If you’ve ever driven across the UAE—from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, or on the breathtaking roads of Fujairah—you know the importance of having the right car for long trips. The UAE’s highways are smooth and well-maintained, but the distances can be long, the weather hot, and the driving conditions demanding. That’s why choosing the best cars for long highway drives in the UAE is more than just about speed—it’s about comfort, safety, fuel efficiency, and reliability.
The top picks for 2025 include the Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol, Lexus ES, Honda Accord, BMW 5 Series, and Tesla Model Y. These vehicles combine comfort, performance, and modern tech like adaptive cruise control to make every long-distance drive effortless.
What Makes a Car Ideal for Long Highway Drives in UAE?
Before diving into the list, let’s set some criteria. Long-distance driving in the UAE demands:
- Comfortable seating with supportive cushioning and space for passengers.
- Smooth ride quality to handle hours of driving without fatigue.
- Fuel efficiency, especially if you’re driving between emirates frequently.
- Strong air conditioning—non-negotiable in the UAE’s hot climate.
- Advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
- Reliability to ensure your road trip doesn’t turn into a breakdown scenario.
If you’re new to UAE driving, you might want to read our hot weather car maintenance guide so your vehicle stays in peak condition during long trips.
Best SUVs for Long Trips in the UAE
SUVs are incredibly popular in the UAE because they offer high ground clearance, powerful engines, and spacious interiors—perfect for long journeys.
1. Toyota Land Cruiser – The King of Long Drives
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a UAE icon. Known for its bulletproof reliability and luxurious interior, it’s perfect for highway cruising or even desert detours.
Why it’s great for long drives:
- Exceptionally smooth ride quality.
- Spacious cabin with premium leather seats.
- Powerful V6 and V8 engine options.
- Adaptive cruise control and advanced safety tech.
Specs & Features:
- Engine: 3.5L V6 Twin Turbo / 5.7L V8
- Fuel Economy: ~9–11 km/l
- Price Range: AED 230,000 – AED 400,000
2. Nissan Patrol – Power & Prestige
The Nissan Patrol is another UAE favourite, especially for families who love road trips.
Why it’s great for long drives:
- Extremely comfortable seats.
- Quiet cabin even at high speeds.
- Strong towing capacity for caravans or trailers.
Specs & Features:
- Engine: 4.0L V6 / 5.6L V8
- Fuel Economy: ~8–10 km/l
- Price Range: AED 210,000 – AED 350,000
If you’re considering buying an SUV, check our best SUVs under AED 100,000 guide for more budget-friendly options.
3. BMW X5 – Luxury Meets Performance
For drivers who want European luxury with highway stability, the BMW X5 is a great choice.
Why it’s great for long drives:
- Excellent handling at high speeds.
- Adaptive air suspension for a smooth ride.
- Cutting-edge infotainment and driver assistance systems.
Specs & Features:
- Engine: 3.0L Turbo Inline-6 / 4.4L V8
- Fuel Economy: ~10–12 km/l
- Price Range: AED 350,000 – AED 500,000
Best Sedans for Highways in UAE
Sedans offer better fuel economy and often more agility than SUVs, making them ideal for solo travellers or small families.
4. Lexus ES – Comfort First
The Lexus ES is one of the most comfortable cars for long drives in UAE, with a plush interior and whisper-quiet cabin.
Why it’s great for long drives:
- Exceptional ride comfort.
- Excellent fuel economy for its size.
- Smooth, refined V6 engine.
Specs & Features:
- Engine: 3.5L V6
- Fuel Economy: ~13–15 km/l
- Price Range: AED 210,000 – AED 260,000
5. Honda Accord – Affordable Comfort & Efficiency
The Honda Accord is a practical, fuel-efficient sedan with plenty of comfort for highway trips.
Why it’s great for long drives:
- Spacious seating for five.
- Great fuel economy for long distances.
- Reliable and low maintenance costs.
Specs & Features:
- Engine: 1.5L Turbo / 2.0L Turbo
- Fuel Economy: ~14–17 km/l
- Price Range: AED 110,000 – AED 160,000
For buyers deciding between sedans, see our Honda Accord vs Toyota Camry comparison for a detailed breakdown.
6. BMW 5 Series – Premium Long-Distance Sedan
The BMW 5 Series offers a blend of performance and executive comfort that makes long highway drives a pleasure.
Why it’s great for long drives:
- Balanced handling and smooth acceleration.
- Premium interior with massaging seats.
- Advanced driver assistance features.
Specs & Features:
- Engine: 2.0L Turbo / 3.0L Turbo / 4.4L V8
- Fuel Economy: ~11–14 km/l
- Price Range: AED 280,000 – AED 500,000
Best Electric Car for Long Highway Drives in UAE
7. Tesla Model Y – The EV Road Trip Star
For those embracing electric mobility, the Tesla Model Y offers long range and an extensive Supercharger network across the UAE.
Why it’s great for long drives:
- Instant torque for smooth overtakes.
- Range of up to 533 km on a single charge.
- Autopilot with adaptive cruise control for reduced fatigue.
Specs & Features:
- Battery: Long Range Dual Motor AWD
- Range: Up to 533 km
- Price Range: AED 210,000 – AED 260,000
If you’re going electric, don’t miss our Tesla Supercharger locations in the UAE guide for easy trip planning.
Best Cars for Long Highway Drives in UAE (2025)
| Car Model | Type | Engine/Battery | Fuel Economy / Range | Price (AED) | Key Strength |
| Toyota Land Cruiser | SUV | 3.5L V6 / 5.7L V8 | 9–11 km/l | 230k–400k | Reliability + luxury |
| Nissan Patrol | SUV | 4.0L V6 / 5.6L V8 | 8–10 km/l | 210k–350k | Comfort + prestige |
| BMW X5 | SUV | 3.0L I6 / 4.4L V8 | 10–12 km/l | 350k–500k | Luxury + performance |
| Lexus ES | Sedan | 3.5L V6 | 13–15 km/l | 210k–260k | Quiet, comfortable cabin |
| Honda Accord | Sedan | 1.5L / 2.0L Turbo | 14–17 km/l | 110k–160k | Efficiency + reliability |
| BMW 5 Series | Sedan | 2.0L / 3.0L / 4.4L | 11–14 km/l | 280k–500k | Executive comfort |
| Tesla Model Y | EV | Dual Motor Battery | 533 km range | 210k–260k | EV tech + long range |
Tips for Long Highway Driving in the UAE
- Use Adaptive Cruise Control – Reduces fatigue and maintains safe following distance.
- Plan Fuel Stops – Especially important for remote desert roads.
- Check Tyre Pressure – Essential for both safety and fuel efficiency.
- Avoid Overloading – Heavy loads affect handling and fuel economy.
- Stay Hydrated & Take Breaks – Even the best car can’t replace driver alertness.
Also, read our most fuel-efficient cars in the UAE guide if you want to save on petrol during long trips.
Final Thoughts
The best cars for long highway drives in the UAE combine comfort, safety, and efficiency.
- For all-out luxury and capability: Toyota Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol.
- For executive comfort: Lexus ES or BMW 5 Series.
- For budget-friendly efficiency: Honda Accord.
- For eco-friendly travel: Tesla Model Y.
With the right car, the UAE’s highways become not just roads, but gateways to unforgettable journeys.
