OK Oppo, let's pick your brain. Which is the best vehicle for this trip?

"KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time" (kngt) 01/22/2019 at 12:17 • Filed to: Ask oppo, road trip cars

1

90

One round trip covering all the National Parks- 14,498 miles (23,333 km) of road and will take roughly 2 months if you’re traveling at a breakneck pace. Assumptions-

you your spouse and 1 or 2 kids.You and your spouse will switch driving so think of that.

Can be any new or old car. Any price.

Consider all the conditions- Needs to be comfortable but not boring, Lots of highway miles so needs tech and safety features to keep you sane and safe.

Decently fuel efficient (Take 87 octane which is more widely available perhaps ), Quite and Good ride and ground clearance that will do well across all roads including unpaved ones.

Assume trip timing in Fall so needs to be good in any weather from 90F in the South to rain and snow in the North, I would say preferably AWD because you can’t be a set of carrying snow tires unless you take a huge SUV.

From sea level to 12,000 Feet up so something that doesn’t lose a lot of power.

Reliable, possibly with spare tire and even if something happens should be able to fix it almost anywhere so think carefully about that expensive German car idea.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

I thought of GT cars, wagons, even SUVs but top practical choice is a compact crossover- 2019 Mazda CX5 Turbo. It’s got the dynamics, space, tech, safety and that sweet 310 Lb/ft of torque. 227HP even with 87 Octane. Apple Carplay and Android Auto so you cant complain about the infotainment. Not boring to drive, decently efficient. Here’s some other options I considered.

My 2nd choice would be the unreleased 2019 Rav4 Hybrid

EPA-estimated 41 mpg city, 37 highway, 39 combined,

What are your choices?

For Sweden > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:13

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All wheel drive Toyota Sienna and it’s not close

Pich, with Z32 now featuring Civic [Si] / No > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:14

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AWD S ienna

vicali > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:16

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KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > For Sweden 01/22/2019 at 12:17

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Forgot the Sienna comes with AWD. Lacks ground clearance and so so fuel economy though

And the EPA rates it the worst in segment LOL, but if that is not a big concern good choice

For Sweden > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:18

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You don’t need ground clearance at national parks

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:18

8

I got you:

Just as soon as I fix the fuel line I broke slamming through snow mounds....

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Pich, with Z32 now featuring Civic [Si] / No 01/22/2019 at 12:19

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No ground clearance, terrible fuel economy.

HammerheadFistpunch > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:19

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I had some friends that just did something similar, this is what they had.

The RV and the red FWD CRV.

Family of 5, it took them 6 months.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > For Sweden 01/22/2019 at 12:19

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No ground clearance, terrible fuel economy.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > For Sweden 01/22/2019 at 12:19

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Perhaps. But getting there you have to go through all kinds of roads and weather conditions right?

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:19

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It gets worse mileage than my lifted van on ATx’s....

For Sweden > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:20

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It’s a highway; they should be plowed.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 01/22/2019 at 12:21

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Didn’t expect anything else from you.

boxrocket > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:21

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CX-5 is a most excellent choice. My wife and I have traipsed all over the Midwest, Southeast, and parts of New England in our CX-5s, including some light off-roading and up some Smoky Mountains. My sole concern with the shown trip would be potential parts availability, so I’d also nominate a Ford Escape Titanium and Lincoln MKC, as well as the Edge Titanium and MKX/Nautilus.

That said, I'd love to break-in an XC60, V60 XC, and/or a Lincoln Nautilus on the same trip. Oh, and a Jaaaaag F-Pace. And a Velar.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:22

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1999 Allroad with 2.7 Turbo. Should be reeaaal interesting.

But I do like the idea of a ~2010 A6 Avant, good power from the 3.0T and known to be a reliable engine, also AWD . It’s a bit lacking in modern gadgets, but it’ll make up for it with its price of entry.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > For Sweden 01/22/2019 at 12:22

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Then it shouldn’t need AWD.......

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Pich, with Z32 now featuring Civic [Si] / No 01/22/2019 at 12:23

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Coincidentally...

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/is-this-the-ultimate-all-weather-family-vehicle-1825280470

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:23

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Hey it meets all the criteria.

For Sweden > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 01/22/2019 at 12:24

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They’re may be ice on roads, but I agree that AWD isn’t absolutely necessary.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > HammerheadFistpunch 01/22/2019 at 12:24

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Wow some have actually done this. Do they have a blog or journal we could read?

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 01/22/2019 at 12:26

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1999 Allroad with 2.7 Turbo

What’s life without a little challenge, eh?

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:27

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Yeah... hate to say it but I think a minivan is the answer here. Safe, reliable, good gas mileage , lots of space. If you want to make it less boring you one with a big engine and/ or get it a crazy wrap of some sort. Or maybe a Transit Connect?

