13 best cars for long drives In India In 2025 - Mileage & boot space

If you ask the right person, they will tell you that long drives are almost therapeutic. Be it alone, or with a full complement of friends and family, long drives can give you the relaxation you need. They’re also an excellent way to bond with someone, or form a deeper connection. Whatever your reason for setting out on a long drive, what’s crucial is the kind of car you do it in.

In order for the drive to live up to its full potential, the road trip car checklist needs to feature the following aspects: space, comfort, and efficiency. It’s also worthwhile throwing in a solid feature-set into the equation as convenience and comfort features give you the freedom to focus on details that really matter on a long drive. So which is the best car for long drive getaways? And which models combine luggage space, comfort, efficiency, and a good set of features the best? Our list of the best cars for long road trips helps narrow down the options considerably.

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List of the 13 Best Cars for Long Drives

1. Best Car for Long Drive: Maruti Wagon R | Boot space - 341 litres

The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R may not come to mind as the best car for long drive plans, but once you dig deeper, you’ll notice that it has a lot of great qualities on offer. Its tall-boy design helps it liberate some very useful space in the cabin, and it also features comfortable ride quality, a decent amount of features, and great fuel efficiency (up to 34 kpl with the CNG-equipped variant). Its boot space of 341 litres is also commendable considering the Wagon R’s size, making it a solid contender when wondering which car is best for long drive comfort on a budget.

The Wagon R is available in two petrol options, a 1.0-litre and a 1.2-litre. Only the ZXi and ZXi+ variants get the latter, though. The CNG option helps boost efficiency, allowing it to become one of the most fuel-efficient cars in India. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual or an AMT. A second-hand Maruti Wagon R is a fantastic option for those looking for a reliable and affordable used car that still offers impressive performance.

Features include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, steering mounted controls for the infotainment, rear wiper, defogger, and outside rear-view mirrors with integrated turn indicators. As for safety, the Wagon R comes with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, rear parking sensors and hill-hold assist function.

Maruti Wagon R key specifications

Maruti Wagon R key features

• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity
• 60:40 split rear seat
• ABS with EBD

2. Best Car for Long Drive: Tata Tiago | Boot space - 242 litres

The Tata Tiago is a great option to consider in the compact hatchback segment if you’re in the market for a well-designed, affordable, spacious entry-spec car capable of doing long distances. It may not be the first name that pops up when thinking of the best car for long drive, but it certainly makes a strong case for itself. It’s powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine that makes 84 bhp and 113 Nm, and you get two transmission options: a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT. Those numbers aren’t exciting, but the flipside is a fuel efficiency of up to 28 kmpl, making it one of the best cars for long distance driving in its segment.

The Tiago is available in five variants: XE, XM, XT (O), XT and the range-topping XZ+. In terms of features, you get a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a fully digital instrument cluster, auto climate control and a cooled glovebox, among others. If you're in the market for a used Tata Tiago, this second-hand vehicle delivers both style and practicality at a fraction of the price of new models.

Safety features include ABS with EBD, two airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system, ESC, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and seatbelt pretensioners for the front seats. The Tiago’s boot space, at 242 litres, isn’t the most generous, but the rear seats are comfortable and seating five in the Tiago is possible.

Tata Tiago key specifications

Tata Tiago key features

• Digital instrument cluster
• Auto climate control
• 8-speaker sound system

3. Best Car for Long Drive: Tata Altroz | Boot space - 345 litres

The Tata Altroz is a potent combination of style, features, and fuel-efficient powertrains, making it a solid contender when looking for the best car for long drive in the premium hatchback space. Since its launch in 2020, the Altroz has been well received in the market, especially for its impressive ride quality. It’s available with 1.2-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel, and CNG options, giving buyers plenty of flexibility. For the transmission, you can pick between a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed DCT. Ideal for families or solo explorers, the Altroz also comes loaded with features like rear AC vents, cruise control, a cooled glovebox, auto headlamps, and even a voice-activated sunroof, checking many boxes for the best cars for long road trips in India.

Safety kit includes ABS with EBD, dual airbags, ESC, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and seat belt pretensioners for the front seats. Looking for a budget-friendly used car? A second-hand Tata Altroz could be just what you need for reliable daily commutes and family trips. The Altroz’s boot space of 345 litres is good enough for a quick weekend getaway, and thanks to the spacious rear seat dimensions, five passengers can be accommodated in the Altroz.

