The Best Driving Sunglasses of 2023

Pairing classic aviator style with modern tech, the Sundance from Maho ($195) is among our favorite driving sunglasses for road trips. The acetate and stainless steel frames are feather-light and provide a clear view of the road, while the patented Zuma earpieces provide a perfect no-slip fit.

The polarized grey lenses block glare (though they do make LCD screens hard to read). They can also be fitted with prescription lenses. We tried these glasses out on rides around town and on long road trips, and they performed well on both sunny and overcast days, providing clear vision and an excellent feel.

These sunglasses offer unbeatable value. They have the look and feel of a high-end pair but cost less than half the cost of many high-end models. If you’re looking for a great-looking, top-performance pair of sunglasses for the road (or really anywhere you want to look cool), the Sundance is a great option.

If you’re shopping on a budget, it’s hard to go wrong with these sunglasses from Merry’s ($13). The aluminum frames are lightweight, and the lenses come in eight color options.

The lenses are also polarized, which is a rarity in sunglasses in this price range. You won’t find the bells and whistles that you would on some of the pricier options on this list, but if you’re just looking for a solid pair of glasses (or want to buy several different lens colors), these are a great option.

Plus, you don’t have to treat these as precious. It’s nice to own a reliable pair of glasses that can stand to be tossed around a little. If they break, you’re only out $13.

Obviously, we had to include the classics. These iconic sunglasses were originally made for U.S. aviators in 1937 and have been a mainstay in U.S. culture ever since.

Not one to rest on its laurels, Ray-Ban’s current aviators sport g-15 polarized lenses for amazing clarity. The instantly recognizable lens shape gives drivers a wide area of coverage. Additionally, the minimal wireframes allow for a wide range of peripheral vision.

Ray-Ban offers the Classic Aviator ($163) in a wide variety of lens and frame color combos, as well as lens width so that you can personalize your style with the perfect set.

If you wear glasses and want to avoid a pricey set of prescription sunglasses, this over-the-glasses option from Fiore ($17) is a great way to go. They fit comfortably over most pairs of glasses without creating that look that will immediately label you an octogenarian.

In addition, the lenses block both UVA and UVB rays, while the polarization helps cut glare. The lenses extend around the frame to either side, allowing for a wide field of vision without exposing your eyes to the sun’s rays.

The latest version of Oakley’s classic frame, the Holbrook Mix 9 Mix Prizm ($201) lenses, controls light transmission, enhances contrast, and increases overall visibility.

The frame has been updated with stainless steel reinforcements while retaining the comfort and style of the original. For bright days and summer driving, these lenses are ideal for providing a crystal-clear view. Plus, the styling and fit are on-point.

Steve McQueen wore these sunnies ($439) in the legendary film The Thomas Crown Affair. If that fact alone doesn’t make you rush out and buy these handmade Italian shades, the durable acetate frame, three-point foldability, and timeless style should do the trick.

In addition, the Meflecto tech relieves stress on your temples, which means you can rock them during your entire road trip without fatigue. And if you want to go big, they’ve also released 24-carat gold-plated lenses to celebrate this model’s anniversary (yes, you can see through them).

If you’re looking for a super lightweight pair of sunglasses, the Legere Round ($110) is the way to go. Weighing in at a mere 17 grams, these sunnies have a sports glasses feel with styling that would fit in at the racetrack. And that lightweight doesn’t mean fragility: Legere’s proprietary UltraCarbon frame material is extremely durable and highly flexible. You can actually sit on them without having them lose shape.

And that’s exactly what we did during testing. On one of our drive test days, a tester made the same mistake we’ve all made at least once and left the Legere Rounds on the driver’s seat. Though embarrassing, it provided the perfect confirmation of durability, as the shades kept their shape and still fit like a glove. That durable frame, combined with the scratch-resistant lens coating, makes these the lightest and most durable shades we’ve seen.

The Pierce sunglasses from RAEN ($145) have an aggressive square frame. Not only does this provide a sharp, stylish look, but it also allows for bigger lenses and better sun protection, a definite must-have in the best driving sunglasses.

The lenses themselves sport tech from Carl Zeiss Vision. Carl Zeiss, a company known for its exceptional SLR and mirrorless camera lenses, builds its sunglass lenses with the same precision and quality. This provides pristine optics and top-of-the-line sun protection.

The 5-barrel hinges have embedded wire cores in the temples, and the handmade acetate frames have a polished finish.

Since their inception five decades ago, these sunglasses from American Optical ($194) have been a mainstay for U.S. military pilots. And you might even recognize them as similar AO sunglasses featured in popular media, including the classic film Taxi Driver.

The minimalist wireframe maximizes visibility while driving, and the optional polarized lenses cut glare and protect your eyes while on the road. They also come in three different sizes, so you can grab the perfect pair to fit your face.

This list wouldn’t be complete without at least one pair of Maui Jims ($316). For driving, we like the Wiki Wiki not only because it’s fun to say but also for the minimalist wireframe as well as the warm bronze lens.

It comes in both bronze and grey lenses, but we’re particularly fond of the bronze for its ability to provide a clear view in a wide spectrum of situations. That makes these sunglasses great for varying weather conditions and cloudy days where the sun tends to disappear and reappear while you’re on the road.

They’re pricey, but the Vuarnet Swing 1612 ($440) makes it clear where your money is going. The frame is a seemingly impossible blend of feather-light weight and extreme durability.

And the Swing’s perfect balance will sit comfortably on your face for all-day comfort while you drive. The blue polarized lenses provide terrific clarity as well, so you’ll be well-equipped for everything from a drive to the store or a road trip across the country.

We had to include these Ray-Bans for anyone who has to share their ride — or their sunglasses. The Clubmaster Square sunglasses ($163) are comfortable and come with different color lenses to block light and give you clear vision during your drive.

Even better, these unisex sunglasses look good on both men and women so that you can leave them in the car, and your partner can use them as well. In general, it makes them a great fit for anyone who needs some glare protection. Note: avoid the blue and pink lenses, as they can distort colors like red and green.