvo-V60-Polestar-Wagon

Explain yourself: The combination of stealth and power.

Anything else to add? This is one of the coolest wagons out there due to its sleeper status. It has classic Volvo styling mixed with subtle high-performance hints that not everyone will pick up on. To most, it looks like a standard Volvo V60, but to me, those massive Brembo brakes and blue Polestar badge tell me everything I need to know. This is not your father’s wagon.

Where are you driving? NY to LA as fast as possible.

Best road trip snack? Pizza Combos.

First song on your road trip playlist? “One” by Metallica .

What’s your personal road trip philosophy? Speed when possible, but do so safely. Don’t forget to take in the sights.

Essential Road Trip Gear: Hunter Kelley Waze Free MacigMount by Scosche $18+

Used-Cars-Under-10K-gear-patrol-lead-full

Cars for sale

Sell my car, car research, sign in, 6 of the best road trip cars, trucks, and suvs of 2022, if you're planning a road trip this summer, these are some of the best new vehicles for covering long distances and seeing the country..

Article QuickTakes:

The best road trip car for the entire family
Best road trip car for eating miles
Here’s the best road trip vehicle for hauling and towing
Environmentalists’ best road trip SUV

A road trip done well is a rite of passage, a great way to see the country while maintaining the freedom to explore whatever catches your eye along the way. Combine a fun itinerary with the right vehicle, and you've got a recipe for a good time over even the straightest highways.

Here are our picks for the best road trip cars, trucks, and SUVs you can buy in 2022.

The Best for the Path Less Traveled: Land Rover Defender 110

The Best for Back-Road Thrills: Lexus LC 500

Balancing a comfortable, opulent cabin with the kind of pleasing driving dynamics typically reserved for sports cars, the 2022 Lexus LC 500 is a fantastic grand touring coupe that also provides the option of a convertible model. The LC 500 is one of the most beautifully styled autos on the market. Its eight-cylinder thrust and planted handling make it the perfect companion on road trips that eschew the dull confines of the interstate for the undulating ribbons of two-lane blacktop that connect us to our very souls.

The Best for the Entire Family: Kia Carnival

When it comes to family transportation, not much can beat a minivan, especially when it comes to filling all three rows with full-size adults. The 2022 Kia Carnival features one of the most opulent cabins in its class, with the availability of reclining middle-row seats and an upscale interior to go with its exceptional levels of interior storage and luggage space. If the entire clan is coming with you, a minivan is an ideal road-tripper, and the Carnival’s coddled cruising makes it one of the best road trip cars of 2022.

The Best for Eating Miles: Bentley Flying Spur

There are plenty of ultra-luxury sedans out there that will gracefully devour however many miles of tarmac you place in front of them. However, far fewer prioritize driver engagement as much as the 2022 Bentley Flying Spur.

Able to shift from lazy loping to focused frenzy with a kick of the right foot, the Flying Spur is the kind of car where you'll snatch the keys out of your chauffeur's hands when the roads start to get interesting.

The Best for Hauling and Towing: Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

What if you need to take the entire family with you… plus a pair of bicycles, a kayak, a bale of hay, and maybe tug a camping trailer to boot? The 2022 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel full-size pickup features a luxurious cabin plus a generous 2,300-pound payload and 12,750-lb max tow rating, making it one of the best road trip trucks of 2022. You'll also appreciate an air suspension that lowers the truck at speed, resulting in a highway fuel economy estimate as high as 33 mpg.

The Best for Road-Tripping Environmentalists: Tesla Model X

What if you wanted to cross the U.S. and not burn gasoline? Enter the Tesla Model X midsize SUV, the largest model available from the pioneering, battery-electric carmaker. The X can seat up to seven and be driven an estimated 348 miles between charges. And thanks to Tesla's Supercharger network (with more than 35,000 chargers globally), it's also one of the most practical EVs for long-distance driving.

Available Super Cruise hands-free tech is just the tip of the iceberg for the new Enclave.

Proceed with caution: Financial woes put the electric SUV in dangerous waters.

5 of the Coolest Automaker Proving Grounds

From mountains to private racetracks, car manufacturers have some awesome test beds.

13 Awesome Adventure Vehicles Under $10,000

Honda Element (2003-2011)

2008 honda element front and side doors open

During the Element’s 9-year production run, it has proved itself a reliable daily driver for many who needed a dependable, practical vehicle. If you can score one with all-wheel drive, the roads less traveled immediately become accessible.

Today, the Honda Element fulfills the workhorse role for the budget-conscious. Only try to avoid the 2003 model year, as the first year of production had the most complaints and reported issues, as explained by CoPilot and MotorAudit.

Price: The choice models will fetch prices in the neighborhood of 12 to 15 large. Shop around for a well-maintained roller, and prices become reasonable somewhere at $8,500 or below. If you’re not afraid of taking on a project, it’s not uncommon to find one for around $3,000 or less.

The good: Honda has a robust reputation for reliability and build quality. Its high ground clearance makes traversing backroads and trails a breeze. Having a rugged plastic interior and no carpeting doesn’t elevate the Element in any way except when it comes to cleaning. Honda engineers knew the outdoors would make its way inside the cabin and prepared their boxy utility vehicle for easy cleanup. You can even hose it down with soap and water for major cleanups.

The bad: It only seats four, isn’t the fastest pony in the stable, and the gas mileage isn’t too good.

Why Element? The Honda Element is still a fan favorite for those who enjoy the active lifestyle or need a penny-wise work mule. Aside from its below-average fuel economy, the small yet spacious Element will hold its value. Moreover, it’ll last well over 200,000 miles, has space to fit full sheets of plywood if you take out the back seats, and is economical to own.

Toyota Sequoia XK30, XK40 (2001-2007)

2001 Toyota Sequoia XK30 driving uphill on gravel road

The Toyota Sequoia, which shares many parts with the Tundra , is a roomier version of the Land Cruiser and a sturdy towing vehicle. Emphasis is placed on creature comfort and less on its off-road capabilities than the Land Cruiser.

Price: In 2005, the Sequoia got a facelift and healthy power increase from 240 to 282 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque when Toyota upgraded the 4.7L V8 with variable valve timing (VVT-i). The average selling price for the 2005-2007 (XK40) model years is around $8,500. Moderately better deals exist for the 2001-2003 (XK30) Sequoias if the midcycle upgrades aren’t important to you.

The good: 128 cubic feet equate to lots of cargo space for carrying your gear. Drivers and passengers will appreciate the refined creature comforts, available second-row captain chairs, and third-row seating. The Sequoia has a pleasing driving experience for its size and strong towing capability.

Build quality and reliability meet Toyota standards and reputation. A burly max towing capacity of 6,200 pounds makes the Sequoia a first-class mule for hauling your recreational toys.

The bad: Slow-and-go traffic deals a heavy blow to fuel economy. Freeway speeds show its thirst for gas. Long drives are hampered by a 26-gallon gas tank. Interior plastics are known for brittleness in early models. Factory brakes are not entirely up to spec for an SUV weighing more than 5,000 pounds. Consider a brake upgrade if towing or you’re a driver who regularly drives above the posted speed limit.

Why Sequoia? Often overlooked as an option for a full-size SUV, the Sequoia’s steady resale value is a testament to its safety record, reliability, and build quality.

Toyota Prius (2nd-Gen 2004-2009)

It’s easy to see why several Toyotas were chosen, but how did a Prius make itself onto an adventure vehicle list? Well, the little fuel-sipper has some hidden talents. Space efficiency is one component where it excels, along with its low cost of ownership.

Price: A second-gen Prius will ring up roughly in the $5,000 range. Most Prius car batteries will work effectively for 8 to 10 years or anywhere between 100,000 and 150,000 miles. When it’s time for a new hybrid battery pack, the replacement cost falls in the realm of $2,500 to $4,400.

The good: Toyota’s reputation for reliability doesn’t falter with the Prius. It scores highly in U.S. News Cars rankings and has an excellent value rating by IntelliChoice for its predicted 5-year total cost of ownership compared to other vehicles in its class.

Phenomenal fuel economy, an impeccable safety record, and an efficient interior layout that offers a lot of passenger and cargo room are more reasons why the Prius is an intelligent choice. Because of its enduring popularity, an abundance of aftermarket add-ons and upgrades abound.

The bad: A lackluster ride quality, cramped rear seats, and boring acceleration bring down the Prius a notch. However, a good set of KYB shocks will solve the soft suspension ride. Build quality is commendable, except for the 2010 and 2016 models that had some major mechanical problems and interior accessory concerns.

Why Prius? When converted to van life, the back seat folds, opening up enough space to stretch out and sleep. Think the Prius can’t handle the roads less traveled? A simple upgrade of shocks and a 1.5-inch lift kit will set up the Japanese hatchback to take on the washboard and bumps of gravel and access roads when heading out to remote locations. Factor in its admirable reliability rating , and the Prius is unlikely to break down when venturing far from home.

Jeep Cherokee XJ (1984-2001)

hunter in front of Jeep Cherokee XJ on a snowy day

The Jeep Cherokee is a classic American off-roader with lots of upgrade options. A buddy once purchased a stock model for $3,000 with just 125,000 miles. After adding a lift kit and tires, his final bill was about $6,000.

Price: Its iconic status and heavy activity in the pre-owned automotive market over the past several years have moved the average price to about $12,000. Nevertheless, there’s still a fair chance of finding the right one with fewer than 140,000 miles below $10,000 and having money left over for add-ons and repairs.

The good: Stock Cherokees are easy to come by and easy to upgrade. A 4-inch lift installed by a good mechanic costs just under $1,000. Add some good tires and other mechanical fixes, and you’ve got a great vehicle. Many used models are already lifted and ready for the trail.

The bad: Old Cherokees take a lot of wrench time and tend to have lots of small issues that can lead to headaches — O2 sensors, dashboard lights, check engine lights, and oil leaks are some common problems.

Why Cherokee? If you want a tough-looking adventure vehicle with few frills that can go damn near anywhere, the Cherokee delivers.

Ford Ranger XLT (1998-2011)

When I bought my 2000 Ford Ranger in late 2014, it had 130,000 miles, a bright-red check engine light, a dinged side panel, and crappy tires. And $3,000 later, it was a great truck that dragged me all over the Rocky Mountains in all sorts of weather. All in? $6,500.

Price: Rangers vary widely depending on age, but a savvy buyer should be able to get into a decent early-2000s model for around $7,000. Lower mileage will cost a lot more.

The good: The Ford Ranger XLT was made in massive quantities, so it’s easy to find. It’s also easy to find cheap parts and work on these smallish trucks.

The bad: You will probably spend some time with a wrench, as high-mileage Fords aren’t the most reliable adventure vehicles under $10,000 on the road. I’ve put a fair bit of work into this truck, but it’s still $20,000 cheaper than buying new.

Why Ranger? If you want a pickup that easily fits into a normal parking spot, this is one of just a few midsize options.

Chevy Silverado (1999-2007)

The Silverado was named Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year four times since its introduction in 1999 and has two distinct generations, before and after 2007. The new models are nice but nearly impossible to find in a 4×4 under $10,000. The ubiquitous full-size Chevy is available in many trims and configurations that should fit any taste in a backroad explorer.

Price: Nice-enough Silverados under 150,000 miles are relatively easy to find between $5,000 and $10,000. Newer models under $10,000 will likely have super-high mileage, some issues to contend with, and body damage.

The good: Silverados are big trucks, but they’re pretty easy to drive and are remarkably comfortable inside. This is a full-size truck, and thus a 4×4 model will get you anywhere you should need to go.

Feeling frisky? Beef it up with a lift and go get weird. Want a camper? Slap on a topper and toss in a mattress. Boom.

The bad: Well, they’re kind of huge. You won’t enjoy parallel parking in downtown Denver. And filling the tank? Ouch.

Why Silverado? If you’re looking for a full-size pickup, this is one great choice that’s easy to find at a good price on the used market.

Toyota 4Runner (1995-2009)

The 4Runner is a reliable and capable SUV. And with thousands of used models on the road, they are possible to find with moderate mileage for under $10,000. This date range covers the third and fourth generations of this model.

Price: Some may think that scoring a 150,000-mile or less 4Runner (or Tacoma) in a respectable condition for less than $10,000 is like hunting for that elusive unicorn. However, a quick search of Craigslist brings up dozens of choices, with some dipping well below the $10,000 mark.

The good: The 4Runner is a long-running, reliable adventure vehicle that’s comfortable for four adults. It’s a good around-town car, is comfortable on long drives, and is capable off road.

The bad: Interior storage is somewhat small for such a large vehicle. They also come with a Toyota price tag, so expect to pay a fair chunk of change, even for vehicles with high mileage. While they’re OK off-road, clearance is not spectacular, and approach angles are limited.

Why 4Runner? Although many SUVs have gone the way of cars, the 4Runner has a body-on-frame design, meaning fair off-road performance.