Tata Altroz key specifications

Tata Altroz key features

• 8-speaker sound system
• Semi-digital instrument cluster
• Bi-lingual voice commands accepted for infotainment

4. Best Car for Long Drive: Maruti Suzuki Dzire | Boot space - 382 litres
 

The fourth-gen Maruti Suzuki Dzire brings a major upgrade in terms of design and practicality, making it a strong choice for anyone looking for the best car for long drive in the compact sedan category. With a more premium look, improved cabin space, and a larger boot, the Dzire is built to deliver comfort over long distances. It’s powered by a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 80 bhp and 112 Nm, which is slightly lower than its predecessor, but still refined and efficient. You also get the option of a five-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT, both of which perform well on highways.

If you’re after the best car for highway driving that balances mileage, comfort, and practicality, the Dzire ticks all the right boxes. Feature highlights include LED headlamps, LED DRLs, a 360-degree camera, blind spot monitor, full LED tail-lamps, a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and even a segment-first electric sunroof.

The new Dzire comes with a five-star GNCAP rating, a first for any Maruti Suzuki. The Dzire packs six airbags and ABS with EBD as standard across the range. A used Maruti Suzuki Dzire offers excellent value for money, providing top-tier features and performance at a much lower price than a new model. With its 382-litre boot space, there’s adequate room for a few suitcases and carry-on luggage, which means quick weekend getaways with up to five aboard is doable.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire Key Specifications

Maruti Suzuki Dzire Key Features

• Electric sunroof
• 360-degree camera
• Rear AC vents

5. Best Car for Long Drive: Tata Tigor | Boot space - 205 litres

The Tata Tigor needs to be on your list if you’re on the lookout for a budget-friendly sedan that’s capable of being a fuss-free and reliable option for long drives. It stands out as one of the best car for long drive options in its price range, offering a solid balance of safety, comfort, and practicality. Whether you're navigating city traffic or cruising on highways, the Tigor handles both with ease.

It comes paired with a 1.2-litre petrol engine that makes 84 bhp and 113 Nm. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT, delivering an impressive ARAI-rated mileage of up to 28 kmpl. Feature-wise, it’s well equipped with a digital instrument cluster, 8-speaker sound system, reversing camera, and a height-adjustable driver’s seat. If you’re wondering which car is best for long drive on a budget, the Tigor definitely deserves a closer look.The second-hand Tata Tigor is a great choice for those who need an efficient and low-maintenance car that won’t break the bank.

Safety features on the Tigor include ABS with EBD, dual airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and ISOFIX child seat mounts. At 419 litres, the Tigor’s boot space is more than its nearest competitor (the Dzire), which will make family road trips more convenient.

Tata Tigor key specifications

Tata Tigor key features

• Digital instrument cluster
• 8-speaker sound system
• Reversing camera with dynamic lines

6. Best Car for Long Drive: Hyundai Verna | Boot space - 528 litres

If you’re in the market for a premium sedan that’s spacious, safe, and perfectly suited for long journeys, the Hyundai Verna stands out as one of the best car for long drive options in the midsize segment. First launched in 2006 and updated significantly in 2023, the Verna continues to offer a blend of comfort, performance, and modern features that make it a reliable road trip companion.

The latest Verna gets a bold new design, a thoroughly updated interior, and a long list of features that add to both comfort and safety. With a five-star GNCAP safety rating, the sedan also comes equipped with ABS with EBD, six airbags, ESC, tyre pressure monitoring system, ISOFIX mounts, and pretensioners with force limiters for front passengers. If you’ve been wondering which car is best for long drive with your family or friends, the Verna makes a very strong case for itself.

Comfort and convenience features include ventilated, heated, and electrically adjustable front seats, cruise control, a cooled glovebox, and even a voice-activated sunroof. Whether you're buying your first car or adding to your collection, a used Hyundai Verna is a smart choice for anyone looking for a reliable second-hand vehicle.

Engine options include a 1.5-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre turbopetrol. The former produces 113 bhp, while the turbopetrol makes 157 bhp. For the performance-oriented drivers, it’s worthwhile considering the turbopetrol with the 7-speed DCT. Fuel efficiency is rated at up to 20.6 kmpl, and once you factor in a boot space of 528 litres, it’s hard to give the Hyundai Verna a miss.

Hyundai Verna key specifications

Hyundai Verna key features

• Heated and ventilated seats
• Powered driver’s seat
• ADAS

7. Best Car for Long Drive: Maruti Suzuki Ertiga | Boot space - 209 litres (3rd row up)

When it comes to people-movers in India, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga remains one of the most dependable choices, and quite possibly the best car for long drive journeys with a large group. With three rows of seating and space for up to seven passengers, the Ertiga blends practicality with comfort, making it ideal for long road trips with family or friends.

Under the bonnet, it packs a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 102 bhp and 137 Nm of torque. You also get a choice between a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. If you’ve been wondering which car is best for long drive that can accommodate your entire family without compromising on fuel efficiency or reliability, the Ertiga definitely deserves a closer look.

