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

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

Tesla Model 3

Some would have you believe that EVs can't tackle long drives but cars like the Tesla Model 3 prove that isn't the case. Entry-level versions return 330 miles to a full charge, which means you can cross a good chunk of the UK without needing to recharge. And, with the backup of Tesla's Supercharger network, even when you do stop, it won't be for long. Step up to a big-battery model and claimed range jumps as high as 466 miles, while also unlocking a hefty dose of extra performance. Facelift Model 3s also benefit from dramatically improved comfort and refinement at speed, making them less tiring to drive.

View used Tesla Model 3 cars or read our Tesla Model 3 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

Range Rover Evoque

This second-generation Range Rover Evoque finally delivers on its original billing – to distill the full-fat Range Rover down into a more affordable, everyday package. Its cabin is properly luxurious, with soft, expensive-feeling materials and enough practicality that rear-seat passengers won't be complaining on long trips. It's also one of the best-riding SUVs on the market, let alone at this price point, with a softer edge to its suspension than its main German rivals – it floats over bumps and potholes, all without compromising the deft handling.

Browse used Range Rover Evoque cars or read our Range Rover Evoque 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 Passat

The latest Volkswagen Passat is now estate-only and shares its platform with the already excellent Skoda Superb. It misses out on the Skoda's easy-to-use dashboard controls but scores points back on long journeys thanks to its slightly softer ride quality. Just like its Czech sibling, the Passat is vast inside. There's space for tall adults to get comfortable in both seating rows and a huge, square boot that'll handle a hefty shopping trip or a portly pooch with ease. Diesel models might've been dropped in the UK, but the plug-in hybrid can manage nearly 80 miles of pure-electric driving.

Take a look at used Volkswagen Passat cars or read our Volkswagen Passat 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.