Subaru Outback (2004-2014)

It’s been called the “state car” of Colorado, Idaho, and pretty much everywhere else that gets lots of snow. With full-time all-wheel drive, the Subaru Outback is a solid performer on modest off-road terrain and absolutely amazing on snow. It’s also spacious, efficient, and runs forever.

Price: These have been around for a long time, so the range is vast. You should be able to find a third- or fourth-gen Subie with moderate mileage for around $8,500. These things dependably run up to 300,000 miles or more, so don’t be afraid of miles. Just expect some significant maintenance bills.

The good: At the Grand Canyon for an ultramarathon , a local called it a “mud sled” while my crew was discussing the condition of fire roads they needed to drive to reach aid stations. These things really are rugged, especially for a car. They have decent clearance and rip around fire roads with aplomb. Inside, they are as roomy as most SUVs, yet they sit lower and get respectable gas mileage. Not to mention, they are very reliable.

The bad: You may be branded a tree-hugging hippie. Why? Well, if you’ve ever driven through Boulder, Colorado, you’ll know. If you’re cool with this, or just don’t give a hoot what others think, the Subaru is an excellent vehicle.

Be certain to check the antifreeze and oil for signs of bad head gaskets, a common problem with this model that is expensive to fix on the two-sided boxer engine.

Why Outback? These are great cars that seat five in comfort with lots of room for extras inside. You can lay down the seat and sleep in the back. You can expect lots of trouble-free miles from the Outback so long as you avoid overheating and the head gaskets are good.

Toyota Land Cruiser 80 Series (1990-1997)

Sadly, it’s nearly impossible to find a 60 or 70 Series Land Cruiser that isn’t a pile of rust and is running for under $10,000. But if you shop smartly, you should still be able to find an 80 Series Land Cruiser around that $10,000 threshold.

Price: You can get a quality 80 Series (fifth-gen J80) for $10,000, but expect it to have high miles. The “Toyota tax” is in full effect here, as fans have continued to pine after nice examples. Prices for nice examples are only going up at this point.

The good: With a Land Cruiser, you’re joining the ranks of legions of devoted fans. These things have been everywhere and are well-respected off-road machines anywhere in the world. They are excellent expedition vehicles, and their customization options are endless.

The bad: Get ready to choke when you fill the tank. The 1990 model gets 11 mpg in the city and 13 mpg on the highway — unless you can find a rare-in-the-U.S. turbo diesel model. Watch out for head gasket problems and valve gasket oil leaks.

Why Land Cruiser 80 Series? Comfortable seating for up to five passengers, legendary reliability, and genuine off-road capability are just some of the reasons people around the world love these beasts.

Isuzu Trooper (1992-2002)

Isuzu Trooper with a canoe strapped on the roof high in the Rockies

Boxy with a big interior, the second-gen Isuzu Trooper is a workhorse of an SUV. Shoot, you can fit bikes in the back without taking the wheels off, and it’s the only truck in which we’ve fit a tandem (removing the front wheel).

Price: Troopers were available in the U.S. through 2002, so you’ll have to choose from an older model. Many cost well under $5,000, with beaters under $2,000. A clean, lower mileage example will set you back around $10,000 these days.

The good: We can’t think of any other midsize SUV with the interior space of a Trooper. These things are basically large 4×4 boxes on wheels. And that’s awesome in the space department. They also get decent gas mileage and have fairly high stock clearance.

The bad: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and these are, well, boxy. They’re also tricky for the home mechanic and require a lot of specialized tools. Reliability can be a problem with older Troopers, as with finding a qualified mechanic.

Why Trooper? Want to sleep in the back of your SUV? This is your steed. They have ample interior space but maintain a modest external presence.

Toyota Tacoma (1995-2004)

1999 toyota tacoma parked in front of chumstick mountain, washington

Ah, the Taco. The early models were truly small trucks before they got nearly as big as Tundras. Reliable, capable, and good-looking, Tacomas hit all the high marks.

Price: Snagging a good one for under about $10,000 calls for a little luck and a long search. A solid example will probably set you back right around $17,000.

The good: Classic good looks and a vehicle that can’t be killed. There’s a good reason this is one of the most popular pickups in the world.

The bad: The stock suspension isn’t considered adequate by most serious off-roaders. If you’re going to push it over tough terrain, you’ll want an upgrade. Also, good luck finding a bargain. Many Tacomas pushing 200,000 miles also push beyond the $10,000 mark. Some Tacomas are prone to frame rust (many were recalled), so be sure to check the frame carefully.

Why Tacoma? They will run and run and run. These things are legendary.

VW Vanagon Multivan (1979-1992)

It’s the classic VW bus but with a better, water-cooled engine (that means the heater works). Given its high clearance, the T3 (third-gen Type 2) Vanagon is pretty off-road capable, especially with chains.

Price: These old babies have held their value. Well-maintained models still bring well over $10,000 these days. That said, many can be found for much less if you’re willing to do some work, with $8,000-10,000 examples available regularly. It’s the Westfalia editions that command the big dollars.

The good: The Vanagon is huge inside and carries up to seven passengers in reasonable comfort. It has all kinds of conversion potential. If you’re lucky, you may even find one of the Westfalia camper models that fit your budget.

The bad: Can you say underpowered? You will always see the Vanagon in the far right lane, creeping up mountains at a snail’s pace. The saving grace is that first gear is really low, so it will always get going. It was manufactured between 1979 and 1990, so you’ll be looking at an old model and should be ready to wrench on it.

Why Vanagon? These vans have classic styling, tons of room, and can handle easy off-road conditions with their high clearance.

Toyota Corolla (1998-2010)

Why is the measly Corolla on this list? Because I’ve taken one on more adventures than any car other I’ve ever owned, and I still own one to this day — it’s nicknamed the “off-road-ola.” It often gets chosen over my truck for one serious reason: gas mileage.

Price: $2,000 give or take

The good: Cheap, reliable transportation that is remarkably spacious for two adults. The back seats fold down to allow long items (skis) to fit in the trunk. Stick on a bike rack, and you can carry a full summer’s worth of camping gear with no trouble. Bonus if you get the hatchback model.

And you’d better believe this thing can off-road (OK, within reason).

The bad: It can’t really off-road. It’s a car. Factor in the price of a roof rack; you’ll need it!

Why Corolla? If you are strapped for cash, a Toyota Corolla will get you there reliably for very little money. Want to road-trip to Yosemite with a bunch of climbing gear? Turn the key and go. Need to drive from the Midwest to the Pacific Ocean for some R&R? Turn the key and go. These tiny tanks run on a little fuel and crossed fingers.

So, those are some of our favorites. Yes, tons of vehicles can get you into — and hopefully out of — adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cars are best for adventure.

The best adventure vehicles will last for years of service, are versatile, have numerous aftermarket parts available, and retain an affordable ownership cost.

What Car Can I Buy With $10,000?

Great, dependable vehicles can be found for $10,000 or less. Older Japanese sedans, such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Mazda 3, are excellent compact cars that combine reliability and affordability. The third- and fourth-generation Subaru Outback is a popular choice for young families and people who enjoy an active lifestyle.

What Is Considered High Mileage on a Car?

A common threshold of 100,000 miles is a guideline when shopping for a used car. Typically, older vehicles require more expensive maintenance and repairs after 100,000 miles or 8 years on the road.

Nevertheless, modern automotive technology and regular service intervals mean most production cars, trucks, and SUVs will continue running well past 100,000 miles. Some automakers are known for making vehicles that easily exceed 200,000 miles.

An additional factor to consider is that highway miles put less wear on a vehicle than one primarily driven in the city. A well-maintained car with 150,000 miles might outlast one with mostly city miles.

How Many Miles Are Too Many on a Used Car?

Fundamentally, a vehicle’s condition relates directly to its motor vehicle history, regular service intervals, and staying on top of repairs when things do break. It’s not uncommon for well-maintained cars to last much longer than 100,000 miles or more without extensive mechanical work.

Loki Basecamp truck-mounted Falcon Series trailer

LOKI Basecamp: The Most Kick-Ass Slide-In Truck Camper You’ve Never Heard Of

LOKI Basecamp Falcon Series truck campers are bringing a new level of comfort and sophistication to campers. The new design aims to turn any stock pickup into an outdoor, creature comfort-laden haven. Read more…

Sean McCoy is the Editorial Director of GearJunkie, and 5+ other AllGear websites.

He has been writing about hunting, fishing, trail running, camping, skiing, and more for 15+ years.

Prior to GearJunkie, he was the chief photographer for the Virgin Islands Daily News and former editor-in-chief for GearJunkie. Based in Denver, Colo., McCoy is an avid trail runner, camper, hunter, angler, mountain biker, skier, and beer tester.

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Best Used Cars for Road Trips

Planning a road trip? You can’t beat the open road and this can be a fantastic way to explore new places as it allows you to see the lesser seen areas and enjoy spending time behind the wheel.

It is essential that you have the right car for a road trip and this will need to be a vehicle that is reliable, comfortable, easy to drive, and spacious inside with plenty of storage space.

For families who love to pack extra for those just-in-case moments on a road trip, equipping your vehicle with Tacoma bed bars and racks can ensure you have ample space for all your luggage without compromising interior comfort.

A family road trip is always a memorable experience, that’s why you should know how to get your car ready for a road trip . Usually, it’s for all the right reasons, but let’s face it: There’s always the chance that a family road trip can turn your car into a nightmare on wheels.

Fighting siblings, kids asking every mile of the trip if you’re there yet, and restless passengers can quickly make your road trip borderline regrettable.

Eight of the best cars to take on family road trips have built-in entertainment systems. Here is a list of best-used cars for road trips.

I also, recommend you read my blog post about what can you do if your car dies on a road trip , it’s really useful.

Save those special memories — and your sanity — by choosing a vehicle with a built-in entertainment system to take on your road trip. Everyone will be entertained and amused for hours on end with movies, DVDs, music and games, and you’ll be at your destination before you know it.

Here are a few of the best cars to take on family road trips that have built-in entertainment systems. Vehicles in a range of different price points are covered, from the ultra-affordable to the luxury high-end, for all of the family budgets out there.

Table of Contents

Here are a few of the best-used cars for road trips to consider:

2016 chevy tahoe.

For a rough and rugged SUV, the Tahoe is an unexpectedly perfect family road trip machine with a killer built-in entertainment system. A 9-inch flip-down LCD screen hides away until you want it. Finding used cars in Brattleboro, VT has a great selection.

The Blu-ray/DVD system is so versatile for playing your favorite movies. Convenient features like remote control, two wireless headphones, and standard auxiliary input jacks make it easy to watch and listen from anywhere in Tahoe.

You can even get a separate DVD-based system that has two mounted displays located on the back of the front-row headrests for more car-wide viewing.

2016 Land Rover Range Rover

As if the Range Rover isn’t comfortable enough with its impressive 47 inches of legroom, soft leather seats with a luxury lumbar massage, and an extendable calf rest, it also comes with a rear-seat entertainment system.

Get 10.2-inch display screens with a USB port, remote control, and the ability to listen through wireless digital headphones. The newly integrated Journey Status countdown lets you track your trip digitally and display time and miles left on the screen, so everyone will always know the ETA and be able to watch your progress.

Your entire family will stay entertained and comfortable as you explore the world around you in style in your Range Rover.

Land Rover is an iconic manufacturer known for creating the world’s most capable off-road vehicles, which makes them well-suited for a road trip.

The Discovery Sport does not disappoint as an incredibly comfortable SUV but also one which is more than capable of tackling tough terrain, including mud, snow, sand, and rock, so it will be a reliable vehicle no matter where in the world you are traveling to.

Audi has a long history of making reliable, practical, and comfortable automobiles which make them ideal for a road trip. The Q7 is the pick of the bunch because this stylish SUV has a huge amount of interior space for other passengers and luggage, plus it is incredibly comfortable too.

The Q7 has enough space for 7 adult passengers while still providing 770 liters of storage – as you would expect, it also features plenty of great techs which can enhance the driving experience. If buying in the used car market, be sure to arrange an extended warranty from somewhere like ALA for protection while on the trip.

The XC90 from Volvo is an excellent family car that can easily transport 7 people and luggage, and it features a wide range of impressive safety tech.

Additionally, the XC90 is a good choice for any eco-conscious motorist as it is one of the few SUVs with a plug-in hybrid version that emits just 60g/KM of CO2 – this also means that there is no road tax which can help to keep costs down for the road trip and general motoring.

You cannot go wrong with any of these vehicles if you are planning a road trip. All these cars have plenty of interior space for passengers and luggage, they are comfortable, reliable, and they provide an enjoyable driving experience.

A road trip is a great way to explore a new place, but you need to have the right vehicle to make the most of the trip, and these are all excellent options.

2016 Honda Odyssey

This high-rated family minivan is perfect for hitting the road in. Not only will your kids have all the room they want to spread out and get settled into with the roomy rows of back seats, but they’ll be entertained along the way with one of the entertainment system options.

The Touring Elite model comes standard with a 16.2-inch LCD screen facing the rear rows of seating. You’ll be able to play DVDs and even video games on this crisp screen.

