Best Cars for Long Drives in 2022 – India’s Top Vehicles for Road Trips

Sheldon Jones

editor

As the restrictions for COVID-19 have slowly been lifted, people have been choosing to get out of their homes and explore their surroundings with a lot more enthusiasm. Road trips or long car drives are the best ways to get away from a hectic day/week of work. Most people look to take these road trips with friends or family, but there is no shame in doing it alone either. Whatever your choice of relaxation, the first thing you need is a suitable car. So, what are the best cars for long drives in India? Let’s find out.

Toyota Innova Crysta

When taking long drives or road trips, space is a major demand and the Toyota Innova Crysta offers that in abundance. Under the hood of the Innova Crysta sits a 2.7L petrol engine that generates 166Ps of power with 245Nm of torque. There is also a 2.4L diesel engine variant that is capable of producing 150Ps of power and 360Nm of torque. Finally, Toyota offers the Leadership Edition of the Innova Crysta with the same 2.4L diesel engine but with a slightly lower tune of 150Ps and 360Nm. All the engine options get a 5-speed manual transmission system as standard and there is an option for a 6-speed automatic gearbox. What goes without mentioning is that the Innova Crysta comes packed with features that include a large 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, automatic climate control, adjustable driver seat, a parking camera in the back, Bluetooth connectivity, and cruise control. There are also three airbags in front, ABS with EBD, vehicle stability control, brake assist, and hill start assist packed into the Innova Crysta.

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BMW 5 Series

Although SUVs are the dominant option for long drives, the BMW 5 Series sedan is perfect for those people who are looking for a bit of luxury on their expedition. The stylish and elegant sedan is available as the 530i M Sport, the 520d Luxury Line, and the 530d M Sport. Under the hood of the 5 Series sits either a 2.0L Turbo-petrol engine that generates 252Ps of power and 350Nm of torque or a 2.0L diesel engine that produces 190Ps of power and 400Nm of torque. There is another engine option for the 5 Series which is a 3.0L diesel unit that produces 265Ps of power and 620Nm of torque. All the engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission system. Some of the features found on the 5 Series include a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, four-zone climate control, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, ambient lighting, wireless charging, a tyre-pressure monitoring system, and connected car technology. Safety is a major attraction on the 5 Series that includes vehicle stability control, parking sensors in the front and rear, 6 airbags, cornering brake control, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors.

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Toyota Fortuner

With the Toyota Fortuner, you are guaranteed to get spacious interiors and a premium performance no matter what. Offering two engine variants, the Toyota Fortuner is definitely a car that is built for long distances on all types of terrain. Under the hood of the Fortuner sits either a 2.7L petrol engine that is capable of generating 166Ps of power and 245Nm of torque or a 2.8L Turbo-diesel unit that produces 204Ps of power and 500Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission system. The Fortuner comes with premium-style features which include an 8-inch/9-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, 18/20 inch alloy wheels, LED projector headlamps, LED DRLs, LED fog lamps, ambient lighting, power-adjustable seats up front, wireless charging, push-button ignition, kick-to-open powered tailgate, automatic climate control, 360-degree camera, and cruise control. In terms of safety, the Fortuner comes with ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Control, 7 airbags, brake assist, and hill assist control.

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Honda City

For smaller families, the Honda City seems to be a favourite for long drives – given the fact that it is one of the most comfortable sedans on the market. The new Honda City is powered by either a 1.5L petrol engine or a 1.5L diesel unit. The petrol engine produces 121Ps of power and 145Nm of torque whereas the diesel engine generates 100ps of power and 200Nm of torque. In the transmission department, the petrol engine is mated to a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed CVT gearbox while the diesel engine is paired to a 6-speed manual transmission. Some of the features available on the latest Honda City include LED headlamps and taillights, 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, ambient lighting, Amazon Alexa control, remote engine start and door unlock, and automatic climate control. The Honda City also comes with a number of safety features such as 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, tyre pressure monitoring system, and ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors.

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Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Another option in the luxury long drive segment is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. With a reputation like Mercedes-Benz, you know exactly what to expect while taking those long drives. The S-Class is considered the high-end segment of Mercedes-Benz and the 7^th-generation model is now available in either the S350d or the S450 variants. Under the hood, the S-Class is powered by a 3.0L In-Line 6-cylinder Turbocharged petrol engine that generates 367Ps of power and 500Nm of torque. There is also a 3.0L In-Line 6-cylinder Turbocharged diesel engine that produces 330Ps of power and 700Nm of torque. Both engines are paired with a 9-speed automatic gearbox with All-Wheel-Drive. Inside, the S-Class comes with the latest features including a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, a panoramic sunroof, 20-inch alloy wheels, dual wireless chargers, and 64-colour ambient lighting. Mercedes-Benz has also included the latest safety features in the S-Class such as ABS with EBD, ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors, parking sensors in the front and rear, 10 airbags for the driver and passengers, Electronic Stability Control, and a 360-degree camera.

