Whether you’re hitting the road for a family vacation or just a road trip with friends, choosing the right car can make your drive less stressful. Many modern vehicles feature roomy cabins with advanced technology to keep your passengers entertained and connected, while generous cargo space allows you to load up on everything from camping gear to Airstream trailers!
BMW 228i Gran Coupe
The BMW 228i Gran Coupe is a fun, compact luxury sedan. It competes with premium small sedans like the Mercedes CLA-Class and Audi A3.
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 228 horsepower. It’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
It’s quick to get going from a stop and has little turbo lag. The M Sport package adds stiffer springs, adaptive dampers and a front anti-roll bar to help keep it flat through turns.
It’s not quite as nimble as a new Mini, but it does offer good performance and handling capabilities. The M Sport chassis, slick traction control and 18-inch wheels accentuate its athleticism.
Kia Stinger
If you’re in the market for a family-friendly performance sedan that will keep the kids comfortable on long trips, the 2023 Kia Stinger might be just what you need. It packs a lot of go-fast features into its spacious interior while keeping the price tag reasonable for a high-end vehicle.
The Stinger comes in two trim levels, the GT-Line and the GT2. Both come standard with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that cranks out 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque.
On top of that, the GT-Line adds a host of crash-avoidance technology such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, and pedestrian detection. You’ll also get 18-inch wheels, leather seats, a sunroof, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
The range-topping GT2 offers even more power with a twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V-6 that makes 368 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. All of the engines can be equipped with either rear- or all-wheel drive.
Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 is one of the top luxury SUVs in the market. It has a great safety rating, excellent technology and an impressive range of features.
It is available with a six- or seven-seater configuration, depending on your needs. The cabin is comfortable and spacious, and it offers ample headroom and legroom for everyone inside.
For 2023, the XC90 also has several new trims and powertrain options. You can choose the T6 gasoline engine, or the T8 Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid.
T8 models get good fuel economy and a decent all-electric range, making them a great choice for long road trips. You can easily travel about 520 miles before needing to stop for fuel, even with the battery charged up from a full tank.
The interior of the XC90 is spacious and well-decorated with high-quality materials. The front seats are especially comfortable and can be upgraded to Nappa leather or beautiful gray wool. Upgrades include heated and ventilated seats, as well as massage functions.
Honda Odyssey
If you’re in the market for a family hauler, the Honda Odyssey is a solid choice. Not only does the Odyssey offer a comfortable ride, it also has an impressive suite of technology designed to keep your family safe and secure.
The Odyssey comes standard with active safety technology including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning and blind-spot detection. It also features adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning and traffic sign recognition.
Another great safety feature is the 2023 Odyssey’s rear seat reminder, which gives a visual alert if you open one of the doors while your kids are in the back.
The Odyssey is also well-equipped with a number of smart technologies that will make your trip more enjoyable, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. You can use your compatible smartphone to access navigation, music and more through the Display Audio touch-screen.