Wireless headphones let your kids listen to their games or movies while you and your front-seat passenger can listen to your own music or just enjoy some peace and quiet.

If you go with a standard Odyssey model, you’ll still have the option to add the DVD rear entertainment system for an additional cost.

2017 Dodge Journey

The Dodge Journey incorporates the Rear Seat Video Group 1 into its new design. This 9-inch screen flips down from the overhead center console to keep your backseat riders effortlessly entertained.

It’s also possible to play video games through this console. Other tech features like optional Wi-Fi, electrical outlets for charging laptops or gaming consoles, and a navigational system make the Journey the perfect vehicle to take on your own cross-country journey.

2017 Ford Explorer

You’ll love exploring the country in your Explorer, and your family in the back seats will love watching the dual-screen in-headrest entertainment system.

Each screen is capable of independent playback, which means no more fighting over what to watch. Headphones and remote control make this system even more convenient and versatile.

2016 Honda Pilot

This SUV prides itself on being designed and optimized for families. Take it on just one family road trip, and you’ll see why.

The specially-located 9-inch flip-down LCD display works to reduce motion sickness, which standard headrest-mounted units don’t do.

The location also gives a better view of the screen to all of the back rows of seats. Two sets of wireless headphones and two standard headphone jacks will have everyone hearing perfectly.

An HDMI port lets you plug in different devices, and USB ports keep all your electronics charged up. Blu-ray capability is available on the Touring and Elite models of the Pilot.

Last Updated on November 10, 2023

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Moscow Itinerary: How To Spend 3 Days In Moscow

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: March 2, 2023

Categories Trans Mongolian Express

ultimate-Moscow-itinerary-phenomenalglobe.com

Moscow is the capital of Russia and there are few cities in the world that have played such a significant part in history.

Home to the Kremlin, the Red Square, the colorful St. Basil's Cathedral, and many more famous landmarks, Moscow is a city like no other.

This Moscow itinerary will help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in Moscow. From the best places to see in Moscow to how to get around, this post has got you covered.

Moscow itinerary

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

Moscow 3 day itinerary: map with highlights

Click here for the interactive map .

What to do in Moscow in 3 days

Day 1: The Red Square, GUM Department Store, St. Basil's Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum, and the State Historical Museum.
Day 2: The Kremlin, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Gorky Park, and the Bolshoi Theatre.
Day 3: Izmailovsky Market, Bunker 42, and Zaryadye Park.

The famous pedestrian street Nikolskaya Street (Никольская улица) located in Kitay-Gorod Moscow with thousands of fairy lights.

Important things to know when planning a trip to Moscow

The best time to plan a trip to Moscow is April-May and September-October . During these months temperatures are (generally) quite comfortable, though even in April there can be a bit of snow! The summer months are hot, both in regard to temperature as well as activities in the city. While it's a nice time to visit, it's also the busiest time of the year to visit Moscow. Hotel prices reflect this as well and summer definitely isn't a great time for budget travelers to visit Moscow. Winter in Moscow is cold, and I mean seriously cold (-15°C isn't rare). However, if you can withstand the subzero temperatures and freezing winds, it can be a magical time to visit. A snow-covered St. Basil’s Cathedral is a sight you will never forget. Keep in mind that days are short in winter and be sure to bring plenty of warm winter clothes!

The official currency in Russia is the Russian Ruble (₽ or RUB). Here you can find the current exchange rates, at the time of writing €1 is approximately 70RUB and $1 is around 62RUB.

Yes, you probably do. Getting a visa for Russia requires a bit of time and effort. You need to fill out several forms and provide a detailed travel itinerary and information about your accommodation. Also, you will need a Visa Support Letter which can be provided by your travel agency or your hotel. Depending on your nationality, there may be additional requirements, please refer to the information provided on the website of your country's Embassy in Russia.

While most of the things to see in Moscow listed in this post are within walking distance of each other, sometimes you will have to travel a bit further afield. The best way to get around in Moscow is by metro. It's cheap and efficient and a sightseeing activity in itself, because Moscow has the most beautiful metro stations in the world ! Among the most exquisitely decorated stations are Komsomolskaya, Novoslobodskaya, Mayakovskaya, Taganskaya, and Prospect Mira Station, but there are many more worthwhile stations to be found in the Moscow underground. You can purchase a single ticket from one of the ticket machines or get a rechargeable Troika Card when you plan on taking the metro several times. Read more details on how to use the Moscow metro here . If you prefer to get around by taxi, that's possible too. We used the Gett app to order a taxi (similar to Uber) to avoid confusion about our intended destination and having to negotiate in Russian. A convenient extra for families is the Gett Kids option, these cars are outfitted with a car seat.

The best things to do in Moscow

While you could easily spend a week in Moscow (or more), most of us, unfortunately, don't have that much time available.

This 3-day Moscow itinerary will guide you to the most popular and important places to visit in Moscow, as well as to some of the more unusual things to do in Moscow.

Below you can find the list of the Moscow sightseeing highlights included in this post.

The Red Square

Gum department store, st. basil's cathedral, lenin's mausoleum, the state historical museum, the kremlin, cathedral of christ the saviour.

The Bolshoi Theatre

Izmailovsky Market

Zaryadye park.

Planning a trip to Moscow? Click through to read about the best things to do in Moscow and practical information to plan your Moscow trip. #Moscow #Russia #CityTrip

Plan your trip like a pro with these tools: ✈️ Find the best flight deals on Kiwi.com . ? Get the best car rental deal for your road trip on Rentalcars.com . ?️ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda . ? Book the best tours via Get Your Guide , Viator or Klook . ? Plan your journey with the Lonely Planet . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

Moscow itinerary day 1

There is no better place to start your first day in Moscow, than at the world-famous Red Square.

This square is considered the central square of Moscow, not just because all the major streets start here, but also because no matter where you look when standing on this square, there are historic buildings all around.

Starting with the impressive GUM store and going clockwise, there is the colorful Saint Basil's Cathedral, the Kremlin, Lenin's Mausoleum, the State Historical Museum, and the Kazan Cathedral.

However, before entering any of these Moscow must-see attractions, allow yourself a moment to take in the view and let it sink in that you're standing on historical grounds (and a UNESCO site).

The Red Square was the official address of the Soviet government and played an important part in history. Many military parades have been held (and are still being held) here. It's the place where protests have taken place, as well as high-profile concerts from famous international artists.

All in all, it's one of the places in Moscow you can't miss during your Moscow city trip!

Red Square with GUM department store in Moscow

Yulia from That's What She Had: it might seem like visiting a department store is not something you’d do on the first visit to Russia’s capital.

But GUM is not like any other department store and is well worth your time, if only for its unique architecture.

First of all, it’s located right on Red Square which makes it an easy stop on your Moscow trip itinerary. Second, GUM is not a simple mall, but an institution built in the late XIX century.

The abbreviation stands for Glavniy Universalniy Magazin or Main Universal Store. Its impressive facade extends for over 240 meters along the eastern side of Red Square.

Inside you’ll find a beautiful glass ceiling supported by a metal framework, not unlike the ones found in the old train stations of Great Britain.

While shopping in GUM will cost you an arm and a leg, there’s one reason why tourists and locals come here anyways: traditional Russian food at Stolovaya #57. Stolovaya is Russian for canteen and this is where you can get your pelmeni , borsch , and pirozhki fix!

Afterward, don’t forget to get the famous plombir ice cream in one of the kiosks on the ground floor.

Saint Basil's Cathedral with its colorful domes is easily recognizable and one of the most popular Moscow tourist attractions. The building, built on orders from Ivan the Terrible, was completed in 1561 to commemorate the victory over Kazan and Astrakhan.

Until the construction of Ivan the Great Bell Tower (which can be found within the walls of the Kremlin), it was the tallest building in Moscow.

The design of St. Basil's Cathedral is truly unique; it's shaped like the flame of a bonfire and not one building in a similar style can be found in the whole of Russia.

A legend tells the story of how Ivan the Terrible had the architects of the Cathedral blinded so they could never build anything comparable.

This is a myth, however, but the fact remains that Saint Basil's Cathedral is one of a kind and it's not surprising it has become the symbol of Russia.

Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan: Lenin Mausoleum is hard to miss. It's a stepped-pyramid construction that sits right at the base of the Kremlin walls on the western side of Red Square.

Entrance is free but note that opening hours are quite limited, with visiting hours lasting only from 10 am to 1 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

If seeing Lenin's embalmed body is important to you, be sure to take this into account when planning your itinerary in Moscow.

One of my top tips for travelers to Russia is to arrive early, well before the mausoleum opens, as the queue is usually quite long. However, usually, the queue does move pretty quickly.

This is especially true now that they have lifted the ban on bags and cameras.

It used to be that all cameras, smartphones, and bags of any size had to be checked at a left-luggage office nearby. But now you can bring a small handbag or backpack as well as your camera and phone.

Photography inside the mausoleum is still strictly forbidden, but you are allowed to take photos of the graves of various other important Russian figures that line the path leading to the mausoleum.

Once you finally enter the mausoleum, the atmosphere is surprisingly peaceful and uncrowded. It doesn't feel nearly as rushed as when visiting Mao Ze Dong's tomb in Beijing or Ho Chi Minh's body in Hanoi , for example.

The illumination of the body is very well done and would make for superb photography if it wasn't forbidden. As an added bonus, just after you exit, you'll see the grave of Joseph Stalin outside.

Rai from A Rai Of Light: the imposing crimson building at the northern end of the Red Square is the State Historical Museum.

By decree of Alexander III, the museum was built with the support of Russian historians, philosophers, and artists. The red brick building, dating from 1875, was designed in the Russian revival style by Vladimir Shervud.

The National Museum of Russia houses a collection of over four million items, devoted to the history of the country's ancient and imperial period.

The exhibitions include many items previously owned by members of the Romanov dynasty, such as documents, artwork, personal items, furnishings, and decorations from the palace interiors.

Another exhibit features relics of the prehistoric tribes that once inhabited this region.

Notable items include ancient manuscripts, birch-bark scrolls, a longboat excavated from the banks of the Volga River, and the largest coin collection in Russia, sourced from the museums in St Petersburg .

The State Historical Museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. The entrance fee is 700₽ per adult.

Moscow itinerary day 2

When listing the best Moscow things to do, one cannot miss the Kremlin! The Kremlin houses the current seat of power in Russia and has done so for several decades.

Within its walls, the offices of the Russian Government can be found. During Soviet rule, the Kremlin was where all the important decisions were made but its history goes back for many centuries.

The first mention of the Kremlin in history books was in 1147, however, the current citadel dates from the 16th century.

The Kremlin is one of the major fortifications found in Europe, with walls that are up to 6.5 meters thick and 19 meters high in particular sections.

Inside the complex, there are many government buildings, however, these aren't accessible to the public.

Around Cathedral Square you'll find (as the name suggests) many churches and cathedrals, such as the Cathedral of the Archangel, Annunciation Cathedral, the Church of Laying Our Lady's Holy Robe, and Ivan the Great Bell-Tower.

While Cathedral Square is definitely worth visiting, the highlight of the Kremlin is a visit to the Armoury.

Inside you can find an impressive collection of Faberge eggs, beautiful dresses worn by Catherine the Great, intricately decorated thrones used by the Tsars, and much more. Unfortunately, photography is forbidden inside the Armoury.

Practical information about visiting the Kremlin

In order to visit both Cathedral Square and the Armoury, you will have to buy two separate tickets. A ticket to Cathedral Square costs 700₽ and a ticket to the Armoury is 1000₽. Prices mentioned are for adults, children below 16 years old are free.

Tickets can be bought at the ticket office onsite on the same day, however, there's no guarantee tickets will be available, especially during peak season.

Conveniently, tickets can be bought online as well, which is highly advisable if you want to make sure you'll be able to visit the Kremlin during your city trip to Moscow.

How much time to spend at the Kremlin

Be sure to allow plenty of time to explore the Kremlin, at least half a day but it's easy to spend more time as there is so much to see.

Please note there isn't any food sold inside the Kremlin, so bring a snack and enough water (especially in summer when it can get pretty hot).

Luggage storage

Backpacks aren't allowed inside the Kremlin, they can be stored (for free) in the cloakroom, but you can bring your camera and a small purse.

We could also take our Babyzen Yoyo stroller inside, which was very convenient as our 10-month-old son could take a nap while we explored the sights.

After the original Cathedral of Christ the Saviour was demolished by Stalin in 1931, a new version was completed in 2000.

The imposing building is the tallest Orthodox Christian church in the world (103 meters high), and is beautiful on the outside as well as on the inside.

Visiting the Cathedral is free of charge and it's open any day of the week from 10 am to 5 pm (except on Mondays when the opening hours are 1 to 5 pm).

When visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour it's important to dress appropriately. For men, this means no shorts or tank tops.

Women can't enter with mini skirts or shorts, strap tops, or anything too revealing. Also, women are advised to cover their heads with a scarf as a sign of respect.

