Consumer Reports Daily Drive Cars Great for Long Road Trips

Cars that Do Double Duty

Earlier we discovered which SUVs and Minivan models are great for long road trips when rising fuel costs and finding a vehicle with good fuel economy are concerns for car shoppers on the go.

Today we are finding out that you do not have to buy or rent an SUV or a Minivan for that summertime road trip that you want to take with a friend or a family when some vehicles serve well as double duty cars that can get you around town or across the U.S.

Related article: Consumer Reports Analysts Find That Bicycles Can Significantly Affect Your Car’s Gas Mileage

According to a recent Consumer Reports listing of the best cars for your road trip, CR analysts have put the spotlight on a brief list of fuel-efficient and comfortable cars ranging from compact cars and sedans to SUVs and Minivans that “…have lots of usable cargo space, a comfortable ride, and key safety technology, and they get great gas mileage.”

In fact, when properly outfitted for towing, some of the recommended choices are capable of pulling a small camper up to 3,500 pounds!

6 Rides for the Road Tripping Driver

Here is a summary of CR’s 6 choices that work great for around town and highway traveling for this summer along with a key point to take into consideration with each model.

For a more detailed breakdown of each vehicle’s features, please visit the Consumer Reports website. Note that while access to some information requires a CR membership, the potential savings make it negligible in comparison when looking for the latest information to aid your car buying research.

1. 2022 Honda Accord
Price Range: $26,520 - $38,450
CR MPG: Overall 47 / City 40 / Hwy 52 mpg
Rated #1 of 9 Midsized cars
Key Point: Currently the top-rated midsized sedan with “…a comfortable, well-laid-out interior, a roomy trunk, and a quiet cabin—all ideal attributes for a long drive.”

2. 2022 Tesla Model 3
Price Range: $46,990 - $62,990
CR MPGE: Overall 130 / City 136 / Hwy 123 mpge
Rated #5 of 15 Luxury compact cars
Key Point: If you are going electric, the Model 3 is an excellent choice for longer rides due to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network that surpasses other electric vehicle charging options while far from home.

Related article: This Car Could Be Significantly Surpassing Tesla Models in Distance and Charging

3. 2022 Hyundai Tucson
Price Range: $24,950 - $43,200
CR MPG: Overall 35 / City 29 / Hwy 40 mpg
Rated #2 of 22 Compact sport-utility vehicles
Key Point: Carries 5 passengers with a generous rear seat and cargo area to make traveling easier on everyone.

4. 2022 Lexus RX
Price Range: $45,920 - $58,110
CR MPG: Overall 29 / City 24 / Hwy 33 mpg
Rated #4 of 31 Luxury midsized sport-utility vehicles
Key Point: If road noise and cramped muscles are your chief complaints when traveling, this is a well-designed model for comfort that focuses on both issues. Also, towing capable when outfitted.

5. 2022 Toyota Highlander
Price Range: $35,855 - $51,460
CR MPG: Overall 35 / City 27 / Hwy 41 mpg
Rated #2 of 14 Midsized sport-utility vehicles 3-row
Key Point: “A tiny third row is good for smaller passengers, but it’s most useful folded down, adding extra space for cargo.” Also, towing capable when outfitted.

6. 2022 Toyota Sienna
Price Range: $35,285 - $51,485
CR MPG: Overall 36 / City 28 / Hwy 43 mpg
Rated #3 of 6 Midsized minivans
Key Point: In spite of its size, its fuel economy rivals many sedans and has a total cruising range of 650 miles! “Comfortable seating for up to eight, a massive cargo area, and better fuel economy than many sedans,” make this a desirable choice for larger families when traveling. Also, towing capable when outfitted.

And finally…

For additional articles about Consumer Reports recommendations, here are two for your consideration:

• Worst Deals on New Cars are Dominated by This One Popular Make

• Consumer Reports 10 Most Reliable Cars You Can Buy Today

COMING UP NEXT: Learn to Inspect That Used Car Like a Car Care Nut

Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

Image Source: Pixabay