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.
All modern cars can comfortably cruise at motorway speeds for long periods without complaint, but some are better than others. If you love road tripping, or regularly travel far for work, these are the best cars for the job, listed alphabetically. In most cases, we’ve chosen diesel engines thanks to their long-range cruising ability.
Best cars for long-distance driving
- Audi A5 Avant
- BMW 4 Series
- Ford Kuga
- Lexus LBX
- Mercedes C-Class
- Peugeot 2008
- Range Rover Evoque
- Renault Austral
- Skoda Superb
- Volkswagen Passat
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 4 Series Gran Coupe
The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe fits a similar mould to the Audi A5 above. This is an elongated version of the 4 Series coupe, gaining a pair of rear doors and a much larger passenger compartment. As a result, it's a far better choice than the standard 4 Series for ferrying passengers on long motorway slogs. Thankfully, once you've dropped everyone off, you can hurl the 4 Series Gran Coupe down your favourite country road and enjoy its sensational handling and performance. All engines are strong and fairly efficient, but it's BMW's diesels that are best for high-mileage drivers. Also consider the battery-powered BMW i4.
Check out used BMW 4 Series cars for sale or read our BMW 4 Series review
3. 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
4. Lexus LBX
You might've noticed that most of the cars on this list are fairly large. That's because small cars with short wheelbases traditionally ride harsher than bigger models, making them tiring on longer drives. The Lexus LBX bucks this trend, however, combining its compact, city-friendly dimensions with a plush, cushioned ride quality. That theme continues inside – there's not exactly an abundance of space, but everything you see and touch feels expensive and high-quality. The 1.5-litre self-charging-hybrid engine is a trusty companion in bustling traffic, with quick reactions and impressive smoothness, though it can get a little vocal under hard acceleration.
Browse used Lexus LBX cars for sale or read our Lexus LBX review
5. Mercedes C-Class
Just a few minutes behind the wheel of the Mercedes C-Class is enough to know this is a car that feels at home on the motorway. Its smooth, settled and reassuringly stable ride quality means it'll soothe you on a long drive while also feeling easy and predictable at high speeds. There's a wide choice of turbo petrol and plug-in-hybrid models, but if its high mileages you're tackling, it'll be the fuel-sipping diesel options that'll suit you best. There's lots of space in the back for adult passengers to get comfortable and just enough cargo space for their stuff. For even more load-lugging capacity, check out the C-Class Estate.
Check out used Mercedes C-Class cars or read our Mercedes C-Class review
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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
9. Skoda Superb
It's almost a cliché at this point how well the Skoda Superb lives up to its name. This is a luxurious and almost impossibly spacious executive car that's priced as though it were two size classes smaller. Available in saloon or estate bodystyles, the Superb feels like a limo for its back-seat passengers and there's enough cargo space for a family's holiday luggage. It's easy to drive in almost all situations, but the Superb truly feels at home cruising on the motorway where the suspension keeps the body strictly under control and the smooth turbocharged engines make for effortless progress.
Shop used Skoda Superb cars or read our Skoda Superb review
10. Volkswagen Passat
The Volkswagen Passat – now available only as a practical estate – shares many of the same positives as the Skoda Superb. That should come as no surprise, considering the two cars are now based on the same platform and use the same engines. As a result, the Passat has the same faultless road manners, the same understated design, and the same cavernous interior. Back-to-back, the Passat feels as though it's a tiny fraction softer than the already comfortable Superb, meaning you can happily cover hundreds of miles without troubling your spine. There are no diesel options, but the plug-in-hybrid version should appeal to company-car buyers.
See used Volkswagen Passat cars or read our Volkswagen Passat review
Helpful tips for driving long distances
The most important tip is ‘fluid management’. That means making sure there’s enough fuel, oil, coolant and screenwash in your car before leaving. This also applies to passengers, so make sure you all use the toilet before setting off, and consider having a bottle of water or 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 on a long, straight piece of motorway, try moving them down to around 8 and 4. This reduces 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.
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.
