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Best Car For Road Trips: SUV, Convertible or Sedan

Taking a road trip is the great American pastime. It’s the focus of some of our best movies and novels, and it’s not hard to see why. This country has so many different terrains and ecosystems to observe. There is nothing quite like getting on the open road to experience them.

But a road trip is only as successful as the vehicle you’re in. A good road trip vehicle will give you a smooth ride, get you plenty of miles per gallon to avoid a constant gas station stop, and have lots of room for stretching out. You’ll also be in there for hours upon hours, so it’s worth it to find something that’s comfortable.

So which vehicle is the winner: the roomy SUV, the classic convertible, or the humble sedan? Each one has its assets and drawbacks. We’ll go over the pros and cons of each vehicle type so that when you’re ready to rent your car, you can make a decision with confidence.

1) SUV

If you choose an SUV, comfort is probably important to you. This is an option for those who want to be able to stretch out, or maybe pull over and take a nap in the trunk. It’s a heavy-duty vehicle equipped with some of the luxuries you simply can’t find from a smaller car. If you have more than two people in your car or lots of luggage, then it’s absolutely essential.

It doesn’t always have the gas mileage performance of a sedan, but remember that many of the newer models have improved their fuel efficiency to be competitive with smaller vehicles. The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is an example. Not only does it get 29 mpg, but it’s also incredibly stylish and sleek. No minivans here!

Who is this best for?: Comfort-seekers, heavy luggage-packers, and families.

2) Sedan

The sedan is a popular road trip vehicle choice. For starters, some of the best options out there have terrific mileage. That means a lot for those who don’t want to be constantly stopping en route to the next destination. One great example is the BMW 330i. It gets up to 36 miles per gallon.

It’s also a speedy option. Beautiful luxury models like the Maserati Ghibli can get from 0 to 60 in under 6 seconds. Is it as roomy as an SUV? Probably not, but don’t let that deceive you. Some sedans give you all the benefits of a more compact vehicle, but with a surprising amount of spaciousness on the inside. If you don’t believe us, just try one for yourself!

Who is this best for?: Travelers who don’t want to make lots of stops, speedsters.

3) Convertibles

Convertibles are the classic road trip vehicle. There is simply nothing that compares to traveling the open roads with the top down and the warm wind blowing in your hair. Make your dreams a reality by renting a convertible for your trip.

This is the vehicle to make a statement with. In a fun roadster like the Vanderhall Venice, you can’t help but catch everyone’s eye. This is not the option for the comfort-seekers, but the free-spirited mavericks.

Who is this best for?: The single traveler, light packer, and statement maker.

Have you found the vehicle of your dreams? Check out the fleet at SD Cruising to find something truly special for your trip.

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