13 best cars for long drives In India In 2024 - 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 car is the best for long drives? And which cars combine luggage space, comfort, efficiency, and a good set of features the best? Our list of the best cars for long drives helps narrow down the options considerably.

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List of the 13 best cars for long drives

1. Maruti Wagon R | Boot space: 341 litres

The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R may not come to mind as the first option as a car for a long drive, 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.

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. 

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. 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’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. 

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.

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. Tata Altroz | Boot space: 345 litres

The Tata Altroz is a potent combination of style, features, and fuel-efficient powertrains. The premium hatchback has been received well in the market since its launch in 2020, and is particularly well-known for its great ride quality.

The Altroz is available in 1.2-litre petrol, 1,5-litre diesel and CNG options. For the transmission, you can choose between a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed DCT. The Altroz also packs in a lot of features, including rear AC vents, cruise control, a cooled glovebox, auto headlamps, a voice-activated sunroof, and a lot more. Safety kit includes ABS with EBD, dual airbags, ESC, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and seat belt pretensioners for the front seats.

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. Maruti Suzuki Dzire | Boot Space: 382 litres
 

The fourth-gen Maruti Suzuki Dzire introduced a  major overhaul, especially in terms of design, giving it a more upmarket look. With a new engine, larger boot and more space in the cabin, it’s quite a potent sedan that’s ideal for long drives.

The Dzire is powered by a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine that makes 80 bhp and 112 Nm, which are figures that are slightly down on its predecessor. As before, you can spec it with a five-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT transmission. 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.

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. Tata Tigor | Boot space: 205 litres

The Tata Tigor needs to be on your list if you’re on the lookout for a budget sedan that’s capable of being a fuss-free car for long drives. On the whole, it comes across as a sedan which is safe, efficient, practical, and easy-to-live-with, while being able to handle city runs and highway journeys with ease.

It comes paired with a 1.2-litre petrol engine that makes 84 bhp and 113 Nm. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT, which translates to an efficiency of up to 28 kmpl (ARAI-rated). The Tigor comes well equipped with features, including things like a digital instrument cluster, an 8-speaker sound system, a reversing camera, and a height adjustable driver’s seat.

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. Hyundai Verna | Boot space: 528 litres

If you’re in the market for a premium sedan that’s spacious and can easily manage long drives, the Hyundai Verna is one of the stronger options to consider. One of the cars that have been around the longest (first launched in 2006), the Hyundai Verna is one of the most competent midsize sedans around.

Hyundai introduced a new generation of the Verna in 2023, which sharpened its design inside and out, and made it a lot more feature-rich. Five-star GNCAP safety rating aside, the Verna gets ABS with EBD, six airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system, ESC, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and even pretensioners and force-limiter seat belts for the front seats. Comfort and convenience features include ventilated, heated, and electrically adjustable front seats, cruise control, a cooled glovebox, and even a voice-activated sunroof.

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. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga | Boot space: 209 litres (3rd row up)

Think people-movers in India, and it’s more than likely that the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga will come to mind. Since its launch in India, the Ertiga MPV has been a very popular option for people with large families.

With seating for up to seven passengers, the Ertiga can very realistically be the ideal car for long drives with family and friends. It features a 1.5-litre petrol engine that makes 102 bhp and 137 Nm, and can be paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. 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.

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. Kia Carens | Boot space: 210 litres (3rd row up)

The Kia Carens is a thoroughly capable and modern MPV that’s renowned for its comfort and convenience features. In terms of hauling people and luggage over long distances, the Carens comes across as a very competent package.

It has two petrol engines and a diesel option on offer. Power outputs go up to 158 bhp and 253 Nm (with the 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine), which is more than sufficient even when the car is fully loaded. An efficiency figure of up to 17.5 kmpl is also useful to have when considering longer drives. The Carens’ 210 litre standard boot space can be increased by folding the third row seats if you need more room to carry luggage.

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. Toyota Innova HyCross | Boot space: 300 litres

One of the most capable long distance cars on this list is the Toyota Innova HyCross. The people-mover is a household name now, and it’s as popular with private buyers as it is with fleet operators.

Currently, the Innova HyCross comes across as relatively expensive (starting ex-showroom price of ₹19.7 lakh), but for the money you get a lot of value. Space is one of the most distinguishing factors with the Innova HyCross. It seats up to eight people (the second row can be specced as a bench seat or captain seats), and with all three rows up, there’s 300 litres of boot space. Toyota’s even given the captain seats extendable legrests that add to the overall comfort.

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. Hyundai Creta | Boot space: 433 litres

As far as capable, family-friendly SUVs go, the Hyundai Creta does it better than most. One of the key aspects of the Creta is that it feels premium through and through, and is more than capable of ferrying you and your family and friends on long drives in comfort.

