Curb To Coast From your curb to the coast

Road trip cars

These reviews are for anyone choosing a car with long drives in mind, whether you are buying new or deciding which vehicle in your driveway should take the trip. Each one judges the car on what matters over a full day behind the wheel: real highway fuel economy, miles between fill-ups, cargo space, comfort and noise, safety ratings and known issues. They are researched reviews built on official ratings, published tests and owner reports, not hands-on tests.

How the three compare

CarFuel economyPlanning range per tankBest forMain trade-off
Toyota RAV4 HybridUp to 44 mpg combined (EPA)About 450 to 500 miles at 70 to 75 mphPaved highway trips with a family and luggageMore road and wind noise than some rivals
Ford Maverick HybridAbout 31 to 34 mpg at interstate speeds (owner reports)About 430 to 470 milesCamping gear, coolers and bikes in an open bedFirm ride and limited rear legroom
Subaru Outback Wilderness23 mpg combined (EPA)About 350 to 400 milesGravel, forest-service roads and snowFuel cost and price

How to choose

If most of your miles are on pavement

The RAV4 Hybrid review covers the redesigned 2026 model, with close to 38 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and a range that rarely forces an unplanned fuel stop. It also explains why hybrid economy falls at a steady 75 to 80 mph, and what owners and testers say about the infotainment and cabin plastics.

If you haul gear or camp

The Maverick Hybrid road trip review explains why owners see 31 to 34 mpg at highway speeds rather than the EPA's 35 mpg highway rating, and how the 54-inch bed handles gear that would crowd an SUV. It is honest about the limits: the bed is short if you plan to sleep in it, and merging power is only adequate.

If you leave the pavement

The Outback Wilderness review covers the 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, low-ratio X-Mode and a roof rack rated for 800 pounds when parked. It is a capable gravel and snow car rather than a rock crawler, and the review notes that testers think the regular turbo Outback is enough for most people. It also covers owner reports on the CVT and towing.

Planning order

  1. Decide what your trips really look like: mostly interstate, gear-heavy, or unpaved roads. The national park and scenic drive guides show typical distances.
  2. Use the table to narrow the field on range and cargo, then read the full review for safety ratings and known issues.
  3. Check the infotainment against your phone with the CarPlay vs Android Auto guide.
  4. Before the first long drive, run through the pre-trip maintenance checklist and the recall lookup, even on a new car.
  5. Considering an EV instead? Start with the EV road trip guides.

All 3 guides in this series