Best cars for road trips in Thailand 2025
What are the best cars for road trips in Thailand? This question may have arisen as you are looking to make your purchase. The truth is, many vehicles fit the criteria, but only a few can act as the perfect vessel for your unforgettable road trip journey.
In order to facilitate a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience, it’s important to select a vehicle that can handle all the country’s varied terrain while providing all the necessary comfort. This guide will introduce you to some of our considerations for the top vehicles for road trips in Thailand, highlighting their key features and benefits to ensure a seamless and unforgettable adventure.
Which type of car should you choose?
SUVs
When it comes to road trips that involve rugged terrains or long distances, SUVs are a top pick. These vehicles offer spacious interiors, strong safety features, and the ability to handle off-road conditions with ease.
Benefits include:
- Ample space: With room for five to seven passengers and extra luggage, perfect for families, groups, and those with sports or camping gear.
- Built for tough roads: Thailand’s varied landscapes, including steep mountain roads and unpaved rural paths, are no match for an SUV’s stability and traction.
- All-weather performance: Most SUVs have four-wheel or all-wheel drive, helping them navigate wet and slippery roads during the rainy season.
Sedans
For road trips focused on city exploration or smooth highway driving, sedans shine through fuel efficiency, handling, and comfort.
Benefits include:
- Fuel efficiency: As sedans are lighter and often equipped with more efficient engines, they generally offer better gas mileage than larger vehicles, which can help you save on long drives.
- Maneuverability: Tight parking spaces and busy streets are no problem for the sedan’s compactness.
Hybrids or electric cars
For those who prioritise sustainability, electric and hybrid vehicles offer an eco-conscious way to hit the road. Although ideal for shorter trips, the growing availability of chargers nationwide only makes the prospect of road trips much more appealing.
Benefits include:
- Cost savings: Hybrid cars consume less fuel, while electric cars don’t consume fuel at all, making either option a great budget-friendly choice for long trips.
- Peaceful drives: Electric motors run quietly, contributing to a more relaxing travel experience.
- Environmental benefits: By cutting down on carbon emissions, these vehicles support cleaner air and greener travel.
Top 5 cars for road trips in Thailand
1. Nissan Leaf
As one of the best cars for road trips, the Nissan Leaf truly stands out with its eco-friendly, all-electric design. This compact car offers a smooth and quiet driving experience, perfect for exploring Thailand’s beautiful landscapes, especially given that chargers are more plentiful.
Moreover, the Leaf’s impressive range allows you to travel long distances without worrying about frequent recharging stops. Inside, you’ll find a spacious and comfortable cabin, making it suitable for both drivers and passengers.
Equipped with a modest 40 kWh battery and a sturdy motor, the Nissan Leaf can travel up to 311 kilometres on a single charge. Although a few years old at this point, the Leaf still holds up in today’s market, standing heads and shoulders above its Chinese competitors.
2. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
When it comes to SUVs, few are as versatile as the Mitsubishi Pajero. Fitted with Mitsubishi’s historic four-wheel-drive system that made the Pajero a beloved off-roader all the way back in 1982, this heritage is not lost in its newer model.
But don’t be mistaken, despite all of its off-road capabilities, its ride quality on the tarmac is still impeccable, making it perfect for extended adventures across the country. Pushing close to 200 horsepower but with a boatload of torque, it’s smooth, yet possesses enough power for when you need it.
Meanwhile, the spacious interior and ample cargo area provide enough room for passengers and luggage. Additionally, the Pajero Sport comes equipped with a range of safety features, offering a secure and enjoyable experience for those memorable Thai road trips.
3. Honda CR-V
Another contender for the best cars for road trips in Thailand is the Honda CR-V. Known for its fuel efficiency and comfortable ride, it is an excellent budget-oriented flagship SUV, perfect for prolonged road-trip journeys across the country.
Despite its size and a front-wheel drive system, the CR-V handles itself pretty well, although it may not be as comparable to some of its four-wheel-drive counterparts when it comes to rougher terrain. Its ample interior space and cargo capacity provide enough room for passengers and their belongings. The CR-V also offers advanced safety features for a worry-free driving experience.
4. Toyota Fortuner
As another cult-classic on Thailand’s roads, the beloved Toyota Fortuner is one of the best cars for road trips. Give it any terrain and it’ll pass with flying colours. The Toyota Fortuner boasts a range of features that make it a top choice for travelers.
This rugged SUV comes equipped with either of Toyota’s legendary bulletproof petrol or diesel engines, packing a powerful punch, yet still fuel-efficient. Inside, the spacious cabin provides ample room for passengers and their belongings, ensuring a comfortable journey throughout.
Additionally, the Fortuner’s high ground clearance and impressive handling capabilities allow it to tackle challenging landscapes with ease. Furthermore, its array of modern amenities, such as advanced infotainment and climate control systems, keep everyone entertained and comfortable during long road trips.
In terms of safety, the Fortuner comes equipped with features like Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and multiple airbags to protect occupants in case of an accident. So, if you’re planning a road trip in Thailand or beyond, the Toyota Fortuner is a reliable and versatile option to consider.
5. Isuzu MU-X
Similarly to the Toyota Fortuner, the Isuzu MU-X is yet another sturdy, reliable and comfortable car for any road trip, and it does excel in any terrain or road condition thrown its way. The 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine is the preferred option for many Thais due to its cost-effectiveness, durability and the headroom it gives for performance modifications to give an extra bit of oomph.
Inside the MU-X, passengers will appreciate the roomy cabin, which offers plenty of space for both people and their belongings. Comfortable seats and a user-friendly infotainment system with smartphone connectivity ensure a pleasant and entertaining driving experience for all.
Furthermore, the Isuzu MU-X boasts a high ground clearance and exceptional handling, making it well-suited for navigating Thailand’s diverse landscapes, from winding mountain roads to sandy beaches. In terms of safety, the MU-X features advanced technologies such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), and Hill Descent Control (HDC), providing added confidence on your road trip adventures.
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