Going cross-country in Canada means you’re going to need to be ready for anything. There’s so much to see and do in Canada, from the beautiful mountains of Jasper National Park in Alberta to the bustling urban areas of Toronto and Montreal, and everywhere in between.
When deciding on a car for your Canadian road trip, you’re going to want to consider fuel efficiency, reliability, comfort and space for passengers and cargo, plus style, of course. We’ve looked at all of these points and more to put together this list of the perfect cars to take you from coast to coast on the Trans-Canada or any road you want to explore along the way.
If you’re traveling with just two people, or even solo, the F-150 has just the right amount of space in its roomy cab, plus lots of extra room in the bed. Adding a truck bed cover will let you securely stow all your stuff away from any rain or snow. You’ll be able to tow a trailer and bring along all your favorite toys, like bikes, motorcycles, kayaks and more. With an average 24 mpg, 4×4 and options for an XLT model with four doors and so much extra room in the cab, you can’t go wrong with this iconic pickup truck.
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 is the perfect small-sized SUV. It’s stylish, sleek, sturdy and safe. Get the hybrid option to help keep your gas budget down while keeping those beautiful Canadian skies cleaner. The roomy interior is full of tech features you’ll love on a long drive, including a blind spot mirror, eight airbags and little perks like integrated navigation and smartphone in-dash capabilities. Stash all your stuff in the cargo space in the back and hit the road or trail with the AWD system. This vehicle is a favorite all around for daily commuters and long road-trippers alike.
Ford Fiesta
The 2017 Ford Fiesta is available in a comfortable sedan and a roomy hatchback, both with seating for up to five people. These cute little cars are so affordable to buy and to drive. They start at just over $13,000 brand new and average about 35 mpg on the road. A 60-40 split rear seat is ideal for making room for extra passengers or extra road trip necessities. For a tiny car, you’ll feel so safe knowing there are seven standard airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, and side curtain airbags. The hatchback option is perfect if you’re taking a dog with you or have longer items to store, like a kayak or camping supplies.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk
If you plan on taking the lesser-traveled trails on your cross-Canada road trip, a Jeep Grand Cherokee is a perfect choice. This SUV won the 2017 Four Wheeler SUV of the Year award, and it’s no surprise why. With the Quadra-Drive II 4WD system, rugged skid plates and an array of other features designed with adventures in mind, this SUV will get you where you want to go. A sleek and stylish exterior looks as good surrounded by skyscrapers as it does at the top of mountain trails. Luxury leather seats and a roomy interior will keep you so comfortable and classy. This just may be the perfect road trip vehicle.
Mustang Convertible
If you’re going across Canada during the summer, nothing will be more fun than cruising in a convertible. While it may be a classic American muscle car, a Mustang convertible will be right at home on the Trans-Canada roads. For 2018, the Mustang will get an EcoBoost upgrade, making it more fuel-efficient. Sure, it might be a smaller two-door vehicle, but what you’ll lose in space for lots of big cargo or passengers, you’ll definitely make up for in sunshine, wind in your hair and style points.
Toyota Prius
Get about 50 mpg in this eco-friendly and roomy sedan. This means less money spent on gas, less time spent looking for gas stations and more miles of fun and freedom. There’s a reason these cars are a favorite within the hybrid class. They’ve been around for a while and are ultra-reliable as well as so affordable. The roomy interior will have all your road trip buddies comfortable and safe on your cross-country adventures.