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15 best vehicles to bring on a long road trip

A great mix of people carriers that are comfortable, powerful, and fuel-efficient as well.

Autodeal on Oct 12, 2023

Road trips are a great way to spend some quality time with your friends and family outside the hustle and bustle of the city. You have options in the north such as Baguio, the go-to location for testing the capabilities of newer cars, or destinations such as Bicol that will test the fuel efficiency and comfort of your car over uneven roads.

That said, we created a quick list of 15 cars that we think are the best for this scenario that is versatile, powerful, and most importantly fuel efficient so that you can get to your destination in comfort without having to worry about expensive gas bills. If you are looking for a mile muncher that will get you to your destination in comfort and style then heed this list of the cars we have reviewed thus far.

Kia Sorento

We start with the Kia Sorento, this midsize seven-seat crossover is great for families looking for a powerful yet fuel-efficient mile munch that can get the job done more thanks to its powerful 2.2-liter turbo diesel. Best of all it comes with safety features that will help keep you in lane and cruise control to take the edge off on long-haul trips. To add to this, the crossover, despite its size is also fuel efficient as with our testing it was able to do 24.4km/L on the highway. Not bad for a car that is both stylish thanks to Kia’s new design language, spacious, feature-packed, and fuel-efficient all at the same time.

Kia Carnival

If you want a seven-seater from Kia but take the form of a minivan then the Kia Carnival is for you. It comes with all necessities for a long road trip in the form of captain's chairs in the middle row, luggage space, and plenty of charging ports all around. The Carnival comes with a decent set of safety features for the highway such as lane keep assist and cruise control. It also comes with power sliding doors that make ingress and egress a snap and also has a decent amount of luggage space at the back. Powering the vehicle is a 2.2-liter turbo diesel that can produce 22.4km/L fuel efficiency figures.

Peugeot Traveller Premium

Another great family vehicle and a great mile muncher is the Peugeot Traveller Premium. It can seat eight passengers comfortably and with room to spare at the back for luggage. It too comes with a turbo diesel engine that comes with a 2.0-liter displacement and is fuel efficient as well. For its fuel economy figures with our testing, it was able to do 18km/L on the highway which isn’t bad considering its not-so aerodynamic shape. With this vehicle and its features, you can expect to travel 600 kilometers or more without having to worry about refueling. That should be enough to get you to Baguio and back coming from Metro Manila.

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Now we enter the realm of hybrids with this the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. What we can say is that Toyota has equipped this crossover well as it comes with the brand’s Safety Sense Technology. This means that going on long road trips is easy as the car can keep itself in the lane and can even follow other vehicles at a safe distance without you having to do much. The hybrid system gives you that extra fuel economy while stuck in city traffic and helps the vehicle as well while on the highway. Speaking of fuel economy you can expect to get around 25km/L on the highway with the Corolla Cross.

Toyota Corolla Altis Hybrid

Just like its crossover sibling, the Toyota Corolla Altis Hybrid is well equipped and comfortable as well. It has technology that will not only ensure your safety but will also make driving long distances a breeze thanks to Toyota’s safety sense technology. Since it has the same hybrid drivetrain as its crossover counterpart you can expect similar fuel efficiency figures as well around the 25km/L mark depending on your driving. It's a great option for those who like long-distance trips and would rather do it in a sedan.

Toyota Fortuner

Another great long-distance road trip vehicle is the Toyota Fortuner. It's a tried and tested nameplate that comes with the right amount of technology and power that can get you to your destination quickly, comfortably, and safely as well. Whether you choose the 2.4-liter turbo diesel-powered model or the 2.8-liter variant you are guaranteed great fuel efficiency figures on the highway. Based on our testing, you can expect to get 16km/L with the 2.8-liter model, and 20km/L with the 2.4-liter model. These figures can also increase depending on your driving.

