Best Car Coolers: Easily Access Chilled Beverages and Snacks On the Go
Designed especially for traveling, these coolers prevent you from getting hangry.

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Whether you drive a truck for a living, are off on a cross-country off-road adventure, or are just planning a road trip with family and friends, a car cooler is a great piece of equipment to have on hand. Coolers are designed to fit a variety of snacks and beverages, eliminating the need to stop for pricey or unhealthy meals. Many of these coolers use a 12V DC adaptor (cigarette lighter) to keep items cool, but some also use ice or ice packs, depending on your preference. They also have different features that make them more desirable than regular camping coolers. This guide covers the top car coolers available to make your trip more enjoyable.

Igloo Thermoelectric Iceless Electric Plug-in 12V Cooler
- Durably built
- Not too loud
- Includes a handle for portability
- Relatively lightweight
- Items should be pre-chilled
- Lid doesn’t stay open
Coleman 40 Quart Portable Thermoelectric Cooler
- Less expensive than many options
- Unit can be used vertically or horizontally
- No carrying handle
- Items should be pre-chilled
YETI Roadie 24 Cooler
- Easy, one-handed access
- Heavy-duty handle
- Just the right size
- Well-known, popular brand
- Pricey
- Doesn’t include a drain for ice melt
Summary List
Best Overall: Igloo Thermoelectric Iceless Electric Plug-in 12V Cooler
Best Value: Coleman 40 Quart Portable Thermoelectric Cooler
Premium Pick: YETI Roadie 24 Cooler
Best Soft Bag: RTIC Soft Cooler 30 Insulated Bag
Best for the Front Seat: Dometic Tropicool
Best Cooler/Warmer Combo: Wagan Tech 12-Volt 6 Qt. Chest Cooler/Warmer
Honorable Mention: AstroAl 26 Quart Portable Electric Car Refrigerator
Our Methodology
I took several factors into consideration when choosing the best car coolers. First, I made sure the units were designed specifically for use in cars, trucks, SUVs, etc., so they perform properly in a moving vehicle and function efficiently during road trips. I focused on products from companies that are well known in the industry and avoided off-brand coolers with little in terms of reputation. I chose coolers that work either using thermoelectric power or old-fashioned ice packs, so there's an option for those who prefer non-electric methods. I was unable to test each of these products, so I researched user feedback to see how they perform in real-world conditions. I also included items with a range of prices to suit a variety of budgets. For more information on our methodology, go here.
Best Car Coolers Reviews & Recommendations
Specs
- Brand: Igloo
- Size: 28 quart
- Power: 12V DC
Pros
- No ice required
- Relatively lightweight
- Durably built
- Handle for portability
Cons
- Struggles to cool down warm food
- Lid is heavy and doesn’t stay open
Specs
- Brand: Coleman
- Size: 40 quart
- Power: 12V DC
Pros
- 40 quart capacity
- Can be used vertically or horizontally
- Door can be opened from left or right
Cons
- No carrying handle
- Can get heavy when fully loaded
Specs
- Brand: Yeti
- Size: Two liters
- Power: Ice
Pros
- Heavy-duty, rotomolded construction
- Fits in passenger seat or behind driver’s seat
- Holds ice for several days
- Easy, one-handed access
Cons
- Expensive
- No drain for ice melt
Specs
- Brand: RTIC
- Size: Holds 20-40 cans, depending on model
- Power: Ice
Pros
- Lightweight
- Keeps contents cool for 24 hours
- Leak-free zipper
- Floats
Cons
- Zipper can be a hassle to open
Specs
- Brand: Dometic
- Size: 15 liters
- Power: 12V DC
Pros
- Easy access
- Can be used as an armrest
- Won’t tilt during a sudden stop
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Works most efficiently when items are pre-chilled
- AC adapter not included
Specs
- Brand: Wagan Tech
- Size: Six quarts
- Power: 12V DC adapter
Pros
- Easy to carry
- Eco-friendly
- Warms and cools
- Small footprint
Cons
- Smaller than some rival options
- Temperature can’t be adjusted
Specs
- Brand: AstroAl
- Size: 24 liters
- Power: 12V DC adapter
Pros
- Accommodates two-liter bottles
- Fits in several areas of a vehicle
- Stays firmly closed even on bumpy roads
Cons
- Can overheat if used improperly
- Can drain vehicle’s battery if left plugged in
Specs
- Brand: Koolatron
- Size: 24 liters
- Power: 12V DC adapter
Pros
- Built-in compartment to store the cord
- Removable divider
- Interior is stain-resistant
- Advanced insulation to keep items cool
Cons
- Won’t accommodate two-liter bottles
- Performs best when contents are pre-chilled
Our Verdict
My pick for the best car cooler is the Igloo Thermoelectric Iceless Electric Plug-in 12V Cooler. It's a little less expensive than more premium options and includes a handle. which makes it easier to transport. It is solidly built and can easily be placed on the floor on the passenger side or backseat. For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Coleman 40 Quart Portable Thermoelectric Cooler.
Things to Consider Before Buying Car Coolers
Thermoelectric vs. Ice
Thermoelectric coolers use a power source such as a 12V DC adapter, or cigarette lighter, to run. They do not do a great job of cooling down warm items, such as room-temperature soda cans. It’s best to pre-chill the cooler in advance, i.e., by using an AC wall adapter and pre-chill the contents before embarking on a road trip. Also, they generally cool items a certain number of degrees below ambient temperature, so if you store it in a trunk that’s 100 degrees, it will only cool items roughly 36 to 40 degrees cooler than that. These coolers have the potential to drain your battery if you leave them plugged in when the vehicle is off.
Car coolers that use ice are another option. The best ones have excellent insulation and ice retention that allows you to keep contents cool for several days. However, ice eventually melts and needs to be replaced, and it can be a little messy.
Size
Car coolers come in a range of sizes, which are measured in liters, quarts, or the number of soda cans they can accommodate. Some even fit two-liter bottles and wine bottles, so check the dimensions before making a purchase. Also, check the weight of the item and whether or not it includes a handle because that can affect its portability. This is important if you want to easily transport the unit between your vehicle and your home, job, campsite, etc.
Car Cooler Pricing
You will be hard pressed to find a high-quality car cooler under $100. These units can cost upwards of $250 or more, depending on their size, construction, and brand name. The good news is that coolers on the lower end of this spectrum are efficient and reliable. Premium-priced options don't necessarily outperform their less-expensive counterparts. Either way, you're going to make an investment, so it's best to choose a product that includes all the features you want for your next road trip.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Q: How big of a cooler do I need for a road trip?
A: That depends on how long the trip is. Smaller 20- or 30-quart coolers are adequate for a weekend getaway, but if you plan on traveling for a week, opt for a larger option.
Q: Are soft or hard coolers better?
A: The benefit of a hard cooler is that it's more durable than a soft one. If you're leaving the cooler in your vehicle, either one will work. However, if you plan on taking the cooler outdoors where it's exposed to the elements, a hard shell cooler is a better pick.
Q: Are 12V coolers worth it?
A: These coolers are best for truck drivers and daily commuters who like to keep snacks and beverages consistently cool while the vehicle's engine is running. Coolers that use ice do not require electricity, which may make them more attractive in certain situations.

Why Trust Us
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
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