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:27

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I went with the first model year because that’s when all the bugs haven’t been introduced yet. ^_^

InFierority Complex > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:27

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If it could traverse Eurasia in 1907 it can do North America in 2019 , right?  

Chariotoflove > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:28

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I’m going to say the safe choice that I already own.  A Kia Sedona.  Very comfortable and full featured for a family.  Can hold all the stuff.  V6 power for all situations.  We have done many a road trip in it so far and never felt it lacking or even arrived feeling worn down by the trip.

ttyymmnn > For Sweden 01/22/2019 at 12:28

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My first thought was my trusty 2003 Odyssey. But this is a great call. No way in hell would I do this in a sedan or even SUV. If you’re going to be cooped up in a metal box for hours and hours on end, the extra breathing space inside a van is priceless.

VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:28

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I didn’t see anything about price limits. The “easy to repair” bit is throwing a bit of a spanner in the works, I was thinking Porsche Macan T urbo until I got there. 

Otherwise for < 4 people pretty much any high trim crossover is going to fit the bill. They’re all turbos nowadays, aren’t they? 

facw > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:29

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Take 87 octane which is more widely available 

This seems a bit silly. Pretty much any normal car will take 87 octane, even cars that require or recommend 91. And higher octane fuels are available throughout the country. You have lower octane fuel in the Rockies sometimes, but those are high-altitude regions where knocking is less of an issue.

Pich, with Z32 now featuring Civic [Si] / No > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:29

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my God are these comfortable! my boss bought one this year and we took a drive up to the mountains and i loved every second of it. He’s got an Apple TV set in it to play movies.

HammerheadFistpunch > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:30

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BTW the answer to your question is

sportsmobile. IF you can get a 4x4 sportsmobile with a penthouse you will be set. Sorry but sporty driving? Nah. Comfort and livability.

Sprinter 4x4 (with low range) 3.0 diesel.  Small enough to fit through the tight spots (MT. Carmel Tunnel, etc) but totally livable and decent enough on highway economy.  

Arrivederci > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:30

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Audi RS7.  It’s plenty reliable for that trip and should only need one service en route, which could easily be done in Denver.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > For Sweden 01/22/2019 at 12:31

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Definitely not. Hell I take my van places most AWD guys won’t even attempt, but I have amazing tires and a good diff.

MarquetteLa > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:31

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A colleague of mine at work was hired after taking a ~year~ off of work with her husband to travel the US and bounce from one National Park to another. I believe they did it in a truck.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 01/22/2019 at 12:33

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TC with a small lift and some good ATs.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > Pich, with Z32 now featuring Civic [Si] / No 01/22/2019 at 12:33

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This is the correct choice...all others are compromises or desires.

HammerheadFistpunch > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:33

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https://thecanons.travellerspoint.com/

For Sweden > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 01/22/2019 at 12:33

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We have to account for them there city slickers who might be driving though

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > facw 01/22/2019 at 12:33

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I wouldn’t put 87 in a car that has 91 required , now recommended? E ven if modern engines can adjust well, especially if you’re doing 14K miles, I am just assuming worst case scenario where it’s not available. Will it be “fine”? perhaps. That’s why I suggested CX-5 which can run on either.

CaptDale - is secretly British > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:34

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4.2l Audi Allroad

Just as good on and off pavement and not dealing with the added headache of turbos in the 2.7

ttyymmnn > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:34

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My 2003 Odyssey. I’d love to put 15,000 more miles on it. It’s already taken us to the west coast, South Dakota, Chicago, and the East Coast numerous times.

Nothing > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:35

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If I’m choosing a vehicle I don’t own, an  Alltrack would work. But I think I’d go for a TourX. Gobs of room, comfy cruiser. My heart still says Alltrack, but there just wouldn’t be good backseat room for my son.

Of course, I could easily just take the 4Runner or Grand Cherokee and be perfectly content.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely 01/22/2019 at 12:35

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No price limit. Assume a brand new Macan and nothing goes wrong for those 14,000 miles? fine by me. But something goes wrong and it needs mandatory service , can it be fixed at the nearest shop?

I was looking for the best balanced economical solution. I thought of Macan/Cayenne for sure.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > For Sweden 01/22/2019 at 12:36

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They are likely the ones I’m driving around when I go on trails......

#AWD=UNSTOPPABLE

My bird IS the word > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:38

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If I'm spending 2 months on the road? Cadillac escalade

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Nothing 01/22/2019 at 12:38

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TourX is a good choice.

facw > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:39

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It’s not going to do anything to damage the engine, but you may get less power or less efficiency. But really, where are you expecting to have trouble finding 91, especially on a route that is going to be mostly on interstates and other highways?

