Many car enthusiasts prefer road travel. But not all cars are able to provide passengers with comfort on the road and endure a long journey without problems. This means that only the rating of cars for travel and long trips will allow you to choose the optimal model and enjoy your vacation 100%.
Experts' Choice:
| Model | Price |
| 1. Mazda CX-5 | from 1.811 million rubles. |
| 2. Ford Explorer | from 2,610 ml. rub. |
| 3. Ford Grand C-MAX | from 1.073 million rubles. |
| 4. Jeep Wrangler | from 4.32 million rubles. |
| 5.Ford Galaxy | from 1.340 million rubles. |
Mini rating
The best car brands for long-distance travel in Russia and abroad
Americans and Europeans don’t even think about which car to choose for their trip. They have trailers and campers at their disposal. But Russians have to choose a vehicle completely differently - it must be a comfortable car to cover basic needs and at the same time long trips.
Traditionally, the following brands are considered the best in this segment:
- Subaru Outback;
- Toyota RAV 4;
- Suzuki SX4 S-Cross;
- Nissan X-Trai;
- Mazda CX-5;
- Skoda Kodiaq;
- Land Rover Discovery;
- Renault Duster;
- Subaru Crosstrek;
- Mitsubishi Outlander.
Important! You should not buy a car based only on an advanced and well-known brand. It is likely that he simply will not live up to expectations. It is advisable to first study all available ratings, reviews and, if possible, form your own opinion about the model through a test drive.
Which car to choose for travel: an SUV or a large four-wheel drive motorhome?
Citroen C4 Grand Picasso
Year of production: from 2006 to present
Cost : from 2.3 million rubles
In this French car, the third row of seats is hidden in the trunk under the floor. But it can be removed and installed in just a couple of movements. Once installed, there is not much legroom left, so these two chairs are more suitable for children. Manufacturers pay special attention to improved visibility, which is achieved through a huge windshield and transparent side inserts in front of the front doors. The person driving this minivan feels more confident on the road than other road users. But safety is the most important thing, especially on a long journey.
Selection of a car by country of origin
Selecting a car
Not all manufacturers produce long-distance cars. That’s why it’s so important to choose a car that meets all the requirements of road trips. And here it is worth paying attention to:
- Nissan . The manufacturer traditionally equips its cars with a rigid and elastic suspension that can easily cope with any off-road conditions. Vehicles of this brand are roomy and quite comfortable not only for the driver, but also for passengers.
- Mazda. The automobile concern pays close attention to suspension adjustment. Thanks to this, the cars hold the road well and move confidently over rough terrain. The manufacturer also cares about the safety of customers and equips cars with modern multi-level systems.
- Ford. The workhorses of this manufacturer will withstand almost anything. Their special advantages are practicality and a large number of additional options that make travel enjoyable.
- Toyota . The time-tested concern produces excellent vehicles suitable for long trips. They are spacious and very economical.
- Subaru . This manufacturer has models for road trips. Most often, they have a spacious trunk and a fuel-saving system, which is extremely important when traveling long distances.
Nissan X-Trail II
X-Trail is an excellent choice for those who prefer difficult travel. And although it is officially called a crossover, the X-Trail's suspension behaves like an off-road one. By car you can safely drive into forests and travel between settlements not connected by a highway.
For an average of 854 thousand rubles, you will get a reliable car that can accommodate four people and all their luggage. And if you go on a trip together, you can also sleep in the back row. Nissan also included a folding armrest and a hatch from the trunk into the cabin to accommodate long luggage.
It's comfortable behind the wheel. The hood is completely visible from behind the steering wheel, just like in heavy-duty vehicles. This instills confidence in the driver and helps maneuver on tight roads.
The diesel model consumes almost no fuel at all: a 60-liter tank is enough for almost 1000 km on the highway. But unlike the first two cars, the X-Trail does not boast of good noise. The backs of the rear seats creak, while driving you can hear the wheel arches and the hum of the variator.
Used X-Trails, as Autocode statistics show, generally have few problems. The most common is a traffic accident. Every fifth X-Trail was involved in an accident, and every sixth had their mileage reduced. Every third car is offered without any problems.
