5 Best Cars for Indian Highways – Comfortable & Reliable Long Drives

Introduction

Driving on Indian highways requires a car that offers a balance of power, safety, comfort, and fuel efficiency. Whether you're a road trip enthusiast, a daily highway commuter, or someone who enjoys long drives, choosing the right car makes all the difference.

Indian highways can be unpredictable with varying road conditions, traffic, and long stretches where performance and mileage matter. In this article, we have curated a list of the top 5 best-suited cars for Indian highways based on their safety features, driving comfort, fuel efficiency, and highway performance.

Let’s explore the best cars for your next highway adventure!

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1. Toyota Innova HyCross – The Ultimate Highway Cruiser

Key Features:

✔️ Engine Options: 2.0L Petrol / Strong Hybrid
✔️ Mileage: 16-23 km/l
✔️ Safety: 5-Star Safety Rating, ADAS
✔️ Comfort: Plush interiors, captain seats, panoramic sunroof
✔️ Price: ₹19-30 lakh

When it comes to highway travel, the Toyota Innova HyCross stands out as the best option for families and frequent travelers. Known for its exceptional comfort and reliability, this MPV is a favorite among long-distance travelers.

With hybrid technology, it offers excellent mileage for a vehicle of its size. The spacious cabin, ventilated seats, and premium suspension system ensure a smooth ride even on rough Indian roads. The ADAS safety features (Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist) add an extra layer of safety on highways.

✅ Best For: Family road trips, business travel, and luxury long drives.

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2. Mahindra XUV700 – Power & Safety Combined

Key Features:

✔️ Engine Options: 2.0L Turbo Petrol / 2.2L Diesel
✔️ Mileage: 16-20 km/l
✔️ Safety: 5-Star GNCAP Rating, ADAS
✔️ Comfort: Spacious cabin, advanced infotainment system
✔️ Price: ₹14-27 lakh

The Mahindra XUV700 is one of the safest and most powerful SUVs for Indian highways. Equipped with ADAS features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking, this SUV ensures a stress-free driving experience.

Its 2.2L turbo-diesel engine delivers excellent highway performance, making overtaking and high-speed cruising effortless. The large touchscreen infotainment system, panoramic sunroof, and ventilated seats add to the premium highway experience.

✅ Best For: Highway cruising, long-distance family drives, and adventure road trips.

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3. Hyundai Verna – The Best Sedan for Highway Comfort

Key Features:

✔️ Engine Options: 1.5L Petrol / 1.5L Turbo Petrol
✔️ Mileage: 18-22 km/l
✔️ Safety: 5-Star Safety Rating, 6 Airbags
✔️ Comfort: Soft suspension, premium interiors
✔️ Price: ₹11-18 lakh

If you're looking for a sedan with highway stability and fuel efficiency, the Hyundai Verna is a top choice. It offers a smooth ride with minimal cabin noise, thanks to Hyundai's superior engineering.

The turbo-petrol variant delivers an exciting 160 PS power, making it one of the fastest sedans in its segment. Additionally, its ADAS features and 6-airbag safety system ensure a secure and comfortable highway journey.

✅ Best For: Solo travelers, business professionals, and long highway drives.

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4. Tata Harrier – Rugged & Powerful SUV for Highways

Key Features:

✔️ Engine Options: 2.0L Diesel
✔️ Mileage: 16-19 km/l
✔️ Safety: 5-Star Safety Rating, ESC, 6 Airbags
✔️ Comfort: High ground clearance, luxurious cabin
✔️ Price: ₹15-25 lakh

The Tata Harrier is built for those who love rugged SUVs with strong road presence. Its 2.0L diesel engine provides enough torque for effortless highway cruising, even on steep inclines and rough terrains.

With ESP (Electronic Stability Program), Hill Hold Assist, and ABS, this SUV ensures excellent stability on highways. The high ground clearance (205 mm) and solid build quality make it perfect for tackling unpredictable road conditions.

✅ Best For: Adventure travelers, highway explorers, and long drives on mixed terrains.

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5. Maruti Grand Vitara – The Most Fuel-Efficient Highway SUV

Key Features:

✔️ Engine Options: 1.5L Petrol / Hybrid
✔️ Mileage: 20-28 km/l
✔️ Safety: 6 Airbags, 360-degree camera
✔️ Comfort: Soft suspension, spacious seating
✔️ Price: ₹11-20 lakh

For those who prioritize fuel efficiency and affordability, the Maruti Grand Vitara is the best SUV for Indian highways. The strong hybrid variant delivers a segment-best mileage of up to 28 km/l, making it a cost-effective option for frequent travelers.

With features like a 360-degree camera, HUD (Heads-Up Display), and ventilated seats, the Grand Vitara offers modern technology and comfort. Its soft suspension tuning ensures a plush ride, absorbing bumps effortlessly.

✅ Best For: Budget-conscious travelers, fuel-efficient long drives, and city-to-highway commutes.

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Why These Cars Are Best for Indian Highways?

When choosing a car for highway driving, there are several key factors to consider:

1. Safety First

✔️ Cars like the XUV700, Verna, and Harrier come with 5-star safety ratings and advanced features like ADAS and multiple airbags to protect passengers.

2. Mileage & Fuel Efficiency

✔️ Hybrid cars like the Toyota Innova HyCross and Maruti Grand Vitara offer 20-28 km/l, ensuring cost-effective highway travel.

3. Comfort & Space

✔️ Long drives require a comfortable cabin, spacious legroom, and premium seating. The Innova HyCross, XUV700, and Harrier excel in providing luxury-like comfort.

4. Power & Performance

✔️ Diesel SUVs like the Tata Harrier and Mahindra XUV700 deliver strong highway performance with excellent torque for overtaking and long-distance travel.

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Conclusion: Which Car is Best for You?

Each of these five cars offers unique benefits, making them ideal for different types of highway travelers.

✅ For Families & Luxury Road Trips: Toyota Innova HyCross
✅ For Safety & Power Enthusiasts: Mahindra XUV700
✅ For Budget-Friendly Highway Drives: Hyundai Verna
✅ For Rugged Off-Road & Highway Travel: Tata Harrier
✅ For Maximum Mileage & City-Highway Balance: Maruti Grand Vitara

No matter which car you choose, these highway-ready vehicles will ensure safe, comfortable, and enjoyable long drives across India.

Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which is the safest car for highway driving in India?

The Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Harrier are the safest with 5-star ratings and ADAS safety features.

2. Which car offers the best mileage for highway travel?

The Maruti Grand Vitara Hybrid offers the highest mileage of up to 28 km/l.

3. What is the best SUV for long highway trips?

The Toyota Innova HyCross is considered the best highway SUV due to its comfort, space, and reliability.

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