Posted Tuesday, Mar 29, 2022
The last thing anyone wants on a road trip is car trouble. Having a popped tire is one thing, but a smoking engine? That not an easy – or cheap – quick fix. To help you avoid trouble this summer, we’ve found some of the best used cars for 2023 road trips.
First, let’s discuss the types of vehicles and features you may want and need.
What don’t you like about your current ride? Is the gear shift in a strange place? Do the visors block the sun enough? Is there a lot of noise when you unroll the windows in the backseat? Take some notes as you think about what would make your ride more comfortable and what are absolute musts in your next purchase.
What will your road trip look like? Where are you going? How far is it and how many stops will you need to make? Are you going to have to travel in various weather conditions? What about terrain? Map out your trip, check for road closures, and have an idea of what you will have to do to navigate your journey.
How many passengers are you taking? Will you need car seats? Are you taking small children? Animals? Where are you going to put all your stuff? Storage and seat number is critical when choosing your vehicle. Be sure to make sure everyone can fit comfortably; it will help avoid the inevitable question of “Are we there yet?”
Where are you going? Are you going camping? To an amusement park? Visiting family? Your destination (or destinations) will decide what you need to take with you. If you’re camping, you’ll likely need a strong vehicle that can climb a mountain, or at least good tires. If you’re going to an amusement park, an easy to maneuver vehicle might be the way to go.
What do you need to take? Again, are you camping? Staying in a hotel? Friends and family? If you’re camping you might need to make room for a tent, bicycles, entertainment items for kids, sleeping bags, etc. Staying in a hotel, you will likely only need clothes and staples, and maybe your own pillows. Same with family and friends.
These questions should give you some guidance as to what kind of space and features you need. Now let’s discuss body and style. No matter what you drive and where, you will want something that fits you and your needs. But for road trips, one of the most important things you will want to factor in is driving comfort.
There’s no telling how long you will spend on the road. There could be traffic delays, alternate routes to navigate, and adverse weather conditions. Not to mention the convenience features such as arm rests, cupholders, and control panels.
Make sure you pick a used vehicle that is safe, comfortable, and convenient to ensure a smoother ride on your 2023 road trip.
SUVs
Sports Utility Vehicles come in all shapes and sizes. Most SUVs have 5-plus passenger seating which is great for families. With the higher roof, larger seats, and added leg room, taller passengers can ride without their knees and heads at awkward angles. Besides the basic comfort and added space, some SUVs come with 3rd row seating with stowaway seats.
Diverse driving conditions are no problem for many SUVs. Depending on the drivetrain, SUVs can handle winter driving, off-roading, dirt roads, climbing over difficult terrain-like rocks and steep hills, sand and more.
Most SUVs come with a towing hitch. Their towing capacity varies so you’ll want to check out your user manual for specifics, but some can tow up to 9,000 pounds! Perfect for the weekend boaters, campers, and general haulers out there.
Sedans
Station wagons may still be a thing, but trendier sedans are paving their own path when it comes to road tripping. They may not be as roomy for passengers, or have the same flexibility, and limited in storage space. But what sedans lack in functionality, they make up for in stability, safety, and gas mileage.
With sedans, seats are lower to the ground than other vehicles and are easier to maneuver in traffic and negotiate tighter turns. Sedans come in all shapes and sizes and therefore the options are endless. There are hatchbacks, crossovers, extra-large sizes, luxury rides, and many other features to decide on if you choose a sedan for your road trip.
Sedans are typically less expensive than other vehicles, especially when you buy used. Seats in sedans are generally more comfortable than other rides, and it’s easier to get in and out of the car itself. Another nice feature is the security of your storage space. Locked trunks block the view from would-be thieves, and they are harder to get into than a windowed storage area that is locked on the outside.
Trucks
Trucks are known for off-roading and hauling. They are great for heading out to the mountains, taking a camp trailer or boat, or a utility trailer with an ATV or bicycles. You can travel with a lot of stuff in a truck.
