Long commutes can take a toll. Whether you're travelling long distances for shifts or navigating traffic after a gruelling day, the right car makes all the difference.
In this guide, our experts have complied a list of best cars that are suitable for the long commutes.
These cars are more affordable, have low running costs, and have features that make every mile more manageable, helping you find a reliable partner for your daily drive.
At Motorfinity you can save on average £7,000 on these AWD vehicles. Our nation’s Armed Forces, Veterans, Emergency Services, NHS, Police and Prison Services, the Education and Social Care sectors and more form our eligible audience are eligible for these deals.
Best New Cars Available for Immediate Delivery
Toyota CHR
Retail Price: £39,145.00
Savings: £8,315.00
Motorfinity Price: £30,830.00
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Recommended Trim:
- 2.0 PHEV Design 5dr CVT
The first on our list is the best new car of 2024 - the Toyota CHR. The combination of fuel efficiency, comfort, and advanced features make it a strong contender for the list of best commuter cars.
Below is a breakdown of how it performs in each key area:
Fuel Efficiency:
The Toyota C-HR Plug-in Hybrid offers impressive fuel efficiency, with a claimed 353 mpg in WLTP tests. It can travel up to 41 miles on electric power alone, making it a strong option for city driving and long-distance travel when supplemented with its petrol engine.
Comfort and Feature:
A smooth suspension and quiet cabin make motorway driving a breeze. Heated seats, adjustable steering, and a user-friendly interior ensure comfort on every journey.
Winter Conditions:
While fuel efficiency and comfort are important, the vehicle's performance in winter conditions, especially in the UK, is crucial.
The CHR, with its efficient design, offers reassurance in challenging weather.
The heated seats and advanced safety features, including lane departure warning and automatic high beam assist, make the CHR confident in handling winter.
Reliability and Low Maintenance Costs
You know that the brand whose name is synonymous with reliability will tick all the boxes regarding reliability.
This is further reinforced by its extended 10-year warranty, which means low maintenance costs and fewer worries, ensuring long-term value.
It's a wise investment.
Technology:
Technology, especially enhancing comfort, is key for longer journeys.
The CHR offers a tech-rich experience with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium JBL sound system, making each drive both connected and enjoyable.
This is an authoritative choice, providing comprehensive excellence in all key areas that are vital for long commutes. With its advanced technology and comfort features, you can be confident that the CHR is the right choice for your long journeys.
Peugeot 208
Retail Price: £29,085.00
Savings: £2,514.00
Motorfinity Price: £26,571.00
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Recommended Trim:
- 1.2 Hybrid 136 GT 5dr e-DSC6
Our first hatchback choice for long commutes is the Peugeot 208. What stands out is its comfort and efficiency, making it an ideal candidate for this type of commute.
Fuel Efficiency:
The 1.2 PureTech 100 petrol engine delivers an impressive 58.2 MPG. At the same time, the hybrid variant—our recommended variant—offers even greater efficiency at 65.9 MPG, keeping fuel costs low for extended drives.
Comfort and Features:
The soft suspension and quiet cabin make the 208 amazingly comfortable, even on a long motorway journey.
The mid-spec Allure trim adds dual-zone climate control and privacy glass for comfort.
Winter Conditions:
The car comes with standard heated door mirrors and LED headlights, but what sets it apart is the additional lighting that significantly improves night driving.
Though the vehicle is not all-wheel drive, that does not mean that it lacks stability in winter conditions. The traction control and electronic stability programme helps to maintain the required, overall stability.
Reliability and Low Maintenance Costs
Peugeot 208 combines good fuel economy with relatively low maintenance needs. The reliability is not as high as that of Toyota. Still, a three-year warranty and solid build quality make it a compelling choice in the price range for longer routes.
Technology:
A 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto makes long journeys easy. The GT trim also comes with wireless phone charging, making the vehicle well-equipped, especially for longer drives
Ford Explorer
Retail Price: £45,875.00
Savings: £8,975.00
Motorfinity Price: £36,900.00
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Recommended Trim:
- 210kW Select 77kWh 5dr Auto
The first electric option on our list is the Ford Explorer. It's a fresh entry into the EV market and offers excellent range, comfort, and a smooth drive. It is a solid choice if you are after an EV for your long-distance commute.
Fuel Efficiency:
The Extended Range model boasts an impressive 374 miles on a full charge, with real-world testing suggesting a reliable 280 miles. This beats many competitors in the electric SUV segment.
Comfort and Features:
The vehicle is designed for longer trips, with a smooth suspension, a quiet cabin, heated seats with massage, a panoramic sunroof, and a 14.6-inch and 14.6-inch touchscreen.
Given all the comfort features it offers, you might want to take the 'scenic route' home!