While performance isn’t strong, it’s adequate even when the MPV is fully-loaded. As for efficiency, the Ertiga gets a 20.7 kmpl ARAI-rated figure. When seating seven people, the Ertiga offers 209 litres of luggage space, but if the third row is not in use, the seats can fold down to increase cargo volume further. A used Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is an ideal option for those who want a quality second-hand car that still offers the performance and features of a newer model.

In terms of convenience and comfort features, the highlights include a height adjustable driver’s seat, auto climate control, adjustable headrests, a rear seat armrest, rear AC vents and cruise control. Safety kit includes ABS with EBD, four airbags, ESC, a rear camera, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and hill-start assist.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga key specifications

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga key features

• 7-inch infotainment
• Paddle shifters with auto transmission
• Connected car features

What’s Good

• Seats are comfortable and well-padded
• Neutral ride quality is great for long drives
• Light controls and plenty of visibility from driver’s seat

What’s Not

• Third-row space is cramped
• Fit and finish could be better
• Ageing design

8. Best Car for Long Drive: Kia Carens | Boot space - 210 litres (3rd row up)

The Kia Carens is one of the best cars for long drive trips if you’re looking for a modern, spacious, and well-equipped MPV. It strikes a fine balance between comfort and performance, especially when travelling with family or carrying lots of luggage.

You get multiple engine choices, including two petrols and one diesel. The most powerful variant features a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces 158 bhp and 253 Nm, plenty for relaxed cruising, even when fully loaded. Efficiency is rated at up to 17.5 kmpl, and the 210-litre boot can be expanded by folding down the third row. If you’re asking which car is best for long drive that offers both space and features, the Carens is a solid all-rounder.

Searching for a reliable used car? The second hand Kia Carens is an excellent choice, offering both value for money and a smooth driving experience. The Kia Carens comes packed with comfort and convenience features. Highlights include ventilated seats, a rear centre armrest, rear AC vents, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, a foldable rear seat, three drive modes, and a lot more.

Safety features aren’t lacking either; you get ABS with EBD, six airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system, ESC, ISOFIX child seat mounts, hill-start assist and hill descent control, among many others.

Kia Carens key specifications

Kia Carens key features

• Roof-mounted AC
• Sunroof
• Pop-out cupholders

9. Best Car for Long Drive: Toyota Innova HyCross | Boot space - 300 litres

The Toyota Innova HyCross easily ranks among the best cars for long drive journeys, especially if you’re travelling with a full house. Known for its bulletproof reliability and spacious cabin, the HyCross has become a trusted choice for both families and commercial buyers.

While the starting price of ₹19.7 lakh (ex-showroom) might seem steep, it delivers strong value in return. Comfort is a key strength, whether you choose the 7-seater with captain seats or the 8-seater bench layout. With all three rows in use, you still get a generous 300-litre boot. If you're someone who loves long road trips with family, this is one of the best cars for long road trips in India that ticks all the right boxes for space, comfort and convenience.

Power comes from a hybrid 1,987cc petrol engine that’s mated to an electric motor, which puts out 173 bhp and 209 Nm. The big plus of the Innova Hycross’ new hybrid powerplant makes the large MPV more fuel efficient, with up to 23.2 kmpl on offer. 

Feature highlights include ventilated and electrically adjustable seats, rear AC vents, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, three drive modes, auto headlamps, and a lot more. As for the safety features, the Innova HyCross gets ABS with EBD, six airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system, ESC, ISOFIX child seat mounts, hill-start assist, and a 5-star GNCAP safety rating.

Toyota Innova HyCross key specifications

Toyota Innova HyCross key features

• Ottoman seats
• Panoramic sunroof
• Petrol+electric powertrain for improved efficiency

10. Best Car for Long Drive: Hyundai Creta | Boot space - 433 litres

If you’re looking for the best SUV for long distance driving, the Hyundai Creta deserves a serious look. It’s stylish, spacious, and refined—making it a favourite among families who take frequent road trips. One of the biggest strengths of the Creta is how premium it feels, both in terms of features and driving comfort.

You can choose from three engines: a 1.5-litre petrol, a 1.5-litre diesel, and a punchy 1.5-litre turbo-petrol that delivers 158 bhp and 253 Nm of torque. Multiple gearbox options (manual, iVT and DCT) give you plenty of flexibility based on how and where you drive. Add to that a fuel efficiency of up to 21.8 kmpl, and it’s easy to see why the Creta is often considered one of the best cars for highway driving. A second-hand Kia Seltos could be just what you need for reliable daily commutes and family trips.

The Creta gets plenty of features, too. Highlights include ventilated seats, adjustable headrests, rear AC vents, cruise control, a cooled glovebox, three drive modes, and auto headlamps, to name just a few. In terms of safety, the Creta marks itself out by being one of the only cars on this list to get ADAS functionality (forward collision warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross traffic alert being highlights). Aside from that, there’s also ABs with EBD, six airbags, traction control, a tyre pressure monitoring system, ESC, and ISOFIX child seat mounts.

