Get ready to hit the open road with our guide to cars, perfect for those epic long-distance drives! Yes, we’re diving into the world of cars good for long-distance driving, making those journeys not just about the destination but the joy of the ride. Imagine a seamless highway, your favorite tunes playing, and a car that’s not just a vehicle but a reliable companion for the miles ahead.
What is the Best Car for Long Distance Driving?
When planning a road trip or tackling cross-country adventures, having the right set of wheels makes all the difference. This article answers the question: What is the Best Car for Long Distance Driving? We’re unraveling the charm of cars built to conquer the highways. This ensures comfort, efficiency, and a dash of style on every stretch of the journey. From spacious interiors that keep you relaxed to fuel efficiency that won’t break the bank, these road trip-ready cars are about to become your new travel buddies.
So, fasten your seatbelts as we explore the world of cars good for long-distance driving, where the thrill of the road meets the comfort of the perfect ride. Your next unforgettable journey starts right here!
1. Volkswagen Golf
Including a small car for long drives may seem strange. Still, the Volkswagen Golf has historically been an amazingly refined vehicle for its size. And the eighth-generation model is no exception.
This car has a top speed of 155mph can hit about 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds. It’s price ranges from $6,000 to $19,000.
The Volkswagen Golf’s load space is 22.8 cubic feet behind the back seat and 52.7 cubic feet when the second row is folded down. The 150 horsepower version of the 1.5-liter TSI petrol engine can reach 62 mph in 8.1 seconds, while the entry-level 1.0-liter TSI petrol engine can reach 62 mph in just over 10 seconds.
Choose from an efficient yet snappy 1.0-liter petrol engine to the 320hp performance-oriented Golf R. However, long-distance drivers may prefer the 150hp 2.0-liter diesel with an official 62.8mpg rating. Adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, tiredness aid, and a range of lane-change assistance technologies will also help relieve driving stress.
2. Tesla Model 3
For a few years, the Tesla Model 3 has been among the greatest electric vehicles for any price range. Despite the recent emergence of numerous substitutes, it remains among the greatest, mainly when a pretty extensive update was released in late 2023. The Tesla model 3 costs about $40,000 upward. It has a top speed of 162mph and can hit 0-60mph in 3.1 seconds. The cargo space of the Model 3 is rather large. It boasts of a 3.1-cubic-foot front trunk.
For long-distance drivers, the most significant change is that the Model 3 is now considerably more comfortable and quieter than the previous model, which makes driving even more soothing. Additionally, you may still use Tesla’s superb Supercharger network.
Select the Enhanced Autopilot upgrade to reduce stress when traveling long distances. The advanced cruise control technology comes with a high price tag. However, it’s worth it because it can change lanes and maintain a steady speed with the car ahead of you. You should also be aware of the common problems with electric cars and their solutions whenever you find yourself in a situation.
3. Mercedes E-Class
Mercedes E-Class is also among the cars good for long-distance driving. You may believe that the Mercedes S-Class is the perfect long-distance Mercedes. And although you may be correct, it is perhaps better if you sit in the rear seats. That’s why we recommend the E-Class if you drive long distances alone. It’s a very comfortable car. The Mercedes E-Class ranges between $56,750 and $112,800. It has a top speed of 250kmph. Its trunk measures 13.1 cubic feet. In addition, it comes with a 2.0L inline-4 turbo engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
The new E-Class went on sale in 2023 and is closer than ever to being a smaller S-Class. With all the necessary technology, it’s less expensive (but not by much) and just as comfortable. You can still get it with a diesel engine; however, you’d have to drive many miles for it to be cheaper in the long run than petrol.
4. Honda Civic
It’s not just large, costly vehicles that make terrific long-distance driving partners. The Honda Civic is an excellent example of this, as it is fun to drive, whether on a winding route or cruising down the highway, but it is also reasonably priced. It’s a perfect car with comfortable seats. The Honda Civic cost between $23,950 and $31,450. It has a top speed of 137-139 mph. The sedan’s trunk holds 14.8 cubic feet, while the hatchback’s cargo area holds 24.5 cubic feet. The basis 2.0-liter I-4 generates 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, allowing for a 9.2-second 0-60 mph dawdle.
The only engine choice is a self-charging hybrid, which promises outstanding fuel economy. It can run for extended periods on electric power. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about running out of gas once the battery dies. You can enjoy the quiet cabin while using the standard adaptive cruise control.
