Susan is a licensed insurance agent and has worked as a writer and editor for over 10 years across a number of industries. She has worked at The Zebr…
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Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specialized in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.
Ross h…
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Are you taking to the open road this summer? The road trip is a time-honored tradition in American culture, to not only get from point A to point B, but to experience all the beauty and oddities along the way.
But what’s the best ride for your journey? Obviously, it will depend a bit on where you're going, what you're bringing and who is going with you. However, we pulled a few top picks for every sort of road tripper.
You’re probably not buying a new car for just one road trip. But if you’re reading this article, it means you’re likely planning to buy a new ride and are also planning to spend a lot of time traveling in this vehicle. Here are some things to consider.
If you’re on a budget your options are to: get a reliable, low-mileage used car or, if you want to buy new, get something cheaper. The following two options are both under $20,000 new; however, with that price concession means you won’t be able to transport a huge crowd on your road trip. These budget options are best for solo travel or with one or two travel partners.
The Nissan Versa is definitely a budget sedan, with an MSRP for the 2024 model starting around $17,820. It might not be flashy or big, but it makes up for it at the fuel pump with class-leading fuel economy. The interior cabin is comfortable for up to four adults (or you can fold the back seat down to increase your cargo hold). You can upgrade to features like heated front seats, a wireless charging pad and automatic climate control to keep you comfortable on long haul trips. Helpful features like automated emergency braking and lane departure warning come standard and adaptive cruise control is available – all useful features on long drives.
MSRP: $17,820
Gas mileage: 35 mpg combined
Average cost of insure: $11 to $101 per month
Another little car with excellent fuel economy that’s ready to hit the road with you: the Mitsubishi Mirage is one of the most affordable sedans on the market. Additionally, this fuel efficient hatchback is one of the fuel efficient cars in its class. Like the Versa, you can’t comfortably travel with more than a couple of friends or loved ones. However, you will be well entertained on your journey as features like 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard. While there are definitely more comfortable cars available at higher price points, the Mirage does offer decent rear leg room and more cargo space than comparable hatchbacks.
MSRP: $16,695
Gas mileage: 39 mpg combined
Average cost of insure: $12 to $107 per month
Okay, leaving behind the lowest budget vehicles, let’s say you do want to take a few more folks comfortable, but you still care about the price at the pump. Enter our favorites for best fuel-efficient larger vehicles.
The Honda CR-V Hybrid is a popular compact SUV for a reason: it’s fuel efficient, has a number of entertainment features and is comfortable in both rows of seating with room to stretch out. The rear seats recline for added comfort for the non-driving passengers. It also has a number of standard driver assistance features including adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assistance which are helpful on long drives.
MSRP: $34,050
Gas mileage: 43 mpg combined
Average cost of insure: $10 to $81 per month
The Chrysler Pacifica is a plug-in hybrid minivan giving you surprisingly high fuel efficiency and three full rows of seating. All the seating has plenty of roominess, and there’s also plenty of room for cargo. The Pacifica has a number of tech features like wireless smartphone connectivity and Amazon Alexa compatibility to keep everyone entertained. It also has a number of safety and driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
MSRP: $50,765
Gas mileage: 30 mpg combined
Average cost of insure: $133 to $328 per month
Even the largest vehicles might not be able to handle all your cargo and toys for the trip. If your road trip involves pulling a camper or boat or cargo hauler, you need a vehicle that can handle the load. Unfortunately, vehicles with the power to pull big loads generally sacrifice fuel economy.
The Chervolet Suburban is a great road trip pick for large families. It has plenty of room with three rows and significant cargo space behind. It comes with the usual slew of tech features including wireless connectivity and USB ports for all. It also has the driver-assistance features like lane-keeping assist. Finally, it can tow over 8,000 pounds which can account for the average camper or boat.
