10 Cars And SUVs With The Best Air Conditioning
In the summertime, there's nothing quite like the feeling of sweet relief that washes over when the air conditioning kicks into high gear pushing out the hot, moist air that's been trapped in your car as it bakes in the sunshine.
The vehicles on this list deliver air conditioning better than others on the market today. They have the ability to allow the flow of cooled air shortly after starting and have vents that push the air out into the cabin with great force, cooling from front to back without leaving pockets of stagnate air.
These models are all for sale today. Some are electric vehicles, others are mild hybrids or plug-in hybrids and at least one has a traditional V6 under the hood.
Scroll down to see the cars and SUVs with the best air conditioning in no particular order.
Nissan Pathfinder
Nissan has redesigned the Pathfinder for the 2022 model year, giving its interior a thorough makeover. Modifications include tall and wide vents that ensure that there's no hot spots in the cabin. Turn the fan speed up to high and you'll be thoroughly chilled in no time. Tri-zone automatic climate control is standard on the model.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The E 450 4Matic Sedan version of the E-Class is the company's sweet spot for E-Class pricing and power. It also has something that the E 350 Sedan does not - nearly immediate access to cool, crisp air. The airflow's arrival is courtesy of the car's EQ Boost system, a mild-hybrid powertrain. Dual-zone automatic climate control with a dust and pollen filter is standard.
Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek is known for its standard all-wheel drive and spacious cargo space which help it win accolades with drivers who live where wintertime weather is snowy and icy. When temperatures turn warm, this Subie has the ability to cool the cabin quickly and with tremendous vigor courtesy of its "Max AC" button.
Kia Sorento
The redesigned 2021 Kia Sorento is a three-row, budget-friendly SUV that wins high praise for its interior. A big component of that is the climate control system, which includes uniquely shaped and positioned vents that allow a level of airflow customization rarely found in models on the market today. Its quick-acting air conditioning can be position to hit nearly every part of a driver and front passenger's body.
Rolls-Royce Ghost
It does not take long for the air conditioning in the Rolls-Royce Ghost to cool down the entire cabin (about 100 meters in 90-degree temperatures). Add to that the convenience cool-to-the-touch chrome plated steel vents that can be adjusted via a matching mechanism that allows them to be pointed in pretty much any direction and you have a winner.
BMW 4 Series
Like the Mercedes-Benz E450 4Matic Sedan, the BMW M440i xDrive has a mild-hybrid powertrain that allows the car to get cool air flowing to through the coupe's cabin shortly after startup. The BMW's front vents are positioned advantageously low on the center console which allows for lap and midsection cooling while other dashboard vents can take care of the higher areas of the cabin.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
The all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E is quick to deliver cooled air to its cabin upon startup via horizontal vents stylishly positioned on the dashboard. The spaciousness of the area and the greenhouse do not prevent the Mustang Mach-E from keeping the cabin cool while the car is in motion, even on a very warm day.
Volvo XC90
Turning the airflow of the Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 Inscription's climate control system up to max provides a rush of cold air to the entire interior of the SUV. Like other models on this list, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle benefits from having devoted electric power to cool the air immediately.
Lexus RX
The Lexus RX was improved a few years ago as part of a mid-generation refresh. One of the parts of the car that has stayed true over the years is the climate control system, which pushes out a robust amount of air working to cool the entire cabin with ease.
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf isn't as well equipped as some of the newest electric cars coming to market, but one area where it leads rather than follows is in air conditioning. The Leaf is capable of cooling rapidly and staying cool despite having abundant greenhouse.
