Here’s your chance to get trippy this summer with daily drive car recommendations that also work out great for longer distance extended road trips.
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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
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