MSRP: $59,200
Gas mileage: 22 mpg combined
Average cost of insure: $20 to $83 per month
Similar to the Suburban in pure size and seating to the Suburban, the Ford Expedition also includes an impressive 9,000 pound towing capacity for those larger campers and boats. The Expedition has a spacious interior, comfortable seating ans user-friendly infotainment. It comes with a suite of driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning systems.
MSRP: $57,625
Gas mileage: 19 mpg combined
Average cost of insure: $12 to $88 per month
What if your road trip is taking you off road? Vehicles that can handle all sorts of terrain and even travel through snow may come in handy, but they don't always have the most comfortable ride for long drives. Here are our top picks for all terrain vehicles with a comfortable ride.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a smaller SUV with no third row, so you might have to scale back your road trip gang, but once you do: it can take you places. The Land Cruiser has a four-wheel drive system wiht low-range gearing and locking differientials. For long range travel, the Land Cruiser offers a decently comfortable interior, excellent infotainment system and a generous list of standard driver assist features.
MSRP: $57,345
Gas mileage: 23 mpg combined
Average cost of insure: $161 to $373 per month
Jeep is known for their off-road vehicles like the Wrangler, but the Grand Cherokee offers a wider appeal as a road trip vehicle because of its size and comfort. This two-row SUV is equally at home on paved highways, while also being able to journey off road. While the base model provides rear-wheel drive standard, you can also upgrade to get all-wheel drive and an adjustable air suspension for more ground clearance.
MSRP: $39,830
Gas mileage: 21 mpg combined
Average cost of insure: $118 to $325 per month
While there isn't an auto insurance policy specific to road trips, there are some considerations to keep in mind:
If road tripping with others, confirm the insured vehicle's policy includes permissive use. Otherwise, any unlisted drivers might not be covered should they need to drive your vehicle.
If renting a car, confirm with your insurer that your coverage extends to the car and adequately covers it. Check out our list of questions to ask your insurance company regarding rental carinsurance for more information.
If you don't have roadside assistance it's worth considering. It gives you peace of mind and ensures help is available for unexpected breakdowns. The Zebra recommends Auto Hero, which covers you in another driver's car as long as you're with them. Read more about Auto Hero below.
We work with FIMC to deliver the Auto Hero program as a top-notch roadside assistance option. One of the best features of The Zebra’s plan is that you don't need to participate in the auto insurance plan to qualify for roadside assistance, which makes it similar to AARP and AAA.
The Zebra’s Auto Hero Plan follows the individual, rather than the vehicle: you can apply this coverage to another driver’s vehicle, as long as you’re in the car with them. This gives you more flexibility than other insurance companies’ roadside assistance packages: GEICO’s and State Farm’s coverage, for example, applies only to the vehicle listed on the insurance policy.
As a bonus, the Auto Security Plan is the same price no matter how many dependents — family members like your spouse or children — you add to the policy, unlike AAA or AARP’s products.
If you’re interested in discussing the Auto Hero Plan with a representative, contact one of our knowledgeable agents, and they can help you find the right option.
✔ Unlimited 24/7 roadside assistance: Towing, battery, lockout, tire change, emergency gas delivery
✔ Auto repair discounts: 50% off qualifying services up to $500/repair, $1,000/year
✔ Auto insurance deductible reimbursement: Up to $500 for a collision or comprehensive claim on covered vehicles
✔ Discounts on repairs: tires, mufflers, brake services and more from participating providers
✔ One low price: it covers your entire family and their cars too!
✔ Flexible payment options: Pay in full or monthly for a 6 or 12-month policy term
Please note: the Auto Hero Plan is available in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Utah*, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C., West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
*In Utah, The Zebra provides the Auto Security plan which differs from Auto Hero.
Choosing to hit the open road with friends or loved ones, or even solo, can be a fantastic vacation. Making sure you have the right vehicle for the trips you want to take is key.
Here are a few more resources to make your road trip a success:
10 most Instagrammable weekend road trips
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