With a growing interest in people looking for flexible and independent ways to travel this summer, solo road trips offer the freedom to go at your own pace, with no need to rely on flights, timetables or travel companions.
To help drivers find the best car for the journey, temporary car insurance experts Tempcover analysed seven key factors for those driving solo and relying on the vehicle for the long haul.
Focusing on vehicles already recognised for their road trip and long-distance capabilities, Tempcover assessed additional factors such as boot space, reliability, safety, miles per pound, used car prices, and comfort and equipment ratings that help ensure a smoother and more enjoyable ride overall.
15 of the Best Cars for Solo Road Trips
Taking the top spot as the best car for solo road trips is the Renault Austral, thanks to its perfect 5/5 safety rating and the highest miles per pound of all vehicles in the research (8.75).
In second place is the Volkswagen Arteon, which also earned top marks for safety and a strong 4.5 rating for interior comfort. Rounding out the top three is the BMW 3 Series Touring, scoring highly in safety and comfort, along with an impressive reliability rating of 96.75%.
Rank |
Vehicle Make & Model |
Used Price |
Boot Space (seats up) (L) |
Reliability Rating (%) |
Safety Rating (/5) |
Miles Per Pound |
Interior & comfort Rating /5 |
RAC Equipment Score /100 |
|
1 |
Renault Austral |
£24,714 |
453 |
93.6 |
5 |
8.75 |
4 |
80 |
|
2 |
Volkswagen Arteon |
£24,816 |
510 |
92.7 |
5 |
6.75 |
4.5 |
80 |
|
3 |
BMW 3 Series Touring |
£13,778 |
455 |
96.75 |
5 |
5.5 |
4.5 |
70 |
|
4 |
Citroen C5 X |
£18,362 |
515 |
94.1 |
4 |
6.5 |
4.5 |
70 |
|
5 |
Volkswagen Golf |
£20,614 |
327 |
77.25 |
5 |
7.3 |
4.5 |
80 |
|
6 |
£24,627 |
568 |
93.8 |
5 |
6.95 |
4 |
70 |
|
|
7 |
Honda Civic |
£25,923 |
412 |
97.6 |
5 |
8.55 |
4 |
70 |
|
8 |
Dacia Jogger |
£16,277 |
186 |
96 |
1 |
8.5 |
3.5 |
70 |
|
9 |
Range Rover Evoque |
£26,845 |
635 |
86.9 |
5 |
4.8 |
4.5 |
80 |
|
10 |
Mini Convertible |
£17,597 |
160 |
97.1 |
4 |
6.25 |
4.5 |
70 |
|
11 |
Skoda Superb |
£29,914 |
645 |
89.75 |
5 |
6.8 |
4.5 |
70 |
|
12 |
Hyundai Kona Electric |
£22,330 |
466 |
91.1 |
4 |
6.8 |
4.5 |
60 |
|
13 |
£17,736 |
130 |
91.4 |
4 |
6.35 |
4 |
80 |
|
|
14 |
Cupra Formentor |
£26,448 |
398 |
89.8 |
5 |
7.1 |
4 |
70 |
|
15 |
£25,885 |
401 |
93.5 |
5 |
6.05 |
4 |
70 |
Tempover’s Top Tips For Solo Road Trippers
Preparing for a solo road trip means paying extra attention to the details that keep you safe, comfortable, and stress-free on the road so that you can focus on the journey ahead.
1. Get Your Car Road Trip Ready
Check your tyre pressure, oil, coolant, and screen wash before you set off. If you’re borrowing a car, give yourself time to get familiar with it before hitting the motorway.
2. Choose Comfort and Fuel Efficiency
When driving solo, comfort and efficiency are crucial, especially for extended periods. Look for a car with good seat support, low cabin noise, cruise control, and decent fuel economy.
3. Stay Alert Behind the Wheel
Driving solo means there’s no one to share the journey with, so take regular breaks, ideally every two hours, and stay hydrated.
4. Use Tech to Your Advantage
Modern features, such as lane assist, adaptive cruise control, and smartphone integration, can make long drives smoother and safer. Check that your sat nav or map app is up to date before you leave.
5. Consider Borrowing a Car With Temporary Insurance
If your vehicle isn’t ideal for a solo road trip, borrowing one from a friend or family member can be a smart move, and temporary car insurance gives you instant, flexible cover.