Cargo space
Look not only at volume but at shape: is it easy to load, is the liftover height awkward, do the seatbacks fold? If you carry a lot, consider whether you'll need a roof box.
Road-trip car
Choosing and buying: a road-trip car that fits your needs
A car for long trips is easier to choose if you first describe the trips honestly: how many people, how much gear, what kinds of roads and what time of year. That matters more than the flashy lines in a model's spec sheet.
A good road car is one you climb out of after half a day's drive without a sore back or a short temper, not the one that looks best in photos.
There are no makes or models here, we don't discuss cost, and we don't recommend where to buy. Below are questions that help you figure out whether a car suits your kind of trips.
What to look at first
Six qualities that matter more on a long drive than any list of options.
Fuel use and range
On a long trip it matters not just how much the car uses, but how far it goes on one fill-up or charge. The more range you have, the calmer you'll feel on sparsely populated stretches.
Seat comfort
Spend longer in the car than a short test drive allows. Lumbar support, seat height and steering wheel reach adjustments show their worth after a few hours on the road.
A quiet cabin
Wind and tire noise at speed quietly wear out the driver and passengers. If you drive a lot, listen to how calm the cabin is on a smooth road out of town.
Ground clearance
If your plans include dirt access roads, winter roads or mountain switchbacks, pay attention to ground clearance and the drive type. For long trips on good pavement it's not the main thing.
Room for kids
Check how easy it is to install child restraints and how the anchors fit them. On a long drive a child should be not only safe but also not cramped.
Your need and what to look for
| Need | What to look for | Don't forget |
|---|---|---|
| Two people traveling light | Front seat comfort, a quiet cabin, fuel use at road speeds | Even with little luggage, you need access to the spare |
| A family with kids | Rear seat, child restraint anchors, a roomy trunk | Space for food, water and things you'll need on the way |
| Lots of luggage and gear | Trunk shape, folding seatbacks, the option of a roof box | The allowed roof load is listed in the manual |
| Traveling with a pet | A flat cargo floor, room for a carrier, an easy-to-clean cabin | The carrier needs to be secured too, not just set down |
| Dirt and winter roads | Ground clearance, drive type, underbody protection | Tires suited to the season matter more than the drive type |
| Long stretches with no towns along the way | Range, reliability, comfort over long distances | Plan fill-ups ahead instead of waiting for the low-fuel light |
What to keep in the car on a long trip
- A first-aid kit; check that nothing in it has expired.
- A fire extinguisher in a mount that's easy to reach.
- A warning triangle on top, not under the suitcases.
- A tow strap and gloves.
- A flashlight with spare batteries or a charger.
- A reflective vest for everyone who might have to step out onto the shoulder.
- A supply of drinking water, plus warm clothes and a blanket depending on the season.
Read next
- The car
Tires, brakes, lights, cooling, A/C and driver-assist systems: which parts of the car work hardest on a drive that lasts many hours.
- Preparation
What to check yourself before a long drive and what to have a shop look at ahead of time: pressure, tread, fluids, lights, wipers and the spare.
- Safety
Fatigue, seat belts, cargo, kids, weather and night driving: the rules and habits that help you reach the end of the trip without incident.
Sources
- Russian traffic rules (official text)
- Your car's owner's manual (in general terms)
- Road safety materials (in general terms)
The Russian traffic rules are summarized from the official text in force when this page was prepared, and rules change from time to time. Cars differ too, so before a trip check the current version of the rules and your own car's owner's manual.