5. Citroen C5 X
The Citroen C5 X is quite comfortable wherever you drive it, thanks to the comfort-focused suspension. This makes bumps on the road feel like going over soft marshmallows. It’s among the top cars good for long-distance driving. However, the C5 X shines on the open road, where the quiet cabin rivals the refinement of many more expensive vehicles.
The price of the Citroen C5 X ranges from £29,280 to £41,145. It has a top speed of 134mph. There is 545L of cargo capacity, which expands to 1640L with the rear seats folded.
Only two engines are available, and the petrol is better suited to long-distance drivers, with an official fuel economy of 46mpg. There is a plug-in hybrid with appealingly high economy ratings, but the battery is small, so you will quickly run out of electric power on the highway, causing your MPG figure to crash.
6. Range Rover
It may need a large investment, but the Range Rover must be included in our list of long-distance vehicles due to its armchair-like seats and the high driving posture, which is frequently mimicked but never surpassed.
The price of the Range Rover range from $52,600 to $226,500. It combines a 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbocharged engine and an electric motor that output 406 pound-feet of torque and 542 horsepower together.
With the back seats folding, the standard-wheelbase Range Rover’s load capacity increases to 83.5 cubic feet from 40.7 cubic feet behind the seats.
However, achieving this mileage will require frequent plug-ins, and the economy will decrease once you reach the motorway. Technologies like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assistance, and a premium Meridian sound system help make long drives more comfortable. While noise-canceling speakers contribute to a quieter driving experience.
7. BMW i5
For quite a while, individuals who drive for a living, spending long hours on highways, have preferred the BMW 5 Series. Selecting the eDrive40 model will reward you with peaceful driving, a plush, high-tech cabin, and swift performance. If you like the epic power occasionally, you’re unlikely to reach anywhere near the outstanding official range of up to 315 miles on the high-performance M60 type.
The price of the BMW i5 ranges from $67,795 to $85,095. It’s top speed is 120mph. You can fit all of your larger goods in the 17.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
Alternatively, the less expensive eDrive40 model should allow you to go more than 300 miles between recharges in real-world conditions. It charges from 10-80% capacity in just 30 minutes thanks to its maximum DC charge rate of 205kW—the perfect amount of time for a road trip coffee break and bathroom break.
8. Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is also among the top cars good for long-distance driving. Mazda’s focus on affordability, style, and exceptional performance may have lasted with you all this time, but perhaps you’re looking for an SUV rather than a sports car. This is where the CX-5 shines.
The Mazda CX-5 ranges from $30,675 to $41,975. It has a top speed of 130mph. The cargo area of the Mazda CX-5 is 30 cubic feet when the back seats are up.
An inline four engine producing 187 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive powers the vehicle. The CX-5’s driving experience is enhanced by the choice of a traditional six-speed automatic gearbox, rather than the popular CVT, when opting for the optional 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 256 horsepower.
From an environmentally friendly and inexpensive engine to a spacious and elegant interior, this is one of the greatest automobiles for road trips. This is among the most incredible vehicles for road trips because of its economical and ecologically friendly engine and spacious cabin. Technology has also been carefully considered; the CX-5 is portable thanks to features like i-Activ AWD, which aids in all-wheel drive mode, and i-Activsense, which monitors traffic safety.
9. Vauxhall Mokka
Looking for an SUV but prefer a standard engine? The Vauxhall Mokka is the answer. It’s among the best cars good for long distance driving. If you value reliability, the Mokka will far exceed your expectations. The latest versions play a very attractive and precise hand, making it difficult to find fault here. After winning many “Most Reliable Family SUV” accolades, you may imagine the Mokka is giving up some of the features that make it ideal for a road trip, but this is not the case.
The price of the vauxhall mokka starts from £24,660 to £33,100. It can hit 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds. With all seats in place, there is 350 litres of capacity, and when the back bench is folded, there is a generous 1,105 litres.
You can select between an extraordinarily smooth 8-speed automatic and a more inexpensive 6-speed manual gearbox. While the term ‘compact-crossover’ may concern you about space, the Mokka dispels these concerns with plenty of head and leg room for all and up to 350L of boot capacity.
