Planning a road trip? Here are the 10 best cars to rent or buy
Keith Laing- Rising gas and flight prices are causing people to reconsider their summer travel plans.
- The average price for a gallon of gas was around $4.12 as of mid-April.
- Carfax identified a list of the best vehicles for road trips, including several SUVs and minivans.
With gas prices hovering around $4 per gallon for most of the United States and flight prices climbing due to jet fuel costs, people are wondering which vehicles are best for road trips this spring and summer.
The average price of a gallon of gasoline was $4.12 on April 13, according to the AAA Auto Club. The figure was steady at a national average of $4.12 on April 7, up from $3.63 a gallon average last month.
Meanwhile, the average price of a domestic flight in the United States was about $370 as of the third quarter of 2025, which is the most recent data available, according to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
With that in mind, the USA TODAY Cars team looked at the cars identified by Carfax as the best vehicles for road trips.
1. 2026 Subaru Forester
Starting price: $29,995
Carfax Rating: 7.7 out of 10
What they said: Carfax said the redesigned Subaru Forester continues to be "a practical and well-rounded compact SUV. It has a comfortable ride, a long list of standard safety features, and a spacious cabin."
2. 2026 Volkswagen Atlas
Starting price: $39,310
Carfax Rating: 6.1 out of 10
What they said: According to Carfax, the vehicle is "a spacious cabin, high towing capacity, and handsome styling help the Volkswagen Atlas compete in the midsize segment, but it’s not a standout option."
3. 2026 Toyota Sienna
Starting price: $40,420
Carfax Rating: 9.2 out of 10
What they said: Carfax pointed out that the Toyota Sienna "excels as a people carrier with a comfortable ride and roomy seats. The van’s standard hybrid engine delivers excellent fuel economy figures for the class, and it’s available with all-wheel drive."
4. 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid
Starting price: $40,990
Carfax Rating: 7.8 out of 10
What they said: Carfax explained that the Kia Carnival’s "stylish design hides its minivan versatility while its refined ride, well-equipped trims, and comfortable seats make it a family-friendly option."
5. 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
Starting price: $44,160
Carfax Rating: 8 out of 10
What they said: Carfax said the Palisade's "base engine could use more power, but it's still an excellent choice in the midsize SUV class."
6. 2026 Toyota Crown Signia
Starting price: $44,490
Carfax Rating: 8.3 out of 10
What they said: Carfax said the Toyota Crown Signia is "the SUV version of the Crown sedan. A plush cabin and a comfortable ride make the Crown Signia feel like a premium SUV."
7. 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Starting price: $45,010
Carfax Rating: 8.3 out of 10
What they said: Carfax mentioned that the Toyota Grand Highlander "isn't as plush as some rivals, and its base powertrain could use a bit more juice. Nevertheless, it's a strong pick for buyers seeking a three-row SUV with comfortable handling and a roomy cabin with adult-friendly third-row seating."
8. 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Starting price: $49,290
Carfax Rating: 9 out of 10
What they said: "The Toyota Highlander delivers many of the things that midsize SUV shoppers value. It has a smooth ride and spacious first- and second-row seats, and its extensive standard features list represents good value," Carfax said.
9. 2026 Volvo XC90
Starting price: $62,345
Carfax Rating: 7.1 out of 10
What they said: "One of the few non-German options in the midsize segment, the Volvo XC90 is a compelling option with an elegant design, a premium cabin, and three rows of seating," according to Carfax.
10. 2026 Lexus TX 500h
Starting price: $71,410
Carfax Rating: 8.2 out of 10
What they said: Carfax said that the Lexus TX "gives shoppers another 3-row Lexus SUV to consider for family use. In the competitive segment, it shines as a comfortable, upscale, roomy SUV."