Coolest cars for summer: Best cars for road trips

By John Aaron
July 6, 2020 | 5:26 AM

The Cadillac CT6. (WTOP/John Aaron) — Those long drives can get fatiguing, which is why the Cadillac CT6 we drove is such an appealing summer road trip companion. Cadillac’s Super Cruise system will let you drive hands-off on certain highways. That’s in addition to luxury touches to keep you comfortable, such as heated and ventilated front and rear seats. Cadillac also says the front seats feature 15 massage settings.

The Lincoln Aviator. (WTOP/John Aaron) — For those looking for a three-row luxury SUV, there’s the Lincoln Aviator, a hushed-and-leathered-up version of the Ford Explorer.

The Toyota Sienna. (WTOP/John Aaron) — Though not as glamorous, the Toyota Sienna minivan is perhaps the most convenient summer road trip machine – and one that can do the job in winter, too, with its available all-wheel drive. (The Chrysler Pacifica minivan is also now being offered with all-wheel drive.)

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With the coronavirus pandemic throwing cold water on many plans that involve flights or cruises, road trips are an especially popular option right now.

Having the right vehicle is key. And some of the ones WTOP has tested fit the bill perfectly.

Car Review: Land Rover Defender OCTA is a sinister supercar

By John Aaron
August 20, 2026 | 5:08 AM

If you're running a covert war or a Russian crime syndicate, boy do I have the ride for you. I present the Land Rover Defender 110 OCTA Black. And black it is. The paint, the wheels and the leather seats are all black, among other things. Even the Land Rover grille emblem is blacked out. Team of goons not included. The menacing look is backed up by what's under the hood: a 4.4‑liter twin turbo mild‑hybrid V8 producing 626 horsepower, which growls at idle and roars under acceleration. It's enough to rocket this behemoth to 60 miles per hour in a scant 3.8 seconds.

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