Find the best road trip cars with great MPG, offering fuel efficiency, comfort, and reliability for long-distance travel.
Introduction
Our list focuses on vehicles that shine in the fuel economy, comfort and cargo space departments all must haves for road trip cars that won’t require a second mortgage to fill up at the pump.
Toyota Prius
It’s about as rare as a snowball in hell, considering its EPA rating of up to 58 MPG in the city and 53 MPG on the highway tops everyone else by nearly half. The hatchback layout gives it far more cargo carrying flexibility than one might expect and newer versions provide available adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and a generous infotainment screen that’ll make long highway slogs a breeze.
Why this is the perfect road:
Outstanding MPG
Comfortable seating for 5
Tech forward with plenty of boot space
Honda Accord Hybrid
The Honda Accord Hybrid is a great balance of power and efficiency. It gets up to 44 MPG combined and has a roomier interior than many full-size sedans. There is also a comfortable ride, and the cabin remains hushed during travelling; it’s even got one of the largest trunks in its class, making this sedan perfect for long road trips, as it is not only fuel frugal.
Why it sucks on road trips:
Generous legroom both at the front and rear
Large 16.7 cu. ft. trunk
Excellent infotainment and safety features
Sleek and modern design
Hyundai Ioniq
The smallest hatchback on offer, this vehicle delivers you the most non-plug-in fuel economy of any model and is rated for as much as 59 MPG highway. Multi-configuration Ioniq hybrid, plug-in hybrid or all-electric. Pick your poison based on usage and charging opportunities.
Why It Makes the Perfect Road:
Class-leading fuel efficiency
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capabilities
Light, responsive steering
Budget-friendly option
Subaru Outback
For the less traveled roads in your road trip, the Subaru Outback with up to 33 MPG highway and all wheel drive as standard features should get the job done. It is not only efficient for its compact size but it also offers a lot of space as well as roof rails for added cargo or sports equipment.
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Why it is ideal for road trips:
All-wheel drive standard
Strong safety ratings
Comfortable ride with SUV-like height
Great for families and adventurers
Mazda CX-5 (Skyactiv-G Engine)
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact SUV, which gives it up to 31 MPG on the highway. It might not be a hybrid but it boasts an efficient engine, attractive and premium cabin construction and sharp handling over long-distance drives. It would also offer class-leading advanced driver-assist features and premium finishes for the price.
Why it is perfect for road trips:
Sporty handling for twisty roads
High-quality interior
Intuitive infotainment system
Excellent reliability
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Toyota The Corolla is the best-used car for fuel economy in our list with a combined highway rating of up to 53 MPG and classic Toyota reliability. What the Camry Hybrid does offer is a quiet cabin, strong acceleration when merging onto freeways and a smooth ride. Combining modern tech and spacious seats, it is one of the better road trip cars all-around.
Why it’s perfect for road trips:
Great MPG and power
Dual-zone climate control
Wireless charging and USB ports
High resale value
Kia Niro
The Kia Niro Hybrid Crossover gets 53 MPG in the city and 54 MPG on the highway. It offers the SUV functionality with hybrid fuel efficiency and performance. It also offers a spacious second row and large cargo area for a vehicle of its size.
Why It Is Great for Road Trips:
Easy to drive and park
Comfortable on highways
Excellent driver-assistance tech
Possibly the new model could make available all three powertrains: hybrid, PHEV, and EV.
Final Thoughts
Road trip cars with a great MPG are not only easy on the wallet when it comes to fuel consumption, but they also improve your overall experience because they offer comfort, technology, and reliability. No matter if you favor a hybrid sedan like the Prius or more of a practical crossover such as the Niro or Outback, these vehicles allow for longer drives with less money spent, while also maintaining fun and relaxation during road trips.
