{"id":5781,"date":"2020-08-25T17:56:06","date_gmt":"2020-08-25T17:56:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.carpages.ca\/blog\/?post_type=cp_guides&p=5781"},"modified":"2021-07-12T15:49:11","modified_gmt":"2021-07-12T15:49:11","slug":"best-car-canadian-road-trips","status":"publish","type":"cp_guides","link":"https:\/\/www.carpages.ca\/blog\/best-car-canadian-road-trips\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 15 Cars for Canadian Road Trips"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Canada is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and one of the best places to embark on a road trip. From charming seaside towns to untamed countryside vistas, a quick search online will reveal countless road trip routes and destinations all across the country. But as any seasoned road-tripper knows, knowing where to go is just one half of what makes an epic road trip. The other half? Making sure you’ve got a suitable ride!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this comprehensive guide, we\u2019re going to cover 15 best cars for road trips across Canada. We\u2019ll also discuss some of the key factors you should look for in a trip car. If you\u2019re looking for a highly dependable vehicle, a great first car<\/strong><\/a>, or a fuel-efficient performer, then read on, because this list is for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Search For Your Next Dream Car, Truck or SUV<\/span>\n
\n Start Shopping!<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Choosing The Best Car for Your Canadian Road Trip<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you want to take a quick weekend trip to clear your head or you\u2019re hoping to embark on one of the most epic cross country trips of your life, you need to make sure your car is trip-worthy. Anything can happen out on the road, so you need a trip vehicle that can handle, well, anything! Here are the four things to look for in a road trip car:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comfort<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you’re spending most of your time in the car, you can’t skimp on comfort. For the driver, the seat cushions and positioning should be comfortable enough for you to hold your position for long periods of time. Neck support, padding, and armrests also make it more tolerable for passengers to be strapped into their seats for hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The car should also be spacious, with ample legroom for everyone to stretch and move even without leaving the car. There should also be enough room and compartments to keep important items within reach, such as sunglasses, hand sanitizer, your phone, and some snacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Air conditioning is important too. There are few things more miserable than driving in weather extremes with a busted AC, so make sure the AC is in good condition before you leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, cruise control can make a huge difference in the driver’s overall comfort. Cruise control can assist you across the open road where there aren’t very many cars to think about, and it can help save your right leg from cramping up or going numb!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cargo Space<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Depending on your destination, road trips can take days, weeks, or even months. It should come as no surprise that you’ll need plenty of cargo space, more so if you’re hauling stuff like camping gear and sporting equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re doing a day trip or a quick weekend getaway with your partner or a few friends, you might be able to manage with a sedan or a hatchback. If you’ll be gone for much longer or you’re taking the whole family with you, it’s better to go for something bigger like a minivan, an SUV, or even a camper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip: Make sure you have enough cargo space days before your trip. Do a packing trial run at least one week before you head out so you can figure out what you can and can’t bring and if you need extra storage solutions like roof or rear racks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fuel Economy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Even with a lot of planning and budgeting, road trips can be expensive. The cost of fuel alone can burn a hole in your pocket, especially if you’re driving a gas guzzler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vehicle emissions<\/strong><\/a> are also bad for humans’ and the environment’s health. And unfortunately, Canada has a pretty bad rap in terms of fuel economy<\/strong><\/a>, ranking number one worldwide in the International Energy Agency’s report on fuel consumption and vehicle emissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to find out your car’s mpg on the highway, there are tons of calculators and lists online. But typically, trucks, SUVs, and other big cars consume more fuel than smaller cars. So if you want to be frugal and minimize your carbon footprint, opt for more fuel-efficient road trip cars like hybrids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Search For Your Next Dream Car, Truck or SUV<\/span>\n
\n Start Shopping!<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Performance And Versatility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As the second-largest country in the world, Canada’s terrain is vast and expansive, with hills, rocky mountains, and even arid desert-like plains. When planning your road trip, you need to take into account the kinds of roads you’ll be traveling on. Ask yourself if you’ll be driving through mostly flat plains or if you’ll traverse zig-zagging mountain roads. Will you be sticking to asphalt or will you veer off the beaten path towards rocky or even snowy trails?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All of these questions matter because they’ll dictate the kind of vehicle you need for your trip. You need a car that can handle the kind of terrain you’re hoping to tackle. Smaller cars will work for trips that don’t involve much off-roading or driving through snow, while SUVs with 4 wheel drive or all-wheel drive can handle almost any type of roads. And if you’re expecting a lot of snow, make sure you replace your tires with winter tires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now that you know what you should look for in a trip car, let’s take a look at 15 of the best road trip cars on the market:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Toyota Prius<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Prius’ get a lot of flak for being unstylish, but they make up for it in practicality. With excellent fuel economy \u2013 the Eco model boasts up to 58 mpg on the highway \u2013 the Prius is often considered the best hybrid car<\/strong><\/a> in the world. Gas mileage aside, the Prius is also equipped with a variety of electronic safety features, roomy cargo space, and comfortable seating, making it a great all-rounder road trip car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Audi A6<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This executive sedan is more than just a handsome vehicle. While A6 may seem like more of a city car with interiors fit for a CEO, it’s a surprisingly athletic performer with generous cargo space and a top Euro NCAP safety rating. If you\u2019re steering clear of rough roads and you\u2019d like to travel in style, the A6 might be right up your alley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nissan Frontier<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If fuel economy is not a priority, the Nissan Frontier could be a great option for drivers who need to haul a ton of cargo. The Frontier is a mid-size truck with a powerful engine and a lot of bed space for all sorts of gear. The 2020 model boasts a towing capacity of up to 6,720 lbs and a maximum payload of up to 1,460 lbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Honda CR-V <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

