Find coolers that are perfect for long car journeys.

Road trips are all about adventure, but they can also get pretty hot, especially if you’re traveling with perishable foods. A good cooler can make all the difference, keeping your snacks and drinks cold and refreshing. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the 16 best coolers for car travel, featuring models that are both long-lasting and compact.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, we’ve got you covered. We’ll be looking at various factors, including ice retention, capacity, portability, and durability, to help you find the perfect cooler for your needs. We’ll also be considering features like wheels, handles, and internal organization, to make sure you can pack everything you need and keep it all organized.

So, whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or a first-timer, this guide will help you find the best cooler for your next adventure. No more soggy sandwiches or lukewarm drinks – get ready to enjoy your travels with delicious, cold refreshments all along the way.

Get ready to discover the ultimate coolers for your next road trip! From top-rated brands to innovative designs, we’ve curated a selection of the best coolers that will keep your food and drinks perfectly chilled, no matter how long the drive. So buckle up, pack your snacks, and let’s hit the road with a cooler that’s guaranteed to make your journey even more enjoyable.

QUICKLIST
Item	Image	Where to buy	Rating	Read More
Coleman 54 Quart Xtreme Wheeled Cooler			N/A	Jump to Review
Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler			N/A	Jump to Review
RTIC 65 Quart Cooler			N/A	Jump to Review
Igloo MaxCold 60 Quart Roller Cooler			N/A	Jump to Review
Pelican Elite 45 Quart Cooler			N/A	Jump to Review
Canyon Coolers 40 Quart Cooler			N/A	Jump to Review
Ozark Trail 48 Quart High Performance Cooler			N/A	Jump to Review
Grizzly 75 Quart Cooler			N/A	Jump to Review
ORCA 40 Quart Cooler			N/A	Jump to Review
Engel 40 Quart Cooler			N/A	Jump to Review
ARB 47 Quart Fridge/Freezer			N/A	Jump to Review
Dometic CFX3 40L Portable Fridge/Freezer			N/A	Jump to Review
Whynter Portable 12V DC/AC Refrigerator/Freezer			N/A	Jump to Review
Alpicool 40 Quart Portable Car Refrigerator/Freezer			N/A	Jump to Review
Cooler Master CK120 Portable 12V DC Refrigerator			N/A	Jump to Review
Koolatron P12 Portable 12V DC Refrigerator/Freezer			N/A	Jump to Review

Table of Contents

Coleman 54 Quart Xtreme Wheeled Cooler

A classic cooler with a large capacity and wheels for easy transport.

Specifications :

Capacity: 54 quarts
Dimensions: 27.5 x 19 x 19.5 inches
Weight: 26 pounds
Features: Wheels, handles, drain plug, built-in cup holders

Reasons to buy :

Large capacity
Affordable price
Durable construction
Easy to maneuver with wheels

Reasons to avoid :

Not as well-insulated as some other coolers
Can be bulky and heavy

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You need a cooler with a large capacity and wheels.
You are on a budget.

Don't buy it if:

You need the absolute best insulation.
You are looking for a lightweight cooler.

Bottom Line:

The Coleman 54 Quart Xtreme Wheeled Cooler is a great value for the price. It offers a large capacity and easy maneuverability, making it a good choice for camping trips, tailgating, or any other occasion where you need to keep food and drinks cold for an extended period of time. It’s not the most insulated cooler on the market, but it's still a reliable and affordable option. If you’re looking for a cooler that can hold a lot of food and drinks, and you don’t mind sacrificing some insulation for a lower price, this is a good option for you.

Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler

A high-performance cooler that is known for its durability, insulation, and performance.

Specifications :

Capacity: 45 quarts
Dimensions: 25.5 x 16.5 x 17 inches
Weight: 29 pounds
Features: Rotomolded construction, extra-thick insulation, T-Rex lid latches, drain plug

Reasons to buy :

Excellent insulation
Durable construction
Easy to clean
Large capacity

Reasons to avoid :

Expensive
Heavy

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You need the best possible insulation.
You are willing to pay a premium for quality.
You want a cooler that will last for years.

Don't buy it if:

You are on a budget.
You need a lightweight cooler.

