The Best Cars for Travel in 2025: Review and Comparison
In 2025, the choice of transport for travel has expanded. The list has been supplemented with electric vehicles with a long range, versatile crossovers, and station wagons adapted for comfort on the highway. When choosing the best cars for travel, focus on the range or fuel consumption, comfort and safety over long distances, trunk capacity, and technology.
What Makes a Car Ideal for Travel in 2025
To avoid trouble on the road, you need to understand which car is suitable for travel. The right choice means comfort, safety, and pleasure from the trip. Comfortable and technological transport allows you to enjoy driving. Assistance systems simplify control.
Extended multimedia features and thoughtful ergonomics turn the trip into a rest. Key requirements:
- reliable suspension and stability on different types of roads;
- ergonomic seats with lumbar support;
- multimedia with navigation and smartphone connectivity option;
- adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist system.
All-wheel drive and adaptive suspension ensure stability on slippery surfaces and dirt roads. If you are going to travel with family or a large company, cabin capacity becomes important.
Key Characteristics of Cars for Travel: What to Consider
The main feature of an ideal vehicle for the highway is versatility. The combination of improved handling, stability on turns, and fuel efficiency makes a specific model a priority choice.
Factors that determine the best cars for long-distance travel:
- comfort and ergonomics — comfortable, spacious seats, climate control, noise insulation;
- range and efficiency — real kilometers on a full tank or EV range;
- luggage compartment volume and cabin transformation — for luggage, sports equipment, child seats;
- reliable performance and simple maintenance — especially when traveling to remote regions;
- off-road capability and towing potential — if light off-road driving is planned, as well as camping trips;
- safety and assistants (ADAS) — adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, AEB.
It is important to consider the availability of spare parts and infrastructure. Study the location of car service stations and EV charging networks along the route. If you often rent cars, the price of the service plays a significant role.
TOP Cars for Travel in 2025: Best Models
To determine the best models for long-distance journeys, you need to focus on independent ratings, test drive results, and owner reviews.
We compiled a TOP list of cars for travel:
- Subaru Outback — a versatile crossover for any road;
- Volvo XC90 — a premium family SUV with a high level of safety;
- Tesla Model Y Long Range — an electric crossover with a range of over 500 km;
- Toyota Sienna Hybrid — an economical minivan for long trips with family or a company;
- Land Rover Defender — for overcoming off-road and mountain routes;
- Hyundai Palisade — a spacious crossover with advanced comfort systems;
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain — for those who appreciate comfort and highway stability;
- Kia Sportage Hybrid — a compact, economical, and modern option for mixed roads.
If you are choosing an electric vehicle for long trips, check the real range. Try folding the seats to assess the capacity of the cabin and trunk.
Best Cars for Long-Distance Travel: Ideal Options for Extended Journeys
In the context of long-distance travel, comfort options and fuel efficiency are especially important. Best cars for long trips:
- Volvo XC90. Cabin ergonomics, massage seats, and noise insulation make it one of the most enjoyable cars for the highway.
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain. Ideally suited for the highway due to its smooth ride, low noise, and premium comfort.
- Toyota Sienna Hybrid. The hybrid setup provides over 1000 km of range without refueling.
- Hyundai Palisade. Spacious interior and 3-zone climate control — optimal solutions for a long journey.
The listed models combine fuel efficiency, convenience for the driver and passengers, and technological options. As a result, multi-kilometer trips become less tiring.
Cars for City and Intercity Travel: What to Choose for Different Routes
When choosing a car for travel, it is important to find a balance between the necessary characteristics and rental costs. Model selection based on the travel format:
- City conditions. Compact crossovers and hatchbacks with a small turning radius are suitable. Options with an economical engine — Kia Sportage Hybrid, Toyota Corolla Touring Sports, Volkswagen Golf Variant.
- Intercity routes and highways. Choose spacious SUVs and station wagons with good noise insulation and adaptive cruise control — Subaru Outback, Volvo XC60, Hyundai Tucson.
- Traveling with children. It is worth looking at the Hyundai Palisade, Toyota Sienna, Volvo XC90, which feature 3-zone climate control and a voluminous trunk.