More spacious than a sedan but more compact than a truck or an SUV, some would say that crossovers are the “Goldilocks” of trip vehicles. But unlike SUVs, which use body-on-frame construction, crossovers use unibody construction, which means they’re lighter, less truck-like, and generally more fuel-efficient. The Honda CR-V is one of the most popular crossovers on the market, and it’s got all the features that make a great trip vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Porsche 911 <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A sports car that fits four passengers, the Porsche 911 is a high-performing beast that makes freeway driving thrilling. Though it’s not the most spacious or efficient vehicle on this list, it probably offers the most gratifying ride. This car would do best on day trips out of the city or weekenders with your partner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Taking the whole family along? This minivan is spacious enough to seat you, the kids, plus grandma and grandpa. It also boasts an impressive rear-seat entertainment system to keep everyone preoccupied during the drive. Unlike most minivans or other larger vehicles, the Pacifica Hybrid is considerably fuel-efficient, with 63 MPGe\/33 mpg on 75-mph highway driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With excellent fuel economy (the 2020 version can hit a 47 to 52 mpg), a comfortable interior, and killer looks, this hybrid is a well-rounded sedan that can give the Prius a run for its money. It also boasts some neat technology and safety features that road-trippers will love: such as adaptive cruise control that’s perfect for long stretches of the open road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subaru Crosstrek <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Compact and fuel-efficient are words that are more commonly applied to sedans and crossovers, but Subaru’s Crosstrek ticks off those boxes and then some! The SUV is compact but spacious, with standard roof rails for storage of large items like surfboards. The tech is great too, with cruise control and hill descent control that keeps the handling light and easy even over dirt roads and trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dodge Challenger <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There’s a reason this movie star car has been featured in iconic films such as the 1971 classic Vanishing Point and Quentin Tarantino’s wild homage, Death Proof. It’s fast, it’s powerful, and it looks good. But, this muscle car is more than just a pretty face! It\u2019s also comfortable and spacious enough to fit the whole family and all your luggage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium Fastback <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the most iconic cars in America, the Mustang is synonymous with power, style, and life on the open road. The 2020 EcoBoost is a modern take on a classic sports car, featuring 310 at 5,500 rpm HP. While not the most fuel-efficient of cars, its looks, speed, and handling make up for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jeep Grand Cherokee <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Four-wheel drive, multiple drive modes, and a powerful engine make the Grand Cherokee a popular choice among road-trippers. But the high performance and excellent handling aside, the Grand Cherokee is also the pinnacle of comfort with premium interior features. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Toyota Highlander <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With a spacious rear (third-row seating? check!) and tons of safety features (adaptive cruise control, lane departure assist, blind-spot monitors, the list goes on…) this SUV makes for the perfect family car<\/strong><\/a>. It can haul the kids and all their friends to soccer practice, and it\u2019s a perfect companion for camping and out-of-town trips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mazda CX-5 Diesel <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Smooth steering, handsome exterior, and a fuel-efficient diesel engine \u2013 what else could you ask for in a trip vehicle? Though it\u2019s not the most spacious of cars in terms of seating, it’s got plenty of trunk space for luggage and more. If that wasn\u2019t reason enough, the CX-5 has an incredibly luxurious interior and it makes for a smooth driving experience.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Volvo XC90 <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Driving for hours on end can take a toll on your back and shoulders. Volvo’s solution? Massaging seats for the driver and front passenger. Paired with the Pilot Assist suite that includes adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist, you could almost forget you were driving. Aside from these luxury features, the Volvo XC90 has plenty of room for luggage and passengers, as well as a Bowers & Wilkins sound system that’s tough to beat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tesla 3 <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Tesla 3 is Tesla’s smallest electric sedan \u2013 but that doesn’t mean it can’t compete with the big guns on the open road. While you’ll need to be in close range of Tesla’s supercharger network to make sure you don’t run out of juice, you can still hit a considerable distance in a short amount of time. For eco-conscious weekend warriors, this car can satisfy the travel bug minus the guilt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are Road Trips Bad for My Car?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The short answer is no.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generally speaking, road trips shouldn’t be detrimental to your car’s overall condition. In fact, driving for long stretches with minimal traffic is considered better for your car than the kind of stop-and-go driving you\u2019d do in the city. This is because driving short distances doesn’t give your engine enough time to cool, which can lead to overheating and the buildup of harmful deposits. Stop-and-go traffic also wears down your brakes, steering, and clutch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should I Rent a Car for a Road Trip?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether or not you should rent a car for your road trip depends on several factors. While it’s perfectly fine to bring a brand new car on a road trip, you should rent a car if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n