9 Best Family Cars for Coastal Road Trips

When you’re preparing to hit the road with your family, the vehicle you choose matters almost as much as the destinations ahead. The cars most suited for extended travel offer excellent performance, luxury comfort and intuitive safety systems. Discover nine of the best family cars for coastal road trips to make the most of your adventure.

What Makes a Vehicle Suited for Road Trips?

The best family cars for road trips offer long-distance efficiency and reliable performance. Vehicles with all-wheel drive can handle various terrains and weather conditions, and cruise control can maintain steady speeds during extended travel. Drivers may also seek models with features including collision warning, collision intervention, driver control assistance and other driver assistance systems to make both long and short trips safer for the whole family.

Road trip cars should also have enough cabin space for passengers, luggage and spare parts. For enhanced passenger comfort, you might look for a car with USB-C ports, multi-zone climate control and rear sunshades. Powered sliding doors are also helpful in tight parking lots, so you don’t have to worry about door dings. Large windows are another perk, so travelers can enjoy the sights throughout the trip.

What Are the Best Family Cars for Coastal Road Trips?

Whether you’re looking to purchase or rent a vehicle to take your family across the scenic coast, these nine cars from various manufacturers represent the best options.

1. Toyota Sienna

The Toyota Sienna is a hybrid electric vehicle offering an estimated 36 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city or on the highway. It seats up to seven or eight passengers. For additional convenience, the latest model includes a FridgeBox™, vacuum, dual power-sliding doors and 1,500-Watt-capable power outlets.

2. Chrysler Pacifica

Known for its Stow ‘n Go® Seating and Storage System, the Chrysler Pacifica’s cabin can be adapted to meet your passenger and cargo needs. It offers up to 28 highway mpg and an all-wheel-drive system. This renowned minivan can safely seat up to seven passengers during your road trip and daily drives.

3. Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade features a 287-horsepower (hp) 3.5-liter V6 engine and available All Wheel Drive. Three rows of leather-trimmed seats can hold up to eight passengers. The model’s technology capabilities include a Wi-Fi hot spot, a dual panoramic display and hands-free voice recognition software.

4. Kia Telluride

With 29 available driver-assistance and collision-avoidance features, a gas or hybrid Kia Telluride is another great choice for seven to eight passengers. Class-leading second-row legroom and tri-zone climate control can keep everyone comfortable, while the digital cockpit can enhance driver convenience.

5. Honda Pilot

Highlights of the Honda Pilot include intelligent torque control, up to 5,000-pound towing capacity and a premium sound system. Its three rows can seat eight passengers. You can add a roof basket, tow hitch or crossbars to bring more items on the road.

6. Volkswagen Atlas

The Volkswagen Atlas’s turbocharged engine can produce 282 hp and an EPA-estimated 29 highway mpg. Driver assistance features and a 15-inch display are included. Heated seats and dual wireless charging can keep your family feeling comfortable and connected. This efficient and stylish model can hold up to seven passengers.

7. Subaru Ascent

A family-sized Subaru Ascent offers up to 153.2 cubic feet of space for seven or eight passengers and a 260-hp turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® engine. Protective engineering includes Standard EyeSight® driver assist technology and a suite of active safety systems. Of Subarus sold over the last decade, 96% are still on the road, which is a testament to the manufacturer’s dependability.

8. Ford Explorer Active

With an EcoBoost® engine and rear-wheel drive, the Ford Explorer Active can take up to seven passengers on your next coastal adventure. The interior features tri-zone temperature controls, active noise cancellation, cargo hooks, USB charging ports and more. For safety, the vehicle comes with AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™, seat belt reminders and a SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System.

9. Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a 2.0L Hurricane 4 Turbo engine producing up to 324 hp. The three-row model can hold seven passengers while still offering generous cargo space. The driver’s touch-screen display is compatible with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. Available features for families include the Rear-Facing FamCAM, entertainment controls and LATCH anchor systems.

What Should You Do During a Coastal Road Trip?

During a coastal vacation, your family can visit beaches and seaside towns with endless options for entertainment. You might hike a trail with overlooks or sand dunes, or go for an ocean swim. As a bonus, water-based activities, such as snorkeling or kayaking, can foster responsibility and resilience in children and teenagers.

Your family can also explore piers, museums and restaurants to become immersed in the local culture. Depending on where you stop, you could find historic maritime forts, live music or seasonal festivities.

Find a safe place to park your vehicle as you set off for the day, such as a paved lot or a shaded space away from blowing sand. As needed, rinse sand and salt off the vehicle to help protect the paint and undercarriage.

Safe Travels Along the Coast

With the right road trip vehicle, your family is ready for adventure. Choose a make and model with features that help you cross highways and coastal terrain efficiently while keeping your family safe and comfortable the whole way.