Bottom Line:

The Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler is a top-of-the-line cooler that is built to last. It offers excellent insulation, durability, and performance, making it a great choice for anyone who wants the best possible cooler. However, it is expensive, and it can be heavy, so it’s not the best choice for everyone. If you are looking for a cooler that can keep your food and drinks cold for days on end, and you don’t mind paying a premium for quality, the Yeti Tundra is a great option for you.

RTIC 65 Quart Cooler

Check this blog on 14 Best Cooler for Road Trips: Stay Cool on the Go

A popular and affordable alternative to the Yeti Tundra, this cooler offers similar performance at a lower price.

You can find more information on 16 Best Cooler for the Money: Value for 2024

Specifications :

Capacity: 65 quarts
Dimensions: 26.25 x 19.5 x 18.75 inches
Weight: 35 pounds
Features: Rotomolded construction, thick insulation, strong latches, drain plug

Reasons to buy :

Excellent insulation
Durable construction
Affordable price
Large capacity

Reasons to avoid :

Heavy

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You need a cooler with a large capacity and excellent insulation.
You are looking for a good value for the price.

Don't buy it if:

You need a lightweight cooler.

Bottom Line:

The RTIC 65 Quart Cooler is a great value for the price. It offers similar performance to the Yeti Tundra, but at a lower price. It’s a good choice for anyone who needs a large cooler with excellent insulation, but who doesn’t want to pay a premium price. The RTIC 65 Quart is a good option for camping trips, tailgating, or any other occasion where you need to keep food and drinks cold for an extended period of time. If you’re looking for a cooler that can hold a lot of food and drinks, and you want good insulation without breaking the bank, this is a good option for you.

Learn more about 14 Best Cooler Ice Packs for Maximum Chill

Igloo MaxCold 60 Quart Roller Cooler

A classic cooler with wheels and a large capacity.

Specifications :

Capacity: 60 quarts
Dimensions: 27.5 x 19 x 19.5 inches
Weight: 28 pounds
Features: Wheels, handles, drain plug, built-in cup holders

Reasons to buy :

Large capacity
Affordable price
Durable construction
Easy to maneuver with wheels

Reasons to avoid :

Not as well-insulated as some other coolers
Can be bulky and heavy

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You need a cooler with a large capacity and wheels.
You are on a budget.

Don't buy it if:

You need the absolute best insulation.
You are looking for a lightweight cooler.

Bottom Line:

The Igloo MaxCold 60 Quart Roller Cooler is a good value for the price. It offers a large capacity and easy maneuverability, making it a good choice for camping trips, tailgating, or any other occasion where you need to keep food and drinks cold for an extended period of time. It’s not the most insulated cooler on the market, but it's still a reliable and affordable option. If you’re looking for a cooler that can hold a lot of food and drinks, and you don’t mind sacrificing some insulation for a lower price, this is a good option for you.

Pelican Elite 45 Quart Cooler

A high-performance cooler that is known for its durability and insulation.

Specifications :

Capacity: 45 quarts
Dimensions: 25 x 15 x 17 inches
Weight: 25 pounds
Features: Rotomolded construction, extra-thick insulation, heavy-duty latches, drain plug

Reasons to buy :

Excellent insulation
Durable construction
Easy to clean
Large capacity

Reasons to avoid :

Expensive
Heavy

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You need the best possible insulation.
You are willing to pay a premium for quality.
You want a cooler that will last for years.

Don't buy it if:

You are on a budget.
You need a lightweight cooler.

Bottom Line:

The Pelican Elite 45 Quart Cooler is a great choice for anyone who needs a high-performance cooler that can keep food and drinks cold for days on end. It’s not the most affordable cooler on the market, but it’s well worth the investment if you need a cooler that is built to last. If you’re looking for a cooler that can withstand rough use and keep your food and drinks cold for days on end, the Pelican Elite 45 Quart is a good option for you.

Canyon Coolers 40 Quart Cooler

A popular and affordable alternative to the Yeti Tundra, this cooler offers similar performance at a lower price.

Specifications :

Capacity: 40 quarts
Dimensions: 24.5 x 15.5 x 15.5 inches
Weight: 25 pounds
Features: Rotomolded construction, thick insulation, strong latches, drain plug

Reasons to buy :

Excellent insulation
Durable construction
Affordable price
Large capacity

Reasons to avoid :

Heavy

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You need a cooler with a large capacity and excellent insulation.
You are looking for a good value for the price.