10. Suzuki Swift Sport
Some people prefer sports vehicles and SUVs, but what about our favorite hatchbacks? If you want a sporty and spacious ride on a tight budget, the Suzuki Swift Sport is the way to go. This vehicle is so well-balanced that it provides the best of both worlds. It features a responsive performance that mixes a welcoming attitude for lengthy trips with a hot hatch punch. This is why it’s among the top cars good for long-distance driving.
The price of the Suzuki swift sport ranges from $19,600 to $31,550 and has a top speed of 130mph. It also has a boot volume of 265 liters. The Suzuki Swift Sport’s 16-valve, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine generates 134 horsepower at 6900 rpm and 118 lb ft of torque at 4400 rpm.
The Swift Sport’s sophisticated cabin and supple handling allow you to spend the entire day in it. Also, its turbocharged petrol engine delivers an exceptionally zippy and solid driving experience. Don’t worry about the economy. The Suzuki Swift Sport can achieve up to 50 mpg, making it an ideal inexpensive hatchback for road trips.
11. Hyundai IONIQ 5
Of course, an EV would inevitably make the list of the best cars for road trips, and we had no question that the IONIQ 5 would be on it. EV charging infrastructure is rapidly expanding, and when combined with the IONIQ 5’s remarkable performance, you will find it difficult to run out of energy even if you tried.
The pricing of this car starts at $41,800, and a top speed of 185km/h. It offers 27.2 cubic feet of capacity behind the second row, which expands to 59.3 cubic feet when folded. The single, rear-mounted electric motor produces 168 horsepower when combined with a standard-range battery. Space and practicality are also intimately linked, offering you the same desirable characteristics as a regular ICE but with much more. The IONIQ 5’s 527L boot space, automatic parking, and serene cabin will make you reluctant to let go. Furthermore, the IONIQ 5 includes a Vehicle-to-load (V2L) function with a 3.6kW connector for charging other devices, such as camping gear or electric scooters.
12. Mazda MX-5
The desire to fly around country roads and highways in a fancy sports car may not be as out of reach as we believe. It’s among the top cars good for long-distance driving. The price of the Mazda MX-5 ranges from $30,150 to $38,115 and has a top speed of 137mph. The trunk has only 4.6 cubic feet of room, which is adequate for a few grocery bags. It features 1.5 and 2-liter engine options, both four-cylinder and naturally aspirated, that supply the power. Every model of the MX-5 has consistently delivered in terms of appearance, driving feel, and attitude, demonstrating the affordability of sports vehicles. Recent models go this further, with sleek geometrical elements and a powerful, well-managed engine. With its luxurious interior and impressive fuel efficiency, the MX-5 is the perfect vehicle for a day out with friends or a spouse.
13. Porsche Panamera
The term Porsche instantly conjures up ideas of racing heritage and engineering prowess. The Porsche Panamera is the same. This luxury car not only has a well-known brand, but it also offers a seductive combination of unparalleled comfort and blazing speed. The price Porsche panamera ranges from $92,400 to $163,400. It’s top speed ranges from 168-174mph depending on the model. The Porsche Panamera luxury car boasts 47 cubic feet of cargo capacity when the back seats are folded, or up to 52.6 cubic feet if you select the Executive option. Both models have 17.6 cubic feet of room when the second row is in use.
Whether you want to drive on a highway or a meandering mountain route, the Panamera’s potent V6 and V8 engines ensure an exciting ride. Its state-of-the-art technology innovations and faultless interior guarantee that luxury need not come at the expense of performance.
14. Jaguar XE
Last on our list of best road trip cars is the Jaguar XE. It’s among the top cars good for long-distance driving. The price of the jaguar XE starts from $40,950 to $47,290 and a top speed of 250Kmph. It has a 14.5 cubic foot trunk. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine in the Jaguar XE generates 247 horsepower as a standard feature. Furthermore, the Jaguar XE strikes the right balance between style and performance in a premium sports sedan. The way it strikes a balance between the pure sportiness of a BMW 3 Series and the opulent luxury of a Mercedes C-Class is impressive. Its elegant look belies a chassis prepared to deliver thrilling driving experiences. The plush cabin of this vehicle will satisfy your inner racer and make you a comfortable driver.
Conclusion
Embarking on an epic long road trip? Look no further! These cars, perfect for long-distance driving, are your trusty sidekicks in turning every mile into a memorable adventure. Get ready to hit the road with style, comfort, and a dash of wanderlust!