Inside the Cathedral photography isn't allowed, but believe me when I say there is plenty to see. There are beautiful frescoes, colorful icons, impressive statues, and other vivid decorations.

For a beautiful view over Moscow, walk up the stairs to the 40-meter high observation deck (entrance fee 400₽).

Visit Gorky Park

Helen from Holidays from Hels : Gorky Park, named after the Soviet writer Maxim Gorky, has recently undergone extensive regeneration to become Moscow's central leisure hub for young Muscovites.

Every day of the week you can find many Moscow residents strolling along the banks of the river in the summer, hiring bikes, picnicking on the grass, or dining at one of the many restaurants.

Open-air cinemas, petanque, and ping pong are all on offer. Not to be missed is the iconic white stone entranceway and museum, complete with columns carved with Soviet hammers and sickles.

In winter, look out for the ducks waddling across the frozen Moskva River, and watch boats attempting to navigate through the cracked ice. However, the real winter highlight is to try ice skating on one of the biggest rinks in Europe!

Ice skating in Gorky Park

The park’s maze of pedestrian pathways is transformed into one huge skating rink, which can play host to up to four thousand skaters.

Not surprisingly, Russians are talented ice skaters and there is a good chance you will find yourself next to a pirouetting ballerina.

Handily, you will find you will already be wearing most of what you need – gloves, hat, scarf, and thick socks and you can hire skates on-site. Lockers are included in the price if you don’t fancy skating with your day pack.

Disco tunes fill the air, and the whole arena is backlit in spectacular neon lights. Rest your weary legs and warm up at one of the cafes dotted along the frozen pathways, with the added bonus of not having to take off your skates.

Opening times

The rink is open from 10 am until 11 pm on weekdays and until midnight at weekends but closes between 3 and 5 pm. Like most attractions in Moscow, the rink is closed on Mondays.

The prices range from 350-650₽ and go up in the evening, which is the best time for the light show. Arriving at 5 pm, just as the rink opens for the evening session will give you time to find your ice legs before it fills up with more confident skaters.

Whilst waiting for the rink to open, try out the nearby tubing track where you can shoot down a snowy hill on an inflatable ring repeatedly for a very enjoyable half an hour!

How to get to Gorky Park by metro

The nearest metro is Park Kultury Station, on the other side of the river. As always, check out in advance what this looks like in the Russian Alphabet so you know when to get off!

Bolshoi Theatre

James Ian at Travel Collecting : one of the best places to go in Moscow is the famous Bolshoi Theater, located only a short walk from Red square. Bolshoy means big in Russian, and the theatre is not only big but also beautiful.

There are two ways to see the theater: on a guided tour or by watching a performance .

Take a guided tour

English tours are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11:30 am. Tickets for these tours can be bought (on the same day) at the ticket office located in the Historic building of the theatre (door #12).
A ticket costs 2000₽ per person, tours last one hour, and the number of people on a tour is limited to a maximum of 20. The tour takes you inside the theater and to the historic main stage.

Watch a performance

My favorite way to see the theater, though, is to enjoy a performance and experience the theater as a patron.

The entrance is a little underwhelming when you first arrive, the street lobby is small and quite plain and you will be immediately directed up to your floor.

There are helpful attendants on each floor to guide you to the correct door. Arrive a little early and head up to the Grand Salon on the top floor where you can enjoy a glass of champagne while people-watching (Russians dress up for the theater).

Then head to your seat and take in the stunning theater before enjoying the famous Bolshoi Ballet or another performance.

Be sure to book a show at the historic stage, there is a modern stage as well but that isn't nearly as much fun.

Moscow itinerary day 3

Karen from WanderlustingK : one of the most interesting Moscow places to visit is the Izmailovsky Market .

This flea market and tourist attraction a bit outside of the tourist center is a recreation of a Tzar’s Palace, known as a Kremlin, produced in a colorful 16th-century style.

The market is filled with tiny stalls that sell everything from snacks to kitsch to authentic items from Soviet times such as hats, pins, and other pieces of memorabilia.

You'll also find authentic antiques such as vases, paintings, and other religious items if you're looking to splurge within the interior parts of the market.

Negotiating in English is not always possible as many vendors only speak Russian, so be sure to practice your Russian numbers and see how well you can do with haggling.

It's important to carry cash when you visit given that many vendors do not accept cards. We ended up purchasing a series of hats at the market, along with a beautiful hot tea glass with a metal holder with a typical Russian scene.

Elsewhere in the market, you’ll also find a few tourist shops that sell typical Russian products. It takes a few hours to see the market in full, so arrive early as the best items go quickly!

Lindsey from Have Clothes, Will Travel : Bunker-42 was once a top-secret, Soviet military complex. Stalin commissioned its construction after the United States succeeded in creating a nuclear bomb.

An impressive 65 meters (or about 213 feet) underground, was the desired depth to protect Russia’s top officials from a nuclear attack.

Bunker 42 became operational in 1954. Fortunately, it was never needed for its true purpose, and instead it was used as the command center of strategic bombers for nearly 30 years.

Nowadays it's a museum dedicated to the Cold War and visiting is a truly unique experience!

You will need to join a tour in order to see the museum. You can call ahead to book your tour (the number is: +7 499 703-44-55), there are several English tours throughout the day that are held at 13:30, 16:30, and 18:30 (the price is 2200₽).

On Mondays, there is an extra tour at 17:30, which lasts an additional 30 minutes and costs 2800₽ per person. There is also the option to book a private tour. However, I am unsure of the price for this.

You will have to wait until exactly 15 minutes before your tour begins before you'll be admitted inside. After paying for your tickets and a quick restroom stop you will descend 65 meters underground…

Another option for visiting Bunker-42, if you would rather not do the tour, is to visit the restaurant inside Bunker-42. Actually, I highly recommend visiting the restaurant before or after a tour as well!

While the food is not that great, it’s worth visiting for a drink. The restaurant is also located within the bunker and is decorated in the old Soviet style.

From time to time there will be live performances and visiting Bunker 42 is definitely an experience worth having while in Moscow! After all, how many people can say they've had a drink in a top-secret Soviet military bunker?

If you’re visiting Moscow during peak season (June-July-August), it would be worth making a reservation, to avoid having to wait. Otherwise, I would not say you need to worry about a reservation at the restaurant.

Bunker-42 is a short cab ride away from Red Square (10-15 minutes). But I recommend taking the metro to get there. The closest station is Taganskaya, which is a beautiful metro station very much worth visiting.

Pedestrian boardwalk in Park Zaryad'ye (also called Zaryadye Park)

Park Zaryad'ye or Zaryadye Park is a lovely place for a stroll and a nice place to relax after a day of sightseeing in Moscow, especially when exploring Moscow with kids.

There are many things to see and do in this park, but I recommend starting your visit at The River Overlook , a 70-meter-long boardwalk with beautiful views over the river and the Kremlin.

Other interesting places to visit in Zaryadye Park are the Ice Cave, The Museum of Nature, and The Glass Crust. But most importantly, do as the Muscovites do and find yourself a nice place in the park to sit down and relax.

Enjoy the view, do some people-watching, and take a moment to think back about all the Moscow top sights you've seen in the past couple of days.

Where to stay in Moscow

There is a huge amount of hotels in Moscow, ranging from budget hostels to exquisite 5-star hotels. Below you can find three well-reviewed Moscow hotels (rating of 8.5+ on Agoda and Booking ).

3-star hotel in Moscow: MIRROS Hotel Mokhovaya

This 3-star hotel is one of the best budget Moscow hotels and is all about location! From the hotel, it's just a 10-minute walk to the Kremlin and only 600 meters to the Christ the Savior Cathedral.

Set in a historic 19th-century mansion, the hotel features classic rooms with ensuite bathrooms.

The staff is friendly and there is a metro station nearby (Borovitskaya), making it easy to get to the Moscow attractions a bit further afield.

Click here to book

Modern hotel in Moscow: Barin Residence Myasnitskaya

The Barin Residence Myasnitskaya is a newly built hotel, located about 1.2km from the Red Square (about a 15-20 minute walk).

The rooms and bathrooms are very modern and clean, the beds are comfortable and room service is available. This hotel is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a nice hotel without a hefty price tag.

Luxury hotel in Moscow: Hotel National Moscow

Hotel National is potentially the best Moscow hotel. It's a gorgeous 5-star hotel located just a stone's throw away from the Bolshoi Theater, the Red Square, and the Kremlin.

The building was designed by architect Alexander Ivanov and completed in 1903 and has been welcoming international travelers ever since.

With its imperial architecture, luxury design, and charming classic rooms (some with a view of the Kremlin!), the Hotel National is a unique property.

Furthermore, you can enjoy an indoor pool, sauna, and fitness center as well as the well-reviewed Beluga restaurant that serves both Russian and European dishes.

While this hotel doesn't come cheap, your stay at the Hotel National will make your trip to Moscow an unforgettable experience.

Moscow itinerary and travel guide: in conclusion

I hope this guide to Moscow will help you plan a trip to this interesting Russian city. Feel free to ask any questions you may have by leaving a comment or sending me an email !

Below you can find my other posts about the Trans Mongolian Express , and the stops we made along the way:

St. Petersburg itinerary
Irkutsk and Lake Baikal itinerary
Ulaanbaatar itinerary
Trans-Mongolian Express travel guide

Planning a trip to Moscow? This detailed Moscow itinerary will help you plan your trip and discover the best things to do in Moscow. #Moscow #Russia #CityTrip

This post was updated in December 2020.

Road Trips and Car Travel With Cats

Author: LeeAnna Buis, CFTBS, FFCP

Published: April 17, 2024

Our mission is to help save dogs' and cats’ lives through our educational content. To support our efforts, this page may contain affiliate links . We earn a commission for qualifying purchases – at no cost to you.

young cream and gray cat sitting in a carrier in a car

During the summer months and around the holidays, many of us head out on road trips and consider taking our feline family members along.

Summer is also a peak time for relocating across town or across country.

The problem is that most cats don’t feel safe in the car. They may cry or yowl, hide in their carrier, and even soil due to fear. That means an unpleasant trip for them and you.

It is possible to help your cat feel more secure in the car. Some may even learn to love it. We’re going to walk you through the steps to desensitize your cat to being in the car.

We’ll also recommend travel items to bring in the car and for a hotel stay so that you both have a safe and comfortable trip.

Skip to section:

How to get your cat comfortable with car travel
How to use a litter box when you travel – and will your cat use it?
Where to stay when traveling with your cat and what to consider
Special travel considerations for sick cats
Be prepared for emergencies while traveling

Getting Your Cat Ready for a Road Trip

Step 1: get your kitty feeling comfortable in their carrier..

If they're going to ride in the car, like you, they’ll need to be safely “buckled up” to protect not just them but everyone in the car and on the road.

After all, unrestrained cats can be a distraction, interfering with your ability to steer or brake, and even become a dangerous projectile in the event of a crash or sudden stop.

What if your cat is wearing a harness and leash? If the car is moving, I still say keep them secure in a carrier. If you want to let them stretch their legs on the harness and leash while the car is stopped and windows are up, go for it. Just keep in mind that you’ve got to get them back in the carrier when you start moving again, and they may not love that.

It could be less stressful for everyone to stick with the carrier in the car and try the harness and leash INSIDE your hotel or destination. More on the dangers of letting your cat out of the car on their harness and leash later in the article.

So, your first step starts well before your trip. Spend some time training your cat to love their carrier – we have an article on that process – before the big travel day arrives.

Don't have a carrier for your cat yet? Check out our carrier recommendations, including carriers that are crash-test certified . If your cat is going to be spending a lot of long hours in the car, you may opt for a larger carrier than normal. We cover that, too. Just keep in mind you’ll want that carrier sooner rather than later, so you can use it during the pre-travel training.

woman holding a pet carrier in the back of a car

Step 2: Get your cat feeling comfortable in the car.

Now that your kitty feels better in their carrier, it’s time to help them feel comfortable in the car. Here are some steps to help you do that.

Pro Tip: Car acclimation is best done with two people … one to drive the car, the other to pet, praise, and treat kitty. It can be done with one person, too, but very carefully.

You’re going to do short sessions in the car – your cat dictates how long the sessions will be. The number of sessions depends on how quickly your cat gets comfortable. The main thing is that you don’t want to push your cat past their comfort zone. Your cat should always be calm.

You might be thinking that even if your cat is scared, leaving them in the car in spite of their fear will eventually show them they don’t have to be afraid. Nope! That’s not how cat brains work. Instead, think of it as starting at a really low intensity so your cat doesn’t have to be scared. As they’re ready, you slowly turn up the intensity.

If you turn it up too far and they get nervous, just end the session and lower the intensity for the next session.

Show them there’s no reason to be afraid because you’re not going to push them too far. And they’re getting good things through the entire process, so you’re actually turning a scary thing into a positive thing.

Take your cat out to the car in their carrier – covered on three sides with a towel or blanket for security.

With the car parked and not running and the doors and windows closed (weather permitting), sit in the back seat with your cat in their carrier. Partially open one of the carrier doors if you can do so without your cat trying to get out.

