Four vehicles built to go far between fill-ups
Many people are wary of flying because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Driving is one alternative to minimize your exposure to large crowds and still get an opportunity to see some sights this summer.
You can also further reduce your social contact on a road trip by driving a vehicle with an exceptionally long range.A typical gasoline-powered vehicle can make it about 450 to 650 kilometres before needing to stop for gas.
Edmunds’ experts have evaluated four vehicles with significantly greater-than-average EPAestimated ranges. Each vehicle represents a specific category: truck, SUV, sedan and electric vehicle.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency calculates range by multiplying a vehicle’s combined mpg estimate — it’s a mix of both city and highway driving — with its gas tank capacity.
A vehicle that gets 20 mpg combined and has a 20-U.S. gallon fuel tank, for instance, would have an estimated range of 400 miles.
You can also do your own math using a vehicle’s highway mpg number to determine if its range will help you go the distance on a trip.
There are plenty of beautiful and interesting destinations within reach, especially if you own a vehicle with a particularly long range. Here’s how to get there.
Truck: 2020 Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 is the king of range when equipped with rearwheel drive and two optional features: the turbodiesel V6 and 125litre fuel tank. The EPA estimates a maximum range of 962 km between fill-ups based on the Ram 1500 diesel’s standard fuel tank. That range balloons to 1,380 km with the optional 125-litre fuel tank.
Edmunds’ testing of the Ram 1500 and its diesel engine suggests that the EPA’s estimates are conservative; it’s likely you’ll be able to go 1,450 km or more on a single tank. The Ram also has impressive technology features, class-leading towing capability and a smooth highway ride. EPA-estimated mpg: 26 combined (9.04 litres/100 km) (22 city/32 highway — 10.69 litres/100 km city, 7.35 litres/100 km highway ) EPA-estimated range: 962 to 1,380 km Starting price for this range: $41,232 Cdn
SUV: 2020 Ford Expedition Max
The Ford Expedition Max is a large three-row SUV that has seating for eight passengers and cargo space galore. That alone makes it a great road-trip vehicle for families.
As a bonus, it also comes with a massive 113.5-litre fuel tank. Stick to highway driving and you should easily be able to clear 965 km before you need to refuel.
If the Expedition Max is too big for your needs, you might also consider looking at the new 2020 Ford Escape plug-in hybrid.
This small SUV has an estimated 852 km on just one tank, which is an impressive feat for such a small vehicle. EPA-estimated mpg: 19 combined (12.37 litres/100 km (17 city/23 highway — 13.83 litres/100 km city, 10.22 litres/100 km highway ) EPA-estimated range: 917 km Starting price for this range: $76,688 Cdn
Sedan: 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
The redesigned Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a spacious and stylish midsize sedan. Its high fuel economy and big fuel tank also allow it to go quite far on a single fill-up. The mid- and upper-trim levels, the SEL and the Limited, boast an impressive range of 998 km. The base Blue trim goes even farther — 1,104 km. The Blue trim lacks some of the Sonata’s nicer features, however.
Hyundai also offers the Ioniq hybrid. It’s a smaller hatchback that offers a potential range of 1,110 km. But we prefer the Sonata for its extra space and comfort, which is key for a long journey. EPA-estimated mpg: 52 combined (4.52 litres/100 km) (50 city/54 highway — 4.7 litres/100 km city,
4.35 litres/100 km highway)
EPA-estimated range: 1,104 km Starting price for this range: $40,099 Cdn
Electric vehicle: 2020 Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S is one of the quickest-accelerating cars you can buy. And in its Long Range Plus form, it can provide you with the longest EPA-estimated range for an electric vehicle: 647 km of range with a fully charged battery. That’s nearly double the estimate for most other EVs.
Access to Tesla’s Supercharger network is another advantage. These proprietary fast chargers make up the most populous charging network in North America.
Twenty to 30 minutes is all you need to recharge the Model S battery enough to continue on your journey. The Model S navigation system will even guide you to the next Supercharger station.
EPA-estimated efficiency:
29 kWh/100 miles or 117 mpg equivalent combined (121 city/112 highway) EPA-estimated range: 647 km Starting price for this range: $104,600 Cdn
• Edmunds says: These range-topping vehicles strike a balance among practicality, comfort and sheer endurance on a tank of gas. Now the only thing left is to choose your destination.
This story was provided to the Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds. Travis Langness is a reviews editor at Edmunds.