A good road trip car offers refinement on the motorway, low cabin noise, a long wheelbase for stability and support from the driver in their seating position. For long trips over a thousand miles, owners should look for smooth ride comfort, plenty of space in the cabin to move around or stretch, plus a large enough boot to hold luggage.

Our guide for the UK provides a wide-ranging list of vehicles that should be suitable for any type of road trip or budgetary level, even including a number of options for EVs, plug-in hybrid estate and SUV models, as well as performance touring cars.

Best Cars for Road Trips

Selecting the appropriate vehicle is crucial for solo or small group travel as well as long-distance family travel. For the best experience on the road, we generally advise you to select a car with a large boot, 500 litres or more, comfortable and adjustable seats, and ideally a wheelbase of 2,800 mm or wider.

#1 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (Estate or All-Terrain)

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Best for: The ultimate long-distance cruiser

The Mercedes E-Class Estate is this guide’s first pick, as it does everything well and will be suitable for most road trips. The quiet cabin makes any ride pleasant, and the adaptive suspension and cushioned seats provide even more comfort. 

It also comes equipped with impressive features for even the standard trim, including adaptive cruise control, lane assist and a large screen for easy navigation during your trip. And thanks to the size, there is plenty of room for both people, pets and luggage.

Road-trip highlights:

• Optional adaptive air suspension and a long wheelbase of almost 3,0000 mm.
• An enormous amount of storage space in both the boot and cabin for passengers and luggage.

Watch-outs:

• Expensive compared to other vehicles on this list.
• Designed primarily for comfort rather than excitement. 

Ideal spec: E 300 e Plug-in Hybrid with the 211 petrol hp engine.

#2 Volvo V60 / V90 (Recharge Plug-in Hybrid)

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Best for: Safe, stylish, and sustainable touring

Volvo is well-renowned for its commitment to safety, thanks to active safety systems and structural crash protection. And for the V60, the Swedish manufacturer has developed the model with all the same qualities as its bigger brother, the V90, making it a compact yet well-designed vehicle for travelling long distances worry-free. 

Road-trip highlights:

• The V60 and V90 both hold a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, so drivers have complete peace of mind when travelling on our road systems.
• Boot capacity stands at 519 litres (V60) or 551 litres (V90), expanding to over 1,400 litres with seats folded, providing huge amounts of practical cargo space without compromising style and/or driving dynamics.

Watch-outs:

• The Recharge models only offer around 50–58 miles of electric range (WLTP).
• Some Infotainment systems can be quite convoluted.

Ideal spec: V60 Recharge Ultimate for a perfectly proportioned estate.

#3 Skoda Superb Estate

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Best for: Unbeatable space and value

The Skoda Superb Estate offers one of the largest boots in its class at 690 litres, as well as great rear legroom, all while being priced much lower than similarly priced premium-quality cars. Rear passengers benefit from up to 157mm of knee room, making it one of the most spacious cars in its segment.

Road-trip highlights:

• The roomiest interior and the largest boot in its class have no problem swallowing up any amount of bags.
• Engine options include a 2.0 TSI petrol producing around 265hp, while diesel variants return up to 55 mpg.

Watch-outs:

• The drive experience is capable, but not especially luxurious.
• More understated and practical rather than prestigious.

Ideal spec: Superb Estate SE L Executive with the solid 2.0 TSI petrol engine.

#4 BMW 5 Series Touring (or i5 Touring)

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Best for: The driver’s estate

The 5 Series Touring combines 570 litres of boot space with rear-wheel-drive dynamics and efficient diesel or electric powertrains. It’s engineered to deliver precision and agility with a luxury, high-tech interior. 

The i5 Touring is battery-electric, providing all the same utility options as the rest of the series, while having the unique attributes of being completely silent in operation, with instant wave action acceleration and ample real-world range available.

Road-trip highlights:

• Engaging driving dynamics for enjoyable trips.
• Cutting-edge technology and infotainment.

Watch-outs:

• Watch out for the rear headroom.
• The i5 Touring is more expensive than the petrol or diesel versions.

Ideal spec: 520d Touring M Sport, or the i5 eDrive40 Touring.

#5 Land Rover Defender 110

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Best for: Adventure beyond the asphalt

The Defender 110 offers 291mm of ground clearance, 900mm wading depth and a 3,500kg towing capacity, providing modern off-road capability packaged in a stylish manner. The car also has great on-road comfort and refinement to provide you with an extremely comfortable position behind the wheel, with huge gear ratios that allow you to create adventure out of almost every journey.

Road-trip highlights:

• You can have incredible confidence on all terrains while discovering remote roads, beaches, or mountain passes by driving the Defender.
• The interior of the Defender is completely adaptable and has durable hard surfaces that are easy to maintain.

Watch-outs:

• Mind the fuel economy, which can make the road trip costly.
• Boxy design and large dimensions can be challenging in some areas.

Ideal spec: Defender 110 D250, or the P400e plug-in hybrid for urban driving.

#6 Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo

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Best for: High-performance electric grand touring

The Taycan Sport Turismo combines sports-car performance with up to 318 miles of WLTP range and ultra-fast 270kW charging. The Taycan Sport Turismo has incredible performance, fantastic handling, a lovely interior and has the practicality of a sporty shooting brake estate car. 

Road-trip highlights:

• Really fast acceleration with a very sporty feel, making each trip a true joy.
• Able to charge very quickly, resulting in many more options for route planning.

