Best cars for long road trips in India? I went down this rabbit hole recently and figured I'd share 🚗
If you're after an affordable car that won't murder your wallet on fuel but still keeps you comfy on those long highway stretches, a handful of names keep popping up — and for good reason.
Maruti Suzuki Swift — the mileage king of this list, pulling around 24 km/l. If fuel efficiency is your #1 priority for long drives, this is hard to beat. Bonus: resale value stays strong and maintenance is cheap thanks to how widely available Maruti service centers and spare parts are.
Toyota Glanza — surprised me with how spacious the back seat is, plus the boot space is genuinely useful for road trip luggage. Around 22 km/l mileage, smooth ride quality, and low maintenance costs make it a solid all-rounder for comfort + efficiency.
Hyundai Exter — feels like the "tech bro" pick of the group. Modern infotainment, digital instrument cluster, connected car features, and that SUV-ish stance gives better visibility on highways. Around 20 km/l and comes packed with a strong safety package too.
Tata Punch — the safety-first choice. Five-star rated, stable on highways, and handles rough patches/bad roads way better than you'd expect from something this size. Around 19 km/l, comfortable suspension setup, compact but surprisingly spacious inside.
Things worth checking regardless of which one you pick: multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, reverse camera, and hill-hold assist — all of these matter way more on long highway runs than people realize.
Also worth thinking about: Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, cruise control, and wireless charging — small things that make an 8+ hour drive way less exhausting.
Honestly it comes down to what you personally value — mileage, space, tech, or safety. All four are solid budget picks (roughly ₹5.9–6.8 lakh starting range) that won't break the bank on upkeep either.
Found a pretty detailed breakdown comparing all of these side by side if anyone wants to dig deeper check out the blog on Best Affordable Cars for Long Drive in India 2026.
Thank you.
