The best for traveling: 10 affordable cars for travelers

Not much time is left until summer, which is considered the season of travel. And it's time to think about a new car if you plan to travel behind the wheel.

TopSpeed magazine has told you about a dozen models that have proven themselves on long trips. They combine comfort, reliability, large trunk space, and economical fuel consumption. At the same time, these cars are quite inexpensive.

Chevrolet Malibu 2.5

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu 2.5 is an underrated gem thanks to its smooth ride and spacious interior. Powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 197 horsepower, this midsize sedan delivers a refined highway experience with minimal road noise in the cabin. The well-tuned suspension effectively absorbs bumps, providing a comfortable ride even on imperfect roads. Fuel consumption in the city for the model is 8.7 liters per 100 km, and on the highway – 6.36 liters. The car is also equipped with Chevrolet's start-stop technology, which increases fuel economy by reducing engine idling during stops. Inside, the Malibu boasts comfortable seats, a user-friendly infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and ample legroom for both front and rear passengers.

Ford Fusion SE

Under the hood, the model is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine that delivers 181 horsepower, striking a balance between power and fuel efficiency. The quiet interior and smooth ride of the Fusion make long trips a pleasure. It consumes 10.23 liters of fuel per 100 km in the city and 6.92 liters on the highway. Ford's Co-Pilot360 package comes standard and includes adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist, making highway driving less tiring. Inside, the car is equipped with the SYNC 3 infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen for easy navigation and multimedia control.

Honda Civic LX

A favorite among road trip enthusiasts, this model offers exceptional fuel economy, a comfortable ride, and high reliability. The Civic is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower. Its well-insulated cabin reduces road noise, increasing comfort on long trips. Fuel efficiency is one of the Civic's strengths, with a city fuel consumption of 7.84 liters per 100 kilometers and a highway fuel consumption of 5.88 liters. The smooth CVT transmission further optimizes fuel economy by ensuring fewer stops for refueling. Inside, the Civic LX offers a spacious and well-designed cabin with plenty of legroom for rear passengers.

Lexus IS200t

For those looking for a more exclusive experience on the road, the Lexus IS 200t combines luxury with comfort on long trips. The model is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 241 hp, which provides refined and smooth performance on the highway. In city driving, the car consumes 10.69 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, and on the highway – only 7.13 liters. Inside, the IS200t offers high-quality materials and advanced technical features such as an optional Mark Levinson audio system.

Toyota Camry SE

The 2017 Toyota Camry SE is a practical and reliable companion on the road. Equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 178 horsepower, it delivers a smooth and composed ride. The Camry's well-tuned suspension provides excellent highway stability, making long journeys more comfortable. In the city, the model consumes 9.8 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, and 7.13 liters on the highway. The Camry SE's interior is equipped with comfortable fabric seats with back support, a convenient infotainment system, and offers a large interior space.

Acura TLX 2.4

For road travelers looking for sportiness, the Acura TLX 2.4 is a great choice. Equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 206 horsepower, it offers a balanced combination of performance and efficiency. The well-tuned suspension and precise steering make long highway trips enjoyable and effortless. The model uses 10.23 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers in the city and 7.13 liters on the highway. Inside, the TLX has leather seats, a dual-screen infotainment system, and a premium sound system.

Audi A4 2.0T FWD

The luxury sedan will be the best companion for long journeys thanks to its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 252 horsepower. It delivers a refined ride with excellent highway stability and minimal cabin noise. The model consumes 9.41 liters per 100 kilometers on city roads and 7.13 liters in the countryside. The A4 offers the high performance of a sporty luxury sedan with a smooth-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The A4's high-quality interior, comfortable seats, and advanced tech features like Virtual Cockpit make it a fantastic choice for travelers.

Cadillac CTS 2.0 Turbo Luxury

The 2016 Cadillac CTS 2.0 Turbo Luxury delivers a first-class driving experience with its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 268 horsepower. It provides a smooth ride with responsive handling. In the city, the model's fuel consumption is 10.69 liters per 100 kilometers, and on the highway it is 7.59 liters. Cadillac's Magnetic Ride Control system enhances comfort, making long journeys a breeze. Inside, the CTS is equipped with soft leather seats, a premium Bose audio system, and an intuitive infotainment system.

Mazda 6 2.5 Signature

The stylish, easy-to-drive sedan with a 2.5-liter engine delights with 187 horsepower. Its smooth handling and well-insulated cabin make it a comfortable choice for long trips. In the city, you can expect to consume 9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, and 6.72 liters on the highway. Inside, the Signature trim offers Nappa leather seats, a premium Bose audio system, and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It's a really well-balanced choice for travelers.

Hyundai Sonata 1.6 Turbo

The model combines efficiency, comfort, and luxury. Its 1.6-liter turbocharged engine delivers 178 horsepower and a smooth highway ride. With a fuel consumption of 8.4 liters per 100 kilometers in the city and 6.36 on the highway, the Sonata is one of the most fuel-efficient options on this list. The interior of the model is very spacious and contains an advanced infotainment system with a whole bunch of modern driver assistance features.

Subscribe to the OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.