Traveling abroad can be an exhilarating experience. You get to see far off lands, experience foreign cultures, and take in all the sights and sounds of a place that you’ve only read about or seen on TV.
But, domestic travel can be just as interesting, and it can also be a much more cost-effective trip.
The American road trip is an iconic rite of passage that all who call the United States home should experience at least once in their lives.
This was once the preferred method to see the country, at the wheel of a car on the highway. While travel has been made convenient by the affordability of domestic air travel, the road trip is still very much a popular method for seeing the country. You drive through rather than fly over.
Here, we’ll explore a few of the best vehicle styles for taking a road trip in the United States.
Electric Cars
This category is relatively new, and it should come with a disclaimer. Electric car technology is still in development, and though several models are available, many of these are hybrid models that run on conventional gasoline as well as holding an electric charge.
An electric car is, however, the more cost-effective method of cross-country travel. For example, a Hyundai Kona EV can travel approximately 259 miles on one full charge. The only problem is that you have to have a means to charge it up while you are on the road.
Most hotels and motels across the country, as well as gas stations, aren’t yet equipped with charging stations, and this makes it difficult for a motorist to charge the vehicle while on a trip.
Compact Cars and Crossovers
Perhaps the most economical, aside from an eclectic or hybrid car, is a compact car or crossover. A crossover is essentially a compact car that has the feel of an SUV, and a little extra room. Perhaps the greatest feature of these vehicles is the high gas mileage.
Most compact cars can get on average 30 miles to the gallon. On long-distance trips, while driving on a highway, this might increase to 35 or greater, depending on the model of the car.
Crossover models like the Honda HRV are known to average 31 miles per gallon on both city and highway driving, making this a very economical vehicle for both cross country travel and everyday commutes.
All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Many compact cars and crossovers are also able to be equipped with All-wheel-drive capability.
This becomes a very attractive feature for the road trip enthusiast, as it enables you to drive in inclement weather, as well as to easily maneuver in mountainous regions, while also facilitating moderate off-road travel.
The last thing you want is to be stranded on a long stretch of road because you get stuck in a ditch, or while exploring an off-road site. With a vehicle that has all-wheel-drive capability, this will greatly reduce the likelihood of getting stranded.
In the event of this happening, it’s also good to ensure that you have good car insurance with roadside assistance or a towing package written into your policy.
All-wheel-drive vehicles are not to be confused with 4-wheel drive. Where all-wheel-drive vehicles are designed to maximize traction for all four tires on slippery roads or steep inclines, they’re not the same as 4-wheel drive vehicles, which are predominantly used for rugged travel and driving off-road.
You might think that a Jeep is the best vehicle to use while on a road trip, and many might agree. But, today, with the high cost of fuel and with road conditions becoming better for motorists, the use of smart vehicles and compact cars that get great fuel economy is becoming the preferred choice for travel for those who decide to embark on the great American road trip.
Whatever vehicle you select have fun and enjoy the sights, the local culture and the people.
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