The movies are classics and there won’t be new releases for a while. But in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, drive-in movie theaters are experiencing another renaissance. Escaping to see a movie in your car is safe entertainment. But certain vehicles make better seats on wheels than others.

Cars.com, the Chicago-based automotive classified website, has released new research detailing that 42 percent in-the-market car shoppers plan to visit a drive-in movie theater this summer.

The Chrysler Pacifica is an ideal vehicle for a drive-in movie during the coronavirus. Image © James Raia/2019

“Drive-in theaters are making a comeback this summer as the destination of choice for movies, music and other forms of live entertainment that people can experience without ever leaving the safety of their vehicle,” said Matt Schmitz, Cars.com’s assistant managing editor.

Drive-in Movie Theaters: Ideal For Social Distancing

“Since the pandemic began, we’ve found that Americans are using their cars as an extension of their homes. They’ve resurrected the Sunday drive, are using their cars to socialize from a distance through birthday and graduation parades, and now they’re using their cars as a new way to see live entertainment, too.”

Cars.com recommends the following five best cars to take to a drive-in movie:

Volkswagen Atlas: The sensible, sexy Volkswagen Atlas is a three-row SUV that earned Cars.com’s Best of 2018 award and the 2020 Family Car of the Year award. The Atlas comfortably holds seven occupants and boasts a Fender 12-speaker audio system in the SEL Premium trim. Premium sound system upgrades are available for an extra $6,000.

Ram 1500: Chill outside in the Ram 1500’s spacious truck bed with blankets and plenty of fluffy pillows. This pickup truck also has the RamBox. The RamBox Cargo Management System is a massive locking, conveniently lit storage space inside the hull. It’s drainable, perfect for filling with ice to keep snacks, sodas and other movie treats cool.

Chrysler Pacifica: Cars.com’s Best of 2017 sports plenty of mini cubbies and storage nooks in the back for popcorn, soda and sweet snacks. The Stow ‘n Go seats create a huge flat surface in the rear, ideal for settling in for a long night at the moving pictures. Park with the back facing the screen, pop the liftgate and spread out blankets and pillows while sheltered from rain or wind. If the movie isn’t a hit for the entire party, parents can pop in a Blu-ray movie into Chrysler’s Uconnect infotainment system.

Dodge Challenger: Muscle-car fans love the Challenger’s throwback body-style feel and charm. Upgrade to the 717-horsepower SRT Hellcat version for extra power; however, be polite and stay until after the credits roll to avoid drowning out the on-screen dialogue with the rumble under the hood.

Tesla Model X: Tesla’s first all-electric SUV looks like a rocketship from the future with incredible acceleration, over-the-air updates, a roomy cabin and up to 328 miles of range. For movie watching, the Model X’s visibility is spot on with tall side windows and a large windshield that stretches over the first and second rows combined to ensure passengers can see as much of the screen as possible.

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