Also read: Cars with the most spacious trunk
Criteria for choosing a car for frequent travel and long trips
Criteria for choosing a car
The ideal car for traveling with a family or alone is different for everyone. But still, experienced motorists recommend paying attention to a basic set of parameters:
- Comfort for the driver . Often, the driver has a harder time on the road than others - he must not only sit motionless for 8-10 hours, but also not lose concentration. Therefore, choose a comfortable seat with a wide range of adjustments and options. It is important that the driver has all the necessary items at hand. This means focusing on well-thought-out interior design and equipment.
- Engine power . If you plan to travel not on a straight road, it is better to purchase a car with a powerful engine. It will make it easier to climb uphill, overtake and maneuver.
- Economical . A long journey means high fuel costs. Therefore, travelers are interested in saving money. Choose a vehicle with gasoline consumption of no more than 10 liters per 100 kilometers.
- Clearance . The higher it is, the more passable the car is. And if on the highway this advantage is not so noticeable, then only cars with high ground clearance will conquer off-road.
- Safety . Do not neglect this important indicator. Choose a vehicle with the maximum safety package. But if this is not possible, then stick to the basic set: airbags, ABS and ESP systems.
- Trunk . Even those who do not plan to take a lot of things on a trip need a spacious trunk - they often buy something along the way. And for family travelers this criterion becomes a priority. Ideally, the volume should be such that after loading all the things there will be free space left.
Important! The ideal traveler's car has a recorder and a navigator. It would be imprudent to leave the city without them. Vehicle diagnostics will also be a mandatory preparatory step. It will give the driver confidence that the car will not let you down on the road.
Skoda Octavia
Currently, the 4th generation of this Czech car is being produced.
If you choose the most reliable passenger cars suitable for travel, then in terms of reliability, the Octavia can give many a head start. Do not forget that Skoda is part of the VAG concern, and therefore many elements are borrowed from Volkswagen.
The current generation will be released in 2022. The car is available in liftback and station wagon body styles. Moreover, in terms of trunk volume, these are one of the best cars in their class. Plus, starting in 2022, the Octavia Scout version is being produced, which is perfect for traveling on roads that are not of the best quality.
The choice of motors is huge. These are gasoline internal combustion engines with a volume of 1.0 to 2.0 liters per 110-204 liters. With. But the 2.0-liter diesel engines are even more attractive. Their power varies from 116 to 200 hp. With.
Best World Tour Car
It's not easy to prepare for a world tour. It is important to choose a comfortable, economical and simple car that will not cause unpleasant surprises along the way.
Volkswagen Multivan California
Volkswagen Multivan California
A car with everything you need for life on the road, including a sleeping place, is almost a complete home. It is perfectly equipped and will not require any modification.
Specifications:
- four-wheel drive;
- automatic transmission;
- adjustable suspension stiffness;
- reinforced design;
- sports settings.
Advantages and disadvantages
full kitchen
cabinets and socket
possibility to raise the roof
several seat transformation options.
very high cost (about 75,000 euros)
Fleetwood Pace Arrow
Year of manufacture: 1978
Cost: from 22 million rubles
American motorhome from Robert Rodriguez's film From Dusk Till Dawn. Depending on the configuration, the motorhome has from 4 to 8 sleeping places. Living room, kitchen, dining room, toilet and shower. Air conditioning, TV, microwave, washing machine and dishwasher, tanks for drinking water and garbage. Fleetwood was founded in 1951 by engineer John S. Crean. He worked for the company for 47 years and personally designed most of the motorhomes. Including the Fleetwood Pace Arrow, and the 1986 Fleetwood Bounder, which broke all sales records, driven by the heroes of the TV series Breaking Bad.
The best Russian car for long trips
Russian cars can be an excellent option for traveling. They are especially relevant in areas where good roads are very rare.
UAZ Patriot
Russian SUV UAZ Patriot The
Russian SUV is simple and reliable. It has high cross-country ability and does not require special care.
Technical specifications:
- ground clearance 21 cm;
- trunk 650 l;
- injector;
- 2.7 liter engine;
- Mechanics.
Advantages and disadvantages
optimal consumption – 10 l per 100 km
maximum acceleration up to 150 km
good suspension
The five-speed gearbox is noticeably lacking on the highway.
Novosibirsk
Route 1.
2 days. Novosibirsk - Kemerovo - Novosibirsk.
