The Most Powerful Cars For Your Road-Trip

These SUVs are tough and durable – a great choice for long-distance journeys or if you want to rock up to the school drop off in an armored-tank-looking vehicle. One of the most popular SUVs bought in America, you’ll have definitely seen more than your fair share of Yukons on the highways. The abundance of GMC’s SUV is owing to the fact that they have a presence on the road and are a pretty smooth ride with great suspension.

Imagine picking up the kids with this eh? Fierce. While they can ask for as much as $75,000, you can pick up a good second hand (say a 2010-2013 model) for around $15,000. If you’re any good at haggling, you could certainly get it down a little lower – doesn’t hurt asking right?

With the legendary off-road capability, a useful array of engine options, and a loaded specs list, but the Jeep Commander is a must-have. Likened to America’s favorite army vehicle, the Hummer, the Commander is a whole lot of macho. Comfy and just as great on-road, the Jeep Commander was a great contender in its market. With all the practical features and hardiness, it’s a no-brainer to take it on a road trip, but it’s also stylish enough that it lends itself to the suburbs.

However, the cost of upkeep has shown to lead to the steady depreciation of the car. Since its release, prices have dropped lower and lower, to the point where you could find an awesome second-hand Commander for just $10,000! That weekend getaway is so much closer than you think!

We get it, it's a little bit of gas guzzler. But on the upside, with the power of depreciation, these massive machines have come down a heck of a lot – to just $20,000! Sure, the fuel cost to run these babies would be up there but…to be honest, just for the novelty of owning a Hummer, we’d take a gamble and go for it.

They are one of the boldest cars on the road. The Hummer was in fact, discontinued almost 10 years ago! But the day after, the brand was sold to an anonymous buyer. Some trivia for you. Anywho, this guzzling SUV (tank more like) will definitely attract a lot of attention.

The Mercedes brand is known for German quality and is practically synonymous with luxury and technology. The company’s flagship SUV vehicles, the GLA and GLC, left something to be desired, so Mercedes did the best alphabetical trick and went ahead with the GLB model too. The boxy styled vehicle looks like an SUV, but in reality, it’s a compact crossover. The 2020 GLB has 221 horsepower and goes from zero to sixty in slightly under seven seconds. It has the spacy interiors that you’d expect from a Mercedes and boasts three rows of seats and the usual high-tech features associated with the luxury German brand.

The GLB is a great mix of the GLA and the GLC and is definitely well-suited to off-road driving due to its protective underbody. For a baseline price of $40,000, you can enjoy this crossover and feel like you’re rich at the same time. So far the 2020 GLB definitely looks promising, as Mercedes finally provides a family-friendly car that is truly affordable while maintaining the company's high standards.

One of Land Rover's most iconic models is the beloved Defender. After more than two decades of hiatus for the Defender model, Land Rover decided to receive the model with an upgraded 2020 version that has all the bells and whistles to match. It has a boxy shape that makes it feel like an Army SUV, a rugged protective build and some insane off-road abilities. Basically, this is the ideal car for adventure enthusiasts who like the kind of car that can take you just about anywhere.

The Defender comes in two sizes, a two-door 90 and a four-door 110. You can also choose between a 300 horsepower 2.0-liter engine and a 400 horsepower 3.0-liter hybrid engine. Inside the car, you’ll find temperature monitors in the dampers for vehicle protection as-well-as many updates that are considered the tip of the spear when it comes to off-road tech. Critics claim that the Land Rover Defender is arguably the best off-road vehicle ever made by the popular company.

Road tripping with a truck? The Ram has always been known for having some of the biggest and baddest trucks on the market. The company has virtually dominated everything relating to trucks for many years, with Ford and Chevrolet only occasionally picking up the pace when competing. This is because Ram is focused almost exclusively on one thing — making the best trucks possible, and their new 1500 is one beast of a truck.

