The Best Type of Vehicle for Summer Road Trips

During the summer, the call of the open road can be irresistible. Cruising past beaches, traversing forest trails, feeling the wind in your hair: What could be more satisfying?

However, to enjoy this summertime experience to the max, what type of vehicle should you load your loved ones into?

The answer might not come as a surprise: A large sports utility vehicle (SUV) would be ideal for all the highways and byways you’d like to explore.

SUV Features and Benefits

SUVs often seem tailor-made for road trips — long and short voyages alike. That’s because of features like the following:

Towing Power

Big SUVs can easily tow trailers, boats, and campers. Their grip is strong, and they offer smooth rides even when they’re towing thousands of pounds.

Roominess

The spacious interiors of SUVs provide room for up to seven passengers. And there’s typically enough space for backpacks, suitcases, electronic gadgets, bags of trail mix, coolers, water bottles, action figures, stuffed animals, and other road trip must-haves.

Height

In an SUV, your driver’s seat will be higher than it would be in most other vehicles. As a result, you’ll have a wider and more expansive view of your surroundings — and of other drivers. Thus, your driving should be safer, and your vistas should be even more beautiful.

Gas, Electric, or Hybrid: Which SUV Is for You?

Gas, electric, and hybrid SUVs are all safe and reliable vehicles. Whichever type you choose will depend on your budget and your personal preferences.

Electric vehicles frequently cost a lot more upfront. Of course, since you wouldn’t buy gasoline for an electric SUV, that option could save you money over time. Over the long haul, electric vehicles often require less maintenance and fewer repairs as well.

In addition, tax breaks and other government incentives are obtainable when you purchase an electric vehicle. And those financial perks might reduce the cost of your SUV significantly.

On top of that, if you’re passionate about protecting the environment, you might not even consider buying anything but an electric SUV.

If you’re planning a multi-day road trip, however, electric charging stations can sometimes be difficult to locate. That’s especially true in more remote areas. To be cautious — and to avoid driving considerably out of your way — you might select a gas or hybrid SUV.

Price Ranges and Affordability

These days, the average cost of a full-size SUV tops $74,000, while the average price for a midsize version is more than $48,000.

Meanwhile, the most expensive SUVs can cost between $200,000 and $400,000. Manufacturers like Porsche, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, and Rolls-Royce produce such premium models.

At the same time, many inexpensive yet high-quality SUVs — those selling for $30,000 or less — are readily available.

Hopefully, then, you’ll find an SUV in your price range, one that you love. Behind its steering wheel, you could enjoy all of the summertime day trips or month-long journeys that your heart desires.