Topic: Industrial city of Kemerovo: coal, mines, steam locomotives.
Route 2.
6 days. Novosibirsk - Barnaul - Biysk - Altai.
Topic: To Altai!
Along the way you will meet famous personalities from Altai, and as a result - the Altai region with good hotels, natural complexes and even a casino.
By driving along these routes, specially developed by Hyundai, you can simply enjoy the life of a traveler, and you can also complete additional easy tasks and receive gifts from Hyundai. The latest additional information about participation in competitions, prizes and details about each specific route can be obtained on the website mir.hyundai.ru.
The best American cars for long-distance travel
“Americans” are very interesting to Russian buyers. They are practical, stable and roomy. Therefore, they are often considered as the optimal car for long trips.
Jeep Wrangler
A powerful variant of the Jeep Wrangler
A powerful variant with one of the highest cross-country ability among competitors. The car is characterized by a memorable design and bright colors.
Technical specifications:
- 2 liter engine;
- machine;
- four-wheel drive;
- class EURO-6;
- Gasoline consumption reaches 12 liters in the city.
Advantages and disadvantages
increased stability
reliable braking system
good optics
small trunk (just over 100 l)
Ford Galaxy
Ford Galaxy Car
The car is suitable for a large family, but it is preferable to use it when traveling short distances. It has a spacious interior and an extensive range of adjustments.
Performance indicators:
- diesel engine;
- acceleration to hundreds in 10 s;
- front-wheel drive;
- Mechanics;
- 1.9 cm3 motor.
Advantages and disadvantages
a roof with a panoramic view
fully folding rear seats
torquey engine
maneuverability
the vehicle's tendency to unexpected minor breakdowns.
Land Rover Defender
Land Rover Defender car
Fans of extreme tourism will definitely appreciate the car's cross-country ability, spaciousness and brutality.
Specifications:
- fuel consumption is about 8 liters;
- 1.9 liter engine;
- automatic transmission;
- maximum trunk volume 1500 l;
- ground clearance 22.6 cm.
Advantages and disadvantages
Possibility to stow some luggage on the roof
spacious salon
capricious air suspension
minimum level of comfort
Budget
Citroen Grand C4 Picasso
pros
- economical fuel consumption
- inexpensive service
- good sound insulation
- spacious salon
Minuses
- low ground clearance
From 425,000 ₽
An excellent family car for both daily trips and travel. Compared to the previous model of this series, the car has an increased trunk volume, which allows you to transport not only bags or suitcases with things, but also a couple of folding bicycles or a baby stroller. Thanks to the successful suspension design, rides on this model are soft and comfortable.
Renault Dokker
pros
- nice design
- high ground clearance
- powerful engine
- large trunk volume
Minuses
- poor sound insulation
- problem fuel system
From 525,000 ₽
The model successfully combines comfort and capacity, which makes it popular among family cars. The interior design is thought out to the smallest detail - there is a large glove compartment, side niches in the front doors, cup holders, various pockets for storing things, which allows you to free up space. By folding the rear row seats, you can triple the trunk volume – up to 3000 liters.
KIA Soul
The compact and at the same time roomy crossover copes well with city highways and short country trips. It is presented in a double version:
- with a gasoline engine;
- with diesel.
The vehicle handles well and can accommodate 5 people. The advantages of the model include:
- high level of security;
- 5 year manufacturer's warranty;
- trunk 354 liters;
- extensive equipment in the basic version.
The disadvantages of cars often include:
- complexity of repair work;
- periodic shortages of spare parts;
- rapid failure of electronics.
Overall, the SOUL is classified as a quality family car with a striking design and a large boot.
The cost of a used car on Avito: 668,000 rubles. (2013 with mileage 80 thousand km.)
New car price: 1,085,000 rubles
KIA Ceed SW
The optimal price-quality ratio makes this model one of the most popular on the market. The station wagon is designed to accommodate 5 people and can withstand long trips perfectly. Of course, in terms of capacity it is inferior to cars with a third folding row of seats. But this drawback is more than offset by numerous advantages:
- sedan dimensions;
- special restraints for children;
- separate climate control;
- several types of configurations;
- a roof with a panoramic view;
- electric sunroof.
A spacious trunk with a volume of more than 500 liters allows you to transport cargo even with a full passenger load.
