Road trips offer a unique sense of freedom and adventure, and the right car can make all the difference. You might think you need a bulky SUV or a large sedan for long journeys, but think again! As someone who’s constantly on the road, exploring scenic routes and hidden gems, I’ve discovered that compact cars can be surprisingly perfect road trip companions. Don’t let the size fool you; the Best Compact Autos blend fuel efficiency, comfort, and fun into one exciting package.
Having explored countless miles across various terrains, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing a wide range of vehicles. Among them, some compact cars have truly stood out, proving their mettle not just for city commutes but also for extended highway adventures. These are the compact cars that have left a lasting impression, offering a delightful mix of in-town agility and open-road prowess.
Further Reading: Essential Tips for Planning Your Next Road Trip
Mazda MX-5 RF: The Spirited Roadster
The Mazda MX-5 RF isn’t just a head-turner; it’s a thrill to drive. This modern roadster is undeniably gorgeous, and its spirited performance is simply addictive. The MX-5 RF delivers a driving experience that’s both engaging and comfortable, effortlessly absorbing bumps in the road while offering excellent gas mileage.
What I truly adore about the MX-5 RF is the feeling of connection it creates between driver and machine. You can feel the road through the responsive steering, enhancing every curve and straightaway. Imagine setting your destination, dropping the top, turning up your favorite tunes, and hitting the open road.
On one memorable 250-mile trip, the miles flew by as I cruised towards my destination. The journey itself was so enjoyable that I was genuinely sad when it ended. This compact roadster is ideally suited for solo adventures or trips with a companion. While trunk space is limited to a small suitcase or soft bags, it’s a fair trade-off for the pure driving pleasure and the opportunity for some quality alone time or intimate travel.
Toyota Prius: The Fuel-Efficient Champion
The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime Advance often surprises people as a road trip favorite, but it definitely earns its place on my list. It’s not just a cute and practical car; it boasts a surprisingly spacious cabin, even for taller passengers. The Prius Prime Advance is packed with technology, including a large 11.6-inch HD multimedia display, a fantastic sound system, and a Qi wireless smartphone charging pad.
This wireless charging feature is incredibly convenient, allowing you to power up compatible devices simply by placing them on the charging pad. Beyond the tech features, the Prius Prime truly shines with its exceptional fuel efficiency. Achieving up to 58 mpg on the highway and offering a total range exceeding 600 miles, the Toyota Prius Prime Advance is the ultimate fuel-sipping road trip companion. Its efficiency makes those long drives easier on your wallet and reduces the need for frequent gas station stops.
Further reading: A Deep Dive into the Toyota Prius Prime Plug-in Hybrid
Volkswagen Jetta: The Stylish and Smooth Cruiser
Traveling in the all-new 2019 VW Jetta R-Line was a delightful experience. The “Betta Getta Jetta” marketing campaign perfectly captures the appeal of this car – it’s catchy and truly reflects the improvements in the latest model. Having tested an older Jetta model previously, the upgrades in the 2019 version are immediately noticeable. As soon as I merged onto the highway, I knew this Jetta deserved a spot on my best road trip cars list.
The new body style is captivating, and the interior is remarkably comfortable. The Jetta delivers an exceptionally smooth ride and handles with precision. The 8-inch touchscreen navigation and Fender premium audio system were definite highlights. As a sound system enthusiast, the Fender system in the Jetta truly impressed me.
Moreover, the inclusion of VW Car-Net security and service package provided an added sense of security and convenience. Features like emergency assistance, remote vehicle location via a phone app, remote locking/unlocking, and vehicle diagnostics reports enhance both safety and peace of mind during road trips. For your next road trip, seriously consider getting a Jetta!
Further Reading: Delicious and Easy Road Trip Snacks for a Smooth Ride
Ford Mustang Convertible: The Iconic American Dream
No list of great road trip cars would be complete without the iconic Ford Mustang Convertible. My fascination with this car dates back to childhood, and experiencing it firsthand has been a dream come true, multiple times!
The Mustang Convertible exudes an edgy and bold personality, complemented by a sleek and surprisingly roomy cabin with comfortable bucket seats. While perfect for road trips, my appreciation for the Mustang runs deeper. The engine’s powerful growl, its confident grip on the road, the striking exterior, the impressive sound system, and the sheer joy of wind-in-your-hair driving – the Mustang spoils you in countless ways. With a medium-sized trunk and rear seats, it can accommodate more than just a driver and co-pilot. Truth be told, when you’re road tripping in a Mustang Convertible, everyone wants to join the ride.
Further Reading: Mustang Engine Showdown: EcoBoost vs. GT – Which One is Right for You?
Mazda 3 Grand Touring: The Stylish and Tech-Savvy Choice
Last but certainly not least, the fashionable and fun-to-drive Mazda 3 Grand Touring is an excellent compact car for road trips. It offers responsive handling and user-friendly technology, including Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming. The center console is intelligently designed, allowing for easy adjustments to the stereo system while driving. Once you become familiar with the controls, you can manage music, navigation, and more without taking your eyes off the road – it becomes intuitive and second nature.
The Mazda 3 also features SMS text message auto delivery and voice reply, along with a fantastic Bose 9-speaker surround sound system. A top-notch sound system is essential for any great road trip, and the Mazda 3 Grand Touring definitely delivers.
What truly defines a great road trip car? In my experience, it’s a combination of reliability, practicality, capability, comfort, appealing design, a great sound system, fuel efficiency, and modern technology. The compact cars listed above possess many, if not all, of these qualities, which is why they’ve earned their places on my list. What are your favorite road trip cars, and why? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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By Dawn Thigpen
Lifestyle and Automotive Enthusiast. More about Dawn Thigpen
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