Cast your mind back to the time when you were first learning to drive. The thought of commuting on the highway was a daunting one. If you're new to driving, you may still be rather apprehensive about going the highways, looking for alternative routes that can help you avoid the melee of vehicles barreling by at high speeds.
Related: Best cars for long commutes
Highways are, by design, safer than other roads as they promote the flow of traffic by reducing or removing intersections, having the traffic all flow in one direction and all at similar speeds. Well, in theory, anyway. Travelling on the highway presents a few different challenges as a result, and not all cars are geared up for this adventure. So whether it's the daily commute or you're looking for a long-distance cruiser, here are a few vehicles you should consider and the reasons for choosing them.
Comfort
Comfort is the key when travelling on the highway, as the uninterrupted flow of traffic will see you seated in one position for longer than is customary. Comfort isn't just about the seats, though, the design and placement of the controls plays a huge part in the overall comfort levels, something known as ergonomics, the manner in which a cabin accepts and presents itself to the human body.
Ergonomics is a personal aspect as we're all built a little differently; what may work for me may not work for you. That said, there are few manufacturers who allow for enough range of motion in the seats and steering to allow for near-infinite adjustment so that you can tailor the fit that's right for you. Mazda works exceptionally hard on ergonomics and is a personal favourite when it comes to getting the right fit. Some of these models
Look at:
While the ergonomics are one thing, the suspension plays a key role in how your vehicle is able to absorb bumps and undulations in the road. Smaller vehicles and those with extremely low profile tyres will transmit more through the steering and suspension, leaving you fighting against the car. This is taxing on the body and mind, and for this reason, we highly recommend some French cars; renowned for their compliant suspensions, they absorb the ruts and pockmarks with consummate ease.
Consider the following:
- Audi Q5
Safety
Staying safe on the road is critical. While the risk is supposed to be diminished on a highway, the higher speeds mean that you are carrying more momentum, and thus, accidents can be more severe. A vehicle with a good safety rating and driver assistance systems can and will help you prevent an accident or at least minimize the potential damage in the event of an accident.
Lane keep assists, and adaptive cruise controls make the long-distance stuff far more bearable, allowing you to relax a little more and ease the tension created by having to focus for extended periods of time. These vehicles either have fantastic safety systems or a comprehensive array of driver assistance systems.
Larger cars are also inherently more stable at highway speeds. Small, economy cars tend to be lightweight and subject to crosswinds and vortexes from passing trucks.
Worth investigating:
- BMW X5
- Lexus RX