Don't buy it if:

You need a lightweight cooler.

Bottom Line:

The Canyon Coolers 40 Quart Cooler is a great value for the price. It offers similar performance to the Yeti Tundra, but at a lower price. It’s a good choice for anyone who needs a large cooler with excellent insulation, but who doesn’t want to pay a premium price. The Canyon Coolers 40 Quart is a good option for camping trips, tailgating, or any other occasion where you need to keep food and drinks cold for an extended period of time. If you’re looking for a cooler that can hold a lot of food and drinks, and you want good insulation without breaking the bank, this is a good option for you.

Ozark Trail 48 Quart High Performance Cooler

A great value for the price, this cooler offers good insulation and performance.

Specifications :

Capacity: 48 quarts
Dimensions: 25 x 17.5 x 17.5 inches
Weight: 22 pounds
Features: Thick insulation, heavy-duty latches, drain plug

Reasons to buy :

Good insulation
Durable construction
Affordable price
Large capacity

Reasons to avoid :

Not as well-insulated as some other coolers

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You need a cooler with a large capacity and good insulation.
You are on a budget.

Don't buy it if:

You need the absolute best insulation.
You are looking for a cooler with a long warranty.

Bottom Line:

The Ozark Trail 48 Quart High Performance Cooler is a good value for the price. It offers good insulation and performance, making it a good choice for camping trips, tailgating, or any other occasion where you need to keep food and drinks cold for an extended period of time. It’s not the most insulated cooler on the market, but it’s a reliable and affordable option. If you’re looking for a cooler that can hold a lot of food and drinks, and you don’t mind sacrificing some insulation for a lower price, this is a good option for you.

Grizzly 75 Quart Cooler

A heavy-duty cooler that is built to last.

Specifications :

Capacity: 75 quarts
Dimensions: 30 x 20 x 21 inches
Weight: 45 pounds
Features: Rotomolded construction, extra-thick insulation, heavy-duty latches, drain plug

Reasons to buy :

Excellent insulation
Durable construction
Large capacity

Reasons to avoid :

Expensive
Heavy

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You need the best possible insulation.
You are willing to pay a premium for quality.
You want a cooler that will last for years.

Don't buy it if:

You are on a budget.
You need a lightweight cooler.

Bottom Line:

The Grizzly 75 Quart Cooler is a top-of-the-line cooler that is built to last. It offers excellent insulation, durability, and performance, making it a great choice for anyone who wants the best possible cooler. However, it is expensive, and it can be heavy, so it’s not the best choice for everyone. If you are looking for a cooler that can keep your food and drinks cold for days on end, and you don’t mind paying a premium for quality, the Grizzly 75 Quart Cooler is a good option for you.

You can find more information on 15 Best Coolers for Dry Ice: Extreme Cold

ORCA 40 Quart Cooler

A high-performance cooler that is known for its durability and insulation.

Specifications :

Capacity: 40 quarts
Dimensions: 25 x 15.5 x 16 inches
Weight: 28 pounds
Features: Rotomolded construction, extra-thick insulation, heavy-duty latches, drain plug

Reasons to buy :

Excellent insulation
Durable construction
Easy to clean
Large capacity

Reasons to avoid :

Expensive
Heavy

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You need the best possible insulation.
You are willing to pay a premium for quality.
You want a cooler that will last for years.

Don't buy it if:

You are on a budget.
You need a lightweight cooler.

Bottom Line:

The ORCA 40 Quart Cooler is a great choice for anyone who needs a high-performance cooler that can keep food and drinks cold for days on end. It’s not the most affordable cooler on the market, but it’s well worth the investment if you need a cooler that is built to last. If you’re looking for a cooler that can withstand rough use and keep your food and drinks cold for days on end, the ORCA 40 Quart Cooler is a good option for you.

Engel 40 Quart Cooler

A high-performance cooler that is known for its durability and insulation.

Specifications :

Capacity: 40 quarts
Dimensions: 25 x 16 x 16 inches
Weight: 26 pounds
Features: Rotomolded construction, extra-thick insulation, heavy-duty latches, drain plug

Reasons to buy :

Excellent insulation
Durable construction
Easy to clean
Large capacity

Reasons to avoid :

Expensive
Heavy

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You need the best possible insulation.
You are willing to pay a premium for quality.
You want a cooler that will last for years.