I can understand fuel concern if you were taking an electric (I wouldn’t recommend this), but even a diesel should be able to manage (you’d have to be a tiny bit careful away from the highways), but a normal gas engine is going to be fine as long as it doesn’t need race gas or something.

Slant6 > facw 01/22/2019 at 12:43

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I wouldn’t put 87 in a diesel.

VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:45

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Porsche typically gets good marks for quality at least through its warranty run. Assuming it’s not accidental or road damage, it should be pretty solid until the trip is up.

The problem is if you wind up being an outlier it’ll  a bitch to get at without dealer help, so that could be problematic if your timing lands you in S. Dakota at the time. If it’s mostly roads and you have decent luck with road hazards you could do a lot worse than a Macan, I think. I like em better than the Merc versions for shure. 

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > facw 01/22/2019 at 12:45

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That is why I put “assumptions ” and not “rules” in the post and I didn’t restrict diesels also . You can go crazy with the price of the vehicle that p[probably requires 91, and additional cost of 91 vs 87 if you wanted and give a very expensive suggestion as well.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:46

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A GTC4Lusso:

If money is not a issue. AWD, tons of power, and any new car isn’t going to leave you stranded, even a Ferrari. Service is even included for a few years these days. Plenty of authorized Ferrari Dealerships along that route. I will do this when I win the Mega ball,

facw > Slant6 01/22/2019 at 12:47

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Heh, yeah, obviously I meant gas engines. I’d be more concerned about diesel than an car that requires premium, but I’m pretty sure this route would be easily doable with diesel as well, you’d probably just want to make sure to tank up when leaving the highway in remote areas, and start looking for refills a bit sooner.

Slant6 > facw 01/22/2019 at 12:49

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I would imagine if you stay on interstates, and places commercial trucks frequent finding diesel would be easier to come by than premium.

I do recall my grandfather telling me a story about being stranded in Montana out of fuel in his 1980 golf, in the 1980s. 

Chuckles > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:50

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“Sorry kids, there’s no room in the car for you. See you in a few months!”

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:50

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New I’d probably go for an E450 Estate, V90, or Panamera SportTurismo. Maybe a Navigator or Range Rover would make the consideration too. Used...I’d be kind of tempted by a Eurovan camper, but the reliability makes me a bit nervous. Maybe an old Buick Roadmaster from the 90s or an XC70 T6.

Of course, something like this would be hard to beat.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Chuckles 01/22/2019 at 12:51

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Always the answer? Always the answer.

Chuckles > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:52

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You could not pay me enough to spend 2 months in a car with children.

someassemblyrequired > Chuckles 01/22/2019 at 12:54

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Beat me to it, have taken my NA to a good number of those national parks and it’s a great choice.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 01/22/2019 at 12:55

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Sprinter is an awesome choice!

HammerheadFistpunch > HammerheadFistpunch 01/22/2019 at 12:58

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EDIT: sportsmobile is claiming 14-18 for the 3.0 diesel 4x4 conversion. That’ s what I’m getting in my GX. I’d take that for the livability .

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:59

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Did someone say road trip?

Outlander Engine's Dimensional Emporium > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 12:59

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Take a look at the Ford Flex. Find one with an ecoboost v6 and AWD.

punkgoose17 > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 13:06

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You want comfort. Get a Volvo. You want luggage space. Get a wagon. You want sporty fun. How about Polestar.

Captain of the Enterprise > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 13:08

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Volvo XC90

Die-Trying > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 13:11

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Hunting rig 4x4 square body suburban - $5000 (Lockhart)

4x4 manual v8 suburban........... enough room for all the stuffs....... lots of room for activities too. what you dont spend in initial purchase price will get spent in fuel. but what an adventure........

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 13:16

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Yeah I was going to say toyota suv. But an RX Lexus hybrid would be more comfortable with so many miles. I did the Toyota booth this year and sat in the RAV and it's nice but the seats are not Lexus comfy.

Textured Soy Protein > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 13:19

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My wife has a non-turbo CX-5 and it’s very nice but with the up-to-2 kids it might be a little on the small side. While not as engaging to drive, I’d go with the turbo versions of the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento.

Or....Regal TourX. 

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 13:21

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Subaru’s are loud as fuck on the highway. The rav4 hybrid is...small. As is the RDX.

My vote is for the new 2019 F150 with the diesel V6 (or the Ram, I’d you lean in that direction). The Ford can get up to 30mpg in 4x2 config. 

facw > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 13:21

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Fair enough. I don’t think cost is a big issue though. If we say you get 14.5 miles per gallon (pretty poor, but I’d do this with a bigger vehicle, so it might still be <20mpg ), and if you pay $0.50/gallon more for premium (hopefully you’re paying more like $0.30), that’s only an extra $500 in fuel costs, which compared to the costs of this whole endeavor would be small. Not worth worrying about too much, especially if having something higher octane allows higher fuel efficiency.