Then, make good things happen. Give treats (make sure it's a treat they love ), pets, praise, and show them this is a positive experience. Do this for just a few minutes (or longer if your cat is really enjoying it). Then, take them inside and end with treats and love. You’ll continue these sessions, gradually making them longer as your cat is comfortable, until your cat seems nice and calm, spending time in the car while in their carrier.

Next, you’ll turn up the intensity a bit by starting the car. Make sure the radio is off or very low (cats find classical music calming). And repeat the previous step.

Spend a few minutes in the back seat making good things happen for your cat while the car is running. If the engine really scares them, keep it short — just 1 minute with some treats. Again, you can gradually increase the length of time your cat is in the car, getting good things while the engine is on.

Caution: If your car is parked in your garage, either open your garage door or move your car out of the garage. Carbon monoxide is very dangerous for both of you!

Once your kitty is doing well with the car on, it’s time to turn the intensity up again. Time for a short drive.

Note: If they’re too nervous to eat treats, they’re probably not ready for this step. Back it up and spend more time on the previous steps.

It may just be pulling out of the driveway in the first couple of sessions. That’s just fine. You’ll work up to longer drives. And your cat will learn that being in the car doesn’t mean going to the vet. Never push these drives further than your cat is comfortable with. Also, be sure to drive calmly and go easy on the gas pedal and brakes.

Since each cat and each situation are different, it could take anywhere from a few sessions to several months for a cat to feel calm during car travel.

Car Travel Logistics With Cats

Will a cat use a litter box in a car.

Jumping right down to “business,” … depending on the duration of your travel adventures with kitty and where you’re winding up, you’re going to have to deal with litter box accommodations. This is the case both when you’re on the road and when you get to your hotel or destination.

Just because you give your cat access to a box doesn’t mean they’ll use it, especially if they’re nervous.

Cats don’t like to eliminate when they feel unsafe. They'll likely choose to do their business once you get to your destination. It’s nothing to worry about unless they go more than about 24 hours without peeing. At that point, call your vet and see what they suggest.

When I moved with my cats, and we had 8-hour days in the car, they held it all day and most of the night.

If they’re willing, you can help your cat take care of business on the road in a few different ways.

First, get them a good travel litter box. You’ll use the same litter they use at home, and (perhaps) even a litter attractant.

A good travel litter box will be large enough for your cat to fit in yet small enough to fit in their carrier. It will also be waterproof and sturdy. You can use a small plastic litter box or there are also disposable litter box options available.

We have travel litter box and large carrier recommendations here .

Set the travel box up in your home as an alternate option before your trip so your cat can get used to it. Don’t replace your regular boxes with the travel box, though. Have all options available.

If Your Carrier Can't Fit a Litter Box

Letting your cat out of a carrier to use a box placed in the car isn’t ideal. I actually rescued a kitten from the roadside once without a carrier. That kitten ended up inside my dashboard. So, if you think your cat can’t hide in dangerous places within the confines of your car, you’re wrong.

If your trip isn’t too long and their carrier isn’t large enough to fit a litter box, you can go with a larger litter box that they can use at the hotel or destination.

Note: If your cat uses the smaller travel litter box on the road, don’t consider replacing your larger boxes at home. Tiny boxes are not ideal and don’t fit your cat’s instinctual needs. They’re not a good long-term option. They’re the lesser of two evils when you’re traveling — the other evil being your cat peeing in the carrier.

Should You Let Your Cat Go Outside?

My vote is no unless you have a cat who is completely comfortable with travel, being in new places, and seeing and hearing strange people, pets, and sounds.

The first concern is that no harness is 100% escape-proof. If your cat gets scared, they can and will get out of that harness and take off.

Second, they’re going to be surrounded by newness — smells, sights, sounds, things you can’t control. Even if they don’t get scared, the idea that you’ll be able to get them to focus on peeing at that moment isn’t very likely. Cats don’t pee and poop on cue the way dogs can. It’s safer to keep them in the car.

What Do You Do With Your Cat When You Have to Go?

If the temperatures aren’t too hot or cold to leave your cat in the car, just leave them in their carrier and go about your business. Just make it quick!

Cover three sides of the carrier so they feel more secure and are less of a target for theft. Use a light cover (blanket) for warm days and a heavier cover for cooler days. Both should still allow for airflow.

It's usually safe between about 40–65 degrees F (4–18 degrees C), though every cat and every situation will be different, so use this as a rough guide.

Talk to your vet about more specific safe temperature ranges for your cat based their age, breed, and any chronic medical conditions they may have or medications they may be on. If the temperatures are outside of that range, you’re going to have to take some precautions when making your own pit stops that take you away from your car.

In some cases, it may be possible for you to bring your cat into the bathroom with you in their carrier.

Quick tips if you must leave your cat in the car

Some cars now have pet mode , like Telsa, Chevrolet Bolt, Rivian, and other Form and BMW models. Caution: If you decide to leave your engine running in a gas-powered car, be aware that car engines and air conditioner compressors can and do fail, leading to excessively hot temperatures building up in the car quickly. Similar malfunctions can happen in EV cars, too, and if the battery dies, the cooling system will shut off.
If leaving your car and running the A/C or heat isn’t possible or practical, pre-cool or pre-heat your car the best you can by running the system on high for several minutes before you get out. Then, be quick!
Move their carrier from the back seat to the back floor. Since hot air rises, it should be a bit cooler on the floor. There are fans made for keeping pets cool in the car , but we really can't overstate this: pets should never be left in a closed car, even in the shade or with cooling devices. In this case, it's simply for a quick amount of time.
Park in the most well-shaded spot you can find.
Park with your front windshield facing the sun and put up a reflective windshield sun shade like this one .
Cracking the windows doesn’t make a huge difference, but it also doesn’t hurt (so long as your cat is securely in their carrier and there’s no danger of someone reaching into your car and stealing them and your stuff).
Make sure you leave your cat plenty of water.
If it's cold outside, add a warm blanket or fleece to your cat's carrier for them to snuggle up. If it's sunny, move the carrier to a sunny spot in the car.
Be as quick with your stop as possible. If it’s a food break, get it to go from a drive-thru and eat it in your car.

Where to Stay When Traveling With Your Cat

Road trips and long-distance moves with cats will often require hotel stays. But not all hotels, motels, or rentals are pet-friendly. And just because they say they’re “pet” friendly doesn’t mean they’re “cat” friendly. So, plan ahead. Call to confirm they take cats and reserve the room or rental in advance.

Pro Tip: “Pet-friendly” means other pets likely stayed in that room recently! Not everyone uses flea and other parasite protection on their cats and dogs. Make sure your cat is protected before heading out on the road! Learn more about safe and effective parasite prevention for your cat , and talk to your veterinarian.

What to Do With Your Cat in the Hotel or Rental

Once you’re out of the car, you’re faced with a question. Do you let your cat out in the hotel or rental to explore, or do you keep them confined? There’s a lot that goes into the answer. Here are some things to consider:

Is your cat relaxed in new places? Being in their carrier in the car is different than being in a completely new room with smells and places to hide.

Does your cat chew, climb, or otherwise destroy things? I couldn’t let my cat into a new space without putting cord protectors on every cord, or they’d be chewed in a matter of minutes.

Are there hiding places you can’t get to or unsafe spaces your cat can reach? The last thing you want is your cat stuck in the vents of a hotel or squeezing through that tiny hole in the wall behind the fridge in your rental. It happens.

Is it clean? Not to get gross, but you may not want your cat rolling around on a motel floor or getting under the bed.

Is it safe from toxins? There could be rodent traps or pest poison in the room that could be dangerous for your cat.

Is there any chance they’re going to pee on something? Yep, it happened to me on my road trip. My cat was stressed and peed all over the fabric carrier, and it soaked through to the bed. Talk about embarrassing. And there's sometimes an additional cleaning fee for mishaps like this.

kitten sleeping at night in a travel pen with bowl and litter box

Confinement for Safety

I like the idea of bringing along a much larger, collapsible pet pen for overnight use. They’re plenty big enough for a good-sized litter box and everything your cat needs. There’s even room to play. Just make sure you get one with a top, or your cat will jump right out.

If you want to let your cat out on a harness and leash or heavily supervised, you have the option. But you’ve got the pet pen as a backup just in case you need it. You never know how a cat is going to react in a new space, especially when you’re sleeping or in the shower and they’re unsupervised. Here are a few great options:

Available at:

Travel Considerations for Cats With Chronic Health Issues

Before striking out on the road for a long trip or moving with a cat who has a chronic medical condition or is on long-term medications — like diabetes , hyperthyroidism , chronic kidney disease , or heart disease — there are a few precautions you should take.

Make sure your cat had a recent (ideally within the past month or so) exam with their vet. You’ll have more peace of mind knowing that their condition is as well managed as possible and that they’re as healthy as can be before hitting the road with them. Your vet will also have recommendations for making their trip as comfortable and safe as possible.
Bring a copy of your cat’s medical records with you! This should include recent exam notes, laboratory test results, and medication/supplement names and dosages. Your vet can often print these out (with enough notice), and they may even subscribe to an app or other service that allows you to keep updated copies of such records with you always on your phone. This will make visiting another vet on the road much easier.
Especially for cats with known chronic health concerns, it’s a good idea to know about a few vet hospitals along your route and in the area of your destination before you head out. See the vet locator tools listed in the next emergency section to start searching.
If your cat is on a special prescription diet, like for their kidneys, make sure to stock up on it from your vet before leaving. It’s not always easy to get prescription diet refills when you’re away from home. You should take enough with you to last for the duration of your trip PLUS an additional (at least) 2 weeks.
Similarly, be sure to stock up on your pet’s medications and supplements, as well as any supplies you need for them. This would include needles and a travel-sized sharps container (or larger needle container ) for safely disposing of and storing used needles for diabetic cats, pills for blood pressure, overactive thyroid, and any other chronic medications. Again, you should take with you enough to last for the duration of your trip PLUS an additional (at least) 2 weeks.
If your cat is diabetic and on insulin, don’t forget a cooler and ice packs to help keep it cool while in the car. You can also look into a cooler that plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter or USB, like these: Cooluli Mini , Wagan 14L , or the Wagan 24L (which could even store some of your food and drinks for the road). Pro Tip: Depending on the type of insulin your cat is on, you may be able to get an insulin “pen” that may be more stable outside of the fridge and easier to administer to your cat. It's still advisable to use a cooling case for the pens . Talk to your vet to see if an insulin pen is an option for your cat — it isn’t for all cats, but if it is for yours, it could be a great travel (and even long-term) solution for you.

Emergencies on the Road With Your Cat

It’s a good idea to plan ahead and map out a few 24-hour Emergency Clinics on your route, just in case. Try this vet emergency locator .

Have your hometown veterinary clinic number handy, too. For less serious issues, call them first. They may be able to give you advice or let you know if it’s a true emergency.

Make sure you have a card in your wallet or attached to your cat’s carrier with your cat’s name, the number where you can be reached during travel, and an emergency contact who is not traveling with you. If your cat has medical issues, you should list those as well or the contact info for your veterinary clinic. If there’s an accident, your car is stolen, or something happens where you’re separated from your cat, emergency services will have options.

I just got this great set for myself (featured below). The keychain says “pet home alone,” with instructions to look in your wallet for a card with emergency contact info. It’s meant to notify emergency services if you’re in an emergency situation and someone needs to care for your pet at home. In this case, you’d just include a note on the card that you’re traveling with your cat in the car.

It’s also vital to ensure your cat is microchipped and the contact information is up-to-date (including a way you can be reached on the road).

pet alert sticker and home alone keychain

First Aid on the Road

Consider putting together a pet first-aid kit for your car. Here's a shopping list of first-aid essentials . Look for the icon of a little car 🚗, as it's these products that are the most essential in a smaller, travel-sized first-aid kit.

We encourage you to leave a comment below if you’ve got any tricks, tips, or products you’ve used that made car travel with your cats easier. Best of luck on your travels or your move. Have fun and be safe!

About the author

LeeAnna Buis, CFTBS, FFCP

LeeAnna Buis has adored cats her entire life and thought she knew them inside-out and sideways. But it wasn’t until she worked with a feline behavior consultant that she fully understood how incredible, complicated, and inspiring cats really are. Literally, that day, she made a career change knowing she wanted to give other cat parents the same experience of truly “seeing” and appreciating their cats. Now, she works virtually with cat parents all over the world through Feline Behavior Solutions and Preventive Vet.

LeeAnna earned her certification through Animal Behavior Institute, earning the CFTBS designation. She is a certified Fear Free® trainer (FFCP), a training professional member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG), and a member of both the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and Cat Writer’s Association (CWA).

More about LeeAnna Buis, CFTBS, FFCP

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The 25 Bestselling Cars, Trucks, and SUVs of 2024 (So Far)

After years of turmoil, new-car sales are settling back into normalcy, and some new models snuck onto the list of bestsellers through the first quarter of 2024.