Don't buy it if:

You are on a budget.
You need a lightweight cooler.

Bottom Line:

The Engel 40 Quart Cooler is a great choice for anyone who needs a high-performance cooler that can keep food and drinks cold for days on end. It’s not the most affordable cooler on the market, but it’s well worth the investment if you need a cooler that is built to last. If you’re looking for a cooler that can withstand rough use and keep your food and drinks cold for days on end, the Engel 40 Quart Cooler is a good option for you.

ARB 47 Quart Fridge/Freezer

A rugged and reliable option for keeping your food and drinks cold on the road. This fridge/freezer has a large capacity and is built to withstand the toughest conditions.

Specifications :

Capacity: 47 quarts
Power: 12V DC, 110V AC
Temperature range: -4°F to 50°F
Dimensions: 26.5" x 18.5" x 19.5"
Weight: 47 lbs

Reasons to buy :

Large capacity
Durable construction
Efficient cooling
Multiple power options

Reasons to avoid :

Heavy
Can be expensive

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You need a large fridge/freezer for long trips
You're looking for a durable and reliable option
You need a fridge/freezer that can be powered by both 12V DC and 110V AC

Don't buy it if:

You're on a tight budget
You need a lightweight fridge/freezer
You don't need a large capacity

Bottom Line:

The ARB 47 Quart Fridge/Freezer is a great choice for serious overlanders and campers who need a large, durable, and reliable fridge/freezer. It's built to withstand the toughest conditions and has a large capacity that can easily accommodate food and drinks for a weeklong trip. However, it's also heavy and can be expensive, so it's not the best choice for everyone. If you're looking for a rugged and reliable fridge/freezer that can handle anything you throw at it, then the ARB 47 Quart is a great option.

Dometic CFX3 40L Portable Fridge/Freezer

A premium option that offers high-performance cooling, a sleek design, and a range of convenient features. This fridge/freezer is a great choice for those who want the best of the best.

Specifications :

Capacity: 40 liters (10.6 gallons)
Power: 12V DC, 110V AC
Temperature range: -4°F to 50°F
Dimensions: 22.8" x 15.7" x 16.1"
Weight: 31 lbs

Reasons to buy :

Powerful cooling
Sleek and modern design
Convenient features, such as a digital display and a built-in battery
Easy to clean

Reasons to avoid :

Expensive

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You want the best possible cooling performance
You appreciate a sleek and modern design
You're willing to pay a premium for quality
You need a fridge/freezer that can be powered by both 12V DC and 110V AC

Don't buy it if:

You're on a tight budget
You don't need the highest level of cooling performance

Bottom Line:

The Dometic CFX3 40L Portable Fridge/Freezer is a premium option that offers high-performance cooling, a sleek design, and a range of convenient features. It's a great choice for those who want the best of the best and are willing to pay a premium for quality. If you're looking for a fridge/freezer that can keep your food and drinks cold for days on end, then the Dometic CFX3 is a great option.

Whynter Portable 12V DC/AC Refrigerator/Freezer

A budget-friendly option that offers a good balance of features and performance. This fridge/freezer is a great choice for those who are looking for a practical and affordable option.

Specifications :

Capacity: 32 quarts
Power: 12V DC, 110V AC
Temperature range: -4°F to 50°F
Dimensions: 19.5" x 15.75" x 16.5"
Weight: 25 lbs

Reasons to buy :

Affordable price
Good cooling performance
Multiple power options
Easy to use

Reasons to avoid :

Not as durable as some other options

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You're on a tight budget
You need a fridge/freezer with good cooling performance
You need a fridge/freezer that can be powered by both 12V DC and 110V AC

Don't buy it if:

You need a highly durable fridge/freezer
You need a large capacity

Bottom Line:

The Whynter Portable 12V DC/AC Refrigerator/Freezer is a great budget-friendly option that offers a good balance of features and performance. It's a practical and affordable choice for those who are looking for a reliable fridge/freezer to keep their food and drinks cold on the road. If you're on a tight budget but still want a fridge/freezer that can perform well, then the Whynter is a great option.

