Best Cars for Long Road Trips in India: Your Ultimate Guide

India, with its diverse landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, offers a treasure trove of experiences for road trip enthusiasts. From the winding mountain roads of the Himalayas to the coastal highways of the south, the country presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for those who love to explore on four wheels. Choosing the right vehicle for your long road trips is crucial to ensure a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable journey. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best cars for long road trips in India, considering factors such as comfort, performance, fuel efficiency, and suitability for Indian road conditions.

What Makes a Car Ideal for Long Road Trips?

Before we dive into our list of the best cars for long road trips in India, let’s consider the key factors that make a vehicle suitable for extended journeys:

• Comfort: Plush seating, ample legroom, and good suspension are essential for long hours on the road.
• Fuel Efficiency: Given the long distances covered, good mileage can significantly reduce travel costs.
• Reliability: A dependable vehicle is crucial to avoid breakdowns in remote areas.
• Storage Space: Adequate boot space for luggage and supplies is a must for long trips.
• Performance: The ability to handle various road conditions, from highways to rough terrains.
• Safety Features: Advanced safety systems provide peace of mind during long journeys.
• Amenities: Features like a good infotainment system, climate control, and cruise control enhance the travel experience.

With these factors in mind, let’s explore the top 15 cars that stand out as the best for long road trips in India.

The 15 Best Cars for Long Road Trips in India

Toyota Innova Crysta

The Toyota Innova Crysta has long been considered one of the most comfortable cars for long trips in India. Its spacious interiors and legendary reliability make it a top choice for extended journeys.

Key Features:

• Powerful and refined engine options: 2.7L petrol and 2.4L diesel
• Exceptionally spacious interiors with comfortable seating for seven or eight
• Excellent ride quality and stability on highways
• Proven reliability and low maintenance costs
• Large boot space, even with all seats occupied

Price Range: Rs. 16.52 – 24.59 lakhs

The Innova Crysta’s comfort, space, and reliability make it an excellent choice for large families or groups planning long road trips.

Mahindra XUV700

The Mahindra XUV700 has quickly established itself as one of the best cars for long road trips in India. This premium SUV offers a perfect blend of comfort, performance, and advanced features that make it ideal for extended journeys.

Key Features:

• Powerful engine options: 2.0L turbo petrol and 2.2L diesel
• Spacious interiors with comfortable seating for up to seven
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
• Large boot space for luggage
• Smooth ride quality on various types of roads

Price Range: Rs. 13.45 – 24.95 lakhs

The XUV700’s combination of space, comfort, and advanced features makes it a strong contender for families and tech-savvy travelers.

Hyundai Creta

The Hyundai Creta has been a popular choice for road trips since its inception. Its combination of comfort, reliability, and fuel efficiency makes it an excellent option for those looking to cover long distances.

Key Features:

• Multiple engine options: 1.5L petrol, 1.5L diesel, and 1.4L turbo petrol
• Comfortable and well-appointed interiors
• User-friendly infotainment system
• Good fuel efficiency
• Adequate ground clearance for Indian road conditions

Price Range: Rs. 10.44 – 18.24 lakhs

The Creta’s balance of features, comfort, and efficiency makes it one of the best budget cars for long drives, especially for small families or couples.

Kia Carnival

The Kia Carnival tops our list of the best road trip cars in India due to its exceptional space, comfort, and versatility.

Key Features:

• Luxurious and spacious interiors with multiple seating configurations
• Powerful 2.2L diesel engine
• Smooth 8-speed automatic transmission
• Premium features like power sliding doors and dual sunroofs
• Excellent ride quality and noise insulation

Price Range: Rs. 24.95 – 33.99 lakhs

While on the pricier side, the Carnival offers unparalleled comfort and space, making it ideal for large families or luxury seekers on long trips.

MG Hector Plus

The MG Hector Plus is a feature-packed SUV that offers great value for money, making it one of the best road trip cars in India.

Key Features:

• Spacious six or seven-seater layout
• Advanced connectivity features
• Panoramic sunroof
• Multiple engine options including a hybrid variant
• Comfortable ride quality

Price Range: Rs. 14.65 – 20.65 lakhs

The Hector Plus combines space, features, and comfort, making it a great choice for tech-savvy families on long journeys.

Tata Safari

The Tata Safari, with its imposing presence and comfortable interiors, is a strong contender among the best cars for long road trips in India.

Key Features:

• Robust build quality
• Spacious three-row seating
• Powerful 2.0L diesel engine
• Advanced ESP with terrain response modes
• Premium interiors with Boss Mode for rear passengers

Price Range: Rs. 15.25 – 23.46 lakhs

The Safari’s combination of space, comfort, and capability makes it an excellent choice for those who want a mix of luxury and adventure on their road trips.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

For those seeking an affordable and fuel-efficient option, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is one of the best budget cars for long drives in India.

Key Features:

• Efficient 1.5L petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology
• Spacious interiors with flexible seating for seven
• Good fuel efficiency
• Easy manoeuvrability in city traffic
• Reliable and low maintenance costs

Price Range: Rs. 8.35 – 12.79 lakhs

The Ertiga’s combination of space, efficiency, and affordability makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious families on long trips.

Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass offers a perfect blend of on-road comfort and off-road capability, earning its place among the best cars for long road trips in India.