The cost of a used car on Avito: RUB 830,000. (2010 with mileage 85 thousand km.)
New car price: 1,600,000 rubles
Lada Largus
The Russian auto industry is increasingly appearing on lists of the best family cars. Therefore, inclusion in the LADA LARGUS rating is quite natural, because it is practical and affordable. The station wagon also stands out for its interesting design and modern engineering solutions.
The list of advantages includes the following characteristics:
- trunk volume 560 liters;
- removable seats;
- front-wheel drive;
- 1.6 l engine;
- low consumption - 8 liters;
- wide range of equipment.
The manufacturer produces LADA in 2 variations - a seven-seater and a five-seater. Both modifications are in great demand.
It should also be noted that the availability of spare parts in any local store immediately brings the vehicle to a leading position, bypassing foreign models.
The main disadvantages of LARGUS:
- weak electronics;
- sound insulation;
- excessive rigidity;
- lack of comfort.
Overall the model is very worthy.
The cost of a used car on Avito: 450,000 rubles. (2014 with mileage 70 thousand km.)
New car price: 736,000 rubles
Reliable European cars for long trips
European concerns produce functional cars with a high margin of safety. Therefore, many models are well suited for long-distance family trips.
Volvo XC90
Luxurious Volvo XC90
Almost a real expedition luxury car, combining reliability and comfort. The SUV is able to accommodate a large family, and it also has the following characteristics:
- two-liter engine;
- range of engines (gasoline, hybrid, diesel);
- machine;
- 8 gears;
- consumption up to 7 liters of fuel.
Advantages and disadvantages
increased level of security
rich equipment in all trim levels
high ground clearance – 25 cm
The trunk volume leaves much to be desired - 300 liters is not always enough for long trips.
VW T5 Colorado
VW T5 Colorado camper
If a full-fledged campervan for comfortable travel is not affordable, then you can consider this German-made camper.
Technical specifications:
- diesel;
- two-liter engine;
- ground clearance 19 cm;
- fuel consumption up to 10 liters.
Advantages and disadvantages
availability of kitchen
two full beds
folding front seats
high price
Rating representatives
Before presenting the rating itself among cars for travel, it would be a good idea to take a look at the car brands that are ready to offer optimal solutions for such purposes.
Representatives of the following companies made it into the top 10:
Mercedes.
- Volkswagen.
- Toyota.
- Hyundai.
- Ford.
- Kia.
- Citroen.
- Skoda
Now it’s worth going through each of the 10 cars separately. This will greatly help you make a decision and may even help you choose a car that will become a reliable assistant for you while traveling.
The best expedition vehicles
Such models are specially designed for long trips. Impressive maneuverability, additional lighting, a special modification of the trunk - everything helps to ensure that the driver and passengers feel comfortable.
Bliss Mobil Expedition Vehicle
Bliss Mobil Expedition Vehicle
The most remote corners of the planet are no problem for this vehicle. It looks angular, but at the same time it is very comfortable and functional. At its core, the model is a residential unit, manufactured to order and installed on a cargo base chosen by the client.
Operational features:
- a complete integrated system;
- four-wheel drive.
Advantages and disadvantages
unprecedented maneuverability
complete living space
increased security
No
Iveco Daily 4×4 Bimobil EX
ICommercial truck veco Daily 4×4 Bimobil EX
Commercial truck, which is purchased by both organizations and individuals. It provides a comfortable existence even in corners where nothing has been heard of civilization.
Technical features:
- fuel tank 60 l;
- two axes;
- 132kW engine (180hp, Euro 6).
Advantages and disadvantages
Possibility to make custom modifications
high ground clearance;
two full beds
functional living space
side differential lock
the price of the model is very high for the average buyer
FTS 800 Expedition Vehicle
An interesting option FTS 800 Expedition Vehicle
An interesting option from a Japanese manufacturer, based on Isuzu. It has increased cross-country ability and an extended wheelbase.
Performance indicators:
- four-wheel drive;
- 239-horsepower V6 engine;
- retuned suspension.
Advantages and disadvantages
compact and functional living space
availability of a bathroom
maneuverability
Behaves unsteadily off-road
SportsMobile Classic 4x4
Traditional design SportsMobile Classic 4×4
The traditional design of the camper comes from its base - the GMC Vandura minivan. But the developers provided it with a higher ground clearance and took care of the streamlining of the body.
