Follow Us: Google+
 
Bankrate.com

auto

5 best family road trip cars under $35,000

Pick the right car for a driving vacation
Next
1 of 6
Pick the right car for a driving vacation

An American institution, the successful family driving vacation has always relied on the ideal road-trip car.

In the iconic driving-vacation movie "National Lampoon's Vacation," Clark loads the entire Griswold family into a monstrosity called the Wagon Queen Family Truckster, resembling a cross between a "Mad Max" transport and a Pontiac Aztek. Things rapidly deteriorate from there.

Happily, today's road-trip planners have a far better selection of family cars, sports utility vehicles, minivans and crossover SUVs.

Basic requirements for an ideal road-trip car include good fuel economy, a roomy interior and an affordable price. Here are five vehicles that fulfill our core requirements and then some.

To appear on this list, a road-trip car must:

  • Retail for less than $35,000 (MSRP and delivery fees).
  • Achieve an Environmental Protection Agency-estimated 24 mpg or more on the highway.
  • Seat up to five passengers comfortably in front- and second-row seats.
  • Accommodate at least 30 cubic feet of cargo with its second-row seat in place.

Take your pick, pack a bag, load up the kids and hit the road.


 

 

advertisement

Show Bankrate's community sharing policy
            Connect with us
Compare Auto Rates
zip code:
product:



advertisement
Most Read
  1. No more Social Security at 62?
  2. What TV homes cost in real life
  3. Bruce Willis' house for sale
  4. 5 frugal ways to expand living space
  5. What it takes to remodel kitchen
  6. Naughty things credit card won't buy
  7. Danny Bonaduce's house for rent
  8. 12 'meanest' cars for the environment
  9. 10 ways to turn off a homebuyer
  10. Top 10 states for foreclosure
Auto Averages
Product Rate +/- Last week
48 month used car loan
2.70% 2.70%
48 month new car loan
2.58% 2.58%
36 month used car loan
2.76% 2.76%
36 month new car loan
2.47% 2.47%
View rates in your area:
 

A little research could save you BIG on interest.

Don't have time? Our rate-tracker tool saves you time and money. Delivered Thursdays.
 
advertisement
Partner Center
advertisement
Motorcycle deaths are on the rise and are now approaching an all-time high.

Advertising Disclosure: Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Bankrate may be compensated in exchange for featured placement of certain sponsored products and services, or your clicking on links posted on this website.