Top 10 Best Cars For Cross-Country Travel

Cross-country driving from the UAE can mean long motorway stretches through Saudi Arabia and Oman, mountain roads, gravel tracks and, in some cases, desert routes. The right vehicle therefore needs more than outright power. Fuel capacity, seating, luggage space, ride comfort, four-wheel drive and off-road hardware all matter.

The following cars cover different types of long-distance travel, from family touring to remote overland driving.

Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series

The Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series is one of the most purpose-built choices here. UAE-spec 2026 models use a 4.0-litre V6 with a six-speed automatic and part-time 4WD. Five-door LC76 versions are available with a 130-litre fuel tank, around 230mm of ground clearance and differential locks depending on trim. Its large fuel capacity and traditional 4×4 hardware are particularly useful on remote routes.

Nissan Patrol Super Safari

The Nissan Patrol Super Safari remains relevant because UAE-market examples are still actively traded. Its 4.8-litre naturally aspirated inline-six produces 280hp and 451Nm, paired with either a five-speed automatic or manual gearbox. Five-door versions seat seven and use four-wheel drive with a rear differential lock. Its technology and fuel consumption are dated compared with newer SUVs, but its drivetrain suits desert and rough-road travel.

Chevrolet Tahoe

For trips that are mainly on highways but may include rough roads, the Chevrolet Tahoe provides more passenger space than traditional 4x4s. The 2026 UAE model comes with 5.3-litre or 6.2-litre V8 engines producing up to 420hp and 623Nm. The Z71 adds a two-speed transfer case, skid plate and recovery hooks, while adaptive air suspension is available on selected trims. Its three-row cabin also suits larger travelling groups.

Land Rover Defender 130

The Land Rover Defender 130 is the most spacious Defender body style for group travel. It seats up to eight and offers up to 2,516 litres of load space when the seats are configured for cargo. UAE models are offered with petrol and diesel engines. Its longer body gives it considerably more passenger and luggage capacity, though the added length matters on tight off-road trails.

INEOS Grenadier

The INEOS Grