India’s diverse terrain—ranging from coastal highways to rugged mountain passes—makes it one of the most exciting places for road trips. But choosing the right vehicle can make or break your journey. Whether you’re heading to Ladakh, Goa, or the Northeast, the car you drive should offer a blend of comfort, fuel efficiency, and ample luggage space. Below are the 7 best cars for road trips in India in 2025, selected for their performance, features, and real-world practicality.
1. Hyundai Creta 2025
The all-new Hyundai Creta continues to dominate the Indian SUV space. It combines style with substance, making it a popular choice for long journeys.
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Comfort: Plush ventilated seats and a spacious cabin keep fatigue at bay during extended drives.
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Fuel Efficiency: With mileage figures around 21 km/l (diesel), it ensures fewer fuel stops.
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Luggage Space: A generous 433-liter boot accommodates large suitcases and camping gear with ease.
Its advanced safety tech and smooth handling on highways make it ideal for both families and couples hitting the road.
2. Toyota Innova HyCross
The Innova HyCross is a hybrid MPV that redefines group travel. It’s particularly suited for road trips involving extended family or larger groups.
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Comfort: Captain seats with reclining features offer airline-like luxury.
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Fuel Efficiency: Thanks to its hybrid powertrain, you get up to 23.24 km/l—exceptional for a car of this size.
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Luggage Space: The third row folds flat, freeing up enormous space for bags and travel essentials.
With its smooth CVT gearbox and low cabin noise, the HyCross is tailor-made for highway cruising.
3. Mahindra XUV700
The XUV700 stands out for its power, tech, and road presence. Designed for thrill-seekers, it’s a beast on hilly terrains and open roads alike.
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Comfort: Dual-zone climate control and premium upholstery make long hauls pleasant.
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Fuel Efficiency: Offers about 17 km/l on the diesel variant, respectable for a powerful SUV.
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Luggage Space: Around 465 liters of boot space, expandable with folding rear seats.
Its ADAS features like lane assist and adaptive cruise control enhance highway safety—a huge bonus on unpredictable Indian roads.
4. Tata Safari 2025
An iconic nameplate reimagined, the Tata Safari blends nostalgia with modern design and engineering.
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Comfort: Ergonomic seating, panoramic sunroof, and a flat floor layout enhance passenger experience.
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Fuel Efficiency: Delivers around 16-18 km/l on highways.
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Luggage Space: Offers a flexible boot capacity that starts at 447 liters and expands when the third row is folded.
Built for endurance, the Safari is excellent for both plains and tough terrain.
5. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid
If you’re after a compact yet capable SUV, the Grand Vitara Hybrid makes an excellent case.
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Comfort: Reclining rear seats and a quiet cabin give it an edge for city-to-hill transitions.
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Fuel Efficiency: One of the best in its class with 27.97 km/l for the strong hybrid.
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Luggage Space: Offers up to 373 liters, decent for weekend trips or small family getaways.
Its all-wheel drive variant adds an adventurous streak for offbeat trails.
6. Kia Carens
Though often seen as an urban MPV, the Kia Carens shines as a road trip partner for families.
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Comfort: Reclining middle-row seats, rear sunshades, and ambient lighting elevate the in-cabin vibe.
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Fuel Efficiency: Gives about 20 km/l (diesel).
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Luggage Space: A spacious boot of 216 liters with all rows up—expanding significantly with foldable seats.
The Carens is value-packed and handles long drives surprisingly well.
7. Skoda Kushaq
Don’t let its compact look fool you—the Skoda Kushaq is a driver’s delight and a highway champ.
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Comfort: Supportive seats and a well-insulated cabin reduce travel fatigue.
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Fuel Efficiency: Petrol engine returns about 19.2 km/l.
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Luggage Space: 385 liters of boot space for all your road trip essentials.
With precise steering and solid build quality, it feels planted even at high speeds.
Final Thoughts
The best cars for road trips in India in 2025 strike a careful balance between driving pleasure, space, and economy. Whether you’re chasing sunsets along coastal highways or navigating switchbacks in the Himalayas, the right car can transform a simple trip into an unforgettable journey.
All seven of these vehicles offer unique strengths tailored to different types of travelers—solo explorers, couples, families, or large groups. Prioritize what matters most to you—be it luggage space, comfort, or fuel efficiency—and you’ll be ready for the open road.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Which is the most fuel-efficient car for long drives in India 2025?
A: The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid stands out with a mileage of nearly 28 km/l, making it the most fuel-efficient option for long road trips.
Q2: What car is best for road trips with a big family?
A: The Toyota Innova HyCross and Kia Carens are ideal choices thanks to their three-row seating, comfort features, and spacious boot.
Q3: Are sedans good for Indian road trips?
A: While sedans like the Honda City offer good comfort, SUVs and MPVs are generally better suited for varying road conditions and luggage needs.
Q4: Which car offers the best mix of comfort and performance?
A: The Mahindra XUV700 delivers top-notch comfort along with robust performance and modern features like ADAS.
Q5: How important is luggage space for road trips?
A: Luggage space is crucial, especially for long trips or group travel. A boot capacity of at least 400 liters is recommended for carrying multiple bags and gear.
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