Hyundai Creta key specifications

Hyundai Creta key features

• ADAS
• 360-degree camera
• Dual-zone climate control

11. Best Car for Long Drive: Hyundai Venue | Boot space - 350 litres

The Hyundai Venue is one of the best cars for long road trips if you’re looking for something compact yet comfortable. It’s feature-loaded, fuel-efficient, and cleverly packaged to suit both city drives and weekend getaways. With three engine choices, a 1.2-litre petrol, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol, and 1.5-litre diesel, you get both performance and efficiency. Gearbox options include a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, and a 7-speed DCT, with fuel economy going up to 23.4 kmpl.

Despite its compact size, the Venue doesn’t hold back on creature comforts. It packs in electric height-adjustable seats, auto climate control, cruise control, a voice-controlled infotainment system, cooled glovebox, and more. On the safety front, it features six airbags, ABS with EBD, TPMS, ISOFIX mounts, and hill-start assist, making it one of the best cars for long distance travel in the compact SUV segment. The used Hyundai Venue is the ideal second-hand vehicle for anyone looking for a combination of affordability, low maintenance costs, and modern features.

With a boot space of 350 litres, the Venue will also be able to squeeze in luggage for five passengers on weekend getaway, making it a great compact SUV option to consider for road trips.

Hyundai Venue key specifications

Hyundai Venue key features

• Voice-activated infotainment
• Powered driver’s seat
• Reclining rear seats

12. Best Car for Long Drive: Maruti Suzuki Brezza | Boot space - 328 litres

The Maruti Suzuki Brezza continues to be one of the best cars for highway driving thanks to its strong focus on practicality, comfort, and ease of ownership. It remains a constant on the top 10 best-sellers list in India, and for good reason. Whether you're commuting in the city or heading out for a weekend road trip, the Brezza delivers a well-rounded experience.

It runs on a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 102 bhp and 137 Nm, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. The feature list covers all the essentials, auto climate control, rear AC vents, cruise control, auto headlamps, and a cooled glovebox. Top variants add premium touches like a 360-degree camera, a head-up display, and a 9-inch touchscreen.

On the safety front, it offers ABS with EBD, ESC, six airbags, ISOFIX mounts, hill-start assist, and speed-sensing door locks. The 328-litre boot isn’t class-leading, but it’s still sufficient for most weekend bags, making the Brezza a dependable option for those seeking a long distance driving car that’s refined and sensible.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza key specifications

Maruti Suzuki Brezza key features

• 360-degree camera
• Head-up display
• 9-inch touchscreen 

13. Best Car for Long Drive: Tata Punch | Boot space - 366 litres

The Tata Punch may be compact, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to versatility, safety, and everyday usability. It might not be the biggest, but if you're after a practical city-friendly car that can also handle occasional road trips, the Punch fits the bill rather well. It’s one of the best cars for long road trips in the micro-SUV segment—especially for smaller families or couples.

Despite its compact size, the Punch comes loaded with features. These include a sunroof, 6-speaker Harman audio system, cruise control, two drive modes, auto headlamps, a 7-inch TFT instrument cluster, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.

On the safety side, it scores high with dual airbags, electronic brakeforce distribution, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and a 4-star Global NCAP child safety rating. For those looking for the best car for long drives without breaking the bank, the Tata Punch offers a surprisingly complete package. A used Tata Punch offers excellent value for money, providing top-tier features and performance at a much lower price than a new model.

The Punch comes powered by a 1,199cc petrol engine that makes 87 bhp and 115 Nm, and is paired to either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed AMT. While its power output might not be best in class, its efficiency figure of up to 26.9 kmpl is a big plus for long drives. In addition to that, with comfortable seats for up to five passengers and a boot space of 366 litres, the Punch is worth considering as a compact SUV that’s capable of comfortably tackling long road trips.

Tata Punch key specifications

Tata Punch key features

• Sunroof
• 6-speaker Harman sound system
• Automatic climate control

Conclusion

When it comes to picking the best car for long drives in India, buyers today are spoilt for choice. Whether you're looking for fuel efficiency, loads of boot space, or a feature-packed cabin, there’s something for everyone. What’s even better is the wide variety, long-distance road trip cars now include hatchbacks, sedans, compact SUVs, premium MPVs, and everything in between.

No matter your budget or family size, the cars featured in this list offer a great mix of comfort, space, and value—everything you’d want on a highway cruise or weekend getaway. From fuel-sipping hatchbacks to SUVs built for long-distance driving, planning your next road trip just got a whole lot easier.