The truck performs very well whether you’re on the road or on tough pavements. It also has a very well optimized cargo management and can tow up to 12,750 pounds using its 5.7L HEMI V8 engine that uses Torque Hybrid Technology to further boost its potential. Inside the cargo, you'll find some of the most luxurious and advanced systems in its class.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner is arguably one of the best vehicles your family can have if you're planning to take that intense desert and mountain vacation you've always talked about but never seemed to commit to. Imagine a modern mid-size SUV with 270 horsepower and excellent cargo capacity that can withstand everything from rough terrains to messy mountains.

Te 4Runners strengths, which include its rugged build and fantastic suspension, make it perfect for those rough dirt roads. Also, the 2020 4Runner integrated a variety of improvements to the vehicle's safety systems, including driver-assistance and pre-collision preventing through automated breaks. In summary, if you're looking for an excellent off-road vehicle to take specifically on tough terrains you'll be very pleased with the 4Runner.

The Porsche Cayenne is the automaker’s gift of combining both an SUV and a sports vehicle into one incredible driving experience. This has been similarly done by other popular car manufacturers such as the Mercedes GLC and the BMW X6, although there’s undoubtedly something very unique about the Cayenne, most likely in its ability to perform with the same intensity and glam of the 911 while also feeling very protected and daring inside its hunky exterior frame.

The Cayenne’s engine is a turbocharged V6 three-liter beast that produces 335 horsepower and 332 foot-pounds of torque, which is not surprising considering that it was originally designed by Audi. If you’re really brave and looking for the best performance the Cayenne offers, you can go for the upgraded version that includes a terrifying twin-turbo V8 four-liter engine that gives you a 541 horsepower, a 40% increase in strength to an already powerful engine.

Land Rover’s popular Rover is one of their best selling and most highly acclaimed vehicles in recent years. The SUV-focused company has consistently released high-quality vehicles that are efficient both on city roads as-well-as on rough terrains. The 2020 version of the Rover offers considerable improvements from various high-tech updates to a seriously upgraded Terrain Response System, which was already highly acclaimed by reviewers in the first place.

The new Rover will also feature a variety of models to choose from, including the Velar S, Velar R-Dynamic SE, Velar, and Velar R-Dynamic HSE. The main difference between these versions is mostly the engine, so the more cash you’re willing to pay the stronger your Rover will be. The base version of the SUV starts at a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and goes up to a five-liter V8 engine that produces some serious power.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent is your run-of-the-mill midsize 3-row SUV. Subaru some upgrades to this year's model including a standard rear-seat reminder alert system and power-folding side mirrors. The car is praised for having a high-quality cabin that includes comfortable materials and an above-average infotainment system. We also were also happy to hear that the Ascent comes with improved safety features, including DriverFocus, which detects when you’re tired or distracted while driving by monitoring your eyes - fantastic for long driving!

The Ascent is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and can be used for your average heavy-duty work with 5,000 pounds of towing power. You can expect a 23 miles per gallon combined consumption based on ratings from the EPA. Prices for the 2020 Ascent start at $31,995 and go up to $45,045 for the touring version.

The car was recently spotted being test-driven at the Jeep Auburn Hills, Michigan plant, and so far it looks like the carmaker is going to keep every last bit of its sense of adventure, while also making sure there would be an environment to enjoy in the coming years and decades. In-terms of its abilities to drive in water, we’re happy to tell you that the Wrangler would be just as able to drive in anything below two feet of water without a problem.

Unfortunately, it's not uncommon to see one of these bad boys guzzling an impressive 30+ miles per gallon when driving in the city. Jeep is trying to remedy that problem by creating a plug-in hybrid version of their beloved Jeep Wrangler and is expected to release the new car model sometime in 2020. The main premise and idea behind making a hybrid of such an unexpected car is the dramatic improvement we are likely going to see in the hybrid Wrangler’s fuel economy.

This has been one of the company's most valuable and best-selling pickup trucks in the United States since 1977 and its best selling vehicle since 1986. The F-series has generated generates over $40 billion in annual revenue for Ford and has successfully served the company ever since its inception in 1948. With the release of the 2020 Ford F-150, the company has really outdone itself and included a series of makeovers that improve on the already impressive truck.

