Road trips offer freedom and adventure, but keeping your food and drinks cold can be challenging. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country journey, having the right car cooler makes all the difference between enjoying fresh snacks or settling for gas station junk food.We’ve tested and compared the top car coolers on the market to help you find the perfect companion for your next road trip. From high-tech electric models to budget-friendly traditional coolers, our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Our Top Picks for Road Trip Coolers
Best Overall
Igloo Versatemp 28 Qt
Perfect balance of size, cooling performance, and price for most road trippers.
Best Value
BougeRV 23-Quart
Affordable electric cooling with impressive performance for budget-conscious travelers.
Best for Off-Grid
Anker Solix Everfrost 2
Battery-powered cooling with rugged construction for extended adventures.
Car Cooler Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider
Before diving into specific product recommendations, let’s explore the key factors to consider when choosing a car cooler for your road trips.
Types of Car Coolers
Traditional Ice Coolers
These rely on ice or ice packs to keep contents cold. They’re affordable and don’t require power, but ice melts and needs replacement.
- No power source needed
- Generally more affordable
- Available in various sizes
- Requires ice replacement
Thermoelectric Coolers
These plug into your car’s 12V outlet and can cool to about 40°F below ambient temperature. They’re convenient but performance depends on outside temperature.
- Plugs into car’s 12V outlet
- No ice needed
- Mid-range price point
- Limited by ambient temperature
Compressor Coolers
These function like mini-refrigerators with precise temperature control. They’re powerful but more expensive and consume more power.
- Works in any ambient temperature
- Can reach freezing temperatures
- Precise temperature control
- Higher price point
Key Features to Consider
Capacity
Consider how much food and drinks you’ll need to store. Coolers are often rated by how many cans they can hold or by quart/liter capacity. For a family of four on a weekend trip, a 30-40 quart cooler is typically sufficient.
Power Source
Electric coolers typically run on 12V DC (car outlet), 120V AC (household outlet), or rechargeable batteries. Some models offer multiple power options for greater flexibility. Check cord length and whether the cooler turns off automatically when your car is off.
Cooling Performance
How cold can the cooler get, and how long can it maintain that temperature? Compressor models offer the best cooling performance, while thermoelectric models are limited by ambient temperature.
Size and Portability
Consider where the cooler will fit in your vehicle and how easily you can move it. Features like wheels, telescoping handles, and lightweight construction improve portability.
Insulation Quality
For traditional coolers, thicker insulation means better ice retention. Premium rotomolded coolers can keep ice for 5+ days but are heavier and more expensive.
Extra Features
Look for useful additions like interior dividers, built-in bottle openers, USB charging ports, drain plugs, and app connectivity for temperature monitoring.
Best Overall: Igloo Versatemp 28 Qt Portable Electric Cooler
The Igloo Versatemp hits the sweet spot for road trip coolers with its compact size, dual cooling/heating functionality, and reasonable price point. This thermoelectric cooler can cool up to 36°F below ambient temperature or heat up to 136°F, making it versatile for all types of road trips.
Pros
- Spacious yet compact design fits in most vehicles
- Dual cooling and heating functionality
- Can hold up to 39 cans
- Affordable price point
Cons
- 12V power only (no AC adapter included)
- No freezer function
- Cooling limited by ambient temperature
| Specification | Details |
| Power Source | 12V DC plug |
| Capacity | 28 quarts (39 cans) |
| Temperature Range | 36°F below ambient to 136°F |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 16.0 × 10.0 × 16.5 inches |
| Available Sizes | 28, 35, 40 quarts |
Best Value: BougeRV 23-Quart Electric Cooler/Freezer
If you’re looking for compressor cooling performance at a budget-friendly price, the BougeRV 23-Quart Electric Cooler/Freezer delivers exceptional value. Unlike thermoelectric models, this compressor cooler can reach true freezing temperatures regardless of ambient conditions.
Pros
- True compressor cooling at an affordable price
- Can reach freezing temperatures (down to 0°F)
- Compact size fits well in smaller vehicles
- Multiple power options (12V DC and 120V AC)
Cons
- Internal insulation isn’t as good as premium models
- Loses temperature faster when unplugged
- Smaller capacity than some competitors
| Specification | Details |
| Power Source | 12V DC plug, 120V AC plug |
| Capacity | 23 quarts (30 cans) |
| Temperature Range | 0°F to 50°F |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 22.0 × 12.3 × 12.5 inches |
| Available Sizes | 23, 30 quarts |
Best for Off-Grid: Anker Solix Everfrost 2
For extended road trips and off-grid adventures, the Anker Solix Everfrost 2 is hard to beat. This premium cooler comes with an included battery pack that provides up to 52 hours of cooling power, making it perfect for camping, overlanding, or remote destinations where power sources are limited.
