What are the best cars for long drives, or highway driving in India? Today, we take a look at the Toyota Innova Crysta and Kia Carens, and their variants to find out what makes them comfortable cars for road trips in India.
In this article, we will share
- What a long-distance road trip lover looks for in a car
- Toyota Innova Crysta vs Kia Carens – an in-depth analysis of their features, fuel efficiency, space, and safety
- How to pick the right car for you
Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500
What a Long-Distance Road Trip Lover Looks for in a Car
What a long-distance road trip lover should look for in a car:
- Fuel Efficiency – The car should have high fuel efficiency so that long-distance trips are economical
- Space – The car should have good space for a comfortable and enjoyable trip
- Safety – The car’s safety ratings should be high, and adequate safety features
- Handling – The car’s handling must be superior, and it should have high-speed stability
For long-distance road trip enthusiasts, the key factors in a car include comfort, fuel efficiency, spaciousness, and advanced technology. Comfort is paramount, with a preference for plush seating, ample legroom, and effective climate control.
Fuel efficiency is crucial for extended journeys, minimizing the frequency of refueling stops. Spacious interiors are sought after for passenger comfort and luggage storage. Advanced technology, such as touchscreen navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and quality audio systems, enhances the travel experience.
Safety features like ABS, traction control, and cruise control are also important for a secure and enjoyable journey.
Why Toyota Innova Crysta and Kia Carens are Popular
Toyota Innova Crysta and Kia Carens are popular choices for long-distance road trips due to their blend of comfort, space, and advanced features.
The Innova Crysta is known for its robust build, spacious interiors, and comfortable seating, making it ideal for long drives. Its diesel engine variants offer great fuel efficiency and a smooth driving experience.
Kia Carens, on the other hand, stands out with its modern design, advanced infotainment system, and high safety ratings.
Both vehicles provide ample cabin space, ensuring passenger comfort and sufficient luggage storage. Their stability on highways, along with safety features like ABS and cruise control, make them reliable choices for long-distance travel.
Toyota Innova Crysta and Kia Carens Variants Shortlist in Rs 18-20 Lakh Range
For Kia Carens, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 6 December 2023 |
| Luxury Plus Diesel iMT | ₹18,15,000 |
| X-Line DCT 6 STR | ₹18,95,000 |
| Luxury Plus Diesel AT 6 STR.1 | ₹19,45,000 |
For Toyota Innova Crysta, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 6 December 2023 |
| 2.4 GX 7 STR | ₹19,99,900 |
| 2.4 GX 8 STR | ₹19,99,900 |
Kia Carens Luxury Plus Diesel iMT
Offers great fuel efficiency with its diesel engine, essential for long drives. The spacious cabin and advanced infotainment system add to passenger comfort and entertainment. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the Carens with Hyundai Alcazar.
Kia Carens X-Line DCT 6 STR
This petrol variant provides a smooth driving experience with its DCT transmission. The modern cabin design and advanced technological features enhance the travel experience. If you’re safety-conscious, you can check out our comparison of the Carens with Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.
Kia Carens Luxury Plus Diesel AT 6 STR.1
Combines the efficiency of a diesel engine with the convenience of an automatic transmission, making it ideal for long trips. It also features a well-designed, comfortable interior.
Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 GX 7 STR
Known for its spacious and comfortable seating, this diesel variant offers good fuel efficiency and a smooth ride, suitable for long journeys. If you’re a family-focused car buyer, you can read our guide to the best Innova Crysta variants for you.
Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 GX 8 STR
Similar to the 7-seater variant, it provides the same level of comfort and efficiency but with an additional seat, offering more flexibility for larger groups.
Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Toyota Innova Crysta and Kia Carens for Long-Distance Road Trip Lovers
The Kia Carens Luxury Plus Diesel AT 6 STR.1 stands out as the best choice for long-distance road trips. Its diesel engine ensures excellent fuel efficiency, which is crucial for long journeys. The automatic transmission adds convenience and ease of driving.
The Carens also boasts a modern and comfortable interior with advanced infotainment features, making the journey more enjoyable. The additional safety features and stable high-speed performance further enhance its suitability for long drives.
While the Innova Crysta is a strong contender with its spacious cabin and robust build, the Kia Carens’ blend of efficiency, technology, and comfort makes it the top choice for road trip lovers.
The Top 3 Choices
- Kia Carens Luxury Plus Diesel AT 6 STR.1
- Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 GX 7 STR
- Kia Carens X-Line DCT 6 STR
| Attribute | Carens Luxury Plus Diesel AT 6 STR.1 | Innova Crysta 2.4 GX 7 STR | Carens X-Line DCT 6 STR |
| Fuel Efficiency | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Seating Comfort | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Infotainment System | Advanced | Basic | Advanced |
| Safety Features | High | Moderate | High |
| Cabin Space | Spacious | Very Spacious | Spacious |
| Transmission | Automatic | Manual | DCT |
| Engine Type | Diesel | Diesel | Petrol |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Kia Carens Luxury Plus Diesel AT 6 STR.1 is the best choice for long-distance road trips, offering an excellent balance of fuel efficiency, comfort, and technology.
- The Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 GX 7 STR is a close second, known for its spaciousness and reliable performance.
- The Kia Carens X-Line DCT 6 STR also makes a strong case with its smooth driving experience and modern cabin features.
These three variants cater to the needs of road trip enthusiasts, providing a blend of efficiency, comfort, and advanced technology for a memorable journey.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
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