Powering the Creta is a set of three engine options: a 1.5-litre petrol, a 1.5-litre turbopetrol, and a 1.5-litre diesel. The most potent of the lot is the turbopetrol option that puts out 158 bhp and 253 Nm. There are three transmission options on offer: a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed iVT and a 7-speed DCT. Efficiency for the Creta ranges between 17.4 kmpl and 21.8 kmpl, which is great for an SUV of its size and weight.

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. Hyundai Venue | Boot space: 350 litres

The Hyundai Venue is a compact SUV that’s known for its feature-rich trims, fuel efficient engine options, and overall comfort levels. In terms of compact SUVs that blend space, efficiency, features, and comfort, few cars in its segment do it better than the Venue.

There are three engine options on offer: a 1.2-litre petrol, a 1.0-litre turbopetrol, and a 1.5-litre diesel. Transmission options include a 5- and 6-speed manual, and a 7-speed DCT. Efficiency figures are impressive too, with the Venue getting up to 23.4 kmpl.

The Venue’s extensive features list includes an electric height adjustable front seat, auto climate control, rear seat centre armrest, rear AC vents, cruise control, rear parking sensors, a voice-activated infotainment, a cooled glovebox, and a lot more. Safety kit includes ABS with EBD, six airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system, a rear camera with guidelines, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and hill-start assist, among others.

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. Maruti Suzuki Brezza | Boot space: 328 litres

The Brezza has been a standout performer for Maruti Suzuki. It’s consistently on the list of the top 10 best-selling cars in India, and the feature-list, space, comfort, and practicality it focusses on all contribute to the Brezza’s success.

It’s powered by a single 1,462cc petrol engine that makes 102 bhp and 137 Nm. It can be paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Brezza’s well-equipped with comfort and convenience features like auto climate control, a rear seat armrest, rear AC vents, cruise control, a cooled glovebox, and auto headlamps. Higher trims also get a 360-degree camera, a head-up display and a 9-inch touchscreen.

In terms of safety, the Brezza gets ABS with EBD, up to six airbags, ESC, speed-sensing auto door locks, ISOFIX child seat mounts, hill-start assist, and a lot more. Its boot space of 328 litres might not be the biggest in the segment, but the Brezza makes up for the value it provides in aspects like comfort, features, and overall refinement. 

Maruti Suzuki Brezza key specifications

Maruti Suzuki Brezza key features

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

13. Tata Punch | Boot space: 366 litres

Admittedly, the Tata Punch isn’t as big as most of the other cars on this list. But what it lacks in outright space, the Punch more than makes up for by being practical, feature-rich, safe and versatile.

On the features front, highlights include a sunroof, 6-speaker Harman sound system, cruise control, two drive modes, auto headlamps, a 7-inch TFT instrument cluster, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and a lot more. Safety features aren’t lacking, either. The Punch gets two airbags, electronic brakeforce distribution, ISOFIX child seat mounts (and a 4-star global NCAP child safety rating).

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

There’s no shortage of cars suited for long drives in India. The cars on this list all provide space, efficiency, comfort and features enough to make journeys with family and friends memorable and enjoyable.

What’s great to see is that buyers aren’t restricted to just one or two body styles for the kind of cars that blend space, efficiency, features, and affordability. There are stand-out performers across segments (hatchbacks, SUVs, MPVs, and sedans), and depending on the budget, it’s easier than ever to pick the car that’s most suitable.

FAQs

Q. Which car is the best for very long drives?

The Toyota Innova HyCross is a competent option for long drives as it offers exceptional space, comfort and value for the price.

Q. What is the most comfortable car to drive long distances?

Cars like the Kia Carens and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga prioritise comfort over long distances.

Q. Which body type is the best for long drives?

Depending on your budget, there are plenty of body styles to suit long drives. But SUVs and MPVs would be the preferred choice as they are the most practical and comfortable options for road trips.

Q. What are the top safety features to consider for long journeys?

For long journeys, cars equipped with tyre pressure monitors, ABS with EBD, and stability control (ESP) are key safety features to consider. However, advanced features like cruise control can make the road trip more comfortable.

Q. What should I look for in a car for long drives?

Keep an eye out for cars that prioritise space, comfort, safety and efficiency for long drives.

Q. How do electric vehicles perform on long drives, especially in terms of the current charging infrastructure?

With charging infrastructure slowly getting better, it will soon be viable to use electric vehicles for long drives. However, right now, using an EV for long journeys will require a lot of planning, taking the route with EV charging stations and charging times into account.

Q. How can I maximise fuel efficiency during a long drive?

Keeping a steady throttle and avoiding jerky inputs can maximise fuel efficiency.