According to Ford, the F-150 will arrive in many different models, including the XL, CLT, King Ranch, Platinum, and more. Regardless of the model you choose, you’re surely going to find exactly what you need due to the car’s incredible performance, prestigious design, and excellent style.

When BMW debuted the X6 model back in 2016, it was immediately received with glowing praise. The SUV featured everything that made the German automaker great, from a powerful engine to incredible technology behind the wheel. In addition, the X6 is an all-weather, all-wheel-drive vehicle, and it can drive on just about any off-road terrain (within reason).

SUVs and pickup trucks are meant to be thrashed around, so getting a luxury one feels almost like a sin. Don't fret. It can handle it, and it looks good while doing it. While repairs on the X6 are multiple times more expensive than your average SUV, and its gas mileage is 17 miles per gallon on the highway, which doesn’t help its annual costs either. Then again, she is a thing of beauty, so ultimately - you win some, you lose some.

This behemoth of a vehicle has a very impressive towing capacity of 14,500 pounds. So if you're thinking of bringing along your mobile home, this is the one. The heavy-duty truck in this list also happens to be the meanest.

With a total weight of 6,562 pounds and a 6.6L V8 gasoline or diesel engine that provides 910 pound-feet of torque to the booth. It comes in three different body styles based on your preference, either regular, double or crew cab.

Want to drive a never-ending freeway in this beaut? The Corvette is one of the world’s most recognized and beloved supercars. It’s extremely fast, beautiful and makes one of the most aggressive engine noises you can find on the market.

The supercar is also extremely affordable relative to its performance and status, as a new model will cost you around $55,000 at base cost. When you’re actually careful not to crash this monster into oblivion, annual upkeep costs are surprisingly low.

Perhaps not on top of the list in terms of practicality but how can you exist driving across the country in a Ferrari. Enjoy the gorgeous interior and the silent 681-hp V12 motor makes driving long distance a pleasure.

The trick four-wheel steering system. Three-door configuration and shooting brake profile make this a real eye-catcher that's for sure.

This car goes from zero to sixty in 7 to 8 seconds, depending on the package and provides a very smooth ride. Most drivers would definitely enjoy long road trips in this vehicle. Its fuel economy is also average, at 21 miles per gallon in the city and 24 on the highway.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport takes the main complaint that has plagued the Atlas model for years — its boxy and boring look, and turns it upside down with a sexy and stylish design that compliments a very roomy interior. The car comes with two different engines, you can go for a 235 turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder or the 276-hp 3.6-liter V-6 one.

The comfortable and easy to drive Subaru Forester is a popular option for many SUV enthusiasts who want to hit the road. With the rise of SUVs as a popular vehicle category, the company has definitely managed to find its way into the market.

You will undoubtedly have an incredibly comfortable drive. If you're going to do some long-range driving, this is the vehicle to do in. Both comfort and style-wise.

One of the most reasonably priced cars on this list, the Ford Focus will certainly take you on an affordable adventure that can be done in a relatively speedy time. It also handles like a true pro and is wonderfully versatile both on and off-road.

If you need extra space for camping equipment, then pick up the hatchback version. And for the more environmentally conscious drive, the EV model is certainly the best model out there!

The 2020 Kia Mohave is a large SUV that was recently revealed by Kia in South Korea during the Seoul Motor Show in the country's capital. The vehicle reveals an incredible design that has been completely revamped over previous generations, including quad LEDs in the headlight pods, a massive boxy appearance complemented by an extremely rugged look. Other new additions to the exterior include a new bumper design, a new bonnet, four exhaust tips, and a beautiful wide LED tail-light with the bold Mohave design.

This beast is powered by a 191kW/560Nm 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6, although its reporter that 3.8 liter V6 and 4.6-liter V8 versions might be sold too. The safety features of the 2020 Mohave also received a serious upgrading, including a surround-view camera system, hill start assist, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and more.

You really can’t get a more iconic Ford than the Mustang. The model which sings out – actually, more like it purrs on the road, is a Ford classic. For the amount of power under its hood, the Mustang is a top pick for performance junkies! With a V8 engine that drives like a dream, the Mustang GT is a great choice – in terms of both value and performance. Due to the demand, Ford has been releasing generations upon generations of new Mustangs that consumers almost can’t keep up! Who wouldn't' drive route 62 in this thing?

