Cars.com: 88% of Holiday Travelers Remain Committed to Their July Fourth Road Trip Despite High Fuel Costs

Rhea-AI Summary

Cars.com reveals in a recent survey that 88% of American travelers plan to drive this Independence Day, despite record-high gas prices impacting travel plans. More than half will travel shorter distances, with 68% staying within 50 miles of home. Additionally, 45% will carpool to lessen fuel costs, particularly among younger drivers and those with lower incomes. The 2022 American-Made Index highlights fuel-efficient vehicles, emphasizing that travel preferences are shifting amid economic pressures.

Positive

• 88% of travelers are committed to road trips despite high fuel prices.
• The 2022 American-Made Index lists 95 U.S.-made vehicles, promoting the economy.

Negative

• Record-high gas prices are negatively impacting travel plans for over 75% of respondents.
• Shorter travel distances indicate reduced consumer spending on travel.

Independence Day Vacationers Find Pump Price Relief With Shorter Distances, Carpools and American-Made Fuel Efficient Vehicles

CHICAGO, June 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey by the car-shopping marketplace Cars.com™ (NYSE: CARS) reveals that while 88% of American travelers plan to drive to their holiday destinations over Independence Day weekend, more than three-fourths say record-high gas prices have impacted plans, with many opting to stay closer to home or bring friends along to help chip in at the pump¹.

Distance is the predominant sacrifice. More than half of those surveyed say they'll be driving a shorter distance due to fuel costs¹, and while 62% of 2021 respondents said their goal was to get "as far from the house as possible" last Fourth of July², this year, 68% of road trippers will stay within 50 miles of home¹.

Continuing a Memorial Day travel trend, 45% of Fourth of July travelers will bring company along to offset the cost of gas, and the number surpasses 50% for those between 18-34 and those with a household income below $50,000¹.

"Road tripping for the Fourth of July is an American tradition, and understandably, gas prices are at the forefront of any road tripper's mind right now. Pent-up demand for travel is pushing vacationers to get creative with their road-trip strategies to curb costs rather than forgo their adventures completely," said Jenni Newman, Cars.com editor-in-chief. "Every little bit helps, but one of the biggest factors is fuel efficiency, and fortunately, there are a variety of vehicle options on the market for all lifestyles that will help maximize mpg, including many that are made right here in the USA."

Cars.com recently released its 2022 American-Made Index (AMI), which features 95 cars that contribute most to the U.S. economy based on criteria ranging from U.S. factory jobs and manufacturing plants to parts sourcing. The index gives shoppers information to purchase the most American-made vehicles and direct their economic impact closer to home.

The Top 10 Most Fuel-Efficient Vehicles Appearing in This Year's Cars.com American-Made Index Include³:

Ranking (best MPG)	American-Made Index Ranking	Model on Cars.com's American-Made Index	Version With Best MPG
1	65	Toyota Camry Hybrid (HEV)	Camry Hybrid LE
2	56	Lexus ES Hybrid (HEV)	ES 300h
3	90	Toyota RAV4 Hybrid	RAV4 Hybrid
4	79	Honda CR-V Hybrid	CR-V Hybrid
5	95	Hyundai Elantra	Elantra SE
6	91	Honda Civic	Civic EX
7	51	Toyota Sienna (HEV)	Sienna with Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
8	72	Toyota Highlander Hybrid (HEV)	Highlander Hybrid with FWD
9	92	Toyota Corolla	Corolla Hatchback SE with CVT
10	83	Nissan Rogue	Rogue S and SV with FWD

To view the complete American Made Index, visit Cars.com/AMI, and to learn more about the recent Independence Day travel survey, great deals and other car-buying tips and tricks, please visit Cars.com/News.

¹Cars.com consumer survey, fielded June 14-17, 2022; 1,670 responses
²Cars.com survey conducted June 24-25, 2021; 1,013 responses
³Top 10 Cars.com American-Made Index vehicles with best mpg based on the trim/equipment for each model using data from the EPA

ABOUT CARS.COM

CARS is the leading automotive marketplace platform that provides a robust set of digital solutions that connect car shoppers with sellers. Launched in 1998 with the flagship marketplace Cars.com and headquartered in Chicago, the Company empowers shoppers with the data, resources and digital tools needed to make informed buying decisions and seamlessly connect with automotive retailers. In a rapidly changing market, CARS enables dealerships and OEMs with innovative technical solutions and data-driven intelligence to better reach and influence ready-to-buy shoppers, increase inventory turn and gain market share.

In addition to Cars.com, CARS brands include Dealer Inspire, a technology provider building solutions that future-proof dealerships with more efficient operations and connected digital experiences; FUEL, which gives dealers and OEMs the opportunity to harness the untapped power of digital video by leveraging Cars.com's pure audience of in-market car shoppers; DealerRater, a leading car dealer review and reputation management platform; automotive fintech platform CreditIQ and Accu-Trade a vehicle valuation and appraisal technology.

The full suite of CARS properties includes Cars.com™, Dealer Inspire®, FUEL™, DealerRater®, CreditIQ™, Accu-Trade.com™,  Auto.com™, PickupTrucks.com™ and NewCars.com®. For more information, visit www.Cars.com.

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SOURCE Cars.com Inc.

FAQ

What percentage of travelers plans to drive for July Fourth according to Cars.com?

88% of travelers plan to drive for their July Fourth trips.

How have gas prices affected travel plans this Independence Day?

More than 75% of travelers say record-high gas prices have impacted their travel plans.

What distance will most travelers stay within for July Fourth trips?

68% of road trippers will stay within 50 miles of home.

What is the 2022 American-Made Index?

The 2022 American-Made Index features 95 cars that contribute most to the U.S. economy.

What strategies are travelers using to cope with high gas prices?

Many travelers are opting for shorter trips and carpooling to share fuel costs.