Watch-outs:

• The battery range can be drained faster than normal when driving enthusiastically.
• A somewhat expensive car, not just to purchase but also to insure and maintain.

Ideal spec: Taycan 4S Sport Turismo for the perfect mix of performance, range, and price.

#7 Citroën ë-C5 X

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Best for: Unconventional comfort at a great price

The ë-C5 X is an interesting combination of different car classes, offering a truly French take on a modern car. Citroën’s Advanced Comfort uses active suspension with hydraulic cushions, which we really like as it provides a steady ride on most roads.

Road-trip highlights:

• Arguably the most comfortable ride in its price bracket, turning potholed British B-roads into smooth motorways.
• Standout, avant-garde design that offers strong practicality without looking like a conventional estate or SUV.

Watch-outs:

• The focus on comfort means handling is soft and not geared towards spirited driving.
• The interior uses more hard plastics than premium German rivals.

Ideal spec: ë-C5 X in top Shine Plus trim.

#8 Ford Mustang Convertible

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Best for: Sunny weekend escapism

No car represents the freedom of a weekend trip more than a Mustang Convertible for you and your partner on a nice sunny weekend. The latest Mustang GT Convertible delivers 446hp from its 5.0-litre V8 and 0–62mph in around 4.5 seconds, but no matter which generation you end up with, you’ll enjoy an unmistakable sound and look unique to this car.

Road-trip highlights:

• Pure, visceral driving emotion and iconic style that turns every journey into an occasion.
• Surprisingly comfortable and well-equipped for a sports car, with decent boot space for a weekend’s luggage.

Watch-outs:

• Practicality is limited to two people and their soft bags.
• Fuel consumption from the large V8 engine is high.

Ideal spec: Mustang GT Convertible with the 5.0-litre V8.

#9 Volkswagen ID. Buzz

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Best for: Fun, funky family adventures

The ID. Buzz offers up to 1,121 litres of boot space and a 77kWh battery with up to 258 miles of WLTP range. Its retro-modern design is endlessly charming, while its van-based underpinnings provide a massive, configurable interior and an enormous boot. It’s quiet, easy to drive, and offers a high seating position with fantastic visibility for all occupants.

Road-trip highlights:

• Unmatched interior space and flexibility, perfect for families with lots of kit or groups of friends.
• Unique, cheerful styling that stands out from the crowd and evokes a true sense of adventure.

Watch-outs:

• Its real-world electric range can limit some routes and daytrips.
• The driving experience is relaxed and comfortable, not engaging or sporty.

Ideal spec: ID. Buzz Style with the larger battery for maximum range.

#10 Kia Sportage Hybrid

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Best for: The dependable, all-round family SUV

If you want to take your family on a road trip without worrying about how it will all go, the Kia Sportage Hybrid may be the perfect option. After all, the Kia Sportage Hybrid has been awarded the title of “Best Family SUV” for three consecutive years.

With its 1.6-liter hybrid engine that generates 226 horsepower and achieves approximately 49-51 miles per gallon combined, plus lots of interior space for passengers and cargo, the Sportage Hybrid is suited for family trips. 

Road-trip highlights:

• Great fuel economy to keep you on the road
• Comfortable cabin with plenty of legroom and storage options

Watch-outs:

• Not the most sporty or interesting car to drive
• Performance is decent but can feel a bit limiting at times

Ideal spec: The Sportage ‘3’ Hybrid with heated front seats and steering wheel.

How We Chose the Best Road-Trip Cars

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Each car was assessed on motorway refinement, preferring cars with a boot capacity of 500L or more, their real-world efficiency, and driver-assistance capability, as well as:

• Motorway comfort and cabin noise
• Seats, space, and boot practicality
• Range or fuel economy
• EV charging ease
• Driver assistance technology
• Ownership practicality

Buying Used for Road Trips: Checks That Matter

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When looking to purchase a used vehicle for adventures, do your due diligence to ensure it’s reliable and safe for many miles of travel. Before you move on to a full physical inspection, it’s crucial to check has a car been written off using an HPI check or CarVertical.

A Category S or N written off car can indicate hidden structural problems that can affect your car’s safety, value and future insurability. Look for a fully stamped log book by a main dealer or quality independent shop. Ask for itemised invoices and cross-reference records against the free online MOT history. 

Verify that your vehicle has a logical increase in mileage over each year. Pay close attention to previous advisories on the MOT report. You should also carry out an in-depth physical examination of all major wear items. Examine all four tyres for suitable, uniform tread depths and acceptable brands. 

Road-Trip Essentials Checklist

Before you set off, a quick vehicle and comfort check ensures a smooth, enjoyable journey.

Vehicle Check:

• Tyre pressure and tread depth
• Spare tyre or repair kit
• Engine oil, coolant, and screenwash levels
• Battery health
• All lights and wiper blades
• Air conditioning function

In-Car Essentials:

• Phone charger, cable, and mount
• Updated sat-nav or maps
• Physical map or atlas
• Basic emergency kit
• High-visibility vest
• Cash and change

Comfort & Safety:

• Plan for regular breaks
• Pack drinking water and snacks
• Check the route for fuel/charging stops
• Entertainment
• Weather-appropriate clothing/blanket

Conclusion

Whether you are looking for an estate vehicle, SUV or whatever the case may be, it should not be hard to locate a vehicle that meets your needs by following our guide to finding used vehicles. 

Always verify the history of the car before making a purchase, ideally using a VIN check for the best results. And remember to prioritise space, fuel economy and a quiet interior. Happy road trip!