Technical parameters:
- 6 liter engine;
- V10;
- four-wheel drive;
- five-speed gearbox.
Advantages and disadvantages
elastic suspension
high safety factor
functional space
No
EarthRoamer XC-LTS
Brutal EarthRoamer XC-LTS
An aggressive and brutal car designed for off-road and trails of any complexity.
Technical indicators:
- turbodiesel;
- air suspension;
- solar panels;
- four-wheel drive.
Advantages and disadvantages
Ford F-550 base
spacious living space
spacious double bed
complex on-board electronics
the car has increased fuel consumption
Volkswagen California
Year of production: from 2015 to present
Cost: from 4.3 million rubles
A modern interpretation of the legendary T1/T2 series. At the same time, from the outside, the Volkswagen California does not look at all like a multifunctional motorhome. It looks more like a small minibus. But inside it is a full-fledged camper with two comfortable bedrooms for four people, a kitchen, a dining room, numerous drawers, shelves and chests, folding picnic furniture and a veranda under an awning. If desired, the car can be equipped with a “smart home” system, which will help check the level of clean water on board and the charge of the batteries, set an alarm for the desired time, program the parking heater or refrigerator.
Roomy minivans
Minivans are roomy, dynamic and comfortable for passengers. Therefore, families often choose the following models for travel.
Toyota Sienna
Powerful car Toyota Sienna
A powerful and neat car with a high-quality interior. The manufacturer has equipped the model with an innovative security system.
Operating parameters:
- maximum trunk volume 2400 l;
- four-wheel drive;
- three-liter engine;
- machine.
Advantages and disadvantages
powerful filling
informative dashboard
controllability
rigid suspension.
Citroen Jumpy Multispace
Roomy Citroen Jumpy Multispace
A very roomy option with a spacious and functional interior. The car behaves confidently on the roads and does not require additional investments.
Technical features:
- front/all-wheel drive;
- two-liter engine;
- automatic/mechanical;
- ground clearance 20 cm.
Advantages and disadvantages
maneuverability
extensive settings
good visibility in the mirrors
poor sound insulation
Ford Galaxy
Ford Galaxy Car
The car is suitable for a large family, but it is preferable to use it for short trips. It has a spacious interior and an extensive range of adjustments.
Performance indicators:
- diesel engine;
- acceleration to hundreds in 10 s;
- front-wheel drive;
- Mechanics;
- 1.9 cm3 motor.
Advantages and disadvantages
a roof with a panoramic view
fully folding rear seats
torquey engine
maneuverability
the vehicle's tendency to unexpected minor breakdowns.
Ford Tourneo Connect
The model may not be the newest, but in terms of travel this car is one of the clear favorites. The car is in high demand.
A good choice if you are looking for an inexpensive but practical, reliable and spacious minibus. There is a wealth of equipment here. And even in the basic configuration.
The drive will be rear-wheel drive. But a powerful and economical engine. The optimal combination for travel. Buying a minibus from Ford will not hit your wallet too hard. In addition, you can always look for options on the secondary market.
Vans for long trips and holidays
For outdoor recreation away from cities, vans are better than other options.
Vepr Next
Van Vepr Next
The original and aggressive design of the Russian van immediately attracts attention to it - the unified cabin is complemented by an all-metal van with brutal elements.
Technical parameters:
- ground clearance 31 cm;
- engine capacity 4.4 l;
- Mechanics;
- five-speed transmission.
Advantages and disadvantages
good ergonomics
no problems with spare parts
car comfort
sluggishness at speeds above 80 km/h
Motorhome Carado A 464
Carado A 464
An excellent option for a group of travelers of 6 people. Its basis is the Ford Transit frame chassis.
Basic parameters:
- 2.4 l engine;
- Mechanics;
- front-wheel drive.
Advantages and disadvantages
largest trunk in the segment
full shower and several sleeping places
galvanized frame.
spacious toilet with independent extractor
The fuel consumption of the vehicle is very high
Fiat Ducato Crystal Winner
High-quality Fiat Ducato Cristall Winner
High-quality and easy-to-drive van. The manufacturer offers a wide selection of colors and several configurations.