Pros
- Included battery pack for off-grid cooling
- Multiple power options (AC, DC, battery, solar)
- Rugged construction with all-terrain wheels
- Soft-close lid prevents slamming
Cons
- Premium price point
- Heavier than most competitors
- Takes longer to reach freezing temperatures
| Specification | Details |
| Power Source | 120V AC, 12V DC, battery, solar (100W XT connector) |
| Capacity | 42 quarts (60 cans) |
| Temperature Range | -6°F to 50°F |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 29.0 × 16.8 × 19.5 inches |
| Available Sizes | 24, 42, 61 quarts |
Best for Van Life: EcoFlow Glacier Classic
The EcoFlow Glacier Classic is designed with van life enthusiasts in mind. Its sleek, low-profile design makes it perfect for permanent or semi-permanent installation in vans, RVs, or larger vehicles. With six different power options and a reversible lid, it offers unmatched flexibility for mobile living.
Pros
- Sleek, low-profile design fits under benches
- Six power options (AC, DC, solar, USB-C, alternator, battery)
- Reversible lid for flexible access
- Extremely quiet operation
Cons
- Not very portable (no wheels)
- External battery sold separately
- Premium price point
| Specification | Details |
| Power Source | 12V DC, 120V AC, solar, USB-C, alternator, battery |
| Capacity | 37 quarts (56 cans) |
| Temperature Range | -7°F to 50°F |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 29.3 × 16.0 × 16.0 inches |
| Available Sizes | 35, 45, 55 quarts |
Best Soft Cooler: Coleman Banyan 30-Can Soft Cooler
For day trips and shorter journeys, the Coleman Banyan Soft Cooler offers exceptional convenience and portability. This tote-style cooler folds flat for storage and features multiple exterior pockets for utensils, napkins, and other essentials. It’s perfect for picnics, beach days, or quick road trips.
Pros
- Extremely portable and lightweight
- Folds flat for storage when not in use
- Multiple exterior pockets for accessories
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Limited cooling duration (about 24 hours)
- Works better with ice packs than loose ice
- Not suitable for multi-day trips
| Specification | Details |
| Cooling Method | Ice packs or ice |
| Capacity | 30 cans |
| Ice Retention | Up to 24 hours |
| Material | Rugged fabric exterior, waterproof interior |
| Features | Multiple exterior pockets, shoulder strap |
Best Premium Hard Cooler: Yeti Tundra 35
The Yeti Tundra 35 represents the gold standard in traditional ice coolers. Its rotomolded construction and up to 3 inches of PermaFrost insulation can keep ice frozen for days, even in hot conditions. While expensive, its legendary durability and performance make it a worthwhile investment for serious road trippers.
Pros
- Exceptional ice retention (up to 5 days)
- Virtually indestructible construction
- Certified bear-resistant (with padlock)
- Premium build quality and finish
Cons
- Premium price point
- Heavy when loaded (requires two people)
- Takes up significant space in vehicle
| Specification | Details |
| Cooling Method | Ice |
| Capacity | 35 quarts (20 cans with 2:1 ice-to-can ratio) |
| Ice Retention | Up to 5 days |
| Construction | Rotomolded polyethylene with PermaFrost insulation |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 21.0 × 16.0 × 15.5 inches |
Best Budget Thermoelectric: Koolatron Portable Cooler
The Koolatron Portable Cooler offers thermoelectric cooling at an affordable price point. Its unique design allows it to stand vertically like a mini-fridge or horizontally like a traditional cooler, making it versatile for different vehicle configurations. It can both cool and heat, adding to its flexibility.
Pros
- Versatile vertical or horizontal orientation
- Both cooling and heating functions
- Affordable price point
- Retro aesthetic appeal
Cons
- 12V power only (no AC adapter included)
- Limited cooling capacity (46°F below ambient)
- No carrying handles for easy transport
| Specification | Details |
| Power Source | 12V DC plug |
| Capacity | 45 quarts (52 cans) |
| Temperature Range | 46°F below ambient to warming |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 20.5 × 15.5 × 17.5 inches |
| Features | Vertical or horizontal orientation, shelf included |
Best Compact: Pelican 8QT Personal Cooler
For solo travelers or those with limited space, the Pelican 8QT Personal Cooler is the perfect compact solution. It’s designed to fit perfectly in the passenger seat footwell or between seats, and its one-handed latch operation makes it easy to access while driving. Despite its small size, it offers impressive ice retention.
