It’s been over ten years since I reviewed my first Coleman RoadTrip grill. Since then, the line has evolved to include several more models, each with unique features. This page compares all RoadTrip grills. It also contains a chart that compares the essential features in an easy-to-scan format.
I try to keep this chart updated and include discontinued models. I’ve kept it updated since 2011, and I will continue to add models as Coleman keeps making them.
The models listed in this comparison chart are limited to Coleman RoadTrip grills, mainly because of the SwapTop accessories. Though other Coleman grills and stoves are similar, the SwapTop griddles, grates, and stove plates won’t work with them. The NXT has a SwapTop system, but it is not compatible with RoadTrip grills.
| Model | Heat | Cooking Surface Area | Notes | List Price | More Information | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Coleman RoadTrip 225 Tabletop | 11,000 BTUs | 225 in² |
| $209.99 | See it at Camping World See it at Amazon |
 | Coleman RoadTrip 225 Stand Up | 11,000 BTUs | 225 in² |
| $274.99 | See it at Camping World See it at Amazon |
 | Coleman RoadTrip 285 | 20,000 BTUs | 285 in² |
| $269.99 | See it at Amazon |
 | Coleman RoadTrip LX | 20,000 BTUs | 285 in² |
| $249.99 | See it at Camping World See it at Amazon Read My Review |
 | Coleman RoadTrip X-Cursion | 20,000 BTUs | 285 in² |
| $199.99 | See it at Amazon |
 | Coleman RoadTrip LXE | 20,000 BTUs | 285 in² |
| Out of Production | Read My Review |
 | Coleman RoadTrip Legacy | 22,000 BTUs | 285 in² |
| Out of Production | |
 | Coleman RoadTrip Paul JR Designs | 22,000 BTUs | 285 in² |
| Out of Production | See it at Amazon Read a Fan Club Blurb |
 | Coleman RoadTrip LXX | 22,000 BTUs | 285 in² |
| Out of Production | See it at Amazon |
Coleman is synonymous with camping and all things outdoors. Though their products usually focus on camping, RoadTrip grills are much more versatile. They have a large cooking area while remaining portable, and with the right accessories, they are as good at cooking breakfast as anything else.
Of course, they’re great for car or RV camping, but they’re just as good to take to picnics at the park or on the beach.
Their size makes them ideal for use in small back yards or balconies where space is a premium. Just pack it up and tuck it away after cleaning.
What Do RoadTrip Models Have In Common?
All Coleman RoadTrip grills use 16.4 oz Coleman-style LP bottles, and all grills can use a compatible regulator to connect larger refillable propane tanks.
All Coleman RoadTrip grills use interchangeable SwapTop stove grates, griddles, and grilling grates. Yes, even the 225 can use any of the half-sized accessory grates. These grates have the benefit of being dishwasher safe.
The list of similarities was a lot longer, but the release of the last generation of RoadTrip grills has introduced several intelligent changes beyond the dramatic shift in style.
The First Model: RoadTrip LX
Though this model was the first of the line, it has outlasted many of its successors. It is still widely available.
The RoadTrip Grill LX also has many unique features. It is the only RoadTrip grill that has a tabletop mode and a stand mode.
The LX’s stand has legs that fold underneath. It is the only grill to feature a stand without wheels, and adjustable foot pads keep the grill level.
Other Details:
- removable water tray to catch grease instead of the grease trap seen in later models
- side tables pop off and tuck in with the stand when storing
- 2 x 10,000 BTU burners, traditional stove burner style, one per side
- comes with one half-size SwapTop griddle and one half-size SwapTop grill grate
Read More: Coleman RoadTrip LX Grill Review.
The Next 10 Years
In the years following the release of the RoadTrip LX, Coleman released four more models.
The Coleman RoadTrip LXE, LXX, Legacy, and Paul Jr Designs models are very similar and include a few significant changes from the original LX.
The stand changed to a scissor folding style with wheels; it became impossible to use as a tabletop grill, but it was easier to set up. The new design saw the side tables attach and now slide into the stand.
