Best Cars for Long Distance Driving in Australia – Comfort Meets Reliability

Australia’s sprawling highways, rugged terrain, and scenic coastal routes make it one of the best countries in the world for road trips. But not all vehicles are built to conquer the open road comfortably. If you’re covering hundreds or even thousands of kilometres—whether for work or leisure—you’ll need a car that goes the distance without compromise.

In this ultimate guide, we’ve handpicked the best cars for long-distance driving in Australia. We considered key factors like seat comfort, fuel economy, driving dynamics, cabin features, noise insulation, and, of course, reliability.

Why Long-Distance Driving Requires the Right Car

Unlike city commuting, long-distance driving comes with its own set of demands:

• Comfort: You’ll be spending hours behind the wheel, so seat design, lumbar support, and ride comfort are critical.

• Fuel Efficiency: With fuel prices rising, efficiency on highway stretches matters more than ever.

• Safety Features: Lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and fatigue monitoring help prevent accidents.

• Storage: For those packing luggage or road trip gear, boot space and cabin storage are essential.

• Entertainment: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and premium sound systems make long drives more enjoyable.

Top Long-Distance Cars in Australia for 2025

Let’s look at a mix of sedans, SUVs, hybrids, and diesels that dominate the long-distance driving segment in Australia.

1. Toyota Camry Hybrid

• Fuel Economy: 4.7L/100km

• Price From: $36,000

• Type: Sedan

Why It’s Great for Long Drives:

The Camry Hybrid is one of Australia’s most popular sedans—and for good reason. It offers a spacious cabin, buttery-smooth hybrid powertrain, and Toyota’s unbeatable reputation for reliability. The suspension setup handles long-distance tarmac beautifully, absorbing road imperfections while staying composed.

2. Kia Sportage Diesel AWD

• Fuel Economy: 6.3L/100km

• Price From: $42,000

• Type: Mid-Size SUV

Highlights:

• Roomy cabin with ventilated front seats

• Quiet diesel engine with long-range potential

• Massive boot (543L)

With over 800km of range on a single tank, the diesel Sportage is ideal for regional trips. AWD adds grip when heading off the beaten path, and the ride quality is excellent for highway cruising.

3. Mazda CX-5 Touring Active

• Fuel Economy: 6.9L/100km (Diesel)

• Price From: $46,000

• Type: SUV

Mazda’s premium approach to mainstream motoring makes the CX-5 stand out. Its interior feels closer to a luxury SUV, with soft-touch materials, well-contoured seats, and excellent noise suppression. It’s also one of the most enjoyable to drive in this class.

4. Subaru Outback AWD Touring XT

• Fuel Economy: 7.3L/100km

• Price From: $55,000

• Type: Wagon/Crossover

Subaru’s Outback is made for Australia. It eats up long distances with ease thanks to its soft suspension, huge cargo capacity, and symmetrical AWD. The XT turbocharged variant adds extra oomph for overtaking and towing.

5. Hyundai Ioniq 6 Electric

• Range: Up to 614km (Long Range RWD)

• Price From: $66,000

• Type: Electric Sedan

Want to go electric? The Ioniq 6 offers one of the longest EV ranges available in Australia. Its low-drag shape and battery efficiency make it perfect for long commutes or road trips—provided you plan your charging stops.

Honourable Mentions

Honda Accord Hybrid

Smooth ride, refined interior, and 5L/100km economy make it another solid hybrid choice.

Ford Everest Bi-Turbo

Perfect for large families or towing a caravan across remote terrain. It’s a 4x4 built for Aussie conditions.

Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series

No long-distance list is complete without the LandCruiser. Massive fuel tanks, diesel torque, and unmatched outback reliability.

What to Look for in a Long-Distance Car

1. Supportive Seats with Lumbar Adjustment

A good seat can be the difference between a relaxing drive and a sore back. Look for multi-way power adjustment and memory functions.

2. Cruise Control and Lane Assist

Adaptive cruise takes the stress out of highway driving. Lane-keep and blind-spot monitoring are lifesavers on long hauls.

3. Fuel Tank Size or EV Range

A bigger tank or long EV range means fewer stops. Diesels and hybrids shine here.

4. NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness)

Good sound insulation keeps fatigue down and the ride more relaxing. Thicker glass, acoustic windshields, and high-quality materials help.

5. Suspension Comfort

Multi-link rear suspension, longer wheelbases, and plush dampers ensure a smooth highway ride.

Fuel Types: Diesel vs Petrol vs Hybrid vs Electric

Long-Distance Car Tech That Makes a Difference

• Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains set speed and distance.

• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: Keeps you entertained and connected.

• Wireless Phone Charging: No need for cables mid-drive.

• Heads-Up Display (HUD): Reduces distraction.

• Digital Cockpit: Clear visibility of maps, fuel range, speed, and nav info.

Best Long-Distance Cars by Segment

Best Sedan: Toyota Camry Hybrid

Best SUV: Kia Sportage Diesel AWD

Best Electric: Hyundai Ioniq 6

Best 4x4: Toyota LandCruiser 300

Best for Budget: Mazda CX-30 G20 Touring

Maintenance Tips for Long-Distance Drivers

• Regular Service: Follow logbook servicing to keep things running smooth.

• Tyre Pressure Checks: Crucial for safety, fuel economy, and comfort.

• Brake Inspection: Highway speeds wear out pads faster.

• Battery & Fluids: Don’t ignore cooling systems, oil changes, and brake fluid.

• Air Conditioning: Crucial in Aussie heat, so get it checked regularly.

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Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Long-Distance Car for You?

Choosing the perfect car for long-distance driving in Australia depends on your lifestyle and the kind of driving you do.

• If you're hitting the highways daily, a hybrid sedan like the Camry makes sense.

• For rural runs and family hauls, a diesel SUV or wagon is ideal.

• Want to future-proof your purchase? Consider an EV with 500km+ range.

• Need off-road reliability? You can’t go past Subaru Outback or LandCruiser.

No matter your pick, comfort, fuel efficiency, and safety should be your top priorities.