Best Road Trip Cars in Australia – Comfort, Space, and Range

🚘 Best Road Trip Cars in Australia – Comfort, Space, and Range

Australia is a country built for road trips. With wide open highways, coastal drives, rugged outback tracks, and family holiday getaways, choosing the right car for long-distance journeys can make or break your experience. In this detailed guide, we look at the best cars for road trips in Australia for 2025, evaluating them for:

• Comfort on long drives

• Space for passengers and luggage

• Fuel efficiency or range (especially for EVs)

• Reliability and safety features

Let’s hit the road and explore the top contenders.

🚗 What Makes a Great Road Trip Car?

Before diving into the list, let’s break down what features matter most in a true road trip companion:

1. Comfortable Seating

Ergonomics, seat support, cabin insulation, and long-haul seating comfort are crucial.

2. Spacious Cabin & Cargo

Room for 4–5 adults and boot space for bags, camping gear, or baby strollers.

3. Efficient Powertrain

Whether petrol, diesel, hybrid, or electric—range and economy matter when covering thousands of kilometres.

4. Ride & Handling

A smooth ride with predictable handling and good ground clearance (for rural or gravel roads).

5. Tech & Safety

Modern infotainment, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, adaptive cruise, and driver assists keep you safe and connected.

🏆 Top Picks for Aussie Road Trips in 2025

1. Toyota Kluger Hybrid

• Type: Large SUV

• Fuel Type: Hybrid

• Seats: 7

• Combined Efficiency: ~5.6L/100km

Why It’s Great:

The Kluger Hybrid offers seven-seat flexibility, a spacious cabin, and great fuel economy for its size. With Toyota’s reputation for reliability and a hybrid system that performs well both in city traffic and highway stretches, it’s ideal for long-distance touring with family.

Key Features:

• Toyota Safety Sense with lane tracing assist

• 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment

• Comfortable suspension for long drives

• Available AWD for regional Australia

2. Subaru Outback Touring XT

• Type: Wagon SUV crossover

• Fuel Type: Turbocharged petrol

• Seats: 5

• Fuel Economy: ~9.0L/100km

Why It’s Great:

Built for rougher terrain without sacrificing comfort, the Outback is a cult road trip favourite. The Touring XT variant now comes with a turbo engine offering better overtaking ability on highways and steep inclines.

Key Features:

• Soft but controlled ride

• Symmetrical AWD and high ground clearance

• Massive boot (522L+)

• Excellent Eyesight safety tech

3. Kia Carnival (2025 Update)

• Type: People Mover

• Fuel Type: Petrol / Diesel

• Seats: 8

• Fuel Economy: ~6.5L/100km (diesel)

Why It’s Great:

Need serious space? The Carnival is the go-to for large families or group getaways. It drives like a luxury SUV with the practicality of a minivan. Sliding doors and clever seat folding make loading luggage or kids effortless.

Key Features:

• Huge cargo capacity

• Spacious third row that’s actually usable

• Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

• Available with diesel torque for towing

4. Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (2025 Model)

• Type: Medium SUV

• Fuel Type: Hybrid

• Seats: 5–7

• Combined Efficiency: ~5.8L/100km

Why It’s Great:

The new-gen Santa Fe Hybrid blends style, fuel economy, and modern comfort. With a bold new design, it’s ideal for families wanting something efficient but plush.

Key Features:

• SmartSense safety suite

• Panoramic sunroof and Nappa leather (top trims)

• Reclining second-row seats

• All-new hybrid powertrain with range over 900 km

5. Mazda CX-90

• Type: Large SUV

• Fuel Type: Plug-in Hybrid / Petrol Inline-6

• Seats: 6–7

• EV Range (PHEV): ~60km

• Combined Range: ~800–1000km

Why It’s Great:

The CX-90 offers luxury on long journeys. Choose the PHEV model for short urban electric commutes, and switch to petrol for longer legs. A comfortable, quiet cabin makes it a refined cruiser for those going interstate.

