7 ideal cars for long road trips & 7 to avoid completely

This luxurious family SUV is the benchmark for Scandinavian comfort. It excels in the ergonomics of its seats, often considered among the best on the market. Its soundproofing is first-rate and its advanced safety systems provide unrivalled peace of mind. A perfect cocoon for long journeys for the lucky Volvo XC90 driver.

Its cutting-edge technology provides a futuristic travel experience. Smooth acceleration and an extremely quiet cabin make for easy conversation. Tesla’s extensive network of superchargers eliminates range anxiety, and Autopilot, if used correctly, dramatically reduces driver fatigue on the highway.

This spacious tourer stands out for its generous interior space, especially for rear passengers. It’s a sedan that excels for its smooth ride and quality assembly. Its large trunk easily accommodates luggage, while its ergonomic controls and comfortable seating make for fatigue-free mile after mile.

This versatile adventurer combines the advantages of a comfortable station wagon with the ground clearance of an SUV. Its symmetrical all-wheel drive is a reassuring asset for mountainous or snowy roads. Versatility, ample interior space and excellent driver assistance systems make the Subaru Outback the perfect vehicle for adventurous journeys.

This crossover strikes a perfect balance between dynamism and comfort. Although sporty, it boasts comfortable acoustics and a smooth ride. High-quality interior materials and well-designed seats enhance the experience, even after hours behind the wheel of the Mazda CX-5.

This economical, quiet hybrid is a benchmark for frequent travelers thanks to its motorization. Its exceptionally low fuel consumption means fewer stops at the pump. Its aerodynamic design guarantees an appreciably quiet ride at steady speed. Its legendary reliability and comfortable suspension make it a serene travel partner.

This large, comfortable and powerful SUV is an excellent choice for large families, with three comfortable rows of seats and ample space for luggage. Its stable ride and soft suspension absorb road imperfections well. It’s a real cruiser, capable of taking the whole tribe and their gear over very long distances.

This muscular coupe is a feast for the eyes, with an aggressive but not very aerodynamic profile. Less so for the ears, back and wallet. The roar of its V8 is exhausting over time, its rear seat is uncomfortable for adults and its fuel consumption is high. So it’s a show car rather than a family cruiser.

Although this city car offers good value for money, it lacks the sophistication needed for longer journeys. Its suspension is firmer for city handling, but transmits too much road vibration. Cargo space is just right, and the interior noise level becomes tiresome after several hours.

While modern electric cars are excellent, the older generation, such as the Nissan Leaf, should be avoided for long distances. Its low real-world range and fast-charging technology, often less efficient than the competition, mean more frequent and longer stops. Your journeys become a series of stressful calculations.

This sedan is a low-cost vehicle whose compromises are felt on the road. Its three-cylinder engine is noisy at cruising speed. Sound insulation is minimal, and the seats, designed for short trips, become uncomfortable after an hour. This is one of the least suitable choices for a family road trip.

This retro city car is charming, but it’s designed for urban agility, not long journeys. Its firm suspension makes every bump felt, and its small engines generally struggle on freeways, resulting in high fuel consumption and tiring engine noise. Its miniature trunk is quickly filled, even for a solo weekend.

This off-road icon is unbeatable off-road, but its qualities become flaws on asphalt. Its brick-like aerodynamics create wind noise and exuberant fuel consumption. Its vague steering and long-travel suspension quickly tire the driver. This is an adventure vehicle, not an asphalt swallower.

This micro-citadine is the queen of city centers, but a nightmare on the freeway. Its short wheelbase makes it sensitive to crosswinds, requiring constant steering corrections. Its engine is noisy at high speeds and luggage space is, by definition, extremely limited. absolutely not for travel beyond the suburbs.