Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by consumers.
Get involved
Issues we work on
The payment for your account couldn’t be processed or you’ve canceled your account with us.
Sign In
We don’t recognize that sign in.
Your username maybe be your email address. Passwords are 6-20 characters with at least one number and letter.
We still don’t recognize that sign in.
Retrieve your username.
Reset your password.
*Required
*Required
Forgot your username or password?
Don’t have an account?
My account
Save products you love, products you own and much more!
Other Membership Benefits:
Suggested Searches
Cars
Car Ratings & Reviews
CARS
Car Reliability Guide
Car Buying & Pricing
Which Car Brands Make the Best Vehicles?
Car Maintenance & Repair
The Cost of Car Ownership Over Time
Key Topics & News
CAR NEWS
Listen to the Talking Cars Podcast
Home & Garden
Bed & Bath
Top Picks From CR
Best Mattresses of 2023
Lawn & Garden
TOP PICKS FROM CR
Is Now the Time to Switch to Electric Outdoor Tools?
Home Improvement
Home Improvement Essential
Best Wood Stains of 2023
Home Safety & Security
HOME SAFETY
Best DIY Home Security Systems of 2023
Appliances
Kitchen
REPAIR OR REPLACE?
What to Do With a Broken Appliance
Small Appliances
TOP PICKS FROM CR
Best Small Kitchen Appliances
Laundry & Cleaning
Top Picks From CR
Best Washing Machines of 2023
Heating, Cooling & Air
Beat the Heat
Most Reliable Central Air-Conditioning Systems
Electronics
Home Entertainment
FIND YOUR NEW TV
Best TVs of 2023
Home Office
Save Money
Cheapest Printers for Ink Costs
Smartphones & Wearables
BEST SMARTPHONES
Find the Right Phone for You
Digital Security & Privacy
MEMBER BENEFIT
CR Security Planner
More
Take Action
CR’s experts highlight the best long-distance haulers for individuals, small groups, and large families
At CR, we think the best cars for road trips are the same ones that are great for everyday driving. They have lots of usable cargo space, a comfortable ride, and key safety technology, and they get great gas mileage. Lately, many vehicles that meet these criteria are hybrids. Today’s versions are bigger and more practical for more uses, while still offering significant fuel savings over their gas-only counterparts. Many also offer active driver assistance technology that can make driving less stressful. The Lexus RX450h and Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Sienna can even tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped—enough to haul a small camper.
Editor’s Note: This article also appeared in the July 2022 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
Keith Barry
Keith Barry has been an auto reporter at Consumer Reports since 2018. He focuses on safety, technology, and the environmental impact of cars. Previously, he led home and appliance coverage at Reviewed; reported on cars for USA Today, Wired, and Car & Driver; and wrote for other publications as well. Keith earned a master’s degree in public health from Tufts University. Follow him on Twitter @itskeithbarry.
We respect your privacy. All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story.
Leave a Reply