Technical parameters:
- diesel engine;
- 2.2 liter engine;
- Mechanics;
- EURO V standard;
- front-wheel drive.
Advantages and disadvantages
well tuned suspension
flexible adjustment of the driver's seat.
slow response of the box
Adria Matrix 670SP
Motorhome Adria Matrix 670SP
A full-fledged motorhome is often used when traveling around Europe. It has thoughtful living space and good equipment.
Technical features:
- engines 2.3 and 3 l;
- manual/automatic;
- front-wheel drive;
- multi-control.
Advantages and disadvantages
five sleeping places;
reinforced tires
well-equipped residential module
high taxes
high price
Kia Sorento
Another comfortable car from South Korea. But this time from Kia. And this is a mid-size crossover. Although some consider it a full-size SUV. Just right for travel.
The car is quite inexpensive. The car is extremely popular in Russia. The previous generation was even deliberately continued to be produced in the Russian Federation, despite the appearance of the next generation.
The crossover is available with petrol and diesel engines. These are 2.4 and 2.2 liter engines with 174 and 197 horsepower, respectively. It is recommended to give preference to diesel.
You shouldn't expect luxury inside the cabin. Everything is practical and universal. The materials are of good quality, so the driver and his passengers will not experience discomfort. Everything you might need while traveling around Russia is here. Possibly the best car for the money. It makes it possible not only to travel, but also to commute to work, conquer off-road terrain, etc.
The 530-liter trunk will be a pleasant bonus, which will help on your travels. The ground clearance is small, only 185 mm. But for most cases this is enough.
Crossovers
Recently, the segment of crossovers - subcompact, compact, mid-size and full-size - has been in increasing demand. These cars, with high ground clearance and all-wheel drive, handle like a regular car and make you feel very comfortable on the road. In addition, they also have enough space, so for a small family this is probably a good option.
Most crossovers come with an automatic transmission, which makes it easy for even novice drivers to drive this car. These large cars allow you to overtake more confidently, and thanks to their length, they stay on the track better.
Crossovers
Another good option if you are looking for the optimal balance between cross-country ability and comfort.
Audi Q7
This premium vehicle needs no introduction. It pleases its owners with excellent engine performance, an excellent automatic gearbox, and a moderately soft suspension, thanks to which small irregularities are not felt at all. This car costs from 3.75 million.
There is no point in talking about various options - a car of this class has everything you need and even more. Cruise control, assistants, lateral movement control - these are only part of the capabilities and equipment of the car.
If we talk about safety, then neither the driver nor the passengers need to worry. It is convenient to drive such a vehicle even in traffic jams.
Each reissue of the model only confirms that this vehicle is an example of what a good travel car should be.
Hyundai Creta
Probably the best budget crossover for travel. The cost of a model with a six-speed automatic transmission is 949 thousand. It was the gearbox with suspension that allowed the car to get ahead of its main competitors on our list - KIA Soul and Renault Captur.
In addition, we are also pleased with quite comfortable seats and a large selection of options (climate control, on-board computer, ABS, airbags, and so on). The car also has good handling, regardless of the type of road surface.
On the other hand, this shortcoming is compensated by the fact that the car works perfectly even on AI-92. And the fuel consumption of the vehicle is quite economical.
Khanty-Mansiysk
Route: from Surgut to Khanty-Mansiysk
Duration: 3–5 days
Season: winter, which lasts from October to April
Why go You will visit the Khanty camp in the Agan region of Ugra, the Khvoyny Urman ski resort, the winter sports center named after A.V. Filipenko, where the Biathlon World Cup stages are held, and take a photo with the mammoth monument - in general, you will find entertainment for every taste. The road from Surgut to Khanty-Mansiysk will give a head start to many highways near Moscow. True, sometimes there is only one lane in each direction - be careful with overtaking, there are unclear markings and signs, and there are often law enforcement officers.
Car A passenger car can handle such a road. We had a Mazda 6, which started easily even at -30ºС.
Tips As everywhere in snowy regions, you need to be very careful on the side of the road - a strong snow crust can be deceiving
In addition to the snow, it is important to remember about the short daylight hours - the north does not like couch potatoes, so it is better to set off early in order to cover the main distance before dark. By the way, in order to start calmly in the morning, it is better to make sure in advance that your car can do this in deep sub-zero temperatures
