Forget flying! For many UK destinations – and even some in western Europe – the easiest and most comfortable way to get there is by car. Plus, if you factor in the time spent marooned in airport departure lounges, driving might take nearly the same time as flying.
Apart from tiny commuter cars like the Smart ForTwo, all modern cars can comfortably cruise at motorway speeds for long periods without complaint, but some are certainly better than others. If you love road tripping, or regularly travel long distances for work, these are the best cars for the job, listed alphabetically. In most cases, we’ve chosen diesel engines thanks to their fuel-sipping, long-range cruising ability.
Helpful tips for driving long distances
Our most important tip is what we’ll call ‘fluid management’. That means making sure there’s enough fuel, oil, coolant and screenwash in your car before setting off. This also applies to passengers, however, so make sure you all visit the toilet before getting on the road, and consider having a bottle of water or a soft drink available in the car to quench thirst.
Another top tip for long motorway journeys is to consider lowering your hands on the steering wheel when driving on straight roads. Typically, you should hold a wheel at the 9 and 3 clock face positions but, when on a long, straight piece of motorway, try moving them down to around 8 and 4. This will reduce the weight you carry through your shoulders and is a popular technique among chauffeurs. Make sure you return your hands to the 9 and 3 positions when you leave the motorway.
Best cars for long-distance driving
- Audi A5 Avant
- BMW 1 Series
- BMW 5 Series
- Citroen C5 X
- Ford Kuga
- Mercedes A-Class
- Nissan Qashqai
- Peugeot 2008
- Range Rover Evoque
- Renault Austral
1. Audi A5 Avant
The latest Audi A5 now sits in the lineup in the space previously occupied by both the old A4 and old A5. It's offered as either a swoopy saloon or the version we're looking at here – the more practical five-door Avant estate. That means you get a 476-litre boot with easy access thanks to its hatchback-style boot lid. You'll still find Audi's smooth TDI diesel engines under the bonnet, which means lots of grunt for long motorway slogs and excellent long-range efficiency. Plus, the setup is geared towards high-speed stability, so the A5 feels totally effortless at speed.
Shop used Audi A5 cars for sale or read our review of the outgoing Audi A5
2. BMW 1 Series
The smallest BMW is just as adept at racking up the miles as the brand's bigger, more expensive models. The 1 Series feels every bit a BMW with its punchy engines, impressive noise suppression at high speed, and display screens that give you all the information where you need it. There's all the big-car tech to entertain and de-stress you on long journeys, plus big-car quality, too – and the interior still manages to be user-friendly with lots of proper buttons. Older cars with diesel engines are capable of 55mpg but are comparatively rare – perhaps not surprising when the popular 118i returns 45mpg and feels like a better all-rounder. Even the most powerful 1 Series, the M135i, settles down to a quiet cruise when you're not exploring its performance.
Shop used BMW 1 Series cars for sale or read our BMW 1 Series review
3. BMW 5 Series
There’s a reason you see so many BMWs on the UK’s motorways. Their sharp, grippy handling, handsome interiors and powerful engines make them ideal companions for long-distance travelling. Older 5 Series models might feel like the obvious choice here as they were available with BMW's long-legged diesel engines. However, don't discount the new model – the entry-level 520i mild-hybrid petrol can dash from 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds while averaging nearly 50mpg. As you'd hope, high-speed refinement and stability are excellent, making the 5 Series a top-drawer motorway companion.
Check out used BMW 5 Series cars for sale or read our BMW 5 Series review
4. Citroen C5 X
Big Citroens have earned a reputation for being some of the most comfortable cars you can buy. The C5 X is no exception, featuring the brand's clever hydraulic suspension bump stops on all models, and pairing them with adaptive suspension on plug-in hybrid versions. As a result, the C5 X glides down the road, soothing bumps that sportier cars would normally jiggle their way over. That does mean a slightly sloppy experience if you try to throw the C5 X down a twisty back road, but a fantastically cushioned ride if you're chugging up the motorway.
See used Citroen C5 X cars or read our Citroen C5 X review
5. Ford Kuga
The Ford Kuga is a true all-rounder and a great choice for travelling long distances. Its spacious cabin gives four adults lots of space to stretch out and non-hybrid versions skip the boot-mounted battery for more load space. What’s more, used models are available with the Kuga’s 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engine can return more than 60mpg if you drive with a light right foot. Ford has earned a reputation for building cars with excellent ride and handling, and the Kuga doesn’t disappoint with accurate controls and great composure over bumps in the road.
View used Ford Kuga cars for sale or read our Ford Kuga review
6. Mercedes A-Class
If you want the feel of a luxury car in a reasonably affordable package, check out the Mercedes A-Class. The latest model is the fourth to wear that badge but is the first to truly feel like a ‘Mercedes but slightly smaller’. Ride quality and refinement are impressive which makes long-distance driving effortless, and the 1.5-litre diesel engine in A180d feels much more potent than its 116hp output might suggest. Average economy above 60mpg should be achievable on long drives, which means more time on the road between refuelling stops.
Check out used Mercedes A-Class cars or read our Mercedes A-Class review
7. Nissan Qashqai
The Nissan Qashqai isn't just built in the UK, you can tell this is a car that was designed on our roads. As a result, its suspension is soft enough to absorb potholes and speed bumps, while also having enough control over the Qashqai's body that it feels confidence-inspiring on the motorway. Material quality takes a noticeable jump over its predecessor, with most of the hard plastic surfaces swapped out for posher-feeling soft-touch materials. New models feature baked-in Google software too, so you might not even need to use the standard-fit Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Browse used Nissan Qashqai cars for sale or read our Nissan Qashqai review
8. Peugeot 2008
If you want an SUV that’ll work just as well in the city as it will on a long motorway drive, check out the Peugeot 2008. It gets a much larger cabin than the 208 hatchback it’s based on but keeps the handsome interior design you’ll find on modern Peugeots, including the unusually small steering wheel that helps with tight manoeuvres. You should be able to get close to 60mpg on a long run with the 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel engine and the 2008’s reasonably soft suspension should save you from the fatigue of covering many miles.
See used Peugeot 2008 cars for sale or read our Peugeot 2008 review
9. Range Rover Evoque
The Range Rover Evoque is the smallest model in the company’s lineup, but still drives with the refinement and maturity you’d expect from a car bearing the Range Rover badge. Excellent body control, neat handling and great refinement make it easy to spend hours on the road in the Evoque. Plus, with diesel engines able to return above 45mpg on a long run, you shouldn’t have to stop too frequently to refuel. That’s just as well because the plush cabin is a fantastically comfortable place to spend time, so you might not want to leave!
Find used Range Rover Evoque cars for sale or read our Range Rover Evoque review
10. Renault Austral
The Renault Austral is the brand's full-hybrid family SUV. Its combination of petrol and electric power means it's totally effortless to drive around town with quick responses and smooth, linear acceleration. You might think its performance on the motorway might be compromised by its urban-centric engine setup but the Austral readily settles into a high-speed cruise thanks to its strong 200hp engine output. Its best feature, however, is the soft ride quality, which lets the Austral glide over bumps and smother the harshest of road surfaces.
Browse used Renault Austral cars for sale or read our Renault Austral review
Chosen your long-distance companion?
Check out Motorpoint’s huge range of nearly new cars for sale. For more inspiration, take a look at our picks for the best cars for motorway driving.
