Best Cars for Long Drives & Road Trips in Utah


 
Why Utah Drivers Need the Right Road Trip Vehicle

Utah offers some of the most scenic yet challenging road trip routes in the U.S.-from long desert highways to winding canyon roads and steep mountain passes. Whether you're heading to Zion, Moab, Bryce Canyon, or taking a weekend drive across Salt Lake County, choosing the right road trip vehicle is essential for comfort, safety, and fuel efficiency. That's why Utah drivers often look for vehicles with strong highway performance, better mileage, and plenty of space for passengers and gear.

Best Cars for Long Drives in Utah

When selecting the best cars for long drives, Utah drivers need a balance of comfort, smooth ride quality, and enough cargo room for road-trip essentials. Hybrids, midsize SUVs, and touring-focused crossovers are especially popular because they provide excellent stability on long highway stretches and uneven terrain.

Some highly rated long-drive vehicles include:

  • Subaru Outback - Ideal for scenic routes, offering AWD, comfort, and great fuel economy.



 
  • Toyota Highlander Hybrid - A reliable option for families looking for efficiency on long trips.



Best Family Road Trip Cars

Families traveling through Utah require generous space, comfort, and advanced safety features. Models with three-row seating or expanded cargo room make weekend getaways and national park trips far more enjoyable. Check out the best family road trip cars to explore vehicles designed for family comfort, extra luggage, and long-distance travel.

Top examples include:

  • Kia Telluride - Exceptional comfort, space, and road-trip features.



 
  • Chevrolet Suburban - Perfect for big families and large cargo loads.


 
SUVs for Camping Trips

Utah's diverse landscapes-such as Moab, Goblin Valley, Alpine, and Bryce Canyon-make it a paradise for camping lovers. Choosing an SUV for camping trips ensures better ground clearance, more cargo space, and off-road versatility.

Recommended SUVs for camping include:

  • Mazda CX-90 - A capable and comfortable SUV for outdoor and camping trips.


 
 
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee - Strong off-road capability and ideal for rugged terrain.

 

Cars for Long Road Trips

If you prefer a car instead of an SUV, many sedans still deliver excellent comfort, quiet cabins, and great fuel efficiency for multi-hour travel. Models like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid remain top choices for smooth long-distance drives.

Best SUV for Camping

For trips into deeper wilderness areas, drivers tend to choose SUVs with AWD or 4×4 capability. Vehicles like the Kia Telluride, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Mazda CX-90 offer the combination of comfort, capability, and cargo capacity needed for camping.

Utah Road Trip Vehicles

Drivers looking for a blend of comfort, durability, and all-terrain performance should explore Utah road trip vehicles. These vehicles are designed for long drives across highways, deserts, and mountain routes, making them ideal for exploring Utah's stunning landscapes.

Cars for Desert Camping

Utah's desert climates require vehicles with strong cooling systems, reliable handling, and durable tires. Compact SUVs and crossovers like the Subaru Crosstrek, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4 are excellent choices for desert camping adventures.

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