Long road trips in India are more than just travel – they are experiences. From smooth highways to mountain roads, coastal routes to desert highways, India offers every kind of terrain. But to truly enjoy long drives, you need the right SUV.
A good SUV for long drives should offer:
- Comfortable seating
- Smooth suspension
- Good fuel efficiency
- Strong safety features
- Reliable performance
- Spacious interiors
- Stable highway handling
Whether you are traveling with family, friends, or alone, the right SUV makes every journey relaxed and enjoyable.
In this guide, we will explore the best SUVs for long drives in India, based on comfort, mileage, safety, reliability, and real-world usability.
This article is written in a 100% human
What Makes an SUV Perfect for Long Drives?
Before selecting the best SUVs, let’s understand what features matter most for long-distance travel.
1. Comfort & Seating
Long drives mean hours on the road. Comfortable seats, good legroom, and proper back support are essential.
2. Ride Quality
A smooth suspension absorbs road bumps, making long journeys less tiring.
3. Mileage (Fuel Efficiency)
Better mileage means fewer fuel stops and lower travel cost.
4. Safety
Highway driving requires strong safety features like airbags, ABS, stability control, and crash protection.
5. Engine Performance
A powerful and smooth engine ensures stress-free overtaking and hill driving.
6. Space & Practicality
Boot space, cabin storage, and rear seat comfort matter for luggage and passengers.
Best SUV for Long Drive in India – Top Picks
Here are the best SUVs that offer comfort, safety, and performance for long journeys on Indian roads.
1. Toyota Innova Hycross – The Ultimate Family Cruiser
Why It’s Great for Long Drives
The Innova Hycross is designed for comfort. It offers a smooth ride, spacious cabin, and excellent reliability.
Key Highlights
- Hybrid option for better mileage
- Comfortable captain seats
- Smooth suspension
- Strong safety features
- Quiet cabin
Mileage
Approx. 21 km/l (Hybrid)
Best For
Family road trips, long highway journeys, and comfortable travel.
Long Drive Experience
The Hycross feels stable at high speeds and absorbs road imperfections well. Passengers remain comfortable even after long hours.
2. Mahindra XUV700 – Power Meets Comfort
Why It’s Popular
The XUV700 combines performance, comfort, and modern features.
Key Highlights
- Powerful petrol & diesel engines
- Advanced safety tech
- Comfortable seats
- Large infotainment system
- Strong highway stability
Mileage
15–17 km/l (Diesel)
Best For
Highway driving, long-distance touring, and tech lovers.
Long Drive Experience
The XUV700 feels confident on highways, with excellent braking and smooth power delivery.
3. Tata Safari – Comfortable & Safe
Why It’s a Good Choice
The Safari is known for its comfort and safety.
Key Highlights
- 5-star safety rating
- Spacious 3-row seating
- Good ride quality
- Strong diesel engine
- Large boot
Mileage
16 km/l
Best For
Big families and long-distance travel.
Long Drive Experience
The Safari remains stable on highways and offers excellent comfort for all passengers.
4. Hyundai Creta – Balanced & Reliable
Why It’s Trusted
The Creta is easy to drive, comfortable, and fuel-efficient.
Key Highlights
- Smooth suspension
- Comfortable seating
- Reliable engine
- Good mileage
- Easy maintenance
Mileage
17–21 km/l
Best For
City + highway mix, family road trips.
Long Drive Experience
The Creta feels relaxed on highways and handles long journeys without fatigue.
5. Kia Seltos – Stylish & Comfortable
Why It Stands Out
The Seltos offers comfort with a premium feel.
Key Highlights
- Comfortable cabin
- Good mileage
- Smooth ride
- Modern features
- Reliable performance
Mileage
17–20 km/l
Best For
Young families, highway touring.
Long Drive Experience
The Seltos feels stable at cruising speeds and provides good comfort.
6. Skoda Kushaq – Solid Highway Performer
Why It’s Special
European build quality with strong safety.
Key Highlights
- Stable at high speeds
- Comfortable seats
- Turbo engines
- Strong braking
- Good safety
Mileage
18–20 km/l
Best For
Highway driving and safety-focused buyers.
Long Drive Experience
The Kushaq feels confident and planted on highways.
7. MG Hector – Spacious & Comfortable
Why It’s Comfortable
The Hector offers a large, soft suspension and big cabin.
Key Highlights
- Spacious interior
- Comfortable seats
- Large infotainment
- Good ride quality
- Smooth engine
Mileage
15–17 km/l
Best For
Comfort-focused long drives.
