Picking the Best Road Trip Vehicle

Many Americans yearn to travel as the weather warms up, and there’s nothing like a road trip to explore the country, have an adventure, and spend quality time with family. The best road trip vehicle depends on your wants and needs. At Hawthorne Auto Square, we offer many makes and models of used vehicles, and here are some worth considering as you plan to set out on the open road

Toyota Highlander Hybrid

A 2021 Best Cars for Families winner by U.S. News & World Report, it also ranks high as a hybrid and electric SUV. The Highlander Hybrid offers fast acceleration thanks to a continuously variable automatic transmission. In the 2021 model year, there are two electric motors plus a 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine. Together, these deliver 243 horsepower. Another perk is the towing capability; this Highlander can pull an up to 3,500-pound trailer. And room for eight people and up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space makes this a great vehicle for a family road trip.

Volkswagen ID.4

Winner of the 2021 World Car of the Year, this electric car has an EPA estimated range of 260 miles. You can add 62 miles in ten minutes using a public DC fast charger. It’s by far the best road trip vehicle in the electric category. The cabin is spacious, while the exterior is aerodynamic. It’s therefore possible to travel far while conserving energy and enjoying all the best comfort amenities of a modern Volkswagen.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

This small two-seater looks spunky and is great for a road trip if you prefer to travel lightly. It’s generally an affordable vehicle too, so you can certainly get the most for your money with a used car. The Miata is known for its reliability and being easy to maintain. It may be one of the smaller cars out there, but that doesn’t mean the Mazda MX-5 Miata can’t get you far.

Toyota RAV4 Prime

A compact SUV and plug-in hybrid, the 2021 RAV4 provides up to 302 horsepower thanks to two electric motors. It’s not the fastest acceleration, but the all-wheel drive can take you across the backroads just fine. On electric power, it will go for 42 miles before the gasoline engine kicks in, providing a combined city/highway mileage of 94 mpg. Up to five people are accommodated, while heated front seats come standard (optional rear heated seats are available).

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

The Jeep Wrangler is a favorite for road trippers who like to veer off onto unpaved roads. Some newer models offer multiple engine options. That means you can find a used 260-horsepower turbo diesel or 375-horsepower plug-in hybrid model. Buying used may let you step up to the Rubicon trim, which offers four-wheel-drive, a sway bar, and locking front and rear differentials. The Wrangler also seats five and has 72.4 cubic feet of cargo space, which is impressive for a compact SUV. Its durable interior suits the needs of adventurers as well.

Hyundai Elantra

Neither high-tech nor expensive, the Elantra has a fuel economy as high as 43 mpg. Adaptive cruise control is usually a standard feature. It’s compact and simple, but delivers the reliable performance and smooth handling needed for a memorable road trip experience.

2021 Ram 1500 TRX

The TRX came out in 2020 so you should be finding used models soon. It will meet your cravings for an outdoor adventure while providing an impressive level of comfort. The 2021 model year of this pickup truck delivers 702 horsepower. Close to a foot of ground clearance and high-quality Bilstein shocks improve handling on rugged terrain.

Honda Ridgeline

If reliability and safety are your top priorities, the Ridgeline truck offers just that. Its Crew Cab body style fits five people, includes a 5-foot 4-inch bed, and a 7.3 cubic foot trunk. Many standard infotainment features are included as well, such as an 8-inch touchscreen, two standard USB ports, and a seven-speaker audio system. The tailgate opens like a standard truck tailgate or swings out, further adding to the Ridgeline’s versatility.

Ford Mustang Convertible

This sporty convertible is ideal for two people or a solo road trip. The 2021 model has 11.4 cubic feet of cargo space, which is pretty standard for a sports car. Its small back seat will hold extra luggage as well. A Wi-Fi hot spot is standard, and you can lock/unlock the car via your smartphone using the FordPass Connect app.

Find Your Best Road Trip Vehicle at Hawthorne Auto Square

We are a leading buy here, pay here used car dealer in Los Angeles, so you can find a wide range of pre-owned cars, SUVs, and trucks. Our low-mileage, fully inspected vehicles are road-trip-ready; each comes with a 6-month comprehensive warranty. Competitive financing allows you to get more car for your money and benefit from low monthly payments. To get started, browse our inventory and get pre-approved online, or call 866-707-7664 for more information.