Planning a road trip means preparing for every kind of driving condition, from smooth coastal highways and regional country roads to rugged gravel tracks far from major towns. If you’re looking to change up your garage soon with plenty of road trips in mind, you’re probably looking for the best road trip cars on sale in Australia today, and rightfully so. The right vehicle can transform the experience, making long hours behind the wheel more comfortable, safer and easier, while providing enough space for passengers, luggage, camping gear and everything in between.
The Australian market is full of great options, from large SUVs and 4WDs to capable utes and comfy sedans. To help narrow things down, we’ve picked ten of the best cars for road trips based on what people and experts have said, available today and highlighted what makes each one well-suited to long-distance adventures.
Nissan Pathfinder
The Nissan Pathfinder is an excellent choice for road trips, offering a blend of space, comfort and towing capability. With seating for up to eight, it’s ideal for larger groups, and the flexible interior layout makes packing bulky luggage, sports gear or camping equipment far easier. The V6 petrol engine provides smooth highway performance, while the available all-wheel-drive system offers confidence on gravel tracks or wet rural roads.
Inside, supportive seats and a quiet cabin help reduce fatigue over long days behind the wheel. Tech features such as a smooth touchscreen infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay, multiple USB ports, and rear climate controls keep passengers entertained and comfortable. With its strong towing ability, which is perfect for caravans, boats or trailers, the Nissan Pathfinder is built to support big adventures.
| Specifications | Nissan Pathfinder |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 Petrol |
| Power (Combined) | 202kW |
| Torque | 340Nm |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD/ 4WD |
| Fuel Economy (Claimed) | 10.0-10.5L/100km |
| Seating Capacity | 7/8 |
| Boot Space | 782L (Second & third-row folded)554L (Third-row folded) |
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
The Toyota LandCruiser Prado remains one of Australia’s best cars for road trips with the crew, thanks to its exceptional reliability, long-distance comfort and genuine off-road capability. The Prado is built for long highway stretches and rough outback tracks, with a smooth diesel engine that delivers strong torque for towing caravans and tackling hills.
Its spacious cabin suits families and travellers carrying plenty of gear, while the large fuel tank enables an impressive touring range, which is ideal when petrol stations are few and far between. Inside, supportive seats, a quiet ride and excellent visibility make full-day driving comfortable. The Prado’s suspension is tuned to handle corrugations and unsealed roads without fuss, making it perfect for remote adventures such as the Gibb River Road or Red Centre touring. If durability and versatility are the top priorities, the Prado is a dependable companion.
| Specifications | Toyota LandCruiser Prado |
| Engine | 2.4L Turbo diesel- mild hybrid |
| Power | 150kW |
| Torque | 500Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4WD |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 7.6L/100km |
| Seating Capacity | 5/7 |
| Boot Space | 1895 (Second-row folded)954L |
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade isn’t exactly a top seller with its steep price tag but this full-size SUV makes its way onto the list of best road trips cars for its exceptional comfort, refinement and space for families and groups. With seating for seven or eight, its roomy cabin offers generous legroom in all three rows, and wide-opening doors make entry easy—especially helpful for kids or older passengers. Plush seating, quiet highway manners and plenty of interior storage add to the relaxed touring experience.
The Palisade’s smooth V6 petrol engine or diesel option provides effortless cruising ability, and the available all-wheel drive system helps when exploring light off-road tracks or slippery surfaces. With multiple USB ports, tri-zone climate control and an intuitive infotainment system, passengers stay comfortable and entertained. Ample boot space and clever folding seats mean there’s room for everything from camping setups to suitcases.
| Specifications | Hyundai Palisade |
| Engine | 3.8L Petrol / 2.2L Turbo-petrol |
| Power | 110-146kW |
| Torque | 180-265Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic (1.6L) |
| Drivetrain | FWD (3.8L)AWD (2.2L) |
| Fuel Economy | 10.7L/100km (petrol)7.3L/100km (diesel) |
| Seating Capacity | 7/8 |
| Boot Space | 704L (Third-row folded)311L |
Kia Carnival
The Kia Carnival is widely regarded as one of the best road trip cars for families, thanks to its unmatched interior space, comfort and practicality. With true seating for eight adults, sliding doors for easy access and a huge boot, the Carnival handles everything from prams and portable fridges to multiple suitcases. On long journeys, the car-like driving position, quiet cabin and smooth V6 petrol engine make highway travel relaxing and stress-free. Even the diesel powertrain makes for a good highway cruiser with its ample torque, but if you’re looking for frugality, the hybrid is the one you want. Since the MPV isn’t is as tall as a similarly spacious SUV, it has better driving dynamics too!