The speed at which Ford is releasing these newer models, however, has led to significant price decreases on earlier models. So you could pick up a bargain, saving over $20,000 on a car which retailed for $35,000 brand new! Also, you get the bragging rights of saying “the Stang” when referring to your new whip. Corny maybe, cool, yes.

The zippy Rogue SV underwent some massive design changes and was re-released. With great handling and sweet ProPILOT feature, it makes driving very relaxing. In terms of affordability, the vehicle saw a 5% price drop and made the initial release model even cheaper. So this rogue vehicle was exactly that: in both design and in breaking into the market!

Nissans are in that niche of the market where well, it isn’t so much a niche – more of a smorgasbord of car manufacturers. Competing with the likes of Honda, Toyota, and Mazda, Nissan created the Rogue SV to differentiate themselves from the pack. And it worked.

You literally can't go wrong with this machine, The ruggedness of the ferocity of the Jeep Gladiator will take you on the wildest adventures far off the paved road.

There is also heaps room in the back which means that you can take plenty of gear, bikes, kayaks, and camping equipment on your journey far into the backwoods.

The Kia Telluride's style, cabin space, and powerful V6 engine all factor into it being one of the best road tipping cars out there. On top of that, the great exterior makes the Kia Telluride an industry-leader.

With its 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10 year/100,00-mile powertrain coverage means you can take the road in confidence.

Now the Mercedes-Benz SL-class was developed to take on the British Aston Martin Vantage. Pretty big step to be honest. But then again, this is Mercedes-Benz we’re talking about here! The German powerhouse created a vehicle that certainly packed a LOT of punch – 283 HP to be exact. With a line which is over six decades old, it is highly respected, and thus highly scrutinized by car enthusiasts!

The recipe for success is in its two seats, folding metal hard-top, front-engine, and rear-wheel drive. Each year, the SL becomes faster and more efficient – the latest model has more HP (306 roughly!) and has dropped its weight by 140kg. Pretty neat. Not to mention the fact that each year they get even better looking (though some critics have noted that its front bonnet’s looks are an acquired taste).

Mercedes-Benz has always been known for making some of the most luxurious, advanced, and reliable vehicles on the market. This reputation has led them over the decades, but the reality of the situation is that it is often not the case.

The German automaker moved into the SUV market in recent years, with the $100,000+ GLS63 AMG being one of its most prized vehicles.

Anyone who loves pickup trucks will tell you that the Dodge Ram 1500 is a fantastic truck. It has all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a heavy-duty SUV, and can definitely lift its weight when it comes to this competitive industry.

One thing that doesn’t get mentioned often enough though, is that the Ram 1500 loves gulping your money down, as well as your fuel. But that is the price you pay for one awesome truck.

It's just the ultimate family car. Evidently, not only great as a vehicle that’s used to drive your kids to school on a daily basis but also for long-range vacations and lengthy trips to the beach,

According to Honda, the Pilot is one of its most popular, reliable, and affordable family-friendly vehicles. It’s supposed to have everything you could want from car if you're a big family.

This truck is a reliable piece of work and Toyota clearly worked hard to make it a decent competitor in the tough market of pickups. It's seriously heavy-duty, can go through a lot, and can also carry quite the load. For the road trip that has the potential to be more living than driving on teh road, this is the one.

The Tundra has a very good looking exterior design, excellent off-road performance, and 401 pound-feet of torque. It's a no-frills truck, so expect to go hard when you're driving across the country.

Let’s face it, anyone buying a $100,000 Nissan GT-R clearly isn’t looking to save money. These affordable sports vehicles are one of the fastest production cars on the market.

They also tend to be highly customized and go through a lot of modifications, including special engine upgrades, custom paint jobs, and many owners like to add some extremely loudspeakers to hear that engine roar. That will certainly make for some fun traveling.

The Porsche Boxster is a perfect road trip car. It looks cool and it also has two trunks that give it lots of storage space for long trips. The convertible top allows you to enjoy an extremely panoramic view of the scenery.

