Ah, Thanksgiving. The smell of roasted turkey, the warmth of family gatherings, and the endless supply of mashed potatoes and pies. But before you can savor the delights of the season, there’s the small matter of getting there. And by “there,” we mean across sprawling highways, congested city streets, and scenic backroads to reach your Thanksgiving destination. The right car can make or break the great pilgrimage to grandma’s house, best friend’s kitchen, or some other holiday haven.

To save you from potential road trip disasters, we’ve rounded up the best cars to make your Thanksgiving travel smooth, comfy, and maybe even fun.

The Reliable Choice

When it comes to long-distance travel, the Toyota RAV4 is the no-fuss hero you didn’t know you needed. This compact SUV is a Swiss Army knife on wheels. It ticks off all the essentials for a great road trip experience, like fantastic fuel efficiency, ample cargo space, and excellent reliability. Got a trunk full of laundry you’ve been meaning to bring home? No problem. Need to transport a small mountain of food containers back? The RAV4 has you covered.

The interior design is thoughtfully simple, with plenty of legroom for backseat passengers (an underrated blessing for long rides). Toyota’s suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance, doesn’t just offer peace of mind on the road; it might save your sanity in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Plus, its hybrid model makes it a wallet-friendly pick for fuel stops.

The Family-Friendly All-Star

If your Thanksgiving plans involve kids, luggage, maybe a dog or two, and a spouse balancing the turkey roaster precariously in their lap, the Honda Odyssey is your ride of choice. This minivan redefines what it means to travel in style and convenience with a large family.

Think cavernous interiors with plenty of room for everyone to sprawl out without encroaching on personal space. The Odyssey isn’t just about physical comfort; it’s about keeping everyone happy. Rear passengers can enjoy an entertainment system complete with screens, while the front row benefits from thoughtful touches like heated seats and smart storage options.

One standout feature is the in-car intercom system that allows you to deliver stern-yet-loving “stop kicking the seat” reminders, without yelling over the sound of wheels on pavement. Combine that with its impressive gas mileage for what it is, and the Honda Odyssey becomes the unchallenged MVP of Thanksgiving road trips.

The Adventure-Ready Option

Planning to add a bit of adventure to your Thanksgiving travels? Maybe you’ll be tackling snowy mountain roads to reach that dreamy cabin gathering or navigating muddy detours en route to a rustic family reunion. For missions like these, the Subaru Outback is the ultimate companion.

Famed as the outdoorsy traveler’s go-to vehicle, the Outback offers all-wheel drive as a standard, ensuring confidence through rain, sleet, or snow. It’s the kind of car that laughs in the face of treacherous weather. With a roomy cargo hold and crossbars for roof racks, it’s also a great choice for hauling everything from suitcases to kayaks (though we draw the line at strapping a fully cooked turkey up top).

The Outback’s interior finds the balance between rugged and refined, with durable materials and little luxuries like climate control seats. Don’t forget the peace of mind its EyeSight Driver Assist Technology brings for road safety. The Subaru Outback is perfect for the adventurous soul who refuses to compromise on practicality.

The Comfy Compact Companion

Not every road trip is about towing half your house with you. If you’re traveling solo or with just one passenger, the Toyota Corolla is an excellent compact car that turns every mile into a breeze. With its legendary reliability and surprisingly cozy interiors, the Corolla is more than capable of getting you to your destination safely while keeping your holiday budget intact.

The Corolla’s slightly deceptive size means trunk space isn’t an issue for the luggage light packer. Meanwhile, its gas mileage might just make you do a double-take at the pump. This car thrives on smooth highway cruising but doesn’t shy away from the occasional city maze, thanks to its compact frame and responsive handling.

One of the best surprises about the Corolla is that newer models include an intuitive infotainment system complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. No more fumbling with phone mounts to access those oh-so-important road trip playlists or map directions. Comfy, efficient, and simple, that’s the Corolla vibe.

The Luxurious Cruiser

If you’re planning on giving yourself a little indulgence this Thanksgiving holiday (because why not?), the Volvo XC90 takes everything you think you know about road tripping and elevates it to first class. It’s the kind of SUV that makes you feel like you’ve already arrived before you even turn the key.

The XC90 delivers plush interiors crafted with premium materials that make you question whether you’re in a car or a boutique hotel. Its seats are designed for long-haul comfort, and if you opt for the heated and ventilated versions, all the better for chilly Thanksgiving morning starts. Then there’s the unparalleled sound system, actively making your favorite turkey-themed playlist sound like a live concert.

Of course, no Volvo would be complete without its extensive suite of safety features. Even if the drive becomes challenging, you’ll know the XC90 is actively working with you to prevent accidents. It’s the priciest option on this list, but it’s perfect for those who want to mix a little luxury with their stuffing and gravy.

Tips for Road Trip Success

Beyond having the right car for the job, executing a successful Thanksgiving road trip requires a little extra prep. Here are some quick and easy suggestions:

  • Pack smart: Bring snacks and drinks to avoid hunger-induced pit stops.
  • Stay organized: Use storage bins or bags to keep luggage and belongings neat.
  • Plan your route: Check for construction or heavy traffic areas before hitting the road.
  • Stretch often: Schedule stops to stretch your legs and avoid road fatigue.
  • Pre-check essentials: Ensure your tires, oil, and wipers are in good condition.

Being prepared is half the battle, and your chosen ride will do the rest.

The Best Way to Your Feast

Choosing the right car for your Thanksgiving road trip isn’t just about practicality; it’s about making the experience enjoyable, memorable, and stress-free. Whether you need a reliable RAV4, a family-friendly Odyssey, or an adventure-proof Outback, there’s a car tailored to the kind of road trip you’re planning.

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and while the roads might get a little hectic, the right car ensures your trip is less chaos and more calm. Plus, you’ll arrive just in time to snag a slice of pumpkin pie or grab that last scoop of mashed potatoes before it disappears.