Rear-seat passengers benefit from ample room to stretch out and large windows for improved visibility, helping to reduce travel fatigue. Features like rear climate control, USB ports in all rows and flexible seat configurations make it ideal for long-distance touring. While it’s not built for serious off-roading, the Carnival excels on sealed highways and regional roads where comfort matters most.
| Specifications | Kia Carnival |
| Engine | 3.5L Petrol /2.2L Diesel /1.6L Petrol-hybrid |
| Power | 216/148/183kW |
| Torque | 355/440/367Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic (petrol & diesel) 6-speed automatic (hybrid) |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | 9.6L/100km (petrol)6.5L/100km(diesel)5.8L/100km(hybrid) |
| Seating Capacity | 7/ 8/ 9 |
| Boot Space | 2,827L 627L (Third-row folded) |
Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger is a top pick car for a road trip for those who love adventure, thanks to its rugged capability and impressive practicality. With strong towing performance, the Ranger is ideal for hauling caravans, camper trailers, boats or off-road toys, making it a popular choice among touring families. Its tough diesel engine offers excellent fuel efficiency and long-range ability across remote routes.
Inside, the cabin is well-equipped and more comfortable than older utes, featuring supportive seats, modern infotainment and plenty of safety features. The Ranger’s high ground clearance and selectable four-wheel drive make it suitable for exploring beaches, national parks and rough tracks that most SUVs can’t reach. With a versatile tray for storing camping gear, swags or bikes, the Ranger is built for long journeys where capability and practicality are priorities.
| Specifications | Ford Ranger |
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo-diesel /3.0L V6 Diesel |
| Power | 154/ 184kW |
| Torque | 500/ 600Nm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4WD |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 6.8-7.3L/100km |
| Seats | 5 |
| Boot Space | 1,233L |
Toyota Camry
While it’s not a rugged SUV or 4WD, the Toyota Camry remains one of the most comfortable cars for long road trips across Australia. The excellent fuel economy, is perfect for travellers who want to cover long distances with minimal fuel stops. The cabin is spacious and well-appointed, offering generous rear-seat legroom and a quiet highway ride that helps reduce fatigue. The Camry is certainly not one to offer a sporty driving feel, but there is no denying the inherent dynamic advantages of a sedan over SUVs and utes.
Supportive seating, smooth suspension tuning and a calm driving experience make the Camry enjoyable for extended drives on major highways. There’s also enough boot space to fit multiple suitcases or camping gear effortlessly. Strong reliability, low running costs and wide service network coverage across regional Australia provide confidence when travelling far from major cities. For road-trippers prioritizing comfort and economy, the Camry is hard to beat.
| Specifications | Toyota Camry |
| Engine | 2.5L Petrol-hybrid |
| Power (Combined) | 170kW |
| Torque | 221Nm |
| Transmission | Continuously-variable automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | 4.0L/100km |
| Seats | 5 |
| Boot Space | 524L |
Volkswagen ID.Buzz
While there are better EVs for road trips with a lot more range, none is more purpose-built for family road trips than the reborn VW camper van – the Volkswagen ID. Buzz. It brings a fresh and futuristic option to road-trip travel, combining electric efficiency with the practicality of a modern people mover. Its spacious, lounge-like interior offers excellent headroom and legroom, making it ideal for families or groups seeking comfort on long journeys. The large boot provides plenty of space for luggage, camping gear and outdoor equipment, and the flat floor design maximizes flexibility.
As an electric vehicle, the ID. Buzz delivers quiet and smooth driving, perfect for reducing fatigue on extended trips. Instant torque makes merging and overtaking effortless, and fast-charging capability allows for quick top-ups at growing public charging networks across Australia. With clever tech, sustainable materials and strong visibility, the ID. Buzz offers a modern and enjoyable way to tour iconic destinations with minimal environmental impact.
| Specifications | Volkswagen ID. Buzz |
| Battery Capacity | 79kWh/86kWh |
| Power | 210kW |
| Torque | 550-560Nm |
| Transmission | Single-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD/AWD |
| Range (WLTP) | 422-533km |
| DC Charging Time/ Rate | 0-80% in 26 min (185kW) |
| Seats | 5/7 |
| Boot Space | 2469L (All-rear seats folded)1340L (Third-row folded) |
Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is another standout electric option for road trips in Australia, offering impressive range, fast-charging capability and a uniquely spacious interior. This gets picked over the Tesla Model Y for its characterful design and engaging driving experience. Its modern cabin feels open and relaxing, featuring sliding seats and a flat floor that provide flexible space for passengers or bulky travel items. The extended-range battery options support long-distance travel with confidence, while ultra-rapid charging can deliver major battery replenishment in a short break, perfect for highway touring.