Sure, it’s on the higher end but at just under $30,000 you can actually be someone with a Porsche. Just imagine driving that thing down a highway.

The cutting-edge style and advanced technology are the key factors that make this car one o the best for road-tripping. It also has remote self-parking. The spacious cabin and ample trunk space are suitable for the whole family.

The Hybrid version boasts 54 mpg on the highway, which means you can go a long way before topping up on gas.

This SUV itself has aged quite well over the years despite being pulled from the market. It's built to last, so be prepared for a solid and durable machine when you're on the road. Aspen’s first release model was sold for around $40,000.

But again, as we’ve seen with the other cars on this list, depreciation kicks in pretty quickly, so for that reason you could pick one up for a mere $12,000! So for those looking for a tough SUV that’s great for off-road driving, you can’t go past this, especially at this price!

So the Cadillac SRX was produced between 2004 and 2016 – meaning that yep, it’s gone out of production. Sadness. But also happiness for savvy consumers looking for luxury on a budget! The SRX wasn’t retired because consumers didn’t love it, but actually, because Cadillac wanted to take advantage of a change in naming convention, replacing the SRX with the new model, the XT5. Mystery solved! In saying that, the SRX was priced on the higher end of the spectrum, which made it a bit of a stretch for consumers.

The car itself however was smart and sleek, with stylish features and a solid 265 HP engine. Cruising in a Cadillac. The dream, really. Due to the decision by Cadillac to change the name and update, it made the SRX a heck of a lot cheaper. These days, you can pick one up for just $15,000. That’s a lot of car for a little money.

Family road trip? Yes, please! Mercedes Benz came out with its C300 model somewhere in the mid-'90s. The car was an instant success, and featured the same interior as its E-Class counterpart, but had a much more curved and sleek design. It’s also a relatively cheap Mercedes, and costs around $40,000, making it quite affordable for upper-middle-class Americans.

The main downside behind owning the C300 is the same as with any other Mercedes model. Maintenance and repairs are certainly not cheap, and you can expect to pay around $200 for a basic oil change but it’s definitely worth it if you’re a fan of the German luxury car brand.

Nissan is widely viewed as a reliable automaker that sells affordable, family-friendly vehicles. The company also ventured into some luxury car brands, and who can forget it’s incredible GT-R. The Nissan Maxima is one of the brand’s most beloved luxury sedans.

The Maxima's combined style of sport and comfort serves as the perfect road trip companion. You can go over 1000 miles on this without hitting any problems.

When it comes to speed, luxury and style, you can’t get much better at the low six-figure mark than the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG. This car includes just about everything that you might desire from a luxury sports vehicle and treats you like a king when you’re driving it on the road. Who doesn't want to feel like a king?

S63 AMG owners can expect to pay around $2,300 in annual fuel, maintenance and repairs. Fortunately, this is one of the most reliable cars you can get, as it’s the German brand’s most recognizable and beloved model. Despite its high annual costs, if you’re driving one of these, we assume a few extra grand here and there won’t exactly keep you up at night.

Chrysler has always been known as the classic American company that makes highly sophisticated vehicles for relatively affordable prices. One of its most beloved lineups, the Sebring model, was produced from 1995 up until 2010.

The trendy two-door sports coupe is the perfect getaway car for you and your loved one. If you're looking to do a romantic road trip, this intimate little dynamite car is perfect.

Audi first launched its popular A4 model back in 1994. This was the company’s first executive compact vehicle and became an instant hit among consumers. Its in-demand status is not surprising.

Hopefully, you’re already aware that Audi, like many other luxury brands, charges much higher prices when it comes to servicing. Fortunately, its fuel economy is one of the best in the world, as the A4 gets over 40 miles per gallon. Wow!

If you’re a fan of vans, the Dodge Grand Caravan is likely on the list of vehicles you’d like to have, or at least admire. It's one of the company's best selling vehicles and is a highly competitive van on the market. However, like many vans, it hides a steep cost of over $1,200 per year in maintenance and fuel costs.