Like all vehicles though, size matters. The bigger trucks are capable of seating up to 6 people comfortably with plenty of leg room for all. Smaller size trucks may also seat 6, but there will be far less room for your passengers and your stuff.
Trucks typically have lower gas mileage than other vehicles – especially if you have a larger size. The beds of trucks can be extremely flexible with many add-ons such as buying a lockable camper shell or bed cover, a toolbox, alarms, and other features to help increase security for your gear.
With so many types of vehicles available to choose from, it can be hard to make a choice. Narrow down the options using the following steps.
This is not a complete list of course but should help as you navigate your road to the best cars for 2023 road trip.
Some features available may be add-ons, customizable, and built-in depending on the model you are considering. Fortunately for you, City Wide has a wonderful used cars inventory of comfortable, gas-friendly vehicles that might fit all your needs for your 2023 road trip. Take a look at some of the best used vehicles for road trips this year.
Gas Mileage: 15 City/22 Highway
Options/Features: Lumbar support, traction control, heated seats, rear park assist, and navigation system.
Gas Mileage: 19 City/26 Highway
Options/Features: Cargo net, lots of cupholders, 12V rear power outlet, heated seats, Uconnect, driver seat height adjustment.
Gas Mileage: 19 City/28 Highway
Options/Features: Lane departure warning system, traction control, 7 speakers, USB connection, third-row seats, rear view camera, and heated front seats.
Gas Mileage: 20 City/25 Highway
Options/Features: All-wheel drive, post-collision safety system, turn signal mirrors, 12 volt rear and cargo area power outlets, cargo area light, and heated mirrors.
Gas Mileage: 17 City/25 Highway
Options/Features: Seats 7, 3rd row cupholders, steering wheel controls, three-zone air conditioning, heated mirrors, and reclining rear seats.
Gas Mileage: 30 City/42 Highway
Options/Features: Heated mirrors, seat adjustments, hip room, steering wheel controls, and rear view camera.
Gas Mileage: 26 City/30 Highway
Options/Features: Daytime running lights, subwoofers, 9 speakers, overhead console, cargo light, heated mirrors, auto-dimming mirrors, and rear seat entertainment.
Gas Mileage: 30 City/41 Highway
Options/Features: Turn signal mirrors, 10 speakers, memory card slot, heated mirrors, and heated seats.
Gas Mileage: 28 City/38 Highway
Options/Features: Six speakers, USB connectivity, steering wheel controls, heated mirrors, and seat adjustments.
Gas Mileage: 21 City/29 Highway
Options/Features: Universal remote transmitter for garage door and security system, steering wheel controls, heated mirrors, and Uconnect voice command.
Gas Mileage: 19 City/26 Highway
Options/Features: Rear folding headrests, subwoofer, 7 speakers, rear view cameras, and heated mirrors.
Gas Mileage: 16 City/22 Highway
Options/Features: Turn signal mirrors, Bose speakers, parking sensors, rear view camera, and sun sensor.
Gas Mileage: 16 City/20 Highway
Options/Features: Remote data system, rear adjustable headrests, rear view camera, steering wheel controls, 12-volt power outlets, split-folding rear seatback.
Gas Mileage: 19 City/26 Highway
Options/Features: FlexFuel, 6 head rests, steering wheel controls, keypad power door locks, and heated mirrors.
Gas Mileage: 16 City/22 Highway
Options/Features: Rear height adjustable headrests, 6 speakers, USB connection, steering wheel controls, heated mirrors, and fold-flat passenger seat.
These are of course just some of the best used cars for your 2023 road trip to consider. With gas prices you’ll want to be a little more cautious on how far you can get with a tank of gas. And, if you’re traveling with back seat passengers, be sure to consider important things like cup holders.
And remember, at City Wide Motors, we have plenty of vehicles to choose from as our used cars inventory changes daily. If you have something specific in mind, don’t hesitate to ask! We are skilled at sourcing the vehicle you want at an affordable price.