Chevrolet Trax: 37,588 units sold

The new entry-level Trax SUV, which won a 10Best award for 2024, is proving that an attractive base price can go a long way. Starting at under $22,000, the new-for-2024 Trax is now one of the bestselling Chevys, and sales are far outpacing its predecessor.

Honda HR-V: 38,062 units sold

Many subcompact crossovers posted big increases at the start of the year, and the HR-V was the bestselling model in this segment. Sales were up 44 percent through the first quarter, but it still has a long way to go to catch the compact CR-V found higher on this list.

Jeep Wrangler: 38,308 units sold

A refresh for 2024 that brought a new grille and new features inside hasn't changed the Wrangler's fate much. Through the first quarter, sales were only up 1 percent compared with last year.

Subaru Crosstrek: 38,405 units sold

The Crosstrek was the bestselling Subaru at one point, but it's back to the #2 spot thanks to a strong first quarter from the larger Forester found higher on this list. Sales declined 8 percent through the first quarter.

Ford Maverick: 39,061 units sold

The Maverick finds its way onto this list for the first time, but we can't say we didn't see its popularity coming. This affordable compact pickup truck offers either a hybrid powertrain and a powerful 2.0-liter engine, and it combines a crossover-like driving experience with the practicality of a pickup bed. Sales were up 82 percent over last year.

Ford Transit: 39,890 units sold

Big vans like the Transit are work vehicles, and these useful tools are popular for good reason. Sales of this full-size van were up 25 percent compared with this time last year. This also includes 2891 sales of the electric E-Transit model .

Nissan Sentra: 40,081 units sold

While the mid-size Altima didn't even make it onto this list, the compact Sentra gained big. Its sales were up 78 percent through the first quarter, making it the second bestselling Nissan.

Honda Accord: 41,927 units sold

It's no secret we love the Accord: it's won 10Best more than any other vehicle, and it got first place in our recent mid-size sedan comparison test. But still, sales declined 2 percent through the first quarter.

Tesla Model 3: 42,000 units sold (estimated)

Tesla is struggling to sell cars, as it built more cars than it sold in the first quarter. The Model 3 is thus lower on this list than it was last year, although the company says it is still ramping up production of the updated model . As always, our Tesla sales numbers come from Automotive News estimates.

Hyundai Tucson: 45,509 units sold

The Tucson compact SUV continues to be the bestselling Hyundai, although sales were down 1 percent compared with this time last year. An updated model for 2025 (pictured here) could help turn that around.

Subaru Forester: 48,546 units sold

Although there's a new 2025 Forester just around the corner, sales of the outgoing model grew by 60 percent in the first quarter. The outgoing generation will live on in Wilderness trim (pictured) for the time being even as the new model starts to arrive at dealerships.

Chevrolet Equinox: 54,185 units sold

The Equinox continues to sell in big numbers despite being at the end of its current generation, with sales up 2 percent over last year. The new 2025 Equinox is set to arrive later this year with a new look inside and out, and there's an Equinox EV on the way, too.

Jeep Grand Cherokee: 54,455 units sold

The Grand Cherokee mid-size SUV continues to outsell its stablemates in the Jeep lineup, and it's Stellantis' second bestselling vehicle after the Ram pickup. Sales were flat through the first quarter.

Ford Explorer: 58,465 units sold

The Explorer is the bestselling three-row SUV in the country, and sales were flat compared with last year. An updated 2025 model (pictured) is coming later this year.

Toyota Corolla: 60,071 units sold

Sales of the Corolla compact car grew by a whopping 40 percent through the first quarter, but it wasn't enough to catch its close rival, the Honda Civic. We'll continue to watch this rivalry throughout the year to see who comes out on top.

Honda Civic: 61,929 units sold

The Civic was up by 36 percent, which made it the bestselling compact car in the country and was even enough to earn it a place in the top 10 bestsellers. A Civic Hybrid is set to join the lineup for the 2025 model year.

GMC Sierra: 68,597 units sold

While sales of its Chevy Silverado sibling and other full-size pickups were down, the Sierra lineup gained 2 percent compared with last year. This includes both the light-duty Sierra 1500 and the heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 models.

Toyota Camry: 78,337 units sold

The Camry's top spot among passenger cars (vehicles that aren't SUVs or pickup trucks) is as sure as the tides. Sales were up 19 percent through the first quarter, and that's of the old model, as the new hybrid-only 2025 Camry (pictured) hasn't gone on sale yet.

Ram Pickup: 89,417 units sold

The Ram is struggling so far this year, with sales down 15 percent compared with this time last year. Perhaps the arrival of the refreshed 2025 model, along with the Ramcharger plug-in-hybrid and electric Ram REV will help.

Nissan Rogue: 90,804

Rogue sales are strong so far this year, posting a 19 percent increase over last year. A styling update for 2024 that also brought some new features might have something to do with this.

Despite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine . He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City.

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Russian Kitchen

How long did it take to get from Moscow to St. Petersburg throughout the centuries? (INFOGRAPHICS)

Russian Railways recently announced a new speed train railway between Moscow and St. Petersburg will be launched by late 2027. The journey is expected to take just 2.5 hours in total (with an estimated 2 hours 15 minutes ride time without stops). As of today, the project is going to break a record in terms of the duration of a journey between the two capitals. So, how long did it take to travel from “the northern capital” to Moscow (and vice versa) in the different epochs?

In 1703, Peter the Great founded St. Petersburg and transferred the Russian capital there. The city began to develop, with its population swiftly growing, but a great many noble families continued on living in Moscow. Additionally, the main orthodox cathedrals, where tsars were crowned and buried , remained there. So, Peter the Great would make the journey from St. Petersburg to Moscow and back by horse carriage, making it the most frequently used route for centuries.

Alexander Orlovsky. Journey in a kibitka (carriage with tent). Litography, 19th century

In the 18th century, the journey took on average four and half to six or more days . To a great extent, it depended on weather conditions; for instance, it took the least amount of time to glide on winter ice and snow. Empress Elizabeth of Russia held the record in the 18th century for the shortest journey from St. Petersburg to Moscow.

Elizabeth's sledge

In 1742, it took her and her entourage merely three days to reach her coronation place in a sledge. They rode quite a few horses to death at that time, traveling only during the day and resting at night.

One could reach the destination fast enough with a troika , pulled by three horses, as they developed a speed of 45-50 km/h. However, not everyone could afford such a ride, most often going for a pair of horses or just one.

During the off-season, in spring and fall, the road was covered with impassable mud and it cost more and took longer to travel along it. “ No less than six days did I wend my way along a filthy road, arriving in St. Petersburg half dead,” Alexander Pushkin wrote in his sketch ‘The Journey from Moscow to Petersburg’. All in all, the poet traveled between the cities over 20 times: in a tilt cart or by changing horses (a sort of “horse sharing”, when one would change horses at post stations) or in his own comfortable carriage.

Nikolai Sverchkov. A Landowner on the Road. 1855

In 1820, the first “public transport” emerged, namely stagecoaches, which could carry 4-12 passengers and ran between the cities according to a schedule. The journey in a stagecoach took about 4.5 days .

Back in 1834, the first “even highway” between the cities was built: part of the road was paved with stone, while the rest was covered with pebble stone. Pushkin made up his mind to test it and reached the destination - in merely four days!

The first railway

The mid-19th century saw a real technical breakthrough. In 1842, Nicholas I signed an order to build a railway between Moscow and St. Petersburg. Years earlier, the first railroad in Russia had been built, connecting St. Petersburg with its suburb, Tsarskoye Selo. Regular trains started running between St. Petersburg and Moscow in 1851, with the journey taking 21 hours 45 minutes . After Nicholas I’s death, the railroad adopted his name - Nikolaevskaya - and, in Soviet times, it was renamed Oktyabrskaya, as we know it today.

The railroad in Tver, early 20th century

It became incredibly trendy to travel between the cities by train. It’s not by chance that, in the 1870s, Leo Tolstoy wrote his novel ‘Anna Karenina’, where the railway was a significant part of the narration .

In the USSR, the importance of railways was fully acknowledged, with focus put on reducing the time of a journey. In the 1920s, passenger trains between the two capitals traveled for 15 hours on average. Back in 1920, an experimental electric train managed to cover the distance in just 12 hours . In 1931, the first Soviet express train was launched, reaching the destination in a record-breaking ten hours . In the 1960s, the focus shifted from locomotives to the electric haulage, which made it possible for an electric train to accelerate to 130 km/h instead of the average 70.

In 1984, the speedy ER200 electric train covered the distance from Leningrad to Moscow in five hours 20 minutes and, later, in as little as four hours 59 minutes . It could reach speeds of up to 200 km/h. However, there were only two such trains, which ran three times a week and cost a lot to maintain and, thus, were not mass-produced. Soviet people preferred regular passenger trains to them. In 2009, the ER200 ran for the last time, giving way to the high-speed ‘Sapsan’ train.

What’s there nowadays?

Sapsan high-speed express trains

These days, a plane covers the distance between Moscow and St. Petersburg in merely 1.5 hours . Yet, taking into account the journey to the airport and then from it in the city of destination, as well as the fact one has to arrive at the airport in advance, many prefer to travel by rail. A good thing is that there always are a plethora of options to choose from: over 30 trains run between the cities daily.

Journey time on express trains is seven to 10 hours , with the length mostly depending on the number of stops. The eight-hour journey was immortalized in a popular 1995 song by Maxim Leonidov - ‘From Petersburg to Moscow’, featuring the following lines: “Just eight hours without sleep/from Petersburg to Moscow”.

Journey time on the Soviet ‘Red Arrow’ train also roughly takes eight hours . There are also a number of different express trains: For instance, the journey on the Nevsky Express takes four hours and four minutes . The fast Lastochka electric train covers the distance in 5.5-6.5 hours , whereas the journey on the fastest train - the ‘Sapsan’ takes only three hours 50 minutes .

Road signs on the M-11 Moscow-to-St Petersburg Motorway in Moscow Region

For many years, apart from the railway, the old tsar road was used for traveling on horses and then, in cars. In 1958, asphalt was added, with the road becoming known as highway M10. It is typically possible to cover the distance of 684 kilometers in ten hours . Most of the road goes through villages and towns, where a speed limit of 40-60 km/h applies.

In 2019, the express M11 ‘Neva’ toll highway was unveiled. The journey takes around five hours , with most parts having a 130 km/h speed limit. A small section of the highway in the vicinity of Tver is still being built, which forces the route to travel through residential areas.

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The Wayward Home

18 Stunning Road Trips for Your Bucket List

Posted: April 27, 2024 | Last updated: April 27, 2024

<p>Road trips are a great way to travel slowly and really take in the sights of a particular area. Whether you’re renting a campervan or going in your own trusty car, there’s an iconic road trip for everyone.</p> <p>These road trips span the globe, and cover some of the most gorgeous natural spots and historic landmarks. </p>

Road trips are a great way to travel slowly and really take in the sights of a particular area. Whether you’re renting a campervan or going in your own trusty car, there’s an iconic road trip for everyone.

These road trips span the globe, and cover some of the most gorgeous natural spots and historic landmarks.

<p>Nicknamed “The Mother Road,” Route 66 is the essence of Americana. This famous road goes from Chicago to Los Angeles. It covers 2,448 miles with different views, old-school diners, and fun sights. It is a trip down memory lane, a testament to the American spirit of adventure.</p>

1. Route 66, United States

Nicknamed “The Mother Road,” Route 66 is the essence of Americana. This famous road goes from Chicago to Los Angeles. It covers 2,448 miles with different views, old-school diners, and fun sights. It is a trip down memory lane, a testament to the American spirit of adventure.

<p>The Great Ocean Road turns along Australia’s southeast coast. It has lovely sea views and passes through rainforests to the famous Twelve Apostles stone shapes. It’s 151 miles long and combines nature and <a href="https://sparknomad.com/best-beaches-in-colombia/">relaxed beach</a> towns.</p>

2. The Great Ocean Road, Australia

The Great Ocean Road turns along Australia’s southeast coast. It has lovely sea views and passes through rainforests to the famous Twelve Apostles stone shapes. It’s 151 miles long and combines nature and relaxed beach towns.

<p>California’s Pacific Coast Highway, also called Highway 1, is ideal for road trips. The road curves around cliffs and offers extensive views of the Pacific Ocean. Starting in San Francisco and ending in San Diego, the 659-mile drive encompasses the beauty of coastal California.</p>

3. The Pacific Coast Highway, United States

California’s Pacific Coast Highway, also called Highway 1, is ideal for road trips. The road curves around cliffs and offers extensive views of the Pacific Ocean. Starting in San Francisco and ending in San Diego, the 659-mile drive encompasses the beauty of coastal California.

<p>The Cabot Trail is an 185-mile circular route in Nova Scotia, Canada. It features rough coastlines, countryside valleys, and the high areas of Cape Breton Island. This route features stunning seascapes and opportunities to spot whales, bald eagles, and maybe even a moose.</p>

4. Cabot Trail, Canada

The Cabot Trail is an 185-mile circular route in Nova Scotia, Canada. It features rough coastlines, countryside valleys, and the high areas of Cape Breton Island. This route features stunning seascapes and opportunities to spot whales, bald eagles, and maybe even a moose.