For grease management, a removable grease trap replaced the old water pan. Grease and debris flow from the grill, down to the back of the grill, and into a small pan beneath. No longer would you need to deal with a tray of hot water underneath your grill. It feels like a design change that was supposed to make things easier, but both methods have advantages and drawbacks.
The BTU output of the burners was roughly the same. While the LXE continued with 10,000 BTUs per burner, the LXX, Legacy, and Paul Jr models boasted an increase to 11,000 BTUs per burner.
Other things in common:
- All grills came with grilling grates, unlike the LX
- All four grills had the same cooking surface area of 285 in²
- They all had two side tables
- All grills have two independently controlled burners
The LXE was the economy model. While it was available in several colors, the LXE was initially released only in red. Though it didn’t feel like a downgrade, the LXE didn’t have any fancy upgrades found in other models. It is still somewhat available, but I don’t expect it to be around for much longer.
The Legacy was exclusive to Cabela’s but has been gone from their website for a couple of years. While it was the most like the LXE model, the Legacy boasted higher BTUs and a built-in temperature gauge.
The LXX added a few more bells and whistles. Metal sliding tables replaced plastic, and metal also replaced the plastic tool hooks found on the LXE. It also includes a temperature gauge.
The Paul Jr Designs RoadTrip Grill saw Paul Jr of Orange County Choppers fame revamp the RoadTrip with plenty of cosmetic and utility upgrades. The utensil hooks and burner control knobs have chrome detailing, and side tables include chrome diamond plating. A chrome plate surrounds the temperature gauge and is riveted to the grill hood.
Of these four models, only the LXE is still available in 2021. None appear to be in production.
The RoadTrip X-Cursion
The next significant redesign was the RoadTrip X-Cursion. Though the cosmetic redesign was the most apparent change, it also replaced a side table with a sturdy handle. Longer burners replace the old stove-style burners. The extra length carries heat across the grill surface and removes cold spots. The regulator moved from behind the unit to directly underneath the burner control knobs.
Drawing from its roots, the X-Cursion brought back the water pan for grease collection. Cleaning is arguably more manageable but impossible to pack up until the grill has been cooled and cleaned.
Otherwise, the X-Cursion carried the same features as the LXE. It is still somewhat available, but I feel like it never gained the popularity of the LXE. It seems to be enjoying a bit of a resurgence of interest and could be more widely available for the 2021 grilling season.
The Coleman RoadTrip 285 & 225
Next came the 285 and 225 models. While the 285 stayed true to the RoadTrip line in its size and features, the new and smaller RoadTrip 225 was the most significant change to the line since Coleman released the LX.
The RoadTrip 225 was not only smaller with 60 square inches less cooking space, but it is also available as the RoadTrip’s first tabletop-only model. A traditional stand-up model is available as well.
These models introduced another change in burner configuration, and it is considerable.
Though the total heat output of the RoadTrip 285 is true to the line with a 20,000 BTU rating, it uses three burners to achieve it instead of two. There is one burner for each side and a third that travels down the middle. User complaints of super-hot grilling might lessen.
The new burner style is less pronounced in the smaller 225 because it only has two burners, but both burners traverse the entire grill.
Look for my full review of these grills in the spring of 2021.
SwapTop and Other Accessories
There are a few different cooking surfaces available. Stove grates will expose more flame to the bottom of pots and kettles. Full-size or half-size griddles let you cook everything from eggs and pancakes to the best burger toppings like caramelized onions and grilled mushrooms. Look for official Coleman RoadTrip SwapTop accessories, as third-party accessories may cause issues like melting.
Also available are carrying cases, adaptor hoses and regulators for larger propane bottles.
Read More: Coleman RoadTrip Grill Accessories.
Which is the Best Coleman RoadTrip Grill?
It’s tough to say, but with what I know right now, I’d say stick with the LX or go for the 285. I haven’t researched the 225 or 285 models, but I have tested and reviewed the LX and LXE models. I still have and use an LXE, but the new burner styles have piqued my curiosity.
When all things are considered, these grills are all very similar. The LX is tried and true, while the 285 looks to have overcome some of the LX’s shortfalls.
Last Updated: March 16, 2021