Winter Conditions:
The optional heat pump, good traction, further enhanced by the AWD configuration, and stability features keep you confident on icy roads.
Reliability and Low Maintenance Costs
Ford's 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty ensures peace of mind. The explorer's high efficiency and Ford's retained resale value make it a financially sound choice.
Technology:
A 10-speaker B&0 sound system, wireless phone charging, and a sliding 14.6-inch touchscreen are simply standard. It's loaded with technology. The seamless integration of controls and advanced driver assist system make long-distance travel a fascinating experience.
Lexus Nx 450h+
Retail Price: £49,995.00
Savings: £9,605.00
Motorfinity Price: £40,390.00
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Recommended Trim:
- 450h+ 2.5 Premium 5dr E-CVT
For a long-distance commute, another solid choice as a plug-in hybrid is the Lexus NX450h+. It provides a good balance of comfort, efficiency, and technology.
Fuel Economy
The plug-in hybrid trim of the NX 45-h+ shines on long trips, offering an impressive fuel efficiency of up to 70mpg. And with the electric power alone covering 40 miles, it's a marvel of modern engineering.
The need for frequent refuelling on shorter trips differs with the NX 45-h+.
Fuel efficiency is not compromised in winter. The hybrid system seamlessly engages the petrol engine when needed.
Comfortable Ride:
NX carries the comfort and luxury legacy that the brand is known for. Its adaptive suspension and well-cushioned rides make it ideal for long-distance travel.
Practicality and Technology:
Inside the 14-inch touchscreen and head-up display, you will have easy access to navigation and infotainment, making the vehicle a good companion for long distances.
Adaptive cruise control is a reliable safety feature, efficiently maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles, and the comfortable seats provide ample support for long stints, ensuring your safety and comfort.
Though the vehicle falls into the compact SUV segment, its interior is spacious enough. It has adequate head and legroom, making long journeys comfortable.
Winter Conditions
Reliability:
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Audi A3
Retail Price: £33,935.00
Savings: £4,026.00
Motorfinity Price: £29,909.00
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Recommended Trim:
- 35 TDI Sport 5dr S Tronic
The first budget-friendly saloon on our list is the Audi A3. It is a solid choice for long-distance travel, offering a blend of comfort, performance, and efficiency.
Comfort:
The suspension is well-tuned, especially on lower trims like Sport, ensuring a smooth and cushioned ride over uneven surfaces.
The driving position is excellent, with plenty of seat adjustment and lumbar support to avoid discomfort over prolonged trips. It’s less bouncy than some rivals like the Mercedes A-Class, making it great for long motorway stretches.
Fuel Efficiency:
The fuel efficiency is impressive, considering the overall value that it offers. Our recommended variant is the 35 TDI diesel engine - the best long-distance driving choice.
It can achieve figures close to 60 mpg on motorway journeys. The extra torque in the recommended diesel engine variant enhances the driving experience, making it more relaxed and efficient when overtaking or cruising at higher speeds.
Practicality:
The 390-litre boot space is more than adequate for the vehicle in its class. It can easily handle a couple of large suitcases and other travel essentials.
Technology:
The A3 comes with an Audi Virtual Cockpit, a 12.3-inch digital display that's useful for navigation and trip information; no need to glance away from the road.
The adaptive cruise control is efficient in making long motorway journeys less tiring, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
The inclusion of three-zone air conditioning ensures comfort for all passengers.
Audi A5 Avant
Retail Price: £51,050.00
Savings: £7,175.00
Motorfinity Price: £43,875.00
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Recommended Trim:
- 2.0 TDI 204 S line 5dr S Tronic
If you are after high comfortability and much more spaciousness for your long-distance travel, an estate like the Audi A5 Avant is the ideal option.
Comfort:
The vehicle is completely luxurious from the moment you step in. The adaptive suspension and well-cushioned seats are the best in the class, ensuring minimal discomfort even on uneven road surfaces.
Practicality and the Boot Space:
The 495 litres of storage with the seats up, expanding to 1,495 litres when the rear seats are folded, make the vehicle a delight for long-distance travel.
Fuel Efficiency:
Fuel efficiency is usually a concern for estates, but not for the Audi A5 Avant. We recommend the 2.0 TDI diesel engine, which delivers excellent fuel economy, particularly on the motorway, making it a great choice for long-distance travellers.
It can achieve up to 55 mpg, making it highly fuel efficient in the estates category.
Technology:
High technology has to be its most robust pursuit.
The A5 Avant is equipped with advanced technology for long-distance travel, making the journey easier.
The Virtual Cockpit and MMI infotainment system provide intuitive navigation, and adaptive cruise control helps reduce driver fatigue by automatically adjusting speed on motorways
Features like lane-keeping assist and traffic sign recognition improve the overall ease of driving on extended trips
Toyota Corolla Touring Sport
Retail Price: £33,585.00
Savings: £5,105.00
Motorfinity Price: £28,480.00
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Recommended Trim:
- 2.0 Hybrid Icon 5dr CVT
The other Estate on our list is the Toyota Corolla Touring Sport. It gives you all the benefits that you want from an estate car but will keep you within budget. It is a highly practical and efficient estate car that is well-suited for long-distance travel.
Comfort and Ride Quality:
The vehicle strikes a good balance between being firm enough for control and supple enough to smooth out imperfections on the road. Its suspension will keep things comfortable, making long trips less tiring.
Fuel Efficiency
We recommend the 2.0-litre hybrid trim for its good fuel efficiency and comfort.
It can deliver up to 50+ mpg, which is slightly less than its 1.8 hybrid engine, but the added comfort and performance make it an ideal choice, especially for long journeys.
Handling and Performance
The vehicle handles well for an estate. It feels composed and predictable in corners, with accurate steering, making it an easy and safe choice for long-distance travel.
Our recommended variant is ideal in terms of handling and performance. The extra power from the 2.0-litre engine provides significantly improved acceleration, particularly when overtaking on motorways or when merging into fast-moving traffic.
It excels in maintaining cruising speeds and handling overtaking. This results in a smoother driving experience at higher speeds, less strain on the engine, and more confidence when overtaking.
Passenger Comfort and Space:
For long distances, it provides all the amenities required for safe travel.
The front seats are spacious and comfortable, with height and lumbar adjustments ensuring that long drives remain pleasant.
Rear passengers also enjoy decent legroom, and the Touring Sports feels more spacious in the back than the Corolla hatchback. The cabin is well-built and provides a comfortable environment for all passengers.
Nissan Leaf
Note: Only PCP Price Listed
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Recommended Trim:
- 110kW Acenta 39kWh 5dr Auto
If you're after a reliable electric hatchback that's excellent to drive and ideal for long-distance travel, the Nissan Juke is a great option.
Comfort and Ride Quality:
Our recommended variant, the Acenta 39kWh 5dr Auto, offers a very comfortable driving experience, particularly for long-distance travel.
Having been in the electric market for a decade, the Leaf remains one of the smoothest and most relaxing EVs to drive, especially on motorways.
Its suspension handles bumps and uneven surfaces well, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride. Whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on motorways, the vehicle is ideal for long journeys.
For extended drives, the ProPilot system reduces fatigue by managing steering, braking, and acceleration under certain conditions. The high seating position provides excellent visibility, and the spacious cabin comfortably accommodates four adults, making it perfect for long trips.
Fuel Efficiency
For its class, it's very fuel-efficient, offering an official range of 168 miles. This range is well-suited for city driving and shorter motorway trips.
If you frequently travel longer distances, the e+ model with a 59kWh battery provides up to 239 miles (around 217 miles in real-world conditions). Unfortunately, this variant has been discontinued due to overlap with the larger and newer Ariya, meaning only the smaller 39kWh battery is now available.
With an energy consumption of 3.7 miles per kWh for the 39kWh version, the Leaf remains cost-effective for daily driving. Home charging, especially during off-peak hours, is significantly cheaper than petrol or diesel.
Handling and Performance
The Nissan Leaf Acenta 39kWh offers solid handling and performance for its class.
Its 148bhp electric motor delivers a smooth, responsive drive, particularly in city settings where the instant torque is most noticeable.
A 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds makes it quick for both city traffic and motorway acceleration.
The Leaf feels stable and easy to manoeuvre, with light steering that works well in urban environments.
While it's not sporty, it offers good grip and precise steering, though it lacks the feedback of sportier rivals like the Mini Electric or Mazda MX-30.
For everyday driving, the Leaf strikes a balance between smooth handling and quiet, comfortable performance, focusing more on comfort than agility.
Passenger Comfort and Space:
The Nissan Leaf Acenta 39kWh offers good comfort and space for a small EV. The front seats provide an SUV-like driving position with plenty of legroom and useful storage.
The rear seats are spacious enough for two adults or three children, though taller passengers may find headroom a bit limited.
The suspension ensures a smooth ride, and with 435 litres of boot space, it’s practical for family trips.
Long Distance Car Deals at Motorfinity
Motorfinity specialises in offering exclusive vehicle deals for its eligible audience, which includes members of the Armed Forces, Veterans, Emergency Services, NHS, Police, and other key workers.
Our dedicated deals page showcases a range of special offers across various makes and models, with the potential to save you thousands on your next car purchase.
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