Chuckles > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 01/22/2019 at 13:42

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What importance is ground clearance on a road trip?

Chuckles > someassemblyrequired 01/22/2019 at 13:49

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The best car to take on a road trip is the one you have.

VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely > Chuckles 01/22/2019 at 14:15

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With the correct amount of sedatives, you can spend an indefinite amount of time sharing a vehicle with nearly anyone else. 

StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 14:16

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Magnum SRT-8, only because I did about half of this trip in mine! Rt. 66 from Detroit to Santa Monica, up to Sonoma, over to Yellowstone and back home. 6600 miles in 2 weeks.

So, if you want AWD I’d say an E63.  Or an SRT Jeep would be fun.  Wagon would be fun, and something with some power to pass and cruise at 90 in the South West is always nice.

Chuckles > VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely 01/22/2019 at 14:24

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What a great idea. Sedatives and driving. Brilliant!

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 01/22/2019 at 14:26

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Surprised no one mentioned a diesel truck or any 2019 model year truck because many of them are straight up luxury cars, especially if it’s a Ram with Air suspensions.

Also, the new RDX and Rav4 not small at all. A dults can sit comfortably in the back even. They have both grown for the 2019 model year.

6 foot guy for scale

Also, related to the post Edmunds just did a non-stop 7 day 4 8 lower states drive in the 2019 RAV 4 and most of them were very comfortable even in the back

BaconSandwich is tasty. > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 14:50

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Porsche Panamera or Tesla Model S or X.

VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely > Chuckles 01/22/2019 at 15:01

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Well, they were intended for the passengers , but you do you, boo

Chuckles > VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely 01/22/2019 at 15:03

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Lol. Drugging the children never crossed my mind. But still, I'd rather not bring any kids on a cross country trip.

VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely > Chuckles 01/22/2019 at 15:05

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I mean, I don’t disagree. If you wouldn’t bring a perpetually drunk dwarf , you shouldn’t bring a kid, either.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 15:20

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We did a third of this distance last summer in our ‘14 MDX. Great trip. 

nermal > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 15:35

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Diesel truck with a camper. No way I’m spending two months on the road without having my own bathroom. 

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Chuckles 01/22/2019 at 16:04

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If they plan on taking any trails or driving off the beaten path, it’s quite important.

GLiddy > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 16:13

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The best car ever for something like this was the ‘68 Buick Electra 225. A deuce-and-a-quarter is big and comfortable and can soak up the miles. Dad can lay across the front seat and take a nap while mom and the kids peer down into the Grand Canyon. Forget about fuel efficiency, gas is under $2 now so who cares, and it might need high-test gas. The back seat is huge. Little Jeffy can take a nap on the package tray in the rear window, but when he wakes up he’ll have the cross-hatch imprint of the metallic fabric grill that covers it. (Don’t ask me how I know this .)

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 16:18

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Hmm, I maybe should look at the new ones. I DD a 15 Crv and my gf and I would go crazy inside it for two months, it’s too tight and we’re both small people. 

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 16:31

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I enjoy trips in my Mom's 2017 Outback. It's quiet, comfortable, and has plenty of room for 4 people + stuff. The 2.5 has enough grunt to not feel lacking while also pulling 30+ mpg averaging 75. Our 17 has just basic Bluetooth but I believe 2018 models get you car play support. It's probably the best vehicle we have owned for family trips (though I do prefer the BRZ for long trips because it has the best seats but it only fits 2 people unless you are my sister who has done 2 4 hour trips in the back seat)

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 16:55

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Honestly? R-class. Not just because I’m biased. It’s made for this stuff. They’re downright magical on  road trips.

bubblestheturtle > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 20:01

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Nissan Leaf! No wait, that’s not right.

09GT - now boosted > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/22/2019 at 20:10

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We just did the Yellowstone trip (from Indiana) this past summer in a Ford Flex Ecoboost.  2 adults, one teen, one pre-teen, and one kindergartener.  Averaged 25mpg on the trip, including mountains (thanks turbocharging!) and 80 mph through South Dakota. Lots of space, very comfortable, not too big.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > bubblestheturtle 01/22/2019 at 21:02

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It’ll only take you 2 years.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > 09GT - now boosted 01/22/2019 at 21:04

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We’ve rented the base V6 FWD ones before but I can imagine with the right equipment especially the 3.% EB it is a perfect roadtrip car.

boxrocket > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 01/23/2019 at 20:56

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Alternately, the AEV Earth Roamer or whatever the lifted F-550 is that has a hotel suite on its back. Unlimited budget would make this high on the list.

...or a McLaren 600LT Spider or 570GT. With a bunch of quarters for laundromats.