For generations, Americans have been enamored with the idea of a cross-country trip. Starting with the idea of Manifest Destiny in the 1800s and continuing into the 2010s with the #vanlife trend that is currently sweeping the nation, traveling across the country has always been a vital part of the American dream. Any type of road trip requires extensive planning and decision making but there is nothing like loading up the car with the bare necessities and hitting the road. Today, rather than choosing which horses will tow your wagon, road trippers must choose a car, truck, SUV or van to travel in, and making that choice can be overwhelming. Check out this list for some ideas on how to choose the best vehicle for a solo road trip!
Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma, long known for its adventurous and capable spirit, has been the quintessential road trip vehicle since it was first released in the 1995 model year. The Tacoma is ready for adventure straight from the factory and is offered in a variety of trim levels to suit the needs of drivers of all types. With a powerful, but fuel efficient V6 engine, the Tacoma is ready to take you anywhere. In addition to the typical features you would expect from a truck, like off road capability and cargo capacity, the Tacoma offers a ton of extras that are perfect for road trippers. Trucks with the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) package offer a 120 volt power outlet in the bed, which is perfect for charging a speaker or inflating an in-bed mattress. The truck is also available with a locking rear differential, making it even more capable for off road travel.
Unfortunately, there are some downsides to road tripping in a truck. The V6 engine offers plenty of power, but the gas mileage does not compare to a smaller vehicle like a crossover SUV or sedan. The stiffer suspension that helps make the truck excel on rough roads makes for a less responsive and harsher ride on the highway. The Tacoma is great for a solo road trip in the West, where snow, dirt, and harsher road conditions are likely to be encountered, but may not be the best choice for those who are not as interested in leaving the beaten path.
Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru has long been known as a manufacturer of vehicles that are perfect for the weekend warrior. Initially marketed as small, capable station wagons, Subaru has grown exponentially in recent years, thanks to their reliability and capable all wheel drive system. The Crosstrek, introduced in the US in 2013, was the company’s first shot at making small, crossover SUV that was more fuel efficient and easier to drive, but did not sacrifice performance. A hybrid model was later added to the lineup for the city commuter who still wanted to play in the mountains on the weekend. Though the Crosstrek is fairly small (52 cubic feet of storage, compared to 73 cubic feet in the larger Outback), it can easily haul plenty of gear for a solo road trip, while still getting great MPG for an all wheel drive SUV. If it’s an extended trip, think a few months on the road, the Crosstrek comes with integrated roof rails that can easily be adapted to hold a cargo box, kayaks, or bikes.
The downsides to road tripping in a Crosstrek are few and far between. The vehicle offers an excellent combination of gas mileage, comfort, and ride quality, but for some, may be lacking in space. The car is based on the smaller Impreza chassis and can be tough to cram gear into without the use of the roof rack. Any attachments on the roof will negate the gains made in gas mileage by opting for a smaller vehicle like the Crosstrek. The 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine has also been described as underwhelming and lacking in power when needed. The Crosstrek is a great combination of many of the desired features for a solo road trip, but does have a few downsides to consider.
Honda HR-V
Honda, a staple of the US small car market for over 40 years, is an economical choice for a solo road trip. The Honda HR-V was initially introduced to the US market in 2016, but over time has grown to become a market favorite for subcompact SUVs. With more cargo space, the HR-V shares many characteristics with the OG Honda Civic; excellent gas mileage, easy to drive, comfortable and most of all, reliable. For anyone traveling solo, these are all things that should be at the top of the list of demands for a road trip vehicle. Offering drivers 34 miles per gallon on the highway, cruising across America in a HR-V is affordable, even when covering the fuel costs by yourself. The HR-V is also packed with a great infotainment system and a sunroof. Both essential to long drives.
Choose what fits your needs
In the end, any vehicle can be the ultimate solo road trip machine. Sorting out what you value most in a road trip vehicle will help guide you in the decision process. Things to consider are ride quality, fuel efficiency, cargo space, and capability. Your choice will vary on the type of trip you intend to take. For a long term, western road trip, a truck will offer plenty of space and capability, but lack in ride comfort and MPG. A sedan will be comfortable and economical to drive, but lacks extra cargo space or off road capability. Crossovers are a great in between and offer drivers the best of both worlds, but are ultimately a compromise in certain areas. Choosing a vehicle for a long solo trip is a difficult process, but making the right choice is key!
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