Need car parts? Select your vehicle
Reading Time: 5 minutes

Summary

  • Some of the best road trip cars include the Bentley Brooklands, Volkswagen California T6.1, and Ferrari 612 Scaglietti.

  • For big groups, the Range Rover is a great road trip car because of its seven-passenger capacity. It also has great off-roading capabilities, perfect for adventurous travelers.

  • For solo travelers, sedans like the Volvo S80 and convertibles like the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster are great travel cars.

Going on a road trip with your friends or traveling on your own is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of your everyday life, but you’ll need the right car to make it an adventure. Here are the best road trip cars that’ll turn those tedious, long drives into memorable journeys:

Bentley Brooklands

1995 bentley brooklands
1995 Bentley Brooklands | Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
  • Engine: 6.75-liter V8 twin-turbo
  • Power: 530 hp @ 4,000 RPM
  • Transmission: 6-speed automatic
  • 0-60 mph: 5 seconds
  • Top Speed: 184 mph

Compared to most modern coupes, the Bentley Brooklands isn’t the most technologically advanced option out there, but it’s spacious, reliable, and lavish. It’s 5.4 meters long, with one of the largest rear cabins during its time.

Today, you can find used Bentley Brooklands selling anywhere from $93,230 to $233,930.

Volkswagen California T6.1

volkswagen california ocean t6 1
Volkswagen California Ocean T6.1 | Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
  • Engine: Inline 4, turbo intercooler
  • Power: 196 hp @ 3,800 RPM
  • Transmission: 7-speed automatic
  • 0-62 mph: 11.9 seconds
  • Top Speed: 125 mph

The best road trip cars are often big and bulky, with great towing capacity. The Volkswagen California T6.1 checks all those boxes while offering so much more. Depending on the trim, owners can also opt for a comfortable roof bed or a well-equipped kitchenette. 

The California T6.1 also comes with around 240 cu-ft. of trunk capacity, giving you plenty of space to store bikes, tents, and all sorts of camping gear. 

Today, secondhand California T6.1 models typically sell for $56,370 to $110,480.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster

aston martin v8 vantage roadster
Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster | Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
  • Engine: 4.7-liter V8
  • Power: 420 hp
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual
  • 0-62 mph: 4.7 seconds
  • Top Speed: 180 mph

For some, the best car for road trips is a convertible. You can roll the top down and feel the wind in your hair as you cruise to your favorite songs. If this sounds exactly like what you want, then Aston Martin’s V8 Vantage Roadster is for you.

The V8 Vantage’s six-speed manual transmission lets you take full control of the vehicle, allowing you to fully engage with the driving experience.

Prices can vary for V8 Vantage cars, but you can find used models sold for as low as $12,500.

Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
Ferrari 612 Scaglietti | Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
  • Engine: 5.7-liter, naturally-aspirated V12
  • Power: 533 hp @ 7,250 RPM
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission
  • 0-62 mph: 4.0 seconds
  • Top Speed: 199 mph

Among Ferrari’s best travel vehicles is the 612 Scaglietti. With a spacious 2+2 seating, the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti can comfortably fit four adults. The front seats are power-adjustable, and there’s enough leg room for taller passengers. 

This grand tourer also comes with a large 108-liter fuel tank, making it great for long-distance drives.

Used models of the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti won’t come cheap, with most selling for $89,900 to $150,000.

Alpina B3 Touring

alpina b3 touring
Alpina B3 Touring | Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
  • Engine: 3.0-liter 6-cylinder turbo
  • Power: 488 bhp
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
  • 0-62 mph: 3.7 seconds
  • Top Speed: 187 mph

The best cars for road trips have spacious trunks, and the Alpina B3 Touring is no different. It has a trunk space of almost 18 cu-ft., which is big enough to store a couple of large suitcases. You also get to enjoy a comfortable ride, thanks to its soft leather seats and smooth suspension.

A brand-new 2025 Alpina B3 Touring costs around $122,050.

Volvo S80

volvo s80
Volvo S80 | Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
  • Engine: 2.4-liter 5-cylinder
  • Power: 163 hp @ 4,000 RPM
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual
  • 0-62 mph: 9.5 seconds
  • Top Speed: 133.6 mph

While Volvo no longer produces the S80, many fans still consider it one of the best cars for traveling to this day. This sedan offers a reliable engine, a spacious trunk, and comfortable seats. Impressive sound insulation in the S80’s doors, floors, and roof also made for a quiet and relaxing ride.

The exact price of a used Volvo S80 can vary depending on several factors, but you can find some models selling for as low as $2,000.

Range Rover

range rover
Range Rover | Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
  • Engine: 3.0-liter 6-cylinder twin-turbo
  • Power: 345 bhp
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
  • 0-60 mph: 5.7 seconds
  • Top Speed: 145 mph

For many, the Range Rover is the ultimate road trip car. The seven-seat capacity makes it perfect for big groups, and the spacious cargo area lets you bring all sorts of camping gear. As the ultimate off-roader, the Range Rover also does well in various driving conditions.

You also get to enjoy several safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, blind spot assistance, and lane keep assist.

A brand-new 2025 Range Rover can cost anywhere from $109,380 to $210,380. 

Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI

volkswagen touareg v10 tdi
Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI | Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
  • Engine: 5.0-liter V10
  • Power: 309 hp @ 3,750 RPM
  • Transmission: 6-speed automatic
  • 0-62 mph: 7.8 seconds
  • Top Speed: 140 mph

If your next road trip adventure calls for some heavy towing, then you can’t go wrong with a Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI. This SUV successfully towed a Boeing 747-200 weighing around 170 tons, so it’ll handle your trailer with no problem.

The Touareg itself is pretty heavy, weighing in at almost 5,800 lbs, but it still recorded a 0 to 62 mph time of 7.8 seconds. It also offers a spacious cabin and several advanced tech systems, such as adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, and proactive occupant protection.

Prices can vary for the Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI, but you can find used models selling for $21,900 to $33,000.

About The Authors
Written By Automotive and Tech Writers

The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.

Reviewed By Automotive Features Reviewer at CarParts.com

Lisa Conant grew up in Canada around a solid contingency of gear heads and DIY motor enthusiasts and isn’t afraid to get some grime under her own fingernails. She is an eclectic writer with a varied repertoire in the automotive industry, writing numerous product round-ups and reviews, how-to-guides, and research pieces with a focus on daily drivers and recreational vehicles. When she’s not writing about lift kits and paint chip solutions, you can find her hanging out in New Hampshire with her family and her car-hating cats.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.

File Under : European Cars , Features , Lifestyle
CarParts Euro
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
expand_more
CarParts.com Fix-It-Forum BE PART OF OUR COMMUNITY: Share your knowledge & help fellow drivers Join Now