What makes a perfect road-trip car? Here are our tips to get the best one!

While factors like starting location, destination, companions, and budget all influence the pleasure of driving a luxurious car on the open road, the car chosen arguably makes the biggest difference! Nowadays most cars can handle cross-country travel, but some models are better suited for road trips. Our guide examines the top vehicles recommended for memorable motoring adventures. Special attention is given to qualities that make a car truly ideal for long-distance driving comfort and ease.

Without further ado, here are seven key areas to reflect on:

Range/refueling: Most highways have plenty of fuel/charging options, but stopping every couple of hours gets tedious. Aim for a vehicle allowing several hundred miles between refueling. For EVs, also research the charging network for your route.

Comfort: Hours spent inside require cushy seats, adjustments, and features like heating/cooling that enhance comfort over long drives. Dual climate zones and soundproofing further elevate the experience.

Amenities: In-car tech like touchscreens and streaming add enjoyment. Advanced driver assists like collision warnings and adaptive cruise control enhance safety on open roads. Some models offer unique perks too.

Storage: Long trips require gear - check interior space and roof/tow options. Consider passenger and bag capacity too. Backseat legroom further impacts roadworthiness.

Reliability: Most new cars reliably travel cross-country, but some brands have stronger reputations here. Also examine service intervals, as requirements can vary greatly. Watch for recalls too.

Economics: Fuel efficiency impacts costs, so assess estimated consumption. Consider maintenance/repair expenses long-term as well.

Peace of mind: Factors like warranty coverage, roadside assistance programs, and the brand's service center network provide reassurance for long trips.

The longer the journey, the more gear you typically need to take. So, cargo capacity is an extremely important factor when choosing a road trip car. If you have more interior space, you can stash more bags and equipment. It's worth noting that a vehicle's cargo-hauling potential can be augmented with a roof rack or box, but this is less convenient and may slightly reduce fuel or battery efficiency. You'll also want to consider seating capacity versus luggage requirements. Backseat legroom deserves attention too, as ample space makes longer journeys more comfortable.

So, if we're talking about long trips, it's also important to consider service interval requirements as well as the support network should problems arise. Some brands have extensive dealer coverage to facilitate repairs on the road, while others are not so easy to find. Roadside assistance options vary as well between brands. Additionally, more common vehicles are easier to find replacement parts for away from home compared to niche brands: while BMW parts may be readily available nationwide, sourcing components for a Bentley or Aston Martin away from home could prove much more difficult. Carefully evaluating the manufacturer's technical support footprint equips you with peace of mind for handling unexpected issues during your travel. Overall, dependability is strengthened by choosing a brand with robust coast-to-coast dealership infrastructure and services.

Unlike commuting solely from point A to B, road trips aim to fully enjoy the journey and open the highway. So, a car that enhances the driving experience makes for far more engaging travel! Reviewing the engine is essential here: engine specifications like configuration, aspiration type, displacement, and output metrics translate to spirited acceleration and top speeds for fun.

Suspension design also impacts ride quality and vehicle handling dynamics. Some models offer adjustable air suspensions for sporty handling when lowered or supreme comfort when raised for long highway stretches. Overall, cars providing engaging performance while traversing diverse terrain and sweeping scenery along the route cultivate rewarding road trip memories. Choosing a model configured for enjoyment, not just transportation, can make your road trip one that you'll remember forever.