Best cars for long-distance driving
Finding yourself stuck behind a steering wheel for hours on a long journey can be a pain. That’s why if you regularly take long journeys, you want a vehicle that makes the experience as enjoyable as possible.
So, what makes an excellent car for longer trips? Comfort, of course. You’ll want a smooth ride and plenty of space to stretch out.
Low running costs are essential, too. No one wants to worry about fuel bills or maintenance on the open road. Excellent fuel efficiency also helps, ensuring you can go the distance without constant pit stops.
So, if you want to sell your car and buy one better suited for long journeys, we’ve got you covered. At Motorway, 7,500+ certified dealers compete to buy your vehicle, so you’re bound to get their most competitive price.
But without further ado, here’s our list of best cars for long journeys. Let’s hit the road!
Top 10 cars for long journeys
Mercedes-Benz S Class
Beautifully luxurious
Price
RRP £93,955 – £247,245
Pros
👍 Incredibly luxurious
👍 Premium interior
👍 Extremely comfortable
Cons
👎 High maintenance costs
👎 Tech can be a bit overwhelming
Summary
The Mercedes S-Class is a luxury sedan designed for long-distance driving. Few cars match it for comfort, performance, and advanced technology, making it perfect for extended journeys. Its smooth, quiet ride and spacious, plush interior make it ideal for short trips.
The Mercedes S-Class is packed with cutting-edge tech and driver assistance features, like cruise control, ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip. However, the high maintenance costs and complex technology might deter some buyers.
Despite these cons, the S-Class’s superb handling, luxurious features, and quiet cabin make it a top choice for those seeking a premium driving experience on long-distance drives.
Volkswagen ID.7
Big on range and space
Price
RRP £51,550 – £63,080
Pros
👍 Lots of range
👍 Big on interior space
👍 Plenty of advanced technology
Cons
👎 Low charging speed
👎 High initial price
Summary
The Volkswagen ID.7 is a fantastic option for long distances. It offers a smooth, comfortable drive and an impressive range of up to 437 miles.
Its spacious interior ensures plenty of room for passengers and luggage, making it perfect for extended trips. Advanced tech features, like adaptive cruise control, a 15-inch touchscreen, and an augmented-reality head-up display, keep you connected and safe.
While initially a bit costly at over £55,000, it delivers fantastic value with its features and performance. Another downside is its slower charging speed, which might be an inconvenience you don’t need on longer journeys.
Tesla Model 3
Supercharged fun
Price
RRP £39,990 – £59,990
Pros
👍 Good range
👍 Sporty drive
👍 Access to Supercharger Network
Cons
👎 Distracting touch-sensitive buttons
👎 Big initial price
Summary
The Tesla Model 3 is a fantastic motorway driving option. It gives you plenty of range to cruise without constant charging breaks. Its sporty performance and impressive acceleration make every journey exciting.
Plus, with access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, recharging on the go is fast and easy. However, it comes with a hefty price tag, and some drivers find the touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel a bit impractical and distracting.
Still, the Model 3 delivers excellent value for its performance, range, and convenience, making this electric car a solid choice for long road trips. Electric power!
BMW i5 eDrive40
Smoothness personified
Pros
👍 Smooth drive
👍 Quick charging
👍 Comfortable inside
Cons
👎 Limited space in the rear seats
👎 Large size
Summary
The BMW i5 eDrive40 is an excellent choice for long journeys. It offers a smooth, quiet ride that makes even the longest journeys enjoyable. With a range of up to 357 miles and quick charging capabilities, you can spend more time on the road and less at charging stations.
Its spacious and comfortable front seats ensure a relaxing drive, though the rear seat passengers, especially the taller ones, might feel cramped. The i5’s large size can also make it a bit tricky to park or manoeuvre in tight spaces.
The best motorway car on the market? With its performance and tech features… it quite possibly is.
Audi A6
A study in comfort
Price
RRP £38,960 – £69,875
Pros
👍 Comfortable ride
👍 Spacious interior
👍 Efficient engine choices
Cons
👎 Options can be expensive
👎 Design is a bit stuck in the past
Summary
The Audi A6 is a fantastic long-distance option. It offers a smooth, comfortable drive that’s perfect for extended journeys. This vehicle is designed for comfort and practicality with advanced technology and efficient engine options.
It has many high-end features, like a sophisticated infotainment system and driver assistance tools, ensuring a stress-free ride. However, its premium options can bump up the price, and its design has remained fairly consistent over the years, which might not appeal to everyone.
To sum up, the A6 combines luxury and performance, making it an excellent choice for long road trips. It also sells well on the used market.
Skoda Superb
Motorway lover
Price
RRP £34,875 – £46,345
Pros
👍 Top drawer space and comfort
👍 Great value for money
👍 Brilliant on motorways
Cons
👎 Interior quality is lacking
👎 Firm ride at times
Summary
The Skoda Superb is a fantastic motorway car, thanks to its spacious interior and impressive comfort. With plenty of legroom for passengers and a large boot, it’s perfect for extended journeys.
