The Cars You Can Count On
Every road trip starts with one thing: trust in your car to carry everything that matters. It handles your playlists, your snacks, your quiet moments, and those seemingly never-ending stretches of highway. Some cars wear down as the miles roll on, but these keep going strong. Let’s take a look at the 20 most reliable cars you can always count on during a road trip.
1. Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 didn’t just climb the reliability charts; it camped there. Its 2.5L four-cylinder engine, paired with Toyota’s conservative tuning, means fewer surprises under the hood. With 69.8 cubic feet of cargo space and AWD availability, it quietly wins the road trip game.
2. Honda CR-V
Ask a mechanic what lasts past 200,000 miles, and this name pops up often. The CR-V balances a soft ride and an efficient drivetrain. Its turbocharged 1.5L engine has proven stable over the years, and Honda’s track record for build quality makes it road-trip gold.
3. Subaru Outback
Built for weather, ready for distance. The Outback’s standard symmetrical all-wheel drive is its headline act, but its ground clearance and soft suspension are what make it glide through diverse terrain. With high safety ratings and predictable Boxer engine performance, this wagon thrives far beyond the city limits.
4. Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 combines crisp handling with upscale interiors that punch above its segment. J.D. Power ranks it highly for dependability, and the 2.5L Skyactiv engine delivers consistent efficiency. Long hours behind the wheel feel shorter when comfort and precision share the spotlight.
5. Toyota Highlander
For families or gear-heavy travelers, the Highlander brings serious space without the bloat of a full-size SUV. Known for its 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, it balances durability and long-haul comfort. The car earns top spots in both Consumer Reports and owner satisfaction surveys.
6. Honda Accord
The Accord earns loyalty. It’s spacious and enduring. The current model’s turbocharged engine is built on a platform tested across continents, while older naturally aspirated models still clog used car lots in a good way. Moreover, quiet cabins and a predictable drive make it a sleeper pick.
7. Lexus RX
Luxury often compromises reliability, except here. The RX consistently ranks among the top in J.D. Power's and RepairPal’s long-term reliability studies. Its soft suspension and near-silent cabin create a calm highway presence. Add Toyota-sourced parts, and the RX becomes one of the most worry-free luxury vehicles for travelers.
8. Hyundai Santa Fe
Here’s a midsize SUV that went from underdog to class leader. Hyundai’s powertrain warranty leads the industry, but the Santa Fe also scores well in owner-reported dependability. The ride is tuned for comfort over corners, and recent models include highway assist features that genuinely reduce long-distance driver fatigue.
9. Kia Telluride
Resale values tell the story: people want this SUV for the long haul. The Telluride delivers a low NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) and a naturally aspirated 3.8L V6 that’s proven reliable. Built in Georgia, it’s earned top safety scores and rarely sees the inside of a shop.
10. Toyota Camry
Once considered basic, the Camry now quietly leads the midsize sedan pack. Its hybrid variant sips fuel like a compact while offering spacious comfort for four. Annual maintenance costs are among the lowest in its class, and it has Toyota’s reputation for drivetrain longevity.
11. Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross offers SUV versatility in a compact design that never feels cramped. It features Toyota’s dependable 2.0L four-cylinder engine for smooth, efficient driving. Built on the legendary Corolla sedan platform, it carries a legacy of long-standing reliability and trusted performance.
12. Mazda3 Hatchback
The Mazda3 Hatchback, known for its tight handling and cabin quality, rivals entry-level luxury brands, and it also scores high in reliability studies. Its 2.5L engine is low-stress and responsive. Add in quiet road manners and above-average safety ratings, and it's ready for any detour.
13. Nissan Rogue
What the Rogue lacks in flash, it makes up for with quiet confidence on the road. Its CVT has grown smoother over the years, making drives more comfortable. Families love the generous cargo space and fuel savings, especially on long trips where it simply blends in.
14. Lexus ES
This car is built on a Camry-derived platform but dresses it in leather and soundproofing. It consistently ranks at the top in Consumer Reports' reliability ratings. Its V6 or hybrid options offer smooth acceleration, while its suspension absorbs highway fatigue better than many in its class.
15. Honda Pilot
The Pilot straddles the line between minivan utility and SUV presence. It’s been a go-to for long road trips thanks to its roomy three-row layout and smooth V6. Honda’s engineering keeps maintenance costs lower than average, and its 5,000-pound towing capacity adds utility for weekend getaways or gear-heavy excursions.
U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Wikimedia
16. Honda Civic Hatchback
A staple of reliability, the Civic Hatchback adds cargo flexibility to a name already known for endurance. The 1.5L turbo engine delivers strong fuel economy without sacrificing drive feel. It’s the kind of car that handles city streets and everything in between without ever demanding much in return.
17. Subaru Forester
Built for uneven routes and unpredictable forecasts, the Forester shines when the pavement turns questionable. Standard all-wheel drive and impressive ground clearance don’t come at the cost of efficiency. Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist tech adds peace of mind, and maintenance records show this compact SUV tends to age gracefully.
18. Hyundai Palisade
Hyundai took its time crafting a true three-row competitor and nailed it. The Palisade feels premium and includes intuitive tech that makes long drives easier. Owners report few mechanical issues, and the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is a real confidence booster.
19. Acura MDX
The MDX offers sport-sedan agility with SUV practicality. Its SH-AWD system makes a difference in variable terrain, while the V6 engine remains a symbol of Honda-built resilience. Moreover, interior space and acoustic insulation make it ideal for long drives.
20. Buick Encore GX
This car is smaller than some but smartly designed. The Encore GX uses a fuel-efficient three-cylinder engine paired with a surprisingly roomy interior for its size. Buick’s recent reliability gains are reflected in this model’s low complaint volume. It’s a nimble, no-fuss travel partner that gets the job done.
