When you spend hours on the open road, you quickly learn which cars are a pleasure to drive and which ones feel like a chore. Highway driving demands comfort, stability, good fuel economy, and the right mix of power and refinement. Here are 20 cars available in Canada that excel when the road stretches for hundreds of kilometers, with a focus on the qualities that make them great for our varied climates and long-distance travel.
Mercedes Benz E Class (2021)
The E Class is a masterclass in long distance comfort. The multi-contour seats can be heated, ventilated, and adjusted in more ways than you thought possible. The air suspension smooths out imperfections, even on frost-heaved Canadian highways. Noise levels are impressively low, making conversation easy at speed, and adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist can take the strain off long drives.
Lexus ES 350 (2022)
The ES 350 offers quiet, creamy smooth performance from its 3.5-litre V6. This is a car that does not encourage rushing but rewards steady, unhurried cruising with incredible refinement. The soft suspension tuning makes it feel almost like it is floating on a cushion of air, which is perfect for eating up highway miles between provinces.
BMW 5 Series (2020)
On the highway, the 5 Series is rock steady. Its steering has enough weight to inspire confidence without feeling twitchy, and BMW’s adaptive dampers can switch between comfort for straight-line cruising and firmness for sweeping bends. Long-legged turbocharged engines make passing slower traffic effortless, even with a full load of passengers and luggage.
Volvo S90 (2021)
Volvo’s flagship sedan offers some of the best seats in the business, with enough adjustability to keep you comfortable all day. The minimalist Scandinavian design creates a calming environment, and the optional Bowers and Wilkins sound system is perfect for road trip playlists. Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving takes the edge off monotonous highway stretches.
Genesis G80 (2022)
The G80 blends old-school comfort with modern tech. Standard features include adaptive cruise, lane-centering, and a quiet, refined cabin. The turbocharged engines offer a surge of power when needed, and the long wheelbase keeps it stable in crosswinds — useful on open Prairie highways.
Honda Accord (2021)
Affordable and refined, the Accord punches well above its weight in highway comfort. The suspension is firm enough to feel planted yet supple enough to soak up imperfections. Turbocharged engines provide plenty of pull without excessive fuel use, and the cabin remains quiet even at speeds typical of the Trans-Canada Highway.
Kia Stinger (2022)
The Stinger offers a sportier edge to highway cruising. With rear or all-wheel drive and a long wheelbase, it feels stable and composed even at higher speeds. The hatchback layout offers excellent cargo flexibility for long trips, and the turbocharged engines are both responsive and relaxed at cruise.
Ford Mustang Mach E (2022)
Quiet, stable, and packed with tech, the Mach E feels built for modern highway travel. The extended-range battery versions can tackle long stretches between charges, and the instant torque makes passing easy. The interior is roomy and comfortable, and the suspension tuning hits a sweet spot between firmness and comfort.
Chevrolet Impala (2020)
A big, comfortable American sedan that excels at long-distance work. The wide, cushioned seats, generous legroom, and soft suspension make it a great choice for cross-province drives. The V6 engine delivers confident passing power without breaking a sweat.
Nissan Maxima (2021)
The Maxima’s sport sedan personality comes with the bonus of comfort. The Zero Gravity seats keep you supported for hours, and the V6 delivers a strong midrange for quick passes. Stability at speed is a highlight, making it a reassuring long-distance partner.
Hyundai Sonata (2021)
The Sonata’s sleek design hides a very capable highway cruiser. The ride quality is smooth and the cabin is hushed, with intuitive tech and plenty of room for passengers. The engines are tuned for relaxed cruising, making it a solid everyday long-distance option.
Porsche Panamera (2020)
For those who want both comfort and a dash of sports car engagement on the highway, the Panamera is unmatched. It has the refinement of a luxury sedan and the capability to devour sweeping roads when they appear. Seating comfort and ride quality remain impeccable even at autobahn-level speeds.
Subaru Legacy (2021)
Standard all-wheel drive and a comfortable ride make the Legacy a practical choice for Canadian conditions. It handles snow and rain with ease, and the cabin is well insulated from outside noise. A comfortable driving position and excellent visibility make it easy to spend hours behind the wheel.
Cadillac CT5 (2021)
The CT5 is Cadillac’s take on the modern highway cruiser, with a supple ride and quiet interior. Super Cruise hands-free driving can make long-distance trips almost effortless, and the rear seats offer excellent space for passengers.
Lincoln Continental (2020)
This classic-style luxury sedan is a smooth operator. Its big, plush seats and airy cabin make it perfect for long-distance cruising. The V6 engines provide smooth, steady power delivery, while the suspension glides over bumps without fuss.
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