Most comfortable car/suv for mainly motorway driving?

[London1986]

As the title states, what car or SUV would give you (and your passengers) the most comfortable driving experience?

By comfort I mean seating position, smooth ride and minimal road noise. Basically as close to a Rolls Royce or Bentley type experience but for approx £30k or under (used).

I'm thinking the land rovers, the lexus SUV's and maybe even Volvo XC60/90s are key contenders?

I'm also thinking that whilst you can get very comfortable cars, SUVs would have the benefit of bigger wheels = smoother ride plus taller ride height = better leg positioning.

Interested to hear your thoughts.

[QJumper]

I can only speak from own experience but, having driving various cars over the years, the most comfortable I've owned by a long way is my current one, which is a Lexus SUV (RX 450h). I've driven across Europe in it on long motorway runs, and have never felt the fatigue or discomfort I've experienced in other cars (last three were Jags).

That said, these things are subjective, and age, height, weight can all affect how comfortable a car feels. So, if comfort is your primary factor, then for that money I'd test drive a few different makes/models and see what you think.

[QuartzDad]

London1986 said:

By comfort I mean seating position, smooth ride and minimal road noise. Basically as close to a Rolls Royce or Bentley type experience but for approx £30k or under (used).

.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205195...

[anonymous-user]

FFRR

[boombang]

London1986 said:

SUVs would have the benefit of bigger wheels = smoother ride

Not in my experience, I'd always pick smaller wheels with bigger tyres if have the option.

What's your budget here?

On an extended test drive I really liked the XC60 in the old Inscription trim on the motorway, but any member of the family who sat in as a passenger complained of motion sickness. We tried an R-design and didn't like the ride at all, and still the family felt sick.

[Tonberry]

'15 onwards Q7.

They ride well even in S-Line trim.

[eleveneleven]

Id be looking at this

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207047...

or this

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203233...

or this if you want to keep running costs low

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207268...

[Dg504]

This for 2/3 your budget and much more interesting/faster/quieter than the diesel version

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206086...

[Panamax]

Any decent estate car.

Every SUV I've ever ridden in either wallows about or has suspension made out of concrete - generally the latter.

[Scrump]

S class Mercedes
(7 series or A8 also good)

E class estate is not bad if you need the luggage space.

[ninjag]

Jaguar XF

[Magnum 475]

At that price point, as previously mentioned, Mercedes E-Class.

I ran one from new for 7 years and over 150000 miles. I've never been in anything that comes close in terms comfort and 'waft' factor at that price level.

[RECr]

Panamax said:

Any decent estate car.

Every SUV I've ever ridden in either wallows about or has suspension made out of concrete - generally the latter.

The equivalent saloon will probably be a little quieter as the boot is better separated from the cabin.

[anonymous-user]

Magnum 475 said:

At that price point, as previously mentioned, Mercedes E-Class.

I ran one from new for 7 years and over 150000 miles. I've never been in anything that comes close in terms comfort and 'waft' factor at that price level.

I bought my current Volvo on the basis that the seats are apparently some of the best (Inscription trim so multi-way adjustable) and after completing a 500 mile return journey last week I found it comfy but not as good as my old S212 or S211 E Class estates which was tried and tested from Scotland to the South of England many times.

[MitchT]

JackJarvis said:

FFRR

This.

I'm not an SUV fan but I'll concede that a proper Range Rover with a large petrol engine was the most comfortable modern vehicle I've been in.

[raspy]

Long wheelbase S class

[300bhp/ton]

London1986 said:

As the title states, what car or SUV would give you (and your passengers) the most comfortable driving experience?

By comfort I mean seating position, smooth ride and minimal road noise. Basically as close to a Rolls Royce or Bentley type experience but for approx £30k or under (used).

I'm thinking the land rovers, the lexus SUV's and maybe even Volvo XC60/90s are key contenders?

I'm also thinking that whilst you can get very comfortable cars, SUVs would have the benefit of bigger wheels = smoother ride plus taller ride height = better leg positioning.

Interested to hear your thoughts.

Well, why not a Bentley....

Under your budget.




Bentley Arnage
2004 (04 reg)

RED LABEL 6.8 V8 AUTO 4dr

£24,995

[300bhp/ton]

JackJarvis said:

FFRR

I'd say no. Esp not the L405 and not the back seats.

[Collectingbrass]

An Alpina all day every day, it's what they are built for. I've never had a more comfortable relaxing & quieter car for long journeys.

For passengers the driver's style makes all the difference and can make a bad car good or a good car bad

[quinny100]

Tonberry said:

'15 onwards Q7.

They ride well even in S-Line trim.

This - provided it’s fitted with the optional air suspension. Spent many hours as a passenger in 16 and 19 plate Q7’s and it’s definitely the best way to travel by road. Quiet, rides well, good seats, decent view out, loads of room.

Lots of bits shared with the Bentley Bentayga.