It also offers excellent fuel efficiency, making it a cost-effective option. The Superb’s technology and driver assistance features help ensure a smooth, safe ride.
However, while it excels in comfort and practicality, it may not provide the most exciting driving experience, and some interior materials could feel less premium. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Superb remains a reliable and comfortable choice for extended drives.
Citroën C5
Stylishly comfortable
Price
RRP £24,415 – £39,135
Pros
👍 Exquisite comfort
👍 Nice to look at
👍 Brilliantly equipped interior
Cons
👎 Boot size is not much to write home about
👎 Premium pricing
Summary
If you have to spend hours on the road, the Citroën C5 is a fabulous choice, thanks to its exceptional comfort and smooth, cushioned ride.
Whether tackling motorways or winding roads, it provides a relaxed experience with minimal road noise. The interior is stylish and well-equipped, featuring quality materials and a user-friendly infotainment system.
While its boot space is limited compared to larger estates, and its premium pricing could be a concern for some (prices start at £24,415), the C5 still stands out for its comfort and practicality. If you’re after a car that makes big journeys feel effortless, the Citroën C5 is one you should consider.
Hyundai Ioniq
Comfortably cool
Price
RRP £39,900 – £57,945
Pros
👍 Awesome fuel efficiency
👍 Cool design
👍 Comfortable ride
Cons
👎 Not a lot of cargo space
👎 Not the most dynamic performance
Summary
The Hyundai Ioniq eats up motorway miles thanks to its excellent fuel efficiency, which helps keep running costs low. It’s equipped with adaptive cruise control and advanced safety features, ensuring peace of mind on the road and delivering a comfortable, smooth ride for both the driver and passengers.
However, its boot space can be tight for those needing extra luggage room, and its performance might not excite drivers looking for something more dynamic. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Ioniq remains an efficient and practical option for long journeys, offering comfort, safety, and economy in one neat, cool-looking package.
Range Rover
The four-wheel drive dream machine
Price
RRP £104,025 – £207,400
Pros
👍 Refined and incredibly comfortable
👍 Extremely manoeuvrable
👍 Fantastic looks
Cons
👎 Feels big in tight situations
👎 Some cheap plastic inside
Summary
The Range Rover is a fantastic choice for long-distance drivers. It offers the perfect blend of luxury, performance, and comfort. The family SUV has a commanding driving position, spacious interior with oodles of space in the rear seats, and high-quality materials to ensure a relaxing journey, no matter the distance.
With powerful engines and an advanced all-wheel-drive system, it can easily handle motorways and off-road terrains. However, its large size can make it tricky to manoeuvre in tight spaces, and the price tag may be steep for some.
Despite these cons, the Range Rover’s comfort, versatility, and prestige make it an excellent choice for those seeking adventure and luxury on the road. Oozes big car energy!
Honda Civic
A steady choice for long journeys
Price
RRP £35,005 – £39,805
Pros
👍 Great to drive
👍 Huge boot
👍 Impressive efficiency
Cons
👎 Boring looks
👎 Engine’s a bit underwhelming
Summary
The Honda Civic is one of the best cars for a long drive. It delivers a smooth ride and excellent fuel efficiency when clocking up big miles. Its well-designed interior provides ample space for passengers and luggage, ensuring comfort during extended journeys.
The Civic’s effortless handling and reputation for reliability make it a practical option for motorway cruising. However, its engine performance may not be as exciting as some rivals, and it lacks the premium feel of more expensive models.
Considering all this, the Honda Civic’s practicality, fuel economy, and overall comfort make it a solid, budget-friendly choice for long road trips.
FAQs
Are petrol or diesel cars better for long-distance driving?
Diesel models are better for longer road journeys due to their superior fuel efficiency, giving you a longer range between fuel stops. They’re great for motorway cruising. Petrol-engine cars are generally quieter and cheaper to maintain, but diesel power engines still win over petrol for long trips if you want to rack up those miles.
Which engine is best for motorway driving?
A diesel engine is often the best choice for motorway driving thanks to its fuel economy and ability to cover long distances without frequent stops. However, a modern petrol engine and plug-in hybrid engine can also offer a smooth, comfortable ride, with petrol engines being quieter for relaxed journeys.
What are the best tips for long-distance driving?
Take regular breaks to stretch your legs, stay hydrated, and keep snacks handy. Ensure your car is road-trip ready by checking its tyres, oil, and fuel. Plan your route and avoid peak traffic times. Most importantly, stay relaxed and enjoy the journey!
Ready to sell?
Check out our other ‘Best of’ guides and car-related articles here. And if you’re looking to sell your vehicle for a small EV, we can help.
Get a free, instant valuation. With our extensive network of 7,500 certified dealers bidding to buy your car, you’re sure to get their best price. In fact, 84% of our customers make more money selling their vehicles with us.