Pros
- Compact size fits in tight spaces
- One-handed latch operation
- Impressive ice retention for its size
- Includes removable tray and dry storage
Cons
- Limited capacity (8 cans maximum)
- Premium price for small size
- Can become a projectile in accidents
| Specification | Details |
| Cooling Method | Ice |
| Capacity | 8 quarts (8 cans or 4 cans with food) |
| Ice Retention | Up to 2 days |
| Construction | Rotomolded with premium insulation |
| Features | One-handed latch, removable tray, dry storage |
Tips for Maximizing Cooler Performance on Road Trips
Pre-Trip Preparation
- Pre-chill your cooler: Store your cooler in a cool place or pre-cool it with ice the night before your trip.
- Freeze water bottles: Use frozen water bottles as ice packs that later become cold drinks.
- Pre-cool food and drinks: Never put room-temperature items in your cooler; refrigerate them first.
- Use block ice: Block ice melts more slowly than cubed ice for traditional coolers.
Packing Strategy
- Layer strategically: Put ice on bottom, then less perishable items, then more ice, then perishable items, then more ice on top.
- Use waterproof containers: Store meats and cheeses in sealed containers to prevent water contamination.
- Organize by meal: Pack in reverse order of when you’ll need items (last meals on bottom).
- Fill empty spaces: A full cooler stays cold longer, so fill gaps with extra ice or towels.
On-the-Road Maintenance
- Keep in shade: Store your cooler in the coolest part of your vehicle, away from direct sunlight.
- Minimize opening: Each time you open the cooler, cold air escapes. Plan ahead to reduce frequency.
- Drain water wisely: For electric coolers, drain any condensation. For ice coolers, only drain if items are in waterproof containers.
- Use a cooler thermometer: Monitor internal temperature to ensure food safety.
Comparison Table: Best Car Coolers for Road Trips
| Model | Type | Capacity | Power Source | Best For | Price Range |
| Igloo Versatemp 28 Qt | Thermoelectric | 28 qt (39 cans) | 12V DC | General road trips | $150-$180 |
| BougeRV 23-Quart | Compressor | 23 qt (30 cans) | 12V DC, 120V AC | Budget-conscious travelers | $160-$200 |
| Anker Solix Everfrost 2 | Compressor | 42 qt (60 cans) | 12V DC, 120V AC, Battery, Solar | Off-grid adventures | $600-$900 |
| EcoFlow Glacier Classic | Compressor | 37 qt (56 cans) | 12V DC, 120V AC, USB-C, Solar, Battery | Van life enthusiasts | $700-$800 |
| Coleman Banyan 30-Can | Soft Cooler | 30 cans | Ice/Ice Packs | Day trips | $40-$60 |
| Yeti Tundra 35 | Hard Cooler | 35 qt (20 cans with ice) | Ice | Premium ice retention | $250-$300 |
| Koolatron Portable | Thermoelectric | 45 qt (52 cans) | 12V DC | Budget electric cooling | $180-$200 |
| Pelican 8QT Personal | Hard Cooler | 8 qt (8 cans) | Ice | Solo travelers | $80-$100 |
Our Top Recommendations by Budget
Budget Pick
Coleman Banyan 30-Can
At under $60, this soft cooler offers excellent portability and sufficient cooling for day trips. Its collapsible design makes it easy to store when not in use.
Mid-Range Pick
Igloo Versatemp 28 Qt
For around $150-$180, this thermoelectric cooler offers the perfect balance of features, performance, and price for most road trippers.
Premium Pick
Anker Solix Everfrost 2
For those willing to invest $600-$900, this battery-powered compressor cooler offers unmatched flexibility for off-grid adventures and extended trips.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Car Cooler for Your Road Trip
The best car cooler for your road trip depends on your specific needs, budget, and travel style. For most travelers, the Igloo Versatemp offers the best balance of features and value. Those on a tight budget will appreciate the Coleman Banyan’s affordability and portability, while serious adventurers might want to invest in the Anker Solix Everfrost 2 for its off-grid capabilities.
Remember to consider factors like trip duration, available space in your vehicle, power sources, and the types of food and drinks you’ll be storing. With the right cooler and proper preparation, you can enjoy fresh, cold refreshments no matter how far your road trip takes you.