Toyota Innova

A popular go-to nameplate for those looking for a great MPV is the Toyota Innova. It ticks all the right boxes for those looking to get an affordable people carrier that comes with the right amount of features but with a powerful turbo diesel engine. Based on our testing you can get around 18.7km/L with the MPV on the highway. You really can’t go wrong with this tried and tested platform.

Nissan Terra

Another popular SUV that is great for long road trips thanks to its diesel power and comfortable suspension is the Nissan Terra. It comes with a great number of tech thanks to Nissan’s intelligent mobility safety suite and has the right amount of stuff needed to keep your family members entertained. Its 2.5-liter turbo diesel has more than enough powers to push you up a hill and be fuel efficient at the same time. Speaking of fuel efficiency, based on our testing this seven-seater SUV can do 16km/L on the highway.

Nissan Navara

If you are looking for a great pickup truck that can go almost anywhere and be fuel efficient at the same time, then the Nissan Navara is a great option to consider for a long-distance road trip vehicle. Like its SUV brother this pickup truck comes with coil spring suspension at the back giving it a more comfortable ride compared to its rivals that utilize a leaf spring setup. It is powered by a 2.5-liter turbo diesel engine that will give you based on our testing around 18km/L which is great for a pickup truck.

Isuzu D-MAX

A popular nameplate known for its reliability and power is the Isuzu D-MAX as it too enters this list of great long-distance road trip machines. It is equipped with the latest safety features from Isuzu that make it a breeze to drive and safe as well. It is powered by a 3.0-liter turbo diesel that will give you power when you need it and fuel efficiency as well. The 3.0-liter motor, based on our testing will give you around 17km/L.

Isuzu mu-X

We can’t talk about the D-MAX without mentioning its SUV sibling the Isuzu mu-X. Just like its pickup truck brother it comes with the latest technology from Isuzu that make the SUV safe and easy to drive as well. It's relatively comfortable and powerful as well thanks to its 3.0-liter motor. While there is a 1.9-liter model available we have yet to test it, but in case you were wondering what the 3.0-liter model can do in terms of fuel economy, it can do around 15km/L.

Mazda CX-60

The Mazda CX-60 is an exceptional choice for long road trips. Its sleek design and comfortable, modern interior create an appealing atmosphere. With Mazda's “Jinba Ittai” philosophy, it's not only stylish but fun to drive. Responsive steering, engine options, and available all-wheel drive ensure an engaging journey. The interior provides a relaxing space supported by advanced infotainment. Safety features, including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring, enhance security. The CX-60 offers generous storage space for luggage and gear, combining style, performance, comfort, and safety, making it perfect for extended road trips. The addition of the 3.3-liter straight-six engine, which is also shared with the Mazda CX-90, ensures that you always have an excess of power for any situation.

Mazda CX-90

This transitions us to the next vehicle in this list: the Mazda CX-90 is an excellent choice for long road trips. Its spacious, high-quality interior and advanced technology features ensure comfort for passengers. With its engaging driving dynamics and available all-wheel drive, it offers a smooth and stable ride, even in diverse road conditions. Safety features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist provide peace of mind. The CX-90 also offers ample cargo space for luggage and travel essentials, making it practical and stylish, ideal for those seeking a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable vehicle for extended journeys.

Mitsubishi Montero Sport

We can’t mention the likes of the Fortuner, mu-X, and Terra, without mentioning the Mitsubishi Montero Sport as well. The futuristic-looking SUV has the right amount of tech to make it safe on the highway or in the city and has the space to seat a family of seven comfortably with a bit of room at the rear for luggage storage. It comes powered by a 2.4-liter turbo diesel that will give you around 17.7km/L based on our testing.

GAC GS8

The GAC GS8 is a fantastic choice for long road trips. Its spacious, comfortable interior accommodates passengers and cargo with ease. Quality materials, a user-friendly infotainment system, and ample legroom make for a relaxed atmosphere. A smooth and comfortable ride ensures a pleasant journey, regardless of the terrain. Safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning enhance security. The GS8 is a value-oriented option, providing a spacious and comfortable vehicle without breaking the bank, making it a practical choice for extended travel.