The Caravan is known for eating away at your gas tank, which means that you can expect to find yourself at a gas station more often than you’d probably like to. It's a highly reliable, safe and spacious van, but some owners complain about several minor electrical problems with the windows and switches. Still, it's a competitive van, and that’s highly respectable.

Volkswagen’s $20,000 T-Roc Convertible is basically a half-priced Range Rover Evoque convertible for people who are not looking to spend an exuberant amount of money on a competent SUV. The T-Roc convertible first appeared last year at the Frankfurt auto show in Germany and surprised audiences with its soft-top which takes only nine seconds to go from closed to open.

Bear in mind, tf you’re the type of driver that likes to have the roof go down while you’re road tripping, you’ll be happy to hear you can take off the top as long as you’re driving below 20 miles per hour. So you might opt for that on more scenic roads when trying to drink in your surroundings.

Lincoln has never been known for making cheap cars. Their vehicles might have a wide range of prices, but everyone knows that Lincolns cost money. Their MKS model was no different. It was a full-size luxury sedan that was sold by the automaker from 2007 and was recently discontinued in 2016.

Reports have come out that it costs more than $1,500 to maintain the Lincoln MKS annually. This adds up to almost $20,000 in a decade, a figure that doesn’t include gas and all the potential problems that might occur over that span of years. The car was also known for having issues with its breaks. These would cost between $250 to $750 to fix, which would get pretty pricey since there was no way around it.

The Dodge SRT Viper is one of the most aggressive street-legal racing cars you’ll ever see. The SRT can go from zero to sixty in less than four seconds, and has an impressive triple-digit horsepower. It's also one of the baddest looking cars in the world. Unfortunately, the SRT is also a massive drainer when it comes to repairs and maintenance.

The SRT itself costs up to $120,000, but basic repairs such as replacing the control arm start at roughly $5,000. This is because the car is quite rare, and servicing it must require quite a high markup to be profitable. It's definitely not for everyone. We only hope that if you get one of these, you knew exactly what you were getting yourself into.

Don't let the Honda CR-V's exterior mislead you. There is far more space in there than you would expect. This the ultimate adventure machine for everyone.

For a solid ride and excellent handling, and heaps of driver assistance tech, oh  and exceptional fuel economy the Honda CR-V is the full package for both the city or on and the open road.

The signature Swedish machine beautifully blends luxury and practicality, making it perfect for a wild adventure. Have a big family or a big group of people? The XC90 offers three rows of seating, and easily accommodates five passengers and their gear—or seven, in a squeeze.

There's also a 400-hp plug-in hybrid variant that allows for extra speed and efficiency without reducing practicality. That's all thanks to the lithium-ion battery.

If you want to hit those long stretchy roads in style, then this is the one. With three rows of seating, 400-horsepower from its turbocharged V6, and extremely comfy interiors, you might enjoy this one. It has all-wheel drive, and the standard rear-drive layout means this is a luxury cruiser that can tow.

Lincoln also provides a plug-in hybrid version that tops the range of Aviator models.

The charismatic V8 has an undeniable presence which is also incomparable. Seeing one of these on the road is bound to give you some serious whiplash! With its closest competitor being the Mustang, it’s definitely a tight race, but it certainly is one good looking car.

Back to the depreciation, it’s been recorded that the Camaro loses a stunning $8,000 per year on average! These days, however, you can pick up a good second hand for around the $15,000 mark – and this can go higher or lower depending on how you feel about mileage and condition.

Do you want to road trip in a classic car that was literally named after the famous French explorer? The car took its name from René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, who traveled across North America during the 17th century.

This was quite a beautiful car and was considered one of the more prestigious vehicles on the market at the time. The 1935 LaSalle featured a 5.3-liter monobloc V8 engine and sold around 32,000 units that year. Even today, the car looks fantastic, which is why it’s still being sold privately for tens of thousands of dollars.

Nissan has been advertising its Murano SUV as an affordable alternative to some of the more expensive ones on the market. It’s sleek, looks great, and drives excellently.

It's perfect to cruise long journies in total style. You can't really go wrong with a Nissan.