The 10 best cars for road trips

For most of these destinations, road tripping by car is the easiest, most relaxing way to get there. But which models are best at the job? A great road-trip motor should be big enough for your luggage, spacious so you can stretch out, and satisfying to drive so covering all those miles doesn't feel like a chore.

Here are our favourite road trip cars, all available as great-value used cars from Motorpoint.

• Audi A5 Avant
• Mazda MX-5
• Cupra Formentor
• Nissan Qashqai
• BMW 3 Series Touring
• Volvo XC40
• Renault Austral
• Mercedes C-Class
• Citroen C5 Aircross
• Volkswagen Touran

Audi A5 Avant

The latest Audi A5 takes the place of the old A4 saloon and the old A5 Sportback. It's now offered in two body styles – a five-door coupe with a hatchback-style boot lid, and the slightly more practical Avant estate. Whichever version you pick, the A5 has the kind of direct, controllable driving experience we've come to expect from Audi. Alongside that, you also have the brand's latest infotainment setup with massive, high-resolution screens complemented by easy-to-understand graphics and menus.

Browse used Audi A5 cars or read our Audi A5 review

Mazda MX-5

If you're unburdened by the need to bring kids along for the trip, why not embrace the lightweight lifestyle with the Mazda MX-5? This is the definitive two-seat convertible – and also one of the very few left on sale that doesn't cost a fortune. Fizzy petrol engines urge you to rev them to redline while the darty, communicative handling makes every journey feel like a special event. You can drop the roof so you and your passenger can experience the sights, sounds and smells along the way, and there's enough boot space for a couple's holiday.

See used Mazda MX-5 cars or read our Mazda MX-5 review

Cupra Formentor

The Cupra Formentor is a great option if your road trip includes the whole family. This dramatic-looking coupe-SUV blends grippy and engaging handling, with enough suspension compliance that you can enjoy a twisty mountain pass without your passengers getting motion sickness. Plus, unlike many cars that try to mash coupe style with an SUV body, the Formentor still has enough space to seat grown adults and carry their cargo, or for families with kids who might need to drag a pushchair along for the ride.

Check out used Cupra Formentor cars or read our Cupra Formentor review

Nissan Qashqai

If you want a car to explore the UK, why not pick one of the locals? The Nissan Qashqai is built right here in Sunderland and feels perfectly suited to our highways and byways. It's spacious enough for the family to get comfortable, while being compact enough to thread down narrow city streets. The cabin is cosy, the tech is intuitive, and the driving experience is easy – especially in smooth E-Power versions. On the move, you'll appreciate the work Nissan put into the suspension, tuning it to cope with scruffy British road surfaces.

View used Nissan Qashqai cars or read our Nissan Qashqai review

BMW 3 Series Touring

The BMW 3 Series is a superb all-rounder, combining agile, entertaining handling with a practical cabin that's slightly larger than its direct rivals from Audi or Mercedes. Saloon models have a spacious boot with enough space for at least two large suitcases but road trippers might want to consider the cavernous 3 Series Touring estate, which is ideal if you need to bring pets or pushchairs. Nearly new examples can be had for less than £30,000, so you don't need to blow the bank to get a great road trip companion.

Shop used BMW 3 Series cars for sale or read our BMW 3 Series review

Volvo XC40

If you're heading somewhere scenic, why not get there in cool Scandinavian style? The Volvo XC40 has been around for a few years now (so there's lots of choice on the used market) but its classy, timeless look means it still feels modern. On the road, it's satisfyingly solid – not athletic like some more Bavarian alternatives – but easy and stable. The suspension has enough compliance to soak up potholes and speedbumps, and the tall driving position gives you a clear view of the road ahead – handy on narrow country lanes.

Browse used Volvo XC40 cars or read our Volvo XC40 review

Renault Austral

If you're not looking to be thrilled on your road trip but, instead, wafted gracefully to your destination, try out the Renault Austral. Compared to so many family SUVs that end up overly firm in pursuit of sporty handling, the Austral is genuinely softly sprung. That makes it easy to soak up hundreds of miles without any bumps, vibrations or noise disturbing your journey. It's easy to live with too, with a funky interior trimmed in classy materials, and a self-charging-hybrid engine that's both punchy and efficient.

Shop used Renault Austral cars or read our Renault Austral review

Mercedes C-Class

The latest Mercedes C-Class feels like a return to form compared to its slightly plasticky predecessor. Cabin quality feels much more robust, without losing the organic flowing styling that defines recent Mercedes interiors. Even better is the ride and handling setup. The well-judged suspension manages to tune most of the road harshness out without resorting to a wobbly, overly soft sensation. It's satisfying to drive too, with responsive engines, an alert automatic gearbox and deft, graceful handling.

Browse used Mercedes C-Class cars or read our Mercedes C-Class review

Citroen C5 Aircross

The Citroen C5 Aircross scores highly on features that matter to your passengers. As a result, it's a spacious, comfortable place to sit whether you're up front or sat in back. Ride quality is fairly soft and all of the engines are geared towards efficiency and refinement, making the C5 Aircross a calming experience on the road. Equipment levels are solid for this part of the market and prices are comparably affordable compared to similar vehicles from the wider Stellantis empire.

Check out used Citroen C5 Aircross cars or read our Citroen C5 Aircross review

Volkswagen Touran

Lots of families have ended up in Volkswagen SUVs like the Tiguan, T-Roc or Taigo. That's pulled some focus from the brand's back catalogue of practical people carriers. Don't dismiss cars like the Touran, however, because this sensible, boxy car can seat seven people while taking up less space on the road than the five-seater Tiguan. That means big families can get where they're going without needing a big behemoth of an SUV and all the costs that go with it. Like VWs of old, the Touran is extremely easy to drive and to use.

Take a look at used Volkswagen Touran cars or read our Volkswagen Touran review

Ready to take a trip with one of these cars?

Check out Motorpoint's huge selection of used cars for sale. For more inspiration, take a look at our picks for the best nearly new SUVs and the best cars for dogs and their owners.