<p>Iceland’s Route 1, known as the Ring Road, fully travels around the island. On this 828-mile trip, you’ll encounter volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, and black sandy beaches. If you travel from September to mid-April, you might even witness the Northern Lights.</p>

5. Icelandic Ring Road, Iceland

Iceland’s Route 1, known as the Ring Road, fully travels around the island. On this 828-mile trip, you’ll encounter volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, and black sandy beaches. If you travel from September to mid-April, you might even witness the Northern Lights.

<p>Italy’s Amalfi Coast is a 31-mile stretch with views of high cliffs and the bright sea. You’ll see villages painted in soft colors, terraced vineyards climbing the slopes, and fragrant lemon groves. This road offers a perfect fusion of stunning scenery and charming seaside towns for an amazing drive.</p>

6. Amalfi Coast, Italy

Italy’s Amalfi Coast is a 31-mile stretch with views of high cliffs and the bright sea. You’ll see villages painted in soft colors, terraced vineyards climbing the slopes, and fragrant lemon groves. This road offers a perfect fusion of stunning scenery and charming seaside towns for an amazing drive.

<p>The Garden Route runs about 124 miles along South Africa’s southeastern coast. It features diverse vegetation, numerous lagoons, lakes, and a blend of wild and indoor adventures. You can try many things here, from elephant spotting to local cuisine.</p>

7. Garden Route, South Africa

The Garden Route runs about 124 miles along South Africa’s southeastern coast. It features diverse vegetation, numerous lagoons, lakes, and a blend of wild and indoor adventures. You can try many things here, from elephant spotting to local cuisine.

<p>Connecting the islands of the Florida Keys, Route 1 offers a 113-mile-long scenic drive over turquoise waters. Imagine sunny skies, sandy beaches, and the special Key deer as you move from one island to another, finishing at the well-known Key West.</p>

8. Route 1, Florida Keys

Connecting the islands of the Florida Keys, Route 1 offers a 113-mile-long scenic drive over turquoise waters. Imagine sunny skies, sandy beaches, and the special Key deer as you move from one island to another, finishing at the well-known Key West.

<p>Scotland’s answer to Route 66, the North Coast 500, winds through 500 miles of the Scottish Highlands. It’s a mix of deep lochs, tiny fishing villages, and castles, surrounded by a mystical atmosphere that will transport you to another dimension.</p>

9. North Coast 500, Scotland

Scotland’s answer to Route 66, the North Coast 500, winds through 500 miles of the Scottish Highlands. It’s a mix of deep lochs, tiny fishing villages, and castles, surrounded by a mystical atmosphere that will transport you to another dimension.

<p>Travel through the French Alps on the Route des Grandes Alpes. This 425-mile journey from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea passes through many mountains and <a href="https://sparknomad.com/tayrona-colombia/">national parks</a>, each offering breathtaking views of the high peaks.</p>

10. Route des Grandes Alpes, France

Travel through the French Alps on the Route des Grandes Alpes. This 425-mile journey from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea passes through many mountains and national parks , each offering breathtaking views of the high peaks.

<p>Famed for its hairpin turns, the Transfagarasan Highway cuts through the Fagaras Mountains of Romania. The 56-mile road is a fantastic piece of engineering with beautiful views. It is near the Poenari castle, associated with the historical Dracula narrative. It attracts many visitors, not just those who love a good <a href="https://www.thewaywardhome.com/15-road-trip-hacks-you-need-according-to-seasoned-travelers/" rel="noopener">road trip</a>.</p>

11. Transfagarasan Highway, Romania

Famed for its hairpin turns, the Transfagarasan Highway cuts through the Fagaras Mountains of Romania. The 56-mile road is a fantastic piece of engineering with beautiful views. It is near the Poenari castle, associated with the historical Dracula narrative. It attracts many visitors, not just those who love a good road trip .

<p>The Grossglockner High Alpine Road climbs Austria’s tallest mountain, the Grossglockner, past its ice glacier. The 30-mile road offers fantastic views of the Alps, and the scenery changes as you ascend.</p>

12. Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road climbs Austria’s tallest mountain, the Grossglockner, past its ice glacier. The 30-mile road offers fantastic views of the Alps, and the scenery changes as you ascend.

<p>The James Dalton Highway in Alaska is less popular among tourists but is still worth a visit. It runs 414 miles through remote landscapes dotted with wildlife. The views are untouched here, providing a serene yet rugged road trip experience.</p>

13. James Dalton Highway, Alaska

The James Dalton Highway in Alaska is less popular among tourists but is still worth a visit. It runs 414 miles through remote landscapes dotted with wildlife. The views are untouched here, providing a serene yet rugged road trip experience.

<p>Norway’s Atlantic Road stretches just over 5 miles but promises an amazing experience. This short drive has bridges that jump between islands. It mixes unique building design with the natural beauty of the North Atlantic Ocean.</p>

14. The Atlantic Road, Norway

Norway’s Atlantic Road stretches just over 5 miles but promises an amazing experience. This short drive has bridges that jump between islands. It mixes unique building design with the natural beauty of the North Atlantic Ocean.

<p>The N3 Gateway in South Africa, 249 miles long, lets you see Zulu places and big mountains. It offers adventures like hot air ballooning and encounters with wildlife. You can also explore caves, go hiking, and visit historical battle sites.</p>

15. N3 Gateway, South Africa

The N3 Gateway in South Africa, 249 miles long, lets you see Zulu places and big mountains. It offers adventures like hot air ballooning and encounters with wildlife. You can also explore caves, go hiking, and visit historical battle sites.

<p>The Pan-American Highway is the longest road in the world, from Alaska to Argentina. It passes through diverse environments and cultures, especially Central and <a href="https://sparknomad.com/best-places-to-visit-in-south-america/">South America</a>. Road trip lovers enjoy these areas for their lovely scenery and unique cultures.</p>

16. Pan American Highway, Americas

The Pan-American Highway is the longest road in the world, from Alaska to Argentina. It passes through diverse environments and cultures, especially Central and South America . Road trip lovers enjoy these areas for their lovely scenery and unique cultures.

<p>Route 40 is <a href="https://radicalfire.com/best-and-worst-places-to-travel/" rel="noopener">Argentina’s</a> longest road, stretching over 3,100 miles from Punta Loyola in the south to La Quiaca in the north. It crosses 20 national parks, 18 rivers, and 27 mountain passes. Highlights include the isolated but breathtaking Patagonian steppe, Mendoza wine region, and the colorful mountain range of Quebrada de Humahuaca.</p>

17. Route 40, Argentina

Route 40 is Argentina’s longest road, stretching over 3,100 miles from Punta Loyola in the south to La Quiaca in the north. It crosses 20 national parks, 18 rivers, and 27 mountain passes. Highlights include the isolated but breathtaking Patagonian steppe, Mendoza wine region, and the colorful mountain range of Quebrada de Humahuaca.

<p>The Jasper to Banff drive in Canada is a 144-mile <a href="https://www.thewaywardhome.com/12-solo-road-trip-hacks-for-a-safe-and-exciting-adventure/">road trip</a> through the heart of the Rockies. It has the Columbia Icefield and Lake Louise; you might also see animals alongside a backdrop of mountains.</p>

18. Jasper to Banff, Canada

The Jasper to Banff drive in Canada is a 144-mile road trip through the heart of the Rockies. It has the Columbia Icefield and Lake Louise; you might also see animals alongside a backdrop of mountains.

15 Road Trip Hacks You Need, According to Seasoned Travelers

Looking for the best road trip hacks for your upcoming adventure? Road trips are immensely enjoyable, but they can quickly turn into a drag if you don't get enough sleep, fail to pack the right snacks, encounter dirty restrooms, or lose network coverage. Proper planning and preparation are key to ensuring a successful journey. Check out these awesome hacks:

Read More: 15 Awesome Road Trip Hacks You Need, According to Seasoned Travelers

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The best things to do and places to visit in Moscow, Russia

Updated On 14th October, 2021

While Moscow isn’t always at the top of everyone’s Europe bucket list , it’s certainly one of the best places to visit in Europe if you’re looking for a more alternative adventure! In this blog post I plan on sharing some of the free things to do in Moscow, as well as the best places to visit in Moscow, so that you can enjoy some of the best things to do in Russia!

Moscow, the capital of Russia, sits in the European part of the country. It’s an incredibly beautiful city, which I personally found to be more beautiful than Saint Petersburg (which is often people’s preference). The capital is certainly a lot busier, and less laid back than Saint Petersburg , but it’s a much more colourful and vibrant city, full of stunning and unique architecture.

Visiting famous landmarks such as The Kremlin and St Basil’s Cathedral, enjoying some of the green space in Gorky Park, watching a ballet in the Bolshoi Theatre… these are just a few reasons that you should visit Moscow! On top of that, because of visa restrictions (we’ll get onto that later), it’s also one of the most unique destinations in Europe.

There is a common misconception that Moscow is a dangerous city, but now that I’ve visited, I don’t believe this to be true. I would say the same rules apply here as to other large cities: avoid walking in dark areas alone at night, keep an eye on your belongings on public transport, and be streetwise. There’s no reason to avoid visiting this energetic city and miss out on these amazing things to do in Moscow!

It would take months if you wanted to truly explore Moscow because it’s a huge city, but I’m going to share some of my favourite things to do in Moscow and places to visit in Moscow so that you can prepare for your upcoming adventure! Even if you’re only there for a few days, you should be able to fit in these highlights from my trip.

Where is Moscow?

If you’re wondering ‘Where is Moscow, Russia?’ then you’ve come to the right place! Moscow in in west Russia, the European part, and it’s the capital city.

How do you get to Moscow?

Getting a visa for moscow:.

To get into Russia, you need to get a visa. The processing time is approximately 20 days, and you’ll need to have your fingerprints taken at a visa centre in London , Edinburgh or Manchester. You can find out more about getting a visa for Russia here.

Getting to Moscow:

Once you’ve got your visa, the easiest way to get to Moscow from the UK is by flying. Direct flights between London and Moscow take just under four hours, and with an airport layover you’re looking at a 6-7 hour trip. You can also fly in from many other major European and international cities.

Top tip: Check out flights to and from Copenhagen on Skyscanner here.

Check out how to pack a weekend away in a carry-on suitcase here.

16 best places to visit in Moscow...

1. st basil’s cathedral.

The most iconic building in Russia and one of the most iconic buildings in the world. St Basil’s Cathedral is one of the best places to visit in Moscow, if not the best!

St Basil’s is situated on Red Square, where you’ll also find many other popular places to visit in Moscow. In my opinion this still stands out against them all. There’s something about the multi coloured domes against the Moscow skyline that I found quite spectacular.

Although I’d already been in Russia for several days, it wasn’t until I was at this amazing piece of architecture that I really felt I was in Russia.

The cathedral was built by order of Ivan the Terrible, and apparently after the architect completed it, Ivan blinded him so that he could never build anything more beautiful. Whether or not this story is true, it certainly adds a bittersweet feeling as you stand admiring the beauty of St Basil’s Cathedral.

Inside is a museum displaying many historic items once used at the cathedral, which costs 700 rubles to enter. In my opinion it’s worth the entry fee, as simply seeing the ornate interior walls is a spectacle in itself.

The best things to do in Moscow: my favourite places to visit in Moscow

2. The Kremlin

This historic fortress that sits on Red Square is probably the largest landmark and one of the most popular places to visit in Moscow. It’s the official residence of the President, although he doesn’t actually live there. It’s been rebuilt many times since it was first constructed in 1147 out of wood, before Ivan III the Great ordered it to be made from stone, which is the Kremlin you’ll recognise today.

This place is huge, and there’s quite a lot to see. The first problem I had was finding where the entrance was. Even though I had a pre-booked ticket, I was then told I still had to visit the ticket office to exchange it for another ticket. I also needed my passport, so make sure you have yours if you plan to visit the Kremlin. After a lengthy queue I finally had a ticket I could use to enter the Kremlin, and had to go through security. The security here is thorough, so make sure you don’t take too much in with you. I had my pockets full, and it was a nightmare emptying them and explaining each item, before I was finally allowed in. Once inside you can pay for extra tickets to visit the various museums, however there’s also quite a lot to see simply on the grounds if you don’t want to spend too much.

See more tips for travelling on a budget here.

There’s so much to see here, including The Assumption Cathedral, Ivan the Great Bell Tower Complex, the Grand Kremlin Palace, the Armoury Chamber and Diamond Fund. There is also the Tsar Cannon (a huge artillery cannon), and the Tsar Bell. The Tsar Bell is the largest bell in the world. An incident with a fire and water being poured over the bell caused it to crack and for a slab to break off from it, which can now be seen propped up next to it.

