Green Roadtrip

01

Volkswagen's Original Microbus was an essential road tripping vehicle in its day.  Whether following a band on tour or heading to a hidden, local surf spot, the Microbus has long haunted the roads of southern California.  The new all-electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz honors the classic while updating its carbon footprint.  The ID. Buzz holds up to seven passengers and features a 91 kWh battery. Available in both rear and all-wheel-drive configurations, with a range of around 260 miles. It can charge from 10 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes with a DC fast-charger, so reload on snacks,  get your crew through their bathroom breaks and you'll be ready to roll in minutes.  The base model has a 282-hp rear motor, with an optional 335-hp dual-motor all-wheel-drive model. The ID. Buzz features standard driver-assistance technology, including forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control.  The ID. Buzz is a classic road-tripper updated for the new green generation. What a long strange trip it's been.

03

Hyundai's stylish SUV's have surged to the top of a crowded segment with their jewel-cut, European styling and very reasonable price tag. Pocket the savings and load up the crew for adventure. The 3-row 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 231 horsepower. Power is delivered through a six-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard or optional, all-wheel drive.

Fuel efficiency is a key strength, especially for the epic family adventures. EPA ratings of 35-36 mpg city and 34-35 mpg highway make even the furthest flung national park seem close.

The Santa Fe Hybrid rides comfortably, with subdued handling and well-isolated engine noise. Interior dimensions accommodate up to seven passengers, with second-row captain's chairs standard on SEL and higher trims, and cargo volumes are bountiful for even the largest families.

A 12.3-inch touchscreen anchors the infotainment system, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Safety tech includes standard automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, with optional adaptive cruise control and blind-spot collision avoidance.

05

Porsche created the sports/crossover segment when they introduced the original Cayenne in 2002, with their first hybrid models coming soon thereafter. The 2026 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid comes in 3 engine configurations.  The base E-Hybrid and S E-Hybrid use a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 paired with an electric motor, producing 463 hp and 512 hp, respectively. The Turbo E-Hybrid combines a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 with an electric motor for a total output of 729 hp, just in case you want to get from Santa Monica to Joshua Tree in 45 minutes. 0-60 time, befitting a Porsche range from just about 5 seconds all the way down to a breathtaking 3.1 seconds on the Turbo model.

The hybrid system includes a 21.8-kWh lithium-ion battery, delivering approximately 22 miles of electric range, supported by an 11.0-kW onboard charger for fast charging.

The cabin  adheres to Porsche's standard of  tasteful, Teutonic luxury. Interior tech includes a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, an optional 10.9-inch passenger display that will stream video content, a 12.7-inch driver cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Dolby Atmos audio. The wireless charging pad even includes a small air-conditioner unit to keep your phone from overheating.

Safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and night-vision support for finding that camping spot in Sequoia when you arrive after dark.

07

Honda was early to the EV game with its groundbreaking EV Plus, launched in 1997 alongside GM's pioneering EV1. When Honda returned to the EV game, they partnered with old rival GM to create the Prologue. Built from GM's Ultium platform and powered by an 85.0-kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack, it offers two power configurations: a 220-hp single front-motor setup for FWD and a dual-motor AWD system producing 300 hp. DC fast-charging peaks at 150-155 kW, enabling a 10-90% charge in about 48 minutes, while the onboard AC charger operates at 11.5 kW. Range is approximately 300 miles for either set up.

Like all Honda vehicle the Prologue has 3 trim levels, EX, Touring and Elite.  All versions are nicely equipped with the base EX including heated front seats, dual zone climate control and wireless charging, all key features for a roadtrip.

Dimensionally, the Prologue rides on a 121.8-inch wheelbase, measures 192.0 inches long and 78.3 inches wide, a departure in size from the Honda's other SUVs offering a level of spaciousness that EVs in this price point don't often supply. A standard 11.3-inch infotainment system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while driver-assistance features in Honda Sensing suite include emergency braking with pedestrian detection and traffic sign recognition.

09

Ready for the cutest roadtrip ever? The subcompact SUV Kia Niro Hybrid is powered by a 139-hp hybrid system combining a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 0.7-kWh lithium-ion battery. Power is delivered through a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to the front wheels only, as all Niro Hybrid models are FWD. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant boosts output to 180 horsepower via a stronger rear electric motor and uses an 11.1-kWh battery, providing 33 miles of EV range and a quicker 7.5-second 0-60 time. Level 2 charging replenishes the PHEV battery in under three hours.

Perfect for a romantic weekend, or a road trip with friends, the Niro accommodates 4 adults easily with room for their luggage in the cargo area.

The PHEV is rated at 108 MPGe and 48 mpg combined once the battery is depleted, so you can go far for much less and save the money for the roadside jerky stand.

The Niro has sophisticated interior that incorporates recycled materials and natural figures like Eucalyptus leaves in the upholstery. Standard tech includes an 8.0-inch or optional 10.3-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.  A suite of advanced driver-assistance features like automated collision warning, lane departure with lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control come standard on this affordable, fun road-tripper.