Top 10 Road Trip Vehicles

The Toyota Prius marries a small gasoline engine to an electric motor/generator and a self-charging battery pack to garner an EPA-rated 48 mpg city/45 mpg highway. Its futuristic profile affords a roomy interior for four adults to ride in comfort over a long haul. ***

Not long ago, Land Rovers would've been our last choice for a road trip, as they were terribly uncomfortable on paved roads over long distances. But the LR3 is pleasing even off the trail, and its cavernous interior will swallow lots of gear and still let passengers stretch out. The base LR3 includes a 216-hp V6 engine, while the top versions pack a potent 300-hp V8. ***

The newly redesigned xB includes a more-powerful engine (158 hp) than the outgoing model's that should still prove fuel-efficient. It can be mated to a new four-speed sequential-shift automatic. The xB has many safety features, a roomy interior and a generous assortment of standard equipment, including a premium audio system with full iPod integration. ***

Exploring the limits of the 650i's 360-hp 4.8-liter engine adds excitement to any trip. An Active Roll Stabilization system ensures optimum comfort over bumps and potholes while cruising in a straight-line, but tightens up the suspension through turns for exhilarating handling. A coddling interior includes supremely comfortable seats and a standard navigation system with real-time traffic information. ***

The Sienna can be fitted with a full-time all-wheel-drive system and run-flat tires for added safety, along with adaptive cruise control to conveniently maintain a set speed and distance from the traffic ahead. The Sienna also offers iPod audio-system connectivity so you ***

While steep fuel prices may have dampened demand for full-size SUVs, they remain purposeful purchases for those who need to tow a boat to the lake or a trailer to a campsite. The Yukon Denali effortlessly serves those needs with a 380-hp 6.2-liter V8 that boasts 417 pound-feet of torque for a top towing capacity of 7,900 pounds. ***

A large and luxurious four-door pickup truck isn't for everyone. But if you're transporting the kids to college and want to do so in high style, the Mark LT is among the best. The new-for-2007 long-wheelbase version includes a class-leading 6.5-foot cargo bed that's large enough to hold a dorm room's worth of Ikea accoutrements. ***

Perfect for hitting the road to catch three baseball games over the course of a long weekend ***

We settled on the Jaguar XK Convertible for its unique blend of luxury, style and athleticism. It rides almost as comfortably as a luxury sedan, yet has superb handling for spirited driving thanks to be being light and rigid as well as having a deftly engineered suspension. The XK Convertible's sonorous 300-hp 4.2-liter V8 engine is strong and the six-speed automatic precise. ***

The midsize E320 Bluetec is ideal for a party of four on a long journey; a fifth can fit if necessary. Typical of a diesel engine, its 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 is about 30 percent more fuel-efficient than a comparable gasoline engine. Yet it bears none of the vices of past diesels: namely poor acceleration and stinky exhaust smoke. Its 208-hp and 400 pound-feet of torque allow strong acceleration, which can be crucial for highway driving. ***