Long Drive Experience
Hector absorbs bumps well and keeps passengers relaxed.
8. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara – Mileage Champion
Why It’s Efficient
Hybrid technology offers excellent mileage.
Key Highlights
- Hybrid system
- Smooth drive
- Comfortable seats
- Low fuel cost
- Reliable brand
Mileage
27 km/l (Hybrid)
Best For
Fuel-saving long trips.
Long Drive Experience
The quiet hybrid system makes long drives peaceful and economical.
Best 7-Seater SUVs for Long Drive in India
If you travel with family, 7-seater SUVs are a great choice:
- Toyota Innova Hycross
- Tata Safari
- Mahindra XUV700
- MG Hector Plus
They offer better legroom, luggage space, and passenger comfort.
Best Mileage SUV for Long Drives
If fuel efficiency matters most:
- Maruti Grand Vitara Hybrid
- Toyota Hyryder Hybrid
- Hyundai Creta Diesel
These SUVs reduce fuel stops and travel costs.
Best Budget SUV for Long Drive
If you want comfort on a budget:
- Hyundai Creta
- Kia Seltos
- Tata Nexon
- Maruti Grand Vitara
They offer good comfort, mileage, and safety at affordable prices.
Petrol vs Diesel vs Hybrid for Long Drives
Petrol SUVs
- Smooth engines
- Lower noise
- Better for short trips
- Slightly lower mileage
Diesel SUVs
- Better torque
- Great for highways
- Higher mileage
- Ideal for long distances
Hybrid SUVs
- Best mileage
- Silent drive
- Eco-friendly
- Lower fuel cost
Best Choice: Diesel or Hybrid for long drives.
Safety Features You Should Look For
For long highway trips, safety is essential:
- Airbags
- ABS & EBD
- Electronic Stability Control
- Lane Assist
- Hill Hold Control
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Vehicles like Tata Safari, XUV700, and Innova Hycross offer strong safety packages.
Comfort Features for Long Journeys
Comfort matters when driving for hours:
- Adjustable seats
- Cruise control
- Armrests
- Climate control
- Good suspension
- Low cabin noise
Road Conditions in India & SUV Advantage
Indian roads vary:
- Highways
- Village roads
- Hill routes
- City traffic
- Rough patches
SUVs handle all conditions with:
- Higher ground clearance
- Strong suspension
- Stable body
- Better visibility
Maintenance & Reliability for Long Drives
Reliable SUVs reduce travel stress:
- Toyota models
- Hyundai SUVs
- Maruti Suzuki vehicles
- Tata cars
They have strong service networks and affordable maintenance.
Long Drive Tips for SUV Owners
- Check tyre pressure
- Carry emergency kit
- Take rest breaks
- Maintain speed
- Keep fuel topped
- Use cruise control
- Keep documents ready
Which SUV Should You Choose?
Choose based on:
| Need | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Family Comfort | Innova Hycross |
| Power & Tech | XUV700 |
| Safety | Tata Safari |
| Mileage | Grand Vitara Hybrid |
| Budget | Creta / Seltos |
| Highway Stability | Skoda Kushaq |
Future of Long-Distance SUVs in India
India’s highways are improving fast. In the future, SUVs will offer:
- Better fuel efficiency
- Advanced safety
- Hybrid & electric options
- Smarter driving tech
Conclusion – Best SUV for Long Drive in India
The best SUV for long drives in India depends on your needs.
If you want maximum comfort, choose Innova Hycross.
If you want power and features, go for XUV700.
If you want safety, choose Tata Safari.
If you want mileage, pick Grand Vitara Hybrid.
A good SUV makes long journeys comfortable, safe, and enjoyable.
FAQs – Best SUV for Long Drive in India
Q1. Which SUV is best for long highway drives in India?
Toyota Innova Hycross and Mahindra XUV700 are excellent for highways.
Q2. Is diesel SUV better for long drives?
Yes, diesel SUVs offer better mileage and torque for long trips.
Q3. Which SUV is most comfortable for family travel?
Toyota Innova Hycross and Tata Safari are great family SUVs.
Q4. Which SUV has the best mileage?
Maruti Grand Vitara Hybrid offers the best fuel efficiency.
Q5. Are SUVs good for Indian roads?
Yes, SUVs handle Indian road conditions better than regular cars.
Final Words
Long drives are about memories, comfort, and safety.
With the right SUV, every journey becomes a pleasure.