Jeeps and SUVs New Orleans LA
Top 10 Vehicles for a Beach Road Trip
Top 10 Vehicles For A Beach Road Trip 2008 Honda Element
2008 Honda Element
What we think
With 64 seating options and 77 cubic feet of cargo room, we think the Element was made for a beach trip. Suicide doors and a rear dropdown tailgate will give you access to the beach umbrellas, chairs and surfboards that can easily be stowed in the car. Covering the front seats is a waterproof seat fabric - perfect for those who can’t be bothered to dry off before hitting the road.
At a glance
MSRP: $18,980
Engine and Drivetrain: 2.4-liter DOHC engine, 166 horsepower and 161 lb-ft of torque; 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission
MPG: 18 city/23 highway (2WD Manual), 20 city/25 highway (2WD Auto), 18 city/23 highway (4WD Manual), 19 city/24 highway (4WD Auto)
2008 Jeep Wrangler X
2008 Jeep Wrangler
What we think
The tough-as-nails Wrangler is the ideal summer car. With a removable cloth roof cover and doors, you’ll be able to feel the wind in your hair while driving along the coast. Fabric protectant on the seats keeps the interior free of saltwater stains. The Jeep’s fantastic off-road capabilities mean that parking on the sand will be of little consequence to its standard all-wheel drive.
At a glance
MSRP: $19,360
Engine and drivetrain: 3.8-liter V6 with 202 horsepower and 237 lb-ft of torque; 6-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive
MPG: 15 city/19 highway (Manual), 15 city/19 highway (Auto)
2008 Chevrolet HHR LT
2008 Chevrolet HHR
What we think
The HHR has more functionality than a universal remote. The rear seats fold down pancake flat and are backed with a tough plastic that’s easy to clean and hard to scuff up. An optional sunroof will give you a head start on your tan, while an auxiliary jack means beach playlists will be available en route.
At a glance
MSRP: $18,190
Engine and drivetrain: 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine with 149 horsepower and 152 lb-ft of torque; 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
MPG: 21 city/ 30 highway (Manual), 22 city/30 highway (Auto)
2008 MINI Cooper Clubman
2008 MINI Cooper Clubman
What we think
Not only will the Mini Clubman turn beachgoers’ heads with its cool exterior, but storing all your beach gear is easy for this little car. Anything you stow away in its 32 cubic feet the car will be accessible via the rear barn-style doors and third door on the passenger side. Its 12-feet 11-inch size also means getting to the beach late won’t require spending the hours circling for a parking spot – it’ll fit pretty much anywhere.
At a glance
MSRP: $19,950
Engine and drivetrain: 4-cylinder engine with 118 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque; front-wheel drive; 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic with manual mode and paddle shifters
MPG: 28 city/37 highway (Manual), 26 city/34 highway (Auto)
2008 Honda Fit
2008 Honda Fit
What we think
For the money and ...