3 Road Trip Rides of Note for 2026

Every great road trip demands a great vehicle. Something that not only safely and reliably delivers you to your destination, but does so with plenty of comfort and character, too. The perfect road trip car has plenty of room for friends and family, space to haul your gear, and enough cupholders to ensure no one goes thirsty. It doesn’t hurt if it looks great, has a plush interior, and is packed with plenty of modern tech, too. 

When choosing our favorite road trip vehicles for 2026, we had plenty of interesting options to choose from. But for our money, there were three models that stood out from the crowd. Whether you’re traveling across the state or across the country, these are the cars we recommend taking on your next epic journey. 

Completely redesigned for 2026, the all-new Hyundai Palisade offers a premium driving experience that doesn’t break the bank. From its distinctive grill and oversized LED headlights, to its sleek design and massive rear hatch, this SUV cuts a striking profile. The four-door, three-row vehicle offers room for up to eight passengers, with cargo space for luggage. We recommend going with the hybrid engine, which provides 329 horsepower and gets 35 MPG, giving the Palisade a range of up to 619 miles on a single tank of gas. 

Inside, the Palisade is modern and refined, creating a tranquil setting for both driver and passengers. The cabin is so luxurious and comfortable that you’ll arrive at your destination feeling relaxed and refreshed, especially if you opt for the Calligraphy trim, which features heated, ventilated, and massaging seats in all three rows. Active cruise control, lane-keep assist, and highway driving assist make long road trips even easier, while three-zone climate control and an available 14-speaker Bose sound system further enhance the experience. 

While many of these features are found in a variety of high-end luxury vehicles, Hyundai has managed to deliver them in a family-friendly model that is far more affordable than much of the competition. Pricing starts at $39,435 for the nicely equipped SE trim, while the high-end, all-the-bells-and-whistles Calligraphy model runs $54,560.  

Rivian’s smaller, more affordable SUV is here at last, bringing the EV revolution to a larger audience. The compact model comes packed with great specs, including a range of up to 345 miles and the ability to go from 0-60 MPH in as little as 3.6 seconds. The R2’s semi-active suspension gives it unique driving dynamics both on and off-road, and its quiet cabin feels like a relaxing refuge from busy highways and chaotic road construction zones. With room for five, a large rear cargo space, and a spacious frunk (front trunk), this is a vehicle that feels especially well-suited for long road trips. 

As you would expect from Rivian, the R2’s interior is a blend of creature comforts and minimalistic design. A large 15.6-inch infotainment display dominates the space, providing access to climate controls, vehicle settings, entertainment, and navigation. A second, 12.3-inch driver’s display offers a wide variety of information, including speed, remaining charge, and more. The R2’s seats are well cushioned, incredibly supportive, and have the added benefit of folding completely flat. That makes it easy to camp inside the vehicle, especially since HVAC is powered by the vehicle’s main battery. The SUV is also equipped with Rivian’s new Autonomous+ driving platform, which allows for hands-free driving on over 3.5 million miles of road. And since this is a software-defined vehicle, it will continue to get new features and refinements via over-the-air updates.

The biggest challenge with the R2 will be getting your hands on one. Production is just ramping up, and there is a long waiting list of potential buyers. This year’s model will start around $53,990, but future editions will sell for about $45,000. 

Road trips hit a bit different when you can bring a luxury apartment with you along for the ride. That’s what you’ll get in the Leisure Travel Vans Unity TBX, an RV that deftly blends comfort and adventure. The coach is built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis and is available in both two- and all-wheel-drive options. It ships from the factory with a 540Ah house battery and a 40-gallon freshwater tank, with the option to add a 440W solar package and a 4kW LP generator. Those features make it the perfect option for camping off-grid, opening up a wide range of places to stay while driving to your destination. 

Of course, the real magic of the TBX is found inside its bright and airy cabin. The rig comfortably sleeps four thanks to a rear bedroom with twin-size mattresses and a lounge that converts into a second massive bed. The motorhome includes a dry bath, complete with a surprisingly spacious shower, and a galley kitchen with an induction cooktop, a microwave, and a refrigerator/freezer. The RV even has a gigantic pass-through gear garage with room for plenty of cargo. It’s so big, in fact, it can easily fit a pair of e-bikes, which can be recharged en route thanks to 120V outlets. 

This being a Mercedes-based vehicle, the Unity TBX comes with the MBUX infotainment system and suite of driver assist features. Those include adaptive cruise control, active lane change assist, emergency stop assist, and more. Essentially, this RV will get you safely to your destination, where you can camp in comfort and style. Pricing starts at $272,380.