Alpicool 40 Quart Portable Car Refrigerator/Freezer

A versatile option that offers a good balance of features and performance. This fridge/freezer is a great choice for those who are looking for a reliable and affordable option.

Specifications :

Capacity: 40 quarts
Power: 12V DC, 110V AC
Temperature range: -4°F to 50°F
Dimensions: 23.6" x 16.5" x 17.7"
Weight: 31 lbs

Reasons to buy :

Large capacity
Good cooling performance
Multiple power options
Affordable price

Reasons to avoid :

Not as durable as some other options

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You need a large capacity fridge/freezer
You need a fridge/freezer that can be powered by both 12V DC and 110V AC
You're looking for an affordable option

Don't buy it if:

You need a highly durable fridge/freezer

Bottom Line:

The Alpicool 40 Quart Portable Car Refrigerator/Freezer is a versatile option that offers a good balance of features and performance. It's a great choice for those who are looking for a reliable and affordable fridge/freezer to keep their food and drinks cold on the road. If you need a large capacity fridge/freezer that can be powered by both 12V DC and 110V AC, then the Alpicool is a great option.

Cooler Master CK120 Portable 12V DC Refrigerator

A compact and lightweight option that is perfect for small spaces. This refrigerator is a great choice for those who are looking for a portable and easy-to-use option.

Specifications :

Capacity: 12 liters (3.2 gallons)
Power: 12V DC
Temperature range: 32°F to 41°F
Dimensions: 10.6" x 11" x 13.8"
Weight: 10 lbs

Reasons to buy :

Compact and lightweight
Easy to use
Affordable price

Reasons to avoid :

Small capacity
Only 12V DC power

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You need a small and portable refrigerator
You're looking for an affordable option
You only need to power the fridge from your car's 12V DC outlet

Don't buy it if:

You need a large capacity refrigerator
You need a fridge/freezer that can be powered by both 12V DC and 110V AC

Bottom Line:

The Cooler Master CK120 Portable 12V DC Refrigerator is a compact and lightweight option that is perfect for small spaces. It's a great choice for those who are looking for a portable and easy-to-use option. It's also very affordable, making it a great value for the money. If you're looking for a small and portable refrigerator to keep your drinks and snacks cold on the go, then the Cooler Master CK120 is a great option.

Koolatron P12 Portable 12V DC Refrigerator/Freezer

A compact and lightweight option that is perfect for small spaces. This fridge/freezer is a great choice for those who are looking for a portable and easy-to-use option.

Specifications :

Capacity: 12 liters (3.2 gallons)
Power: 12V DC
Temperature range: -4°F to 50°F
Dimensions: 11.8" x 11.4" x 15.4"
Weight: 10 lbs

Reasons to buy :

Compact and lightweight
Good cooling performance
Affordable price

Reasons to avoid :

Small capacity
Only 12V DC power

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You need a small and portable fridge/freezer
You're looking for an affordable option
You only need to power the fridge/freezer from your car's 12V DC outlet

Don't buy it if:

You need a large capacity fridge/freezer
You need a fridge/freezer that can be powered by both 12V DC and 110V AC

Bottom Line:

The Koolatron P12 Portable 12V DC Refrigerator/Freezer is a compact and lightweight option that is perfect for small spaces. It's a great choice for those who are looking for a portable and easy-to-use option. It's also very affordable, making it a great value for the money. If you're looking for a small and portable fridge/freezer to keep your drinks and snacks cold on the go, then the Koolatron P12 is a great option.

There you have it! We've covered the 16 best coolers for car travel, from small and compact to large and powerful. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a long road trip, you're sure to find the perfect cooler for your needs. Remember to consider your budget, the size of your group, and the type of food and drinks you'll be transporting when making your decision.

Investing in a high-quality cooler is a wise move for any car traveler, as it allows you to keep your food and drinks cold and fresh, no matter how far you're going. This can save you a lot of money on expensive snacks and drinks at rest stops, and it also ensures that you have healthy and delicious food to enjoy on the road.

And don't forget to check out the additional tips we've provided for keeping your cooler cold and maximizing its efficiency. With a little planning, you can ensure that your next car trip is a comfortable and enjoyable one, without having to worry about your food and drinks spoiling.

So pack your bags, grab your cooler, and hit the road! Happy travels!