Sedans for Cross-Country Driving

Taking an epic road trip with your friends and family can lead to a lifetime of memories, and driving the right car can make your entire experience even more fun. Passenger comfort, engine performance, and fuel economy are all important factors in finding a vehicle that can weather even the longest road trip. Here are three sedans that are perfect for a cross-country driving!

2018 Nissan Maxima

The new 2018 Nissan Maxima is one of the most enjoyable cars in its class. A smooth ride and solid fuel economy make it an excellent highway cruiser. With a starting price of around $33,915, the Maxima is well within the reach of most consumers.

All versions of the Maxima are powered by Nissan’s proven VQ Series engine. Although this muscular V6 engine has been around for quite some time, it still delivers an impressive performance by modern standards. After it’s update, it can now pump out a competitive 300 horsepower and 261 lb.-ft. of torque. The Maxima certainly packs enough muscle for you to have some fun. When tested, it clocked a brisk 0-60 time of 5.8 seconds. Meanwhile, Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT transmission helps maximize the sedan’s efficiency. Fuel economy stands at an economical 21 mpg in town and 30 mpg on the highway.

One of the Maxima’s best qualities is its outstanding seat comfort. Nissan’s space-age Zero Gravity front seats are designed to keep your body in the ideal anatomical position. A five-star safety rating helps give everyone an extra sense of security. Intelligent Forward-Collision Warning also comes standard, which can anticipate an accident before it happens. The Maxima’s main shortcoming is its available backseat space. While most of your passengers will have no complaints, large sedans such as the Toyota Avalon provide more legroom for your rear-seat occupants.

2018 Kia Stinger

Although the Kia Stinger has just hit the market, it has already been touted as an excellent sedan for cross-country driving. This car’s sleek styling and spacious interior design will appeal to all passengers. A unique hatchback design enables drivers to stuff plenty of travel bags in the back. While the base model has an agreeable MSRP of $31,900, expect to pay around $49,500 if you opt for the high-performance Stinger GT. Kia’s class-leading, 100,000-mile warranty only sweetens the deal, regardless of the trim package you choose to drive.

To conserve fuel, stick with the standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It will easily return an impressive 30 mpg on the highway. The engine’s 265-horepower output is also quite pleasing. The new Stinger gets especially high marks for its balanced handling. Some drivers will ultimately be tempted by the powerful GT model and will be pleased with its boosted V6 engine ­– capable of pumping out an exhilarating 365 horsepower. With the aforementioned GT model and its impressive engine, you’ll be able to hit 60 mph in a scorching 4.5 seconds. An available AWD system ensures the optimum traction when facing slippery road conditions. The bad news is that you’ll have to sacrifice some fuel efficiency.

On the inside, the Kia Stinger easily provides enough room for up to five people to travel in comfort. User-friendly interior controls make driving the new Stinger a true pleasure. Heated leather seats, smartphone integration, and a 7.0-inch infotainment display all come standard. If you encounter trouble along the way, drivers have access to Kia’s UVO communications system which can call for emergency roadside assistance.

2018 Chevrolet Impala

Boasting a full-size cabin, the 2018 Chevrolet Impala is perfect for touring the country as it’s spacious and surprisingly engaging to drive. At 18.8 cubic feet, the Impala’s trunk is among the largest in the segment, making it ideal for long treks to camping sites. It also comes standard with GM’s award-winning OnStar system, which can provide accurate driving directions and around-the-clock emergency support. Meanwhile, a 4G Wi-fi hot spot gives all of your passengers easy access to the web. Prices for the new Impala start a reasonable $29,000.

The Chevrolet Impala comes standard with a four-cylinder engine, only capable of producing a menial 197 horsepower. Unfortunately, it’s not strong enough to deliver a smile-inducing performance, forcing drivers to seek their thrills in alternate trim packages. For some real power, your best bet is to upgrade to the meatier V6 engine. It develops a satisfying 305 horsepower, which transforms the Impala into a much more exciting sedan. The extra power under the hood enables you to effortlessly merge onto the freeway. Luckily, you can still look forward to getting up to 28 mpg on the highway. Keep in mind that the Impala is only offered with a front-wheel-drive system. If you plan to travel in the snow, all-wheel drive may prove to be a must-have feature.

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