Key Features:

• Premium interiors with high-quality materials
• Capable 4×4 system for adventurous trips
• Powerful engine options (petrol and diesel)
• Advanced UConnect infotainment system
• Robust build quality

Price Range: Rs. 18.39 – 29.34 lakhs

The Compass is ideal for those who want to combine comfortable highway cruising with the ability to venture off the beaten path.

Honda City

The Honda City proves that you don’t need an SUV for comfortable road trips. Its refinement and efficiency make it one of the best cars for long road trips in the sedan category.

Key Features:

• Smooth and refined petrol and diesel engine options
• Spacious and comfortable interiors
• Excellent fuel efficiency
• Advanced safety features
• Large boot space

Price Range: Rs. 11.57 – 15.52 lakhs

The City is perfect for those who prefer the driving dynamics of a sedan but still want comfort and efficiency on long journeys.

Mahindra Thar

For those who love adventure, the Mahindra Thar is undoubtedly one of the best cars for long road trips in India, especially for off-road expeditions.

Key Features:

• Iconic design with removable roof panels
• Capable 4×4 system with mechanical locking differential
• Modern interiors with touchscreen infotainment
• Choice of petrol and diesel engines
• Improved on-road manners compared to its predecessor

Price Range: Rs. 13.59 – 16.29 lakhs

The Thar is the go-to choice for adventure enthusiasts who want to explore off-road trails on their road trips.

Hyundai Verna

Another sedan that makes it to our list of best cars for long road trips in India is the Hyundai Verna, thanks to its comfort and feature-rich package.

Key Features:

• Multiple engine and transmission options
• Ventilated front seats
• Advanced Blue Link connected car features
• Smooth ride quality
• Modern and stylish design

Price Range: Rs. 9.44 – 15.53 lakhs

The Verna offers a comfortable and feature-packed option for those who prefer sedans for their long drives.

Toyota Fortuner

The Toyota Fortuner, known for its reliability and go-anywhere capability, is a popular choice among the best cars for long road trips in India.

Key Features:

• Powerful petrol and diesel engine options
• Rugged build quality
• Comfortable seating for seven
• Advanced 4×4 system with lockable differential
• Toyota’s legendary reliability

Price Range: Rs. 32.58 – 49.57 lakhs

The Fortuner is ideal for those who want a no-compromise SUV that can handle any terrain while providing comfort on long journeys.

MG Gloster

The MG Gloster is one of the most comfortable SUVs for long trips, offering luxurious features typically found in more expensive vehicles.

Key Features:

• Spacious seven-seater layout
• Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)
• Comfortable captain seats in the middle row
• Powerful 2.0L twin-turbo diesel engine
• Adaptive cruise control for highway driving

Price Range: Rs. 31.99 – 40.77 lakhs

The Gloster offers a luxurious and tech-filled experience for those who want premium comfort on their road trips.

Tata Nexon

The Tata Nexon, particularly in its electric avatar (Nexon EV), is rapidly gaining popularity as one of the best cars for long road trips in India. It offers a good balance of comfort, performance, and eco-friendliness.

Key Features:

• Available in both ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) and EV variants
• Comfortable ride quality
• Good ground clearance
• Impressive safety features
• Low running costs and zero emissions (for EV variant)

Price Range: Rs. 7.59 – 14.08 lakhs (ICE), Rs. 14.99 – 19.84 lakhs (EV)

The Nexon, especially in its EV form, is perfect for environmentally conscious travelers looking for a comfortable and efficient road trip vehicle.

Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos has quickly established itself as one of the best cars for long road trips in the compact SUV segment, offering a feature-rich package and refined driving experience.

Key Features:

• Multiple engine and transmission options
• Ventilated front seats
• Bose premium sound system
• UVO connected car features
• Smooth ride quality

Price Range: Rs. 10.19 – 18.45 lakhs

The Seltos offers a great balance of features, comfort, and performance, making it an excellent choice for small families or couples on long trips.

Choosing the Right Car for Your Road Trip

When selecting the best car for long road trips in India, consider the following factors:

• Budget: Determine your budget, including purchase price, fuel costs, and maintenance expenses.
• Number of Passengers: Ensure the vehicle can comfortably accommodate all travellers and their luggage.
• Type of Terrain: Consider the roads you’ll be traveling on – highways, mountain roads, or off-road trails.
• Fuel Efficiency: For long trips, good mileage can significantly reduce travel costs.
• Comfort Features: Look for amenities that enhance comfort on long journeys, such as climate control, comfortable seating, and a good infotainment system.
• Safety: Prioritize vehicles with advanced safety features, especially for long journeys.
• Reliability: Choose a vehicle with a reputation for reliability to avoid breakdowns in remote areas.

 Conclusion

The perfect road trip vehicle will vary depending on individual needs, budget, and the specific challenges of Indian roads and weather. The cars we’ve discussed span a wide price range, from budget-friendly options to luxury SUVs. Comfort is paramount for long journeys, but it doesn’t always correlate directly with price. While luxury vehicles offer unparalleled comfort, more affordable options provide enough comfort for their price point.

When choosing the best car for long road trips in India, consider the balance between price, comfort, and suitability for Indian conditions. Factors like ground clearance, air conditioning efficiency, suspension quality, fuel efficiency, service network availability, and safety features are crucial in the Indian context. Remember that regular maintenance is key to ensuring your chosen vehicle performs well on long journeys, regardless of its price point or features. With the right vehicle, you’ll be well-equipped to explore the diverse and beautiful landscapes that India has to offer.

Happy road tripping!