As you walk around the grounds you’ll hear the sound of whistles. The guards patrolling the area will blow a whistle at anyone walking where they shouldn’t. Even if it’s just on the grass, or towards more restricted areas. This can sometimes be funny to watch, as often the tourists will be in a world of their own whilst a guard is blowing a whistle at them. Sometimes a guard will be stood face to face with a tourist angrily blowing their whistle before the tourist realises they need to get back onto the main path.

This is perhaps one of the more unusual places to visit in Moscow! Gum is a huge department store situated on Red Square. It’s an interesting department store to walk around, with several levels, although the shops inside are certainly quite pricey. It’s a beautiful building when it’s lit up at night, and it seems to fit in nicely amongst the other famous sights on Red Square. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything here, one of the best things to do in Moscow is to take a quick look inside, although bear in mind there are usually security checks before entering.

4. State Historical Museum

The large crimson building on Red Square is now the State Historical Museum. It was originally the first pharmacy in Russia, and later a University before finally becoming the museum it is today.

Unfortunately I didn’t go inside as my time was limited and there was so much else I wanted to see, but if you have the time I think it would be one of the best things to do in Moscow. There are items dating back to the 6th century, and maybe even further. There’s also a library inside storing many ancient manuscripts and the largest coin collection in Russia.

5. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi means big in Russian, so it roughly translates to large theatre. The Bolshoi Theatre is one of the foremost ballet companies in the world. The exterior of the building is an impressive sight, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Moscow, and it’s certainly worth admiring from the outside. There are guided tours of the interior, but if you really want to experience the theatre, one of the best things to do in Moscow is to watch a ballet here.

I was torn between booking a seat, but the ballets were very expensive. I’d have liked to have seen “Swan Lake”, (as at least I may have recognised some of the music). Unfortunately there were no performances on the days I was in Moscow, so I decided to pass. But if I return to Russia, then watching a ballet will be on my list of things to do.

6. Sparrow Hills

If you want a good view of the city, then Sparrow Hills is one of the best places to visit in Moscow. It’s a bit of a trek outside of the centre, but if you have the time then it offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. There’s a viewing platform here which gives you fantastic panoramic views of Moscow.

Nearby you’ll see the magnificent Moscow State University building, which is one of the seven sisters of Moscow.

7. Seven Sisters

Whilst in Moscow, you’ll no doubt notice these magnificent soviet skyscrapers dotted around the city. At the time of construction they were the tallest buildings in Europe, Moscow State University being so until 1997. There are, as the name suggests, seven in total, which are: Hotel Ukraina, Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Apartments, the Kudrinskaya Square Building, the Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya Hotel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Moscow State University, and the Red Gates Administrative Building.

If you visit Sparrow Hills, then you’ll come across Moscow State University, but I’m certain as you explore the city, you’ll see more of these giants against the Moscow skyline. One of the best things to do in Moscow is to see if you can locate all seven as you wander round the city!

8. Nikolskaya Street

The start of this street is found by Red Square. It’s one of the most prominent pedestrianised streets in Moscow, filled with shops, restaurants and bars, so one of the best places to visit in Moscow if you’re looking for a bite to eat or some souvenirs!

What makes this street extra special are the thousands of bright lights in the sky above. After dark it looks simply magical with the many colourful lights overhead as you walk beneath them. One of the best things to do in Moscow is to visit Nikolskaya Street after dark and see them for yourself. It almost feels like Christmas in London!

There is another street nearby which also features similar lights, “Kuznetskiy Most”, which is also quite beautiful, but I thought “Nikolskaya Street” was ever slightly more impressive.

9. Izmailovo Kremlin and Izmaylovskiy Bazar

Did you know that The Kremlin in Red Square is not the only Kremlin in Moscow? Kremlin actually means a type of fortress, so there are many in Russia.

The Izmailovo Kremlin is a fairly new addition to the city, having been built in 2007 as a cultural centre. With its multitude of colours and historic style, it has a real fairytale feel to it. There are several small museums here for you to explore, devoted to subjects such as Russian folk art, vodka and bread (yes, bread). Visiting these is definitely one of the more unique things to do in Moscow!

It’s a little way out of the centre, but it’s an interesting place to visit in Moscow to see something a little bit different, and it won’t be as overcrowded with tourists.

Next to the Izmailovo Kremlin is the best market in Moscow for souvenirs. You’ll find good and poor quality items, but you’ll certainly pick up a bargain if you take your time and haggle for a good price. Many of the items here you’ll get for half the price you would in souvenir shops in the city centre. It’s here that I picked up several Matryoshka dolls for a very good price. I think I’d have paid more than double, or possibly even triple if I’d have bought them elsewhere.

10. Izmailovsky Park

Not too far from Izmailovo Kremlin you’ll find this huge park, one of the prettiest places to visit in Moscow. It’s easy to get lost here, so try to make sure you keep track of where you entered if you plan to go back the same way. There’s a lot to see in this park, a round pond, ferris wheel, playgrounds and sports grounds, shooting galleries, cinemas and a skate park.

There are often festivals, concerts and exhibitions at the park, on top of firework displays and dance parties.

The main reason I chose to visit the park was to find the painted trees. A local artist “Yevgenia Khlynina” has been painting on trees in this park, and one of the best things to do in Moscow is to explore the park looking for them. One of the most famous pieces of hers is the “Hedgehog in the Fog” from a famous soviet cartoon.

11. Gorky Park

The most famous park in Moscow is named after the writer “Maxim Gorky”. Although it’s likely you’ve heard it mentioned in the song “Wind of Change” by “The Scorpions”.

There’s lots to do and see in the park with sports facilities and exhibitions. During the summer months this is one of the best places to visit if you’re looking for things to do in Moscow; there are often open air concerts and an open air cinema. There are many statues and sculptures in the park, including a small sculpture park area which features many interesting pieces.

One piece of advice: don’t visit Gorky Park or any other parks on 2nd August if you’re in Russia. 2nd August is Paratrooper day, which usually encourages a lot of drinking in the park, which is not always very welcoming.

12. Arbat Street

One of the oldest and busiest streets in Moscow, and the most famous pedestrian street in the city. Arbat is one of the most popular places to visit in Moscow. There are several shops including many dedicated to souvenirs, but although these will have a good range of goods, they will be quite expensive . You may see street performers and buskers, and there are often poets reciting famous works, if not their own works.

It’s within walking distance from the Kremlin, which should only take around 10 minutes.

There are actually two streets with this name, Old Arbat Street and New Arbat Street. Old Arbat Street is where you’ll find the pedestrianised area. New Arbat Street is a separate street which runs alongside a main road, filled with many bars and restaurants.

13. Metro station art

The best way to get around Moscow is by using the metro, and the metro is a tourist attraction in itself.

Although I obviously didn’t visit every metro station, I believe that every single station is unique in its own beautiful way. Many of the stations I passed through were impressive, quirky or simply jaw dropping. You’ll more than likely pass through many of them on the way to other sights, but I’d recommend the following: Komsomolskaya, Novoslobodskaya, Mayakovskaya, Teatralnaya, Arbatskaya, Prospekt Mira and Ploschad Revolutsii (be sure to pet the dog statue for good luck).

There are of course many others for you to explore, but these are the ones I considered to be some of the most impressive places to visit in Moscow (even if they’re only metro stations!).

VDNKh is an exhibition centre with many monuments and museums. Now that it’s combined with the Botanical Garden and Ostankino Park, one of the best things to do in Moscow is to spend the day at this recreational centre enjoying a mix of nature and culture. The most popular museum in the complex which you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Moscow is the Museum of Cosmonautics.

15. Lenin's Mausoleum

Despite requesting to be buried with his mum in St Petersburg, it is at the foot of the Kremlin on Red Sqaure that you will find Lenin’s Mausoleum, where Vladimir Ilych Lenin has been frozen in time since 1924. It’s only open for a few hours a few times per week. Photography is not allowed, and you should line up on the western corner of the square (near Alexander Garden) to wait you turn to see the embalmed body.

16. Novodevichy Convent

Novodevichy Convent, on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Moscow. Located south west of the centre you’ll find this stunning monastery. Inside you’ll find a cathedral and several churches, surrounded by high walls and 12 towers.

Where are your favourite places to visit in Moscow?

What about the best things to do in Moscow? Anything you’d add?

Love as always and happy adventuring…

I’m Spike! Solo traveller, cultural explorer and world adventurer! With 57 countries under my belt, I live and breathe travel. I never plan to stop exploring new destinations and experiencing new cultures.

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Car rental at Moscow Domodedovo Airport

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Cheap car rentals at Moscow Domodedovo Airport

Top tips for renting a car at moscow domodedovo airport.

Car hire at Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME) is a great option to connect directly to the city of Moscow in the comfort of your own vehicle and giving you the added advantage of being able to avoid busy public transport options, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling as a group, which could also work out more economical. Situated around 25 miles from the airport, you can reach Moscow city centre in just over an hour by the A105 highway. If you are driving via the Moscow Ring Road, you should take Exit 25.
Moscow city and the surrounding road networks can get particularly busy, especially in the rush hour periods, which tend to fall between the hours of 08:00-10:00 in the morning and again between 17:00-19:00 in the evening rush. Weekends tend to be less busy. If you find your connection falls in the busy times, try to avoid this, if possible, by arriving earlier or taking advantage of the calmer afternoon period to return your Moscow Domodedovo Airport car hire. On your return, take the Kashira Highway in a southerly direction and merge onto the Domodedovo Airport Road, which will lead you to the terminals.
Moscow Domodedovo has just one terminal, so you can find several facilities on hand whilst in the airport. You can find numerous cafes, bars, and refreshments in the Arrivals hall, alongside exchange and ATM facilities. There is also a children’s centre if you are travelling as a family and several information points to assist your trip.
If you need to refill your fuel tank before returning your car hire at Moscow Domodedovo Airport, you can find several large 24h outlets such as BP and Shell on the main Garden Ring, which is Moscow’s main circular ring road. You can also find several located along the airport road, nearer to the airport itself.
Book your rental car at Moscow Domodedovo Airport at least 3 weeks before your trip in order to get a below-average price

FAQs about renting a car at Moscow Domodedovo Airport

Where is the car hire at moscow domodedovo airport situated.

You can find many of the major car rental desks on level one of the terminals in the Domestic Arrivals area and some also located in the International Arrivals hall. There are also others located a short distance away on the airport road near to Parking Lot 1. Several larger companies such as Avis and Hertz offer free pick-up and drop-off services to your required location and one-way rentals are also available. Check with your chosen provider to find arrangements that will suit your requirements. Office hours vary with closing times averaging between 21:00-22:00, although you can find some open 24h such as SIXT car hire.

Which car hire at Moscow Domodedovo Airport is easiest to access?

You can find the Hertz car hire company’s office directly from the airport in less than a mile away in the Domodedovo District with the counter desk located in the International Arrivals hall. The airport location allows for easy access and a range of services, which include after-hours drop-off and pick-up for your convenience. You can choose from a wide range of vehicles from economy basic cars, luxury high speed vehicles or range rovers, and child car seats can be arranged when you make your reservation. There is also a handy online check-in service to save you time at the airport, allowing you to simply pick up your car and get you on your way.

What documentation is needed for car hire at Domodedovo Airport?

UK drivers must hold a valid photographic driving license, which has been held for at least one year. It may be necessary to obtain an International Driving Permit, you can check this with your local licensing authority who will be able to process this for a small fee. Make sure to use a major credit card registered in your name when you make your booking and you may find there will be a surcharge if you are a driver under 25, and you could also be exempt from some vehicle categories. In all cases, you need to be at least 21 years of age to rent a car in Russia.

Which car rental companies will pick you up at Moscow Domodedovo Airport?

Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Moscow Domodedovo Airport to off-airport locations include Avis, Hertz, Rentmotors, Sixt, and TIS Car.

Moscow Domodedovo Airport car rental reviews and directory

Cleanliness

Pick-up/Drop-off

Value for money

One location in Moscow Domodedovo Airport

Locations in Moscow Domodedovo Airport

Domodedovo Apt/Office K238

+7 926 626 45 75

No reviews available

Domodedovo Apt Office K238

+7 926 626 4575

Domodedovo Air Ter Arrival Hall

+7 495 640 82 82

keddy by Europcar

Moscow Domodedovo Airport- International Arrivals, Counter K9

Opening times not available

No score available yet

2 locations in Moscow Domodedovo Airport

Airport road

+7 962 967 8633

Domodedovo Moscow Airport, Arrival Hall - at Rentmotors Desk, Moscow

+1 800 761 8913

IDrive Rent-A-Car

+7 499 685 4725

Moscow Domodedovo airport

Domodedovsky District

+7 495 215 0187

+7 495 921 3838

Moskovskaya obl., Gorodskoy Okrug

Domodedovo Airport

+7 495 260 10 38

Iversta Rentals Inc

2 Donskoi proezd 4, Unit 219

+7 967 240 9918

+7 495 589 11 11

+7 925 472 1561

Car rental locations at Moscow Domodedovo Airport

Airports serving moscow.

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