The presence of ADAS and navigation simplifies driving on unfamiliar roads. Options for maximum comfort — ease of getting in and out, well-designed suspension geometry, noise insulation.
Which Car is Suitable for Traveling on Different Types of Roads
If you plan a mixed route, choose a versatile mid-size crossover. Such cars are optimized for driving on different types of roads.
Model selection considering the type and location of the road surface:
- city routes and intercity highways — sedans and station wagons, such as Mercedes E-Class, Volvo V60;
- dirt and country roads — crossovers with 180–220 mm clearance, such as Subaru Outback, Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4;
- mountain, winding roads — cars with a stabilization system and reliable brakes (Volvo XC60, Land Rover Defender).
For off-road, it is better to choose exclusively all-wheel-drive SUVs with differential lock, such as Land Rover Defender, Toyota Land Cruiser.
Best SUVs and Crossovers for Traveling on Challenging Routes
If the route passes through mountain roads with gravel or dirt surfaces, engine power and off-road capability are important.
SUVs and crossovers for challenging routes:
- Land Rover Defender — outstanding off-road capability, Intelligent All-Wheel Drive;
- Subaru Outback Wilderness — high ground clearance, underbody protection, X-Mode system;
- Toyota Land Cruiser 300 — legendary reliability and powerful traction;
- Rivian R1S (electric SUV) — high torque and a range of up to 640 km;
- Hyundai Santa Fe XRT — moderate fuel consumption, off-road capability, and affordable price.
Comfortable seats become especially important during long trips. The driver gets less tired after spending 3–8 hours sitting.
Comfortable Sedans and Hatchbacks for City Travel
City driving requires maneuverability, improved visibility, and fuel efficiency from the vehicle. Options for city streets and intercity trips:
- Mazda6 — sporty handling and highway comfort;
- Toyota Camry Hybrid — minimal fuel consumption and high comfort;
- Volkswagen Golf Variant — a station wagon with a turning circle diameter of 10.9 meters;
- Peugeot 508 SW — a stylish model with a spacious interior and a voluminous trunk.
The listed models combine improved maneuverability and efficiency. The driver feels comfortable in daily traffic conditions.
How to Choose a Car for Travel Rental: What You Need to Know
Renting a car is a responsible step, on which the pleasure of driving and the amount of operating expenses depend.
To avoid making a mistake with the choice, consider the following factors:
- route type — highway, mountain road, off-road, city streets;
- number of passengers and luggage volume — determine the vehicle class;
- transmission type — automatics are more convenient for long distances;
- age and mileage — newer cars are safer and more economical.
Modern driver assistance technologies — lane keeping, distance control, surround-view cameras — simplify driving. Check the mileage limit and insurance conditions in advance.
Advantages of Car Rental for Travel: What to Consider When Choosing
Rental allows you to travel comfortably without the restrictions and costs of buying your own transport. Advantages of the decision:
- the ability to choose the optimal model considering the planned route — the best option every time;
- no expenses for maintenance, insurance, transport taxes, and depreciation;
- a wide fleet of vehicles is available, including models from 2023–2025 with improved comfort and safety options.
If necessary, the renter receives additional equipment — child seats, a roof rack, as well as insurance. The effectiveness of handling and driver assistance systems depends on the technical condition and calibration. Check the technical specifications first and foremost.
Which Cars for Travel are Most Often Offered for Rent and Why
Rental companies offer cars that reflect a balance of economy, off-road capability, and comfort — Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4.
Other popular options:
- for city routes and intercity highways — Volkswagen Tiguan, Mazda CX-5, Peugeot 3008;
- for electric vehicle enthusiasts — Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5;
- for reliable, trouble-free operation — Toyota Corolla and Camry Hybrid.
Many companies focus on models that are easy to maintain and operate reliably under daily use and increased loads.
Ready to Choose a Car for Travel: Book a Rental with NarsCars
NarsCars company offers a variety of options for finding optimal solutions. Experienced consultants will help you choose a car based on your needs and personal preferences.
Use advanced features now without investing a large sum in buying new cars. Try different models to form your own opinion on quality and comfort.
