You need a car that aligns with your particular lifestyle and driving needs. If you often have road trip adventures, use your car for regular business travel, or consistently have long commutes between states, choosing the right car for all this long-distance driving is crucial.
Before striking a deal with a used car dealer, it would be wise to remember that not every car is built for highway cruising. Pick the wrong one and you can make those hours behind the wheel feel tiresome and almost endless.
With that in mind, what kind of car should you get if long-distance driving is part of your routine? Let’s look at some key attributes that you should look for when shopping for your next car.
Always focus on comfort
First and foremost, comfort is non-negotiable. You’ll definitely want a car with supportive seats, a generous amount of legroom, and a suspension system that absorbs road imperfections.
For that reason, mid-size and full-size sedans are often great picks, as they usually strike the right balance between ride comfort and handling. Models like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Hyundai Sonata are prime examples of the sort of smooth ride and well-designed cabin you need.
Also, SUVs like the Subaru Outback or Honda CR-V also shine on longer trips thanks to their advantage of higher seating positions and added cargo space.
Keeping fuel costs under control
Another important consideration is fuel economy. Make no mistake, when you’re covering hundreds of miles at a time, poor gas mileage soon adds up.
For that reason, hybrids and fuel-efficient gas vehicles are a smart play here. The Toyota Prius or Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, for example, deliver excellent highway mileage without sacrificing comfort.
If your preference is for an SUV, look at hybrid crossovers like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid or the Ford Escape Hybrid.
A car you can rely on
Reliability should also be high on your list. Breaking down in the middle of nowhere can be an absolute nightmare. You don’t want an unreliable car, so it’s best to stick with makes and models that are renowned for delivering reliability and long-term durability.
Mainstream Brands like Toyota, Honda, Mazda, and Subaru all have solid reputations for reliability, which is especially important if you’re putting serious mileage on the car every year.
Features that make driving easier and safer
Having some useful driver-assistance features can make a huge difference on long drives. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, are all things that help reduce fatigue and keep you safer on the road.
Ask what driver-assistance features a model has when inspecting a vehicle at a dealership.
All the storage you need for your trips
Another relevant consideration is storage and practicality. Whether you travel with family, pets, or just lots of gear, cargo space matters.
Hatchbacks, wagons, and small SUVs often provide more flexible storage options than traditional sedans. If you frequently haul gear for work, think about rear seat fold-down capability, roof rack options, and even underfloor storage.
Long-distance driving can put unique demands on you and your car. That’s why you need to think about everything you need to fit your needs when shopping for a suitable vehicle.
Leave a Reply