Key Features:

• Beautiful interior design

• Smooth inline-6 or efficient hybrid

• Head-up display & Bose audio

• AWD with towing capability

6. Tesla Model Y Long Range

• Type: Electric SUV

• Fuel Type: Electric

• Seats: 5

• Range: ~533km WLTP

Why It’s Great:

With Australia's charging infrastructure improving, the Model Y Long Range becomes a compelling road trip EV. Supercharging is quick, and the navigation helps plan stops efficiently. Plus, no fuel stops.

Key Features:

• Massive storage: front boot + rear cargo

• Autopilot adaptive cruise

• OTA software updates

• Glass roof, minimalist interior

7. Ford Everest Platinum

• Type: Ladder-frame 4x4 SUV

• Fuel Type: Turbo Diesel

• Seats: 7

• Fuel Economy: ~7.1L/100km

Why It’s Great:

Ideal for off-grid adventuring. The Everest combines real off-road ability with on-road comfort and high-tech features. Take on the Kimberleys, Flinders Ranges or Cape York in comfort.

Key Features:

• 800mm wading depth

• Advanced Terrain Management

• 360-degree camera

• 3.5-tonne towing capacity

8. Skoda Superb Wagon

• Type: Large Wagon

• Fuel Type: Petrol / Diesel

• Seats: 5

• Boot Space: 625L

Why It’s Great:

One of the most underrated road trip vehicles. The Superb is ultra-spacious, luxurious, and more economical than many SUVs. It glides over roads with refined grace.

Key Features:

• Adaptive chassis control

• Spacious rear legroom

• Long-distance comfort

• Superb value for money (pun intended)

9. Isuzu MU-X

• Type: 4x4 SUV

• Fuel Type: Diesel

• Seats: 7

• Fuel Economy: ~8.3L/100km

Why It’s Great:

A favourite among caravaners and rural explorers. Built tough but equipped with enough family-friendly features, the MU-X is a go-anywhere road warrior.

Key Features:

• Strong 3.0L diesel engine

• 3.5-tonne towing

• Rear differential lock

• Apple CarPlay/Android Auto standard

10. Toyota Camry Hybrid

• Type: Sedan

• Fuel Type: Hybrid

• Seats: 5

• Fuel Economy: ~4.2L/100km

Why It’s Great:

If you’re after a smooth highway cruiser with outstanding fuel economy, the Camry Hybrid remains unbeatable. Surprisingly roomy, with a huge boot and serene cabin.

Key Features:

• 885 km+ range on a full tank

• Standard Toyota Safety Sense

• Quiet drive experience

• Proven hybrid reliability

🧳 Honourable Mentions

• Honda CR-V Hybrid (2025) – Spacious family SUV with Honda reliability

• Mitsubishi Pajero Sport – Great for mixed road + light off-road trips

• LDV MIFA 9 (EV People Mover) – All-electric family mover with impressive range

• Volkswagen Golf Wagon – Lower ride but big on practicality and fuel efficiency

• Nissan X-Trail e-Power – Hybrid tech without plugging in

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🧭 Tips for Planning the Perfect Aussie Road Trip Car

✅ Fuel Stops and Charging

Know your vehicle’s range and plan accordingly. For EVs, check charging station availability with apps like PlugShare or Chargefox.

✅ Tyres and Spare Equipment

Whether heading to Uluru or cruising the Great Ocean Road, proper tyres and a spare wheel (not space saver) are must-haves.

✅ Insurance & Roadside Assistance

Make sure your cover includes remote area recovery and long-distance towing if you’re going off the grid.

✅ Storage & Organisation

Roof pods, rear storage systems, or modular fridge setups are excellent additions for long journeys.

🏁 Final Thoughts

The perfect road trip car in Australia isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It depends on your travel crew, destination, and budget. But one thing’s for sure — comfort, space, and range are non-negotiables when tackling the distances Down Under.

Whether you’re after a rugged 4WD, a family-friendly SUV, or a hybrid that sips fuel across state borders, there’s a road trip car in this list ready to make your next journey memorable.