The Ioniq 5’s quiet cabin, smooth ride and advanced driver-assist systems help reduce fatigue on big travel days. There’s also plenty of tech to keep passengers connected and entertained. With generous boot capacity and additional front storage, it’s practical too. For road-trippers seeking to embrace electric travel without sacrificing comfort, the Ioniq 5 is an excellent fit.
| Specifications | Hyundai Ioniq 5 |
| Battery Capacity | 63kWh/84kWh |
| Power | 125-239kW |
| Torque | 350-605Nm |
| Transmission | Single-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD/AWD |
| Range (WLTP) | 440-570km |
| DC Charging Time/ Rate | 10-80% in 57 minutes (50kW)10-80% in 18 min (350kW) |
| Seats | 5/7 |
| Boot Space | 2469L (All-rear seats folded)1340L (Third-row folded) |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
If you’ve got the budget for a more premium road trip cruiser, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class delivers luxurious comfort, refined driving experience and advanced safety technology. Known for exceptional ride quality, the E-Class makes long hours behind the wheel feel effortless, thanks to comfortable seats and excellent noise insulation that keeps the cabin calm on busy highways. That’s what places the world’s favourite Mercedes in this list of the best road trip cars in the country.
A large boot and spacious rear seating make it practical for couples or small families travelling with luggage. Strong engine options deliver smooth performance and efficient cruising, while driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance help reduce fatigue. The infotainment system and premium sound add to the sense of comfort and enjoyment on extended trips. For travellers who value a premium touring experience, the E-Class delivers outstanding road-trip refinement.
| Specifications | Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo petrol-hybrid |
| Power | 150kW |
| Torque | 320Nm |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Fuel Economy | 7.2/100km |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Boot Space | 540L |
Mazda MX-5
If your road trip is more about driving fun and less about cruising in comfort or taking the family along, you can choose from quite a few sports coupes but it’s hard to go wrong with the most value-for-money package. The Mazda MX-5 is the ideal choice for a road trip car seeking driving enjoyment above all else. Light, agile and engaging, the MX-5 turns every winding coastal or mountain road into an adventure, making it ideal for weekends away or shorter touring routes. The convertible roof adds an open-air experience that few cars can match, perfect for exploring scenic destinations like the Great Ocean Road or Tasmania’s twisty highways. That “lack” of power is what makes this a great pick because you can enjoy pushing this car without hitting scary speeds and get the most out of the car, more of the time.
Despite its compact size, the MX-5 offers supportive, comfortable seating with a surprisingly refined ride for long journeys. While boot space is limited, it’s more than enough for two travellers packing light. The MX-5’s excellent fuel efficiency and reliability help keep running costs down. For those who want joy, simplicity and pure driving pleasure, the MX-5 stands out as a memorable road-trip choice.
| Specifications | Mazda MX-5 |
| Engine | 2.0L Petrol |
| Power | 135kW |
| Torque | 205Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual/ automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Fuel Economy | 6.8-7.0L (manual)6.9-7.2L/100km (automatic) |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
| Boot Space | 130L |
Which road trip car is right for you?
Choosing the best car for a road trip really comes down to what kind of travel you’re planning. If you’re touring remote parts of the country or towing a caravan, rugged and dependable 4WDs like the Toyota LandCruiser Prado or Ford Ranger are built to handle Australia’s toughest conditions.
For big families seeking space and everyday comfort, vehicles like the Kia Carnival, Hyundai Palisade, and Nissan Pathfinder make long journeys far easier. Travellers who value efficiency and relaxed highway cruising will find excellent road-trip partners in models like the Toyota Camry or new-generation EVs such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Volkswagen ID. Buzz. And if the journey matters more than the destination, the Mazda MX-5 delivers pure open-road enjoyment in a way few cars can match.
No matter what’s on your itinerary, family holidays, weekend escapes or once-in-a-lifetime adventures, there’s a road-trip-ready vehicle here to suit your needs and make the most of Australia’s incredible driving destinations.
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