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Mahindra XUV700

The recently launched Mahindra XUV700 is an obvious choice when it comes to cars designed for long drives. There is more than enough space and power in the vehicle to satisfy any road trip desire you might have. Powering the XUV700 is a 2.0L Turbo-petrol engine that generates 200Ps of power and 380Nm of torque. It is the same engine found in the Thar. There is also a 2.2L diesel engine option that produces 185Ps of power and 450Nm of torque. In the transmission department, the XUV700 comes with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. There is also available with an All-Wheel-Drive option as well. In terms of features, the SUV comes with a digital instrument cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a 360-degree camera, and power doors and windows. Safety is also Mahindra’s priority for the XUV700 and the car comes with features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, 7 airbags, Level 1 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), electronic parking brake, and ADS with EBD.

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Hyundai Verna

The Hyundai Verna is another great option in the sedan segment for long drives. The latest Verna is powered by a 1.5L petrol engine that produces 115Ps of power and 144Nm of torque. There is also a 1.5L diesel engine option that generates 115Ps of power and 250Nm of torque. Lastly, there is a 1.0L Turbo-petrol engine that can produce 120Ps of power and 172Nm of torque. In the transmission department, the 1.5L petrol unit is mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed CVT gearbox. The 1.5L diesel engine is paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission system. Finally, the 1.0 Turbo-petrol engine can be had with only a 7-speed DCT gearbox. The Hyundai Verna comes with some of the latest features including a sunroof, a tyre pressure monitoring system, BlueLink connected car technology, wireless charging, a semi-digital instrument cluster, a hands-free boot opening system, parking sensors in the front, and ventilated seats in the front. For safety, the Verna comes with ABS with EBD, speed alert, and rear parking sensors.

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Skoda Octavia

Skoda first launched the Octavia back in 2002 and it was a massive hit for long drives back then as well. Today, the Octavia is in its fourth iteration and is available as the Style and Klement variants. Powering the Octavia is a 2.0L Turbo-petrol engine that produces 190Ps of power and 320Nm of torque. It is the same engine that is found on the Superb and also features the same 7-speed DSG transmission. The Octavia also comes with all the latest features such as a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, wireless charging, adaptive LED headlamps, a digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, a tyre-pressure monitoring system, and a powered tailgate. In the safety department, the Octavia comes with 8 airbags, parking sensors in the front and rear, Hill Hold Control, and Electronic Stability Control.

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Tata Safari

When it comes to long drives or road trips, you cannot go wrong with the Tata Safari. From the time it was first launched till today, the Safari has always delivered one of the best driving experiences for anyone interested in large and powerful cars. The new Safari can be had as a 6-seater as well as a 7-seater. Giving the Safari its power is a 2.0L diesel engine that is capable of generating 170Ps of power and 350Nm of torque. This is the same engine found on the Tata Harrier – another best-seller from the brand. In the transmission department, the Tata Safari comes with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Apart from this engine option, Tata is expected to launch a 1.5L Turbo-petrol variant along with All-Wheel-Drive capabilities sometime in the near future. In terms of features, the Safari comes with a plethora of updated options including an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with iRA connected car technology, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a panoramic sunroof, a 9-speaker JBL audio set up, cruise control, automatic air-conditioning with 2^nd and 3^rd seat vents, ambient lighting, and premium leatherette upholstery. The Safari also comes with new safety features including disc brakes for all four wheels, 6 airbags, corner stability control, electronic parking brake, and rollover mitigation.

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Mahindra Thar

Mahindra designed and built the Thar as an off-road vehicle that is capable of taking on pretty much anything you can throw at it. That is what makes it one of the best cars for taking long drives in. The Thar is powered by either a 2.0L Turbocharged petrol engine that generates 150Ps of power and 300Nm of torque on manual, and 150Ps of power and 320Nm of torque on automatic, or a 2.2L diesel engine that produces 130Ps of power and 300Nm of torque. In the transmission department, the Thar comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard but it can be had with a 6-speed automatic transmission as well. Some of the features found on the new Thar include LED DRLs, halogen headlamps, air-conditioning, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, an instrument cluster with a digital MID, cruise control, and steering-mounted controls. For safety, the Thar has ABS with EBD, dual airbags in the front, parking sensors in the rear, and a seatbelt reminder in the front.

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Volkswagen Polo

Hatchbacks are not usually considered ideal for long drives but the Volkswagen Polo is not the usual hatchback. The latest model is fitted with a 1.0L Naturally-Aspirated petrol engine that is capable of generating 75Ps of power and 95Nm of torque whereas the 1.0L Turbo-petrol engine can generate 110Ps of power and 175Nm of torque. The lesser-powered engine is only available with a 5-speed manual transmission while the Turbo engine comes with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission system. In terms of features, the Polo comes with some of the latest technology including, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Polo also has rain-sensing windshield wipers, dual airbags in front, parking sensors in the rear, and cruise control.

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Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza

If you want the power of an SUV but don’t require a lot of space for your long drive, the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza might be the perfect option for you. As far as compact SUVs go, the Vitara Brezza is one of the best in the country. The latest Vitara Brezza houses a 1.5L petrol engine that can generate 105Ps of power and 138Nm of torque. Paired with the petrol engine, the Brezza can either be had with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic gearbox. In terms of features, the Vitara Brezza comes with cruise control, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, push-button start/stop, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. When it comes to safety, the Vitara Brezza carries parking sensors in the rear, dual airbags in the front, and ABS with EBD.

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Hyundai Creta

Hyundai launch the upgraded Creta a little while ago and it has become one of the best SUVs in the market. One of the biggest attractions of the Creta is engine choice options. The first is a 1.5L Naturally-Aspirated petrol engine that produces 115Ps of power and 144Nm of torque. It is mated to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a CVT automatic setup. The next is a 1.4L Turbo petrol engine which is capable of generating 140Ps of power and 242Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a 7-speed DCT transmission system only. Lastly, there is also a 1.5L diesel engine that produces 115Ps of power and 250Nm of torque. The diesel engine can be had with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed Torque Converter setup. In the features department, the Creta does not lack as it houses LED headlamps, a panoramic sunroof, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, wireless charging, a 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster, and ventilated front seats. The Creta is also exceptionally safe thanks to its ABS with EBD, 6 airbags, and Electronic Stability Control features.

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Land Rover Range Rover

For those looking to add a lot of luxury interiors and premium specs, the Land Rover Range Rover is the perfect car to take on your next adventure. Under the hood of the Range Rover sits either a 3.0L Inline-Six petrol engine that generates 400Ps of power and 550Nm of torque or a 3.0L Inline-Six diesel engine that produces 351Ps of power and 700Nm of torque. There is also a 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 petrol engine option reserved for the flagship variant which generates 530Ps of power and 750Nm of torque. In the transmission department, the Range Rover comes with an 8-speed automatic gearbox for both engines as well as 4-Wheel-Drive. Inside the Range Rover, there are a number of features that include a 13.1-inch touchscreen display for the infotainment system and a 13.7-inch digital driver’s display. Some of the other features include a Meridian Surround Sound system, cooling/heating front seats, 360-degree camera, and Electronic Air Suspension. The Range Rover also carries a number of safety features that include seven airbags, hill launch assist, dynamic stability control, ABS with EBD, and hill descent control.

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Renault Triber

Long drives are usually taken with friends or family and the Renault Triber gives you the option of taking them all along. With a maximum of 7 seats, the Triber is a very spacious vehicle that can be used for seating more people or for storage. The Triber is powered by a new BSVI-compliant 1.0L petrol engine that produces 72Ps of power and 96Nm of torque. According to Renault, there will also be a 1.0L Turbo-petrol engine option in the near future. The current engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission as standard with the option for a 5-speed automatic gearbox as well. Renault sells cars that come with some of the latest technology and features and the Triber is following that tradition. There is an 8-inch touchscreen MediaNav infotainment system that comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, large 15-inch wheels, automatic air-conditioning, dual airbags in front, side airbags, ABD with EBD, parking sensors in the rear, and cruise control. One of the biggest advantages of the Renault Triber is its affordability and in India, that counts for a lot.

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Next time you decide to take a long drive or a road trip, make sure you have the right vehicle. If you have friends or family with you, an SUV or MUV would be ideal whereas if you choose to drive alone or with a couple of people, a hatchback or sedan would be perfect. Whatever your choice, having the right car that is capable of taking on the task at hand is very important. Which of the above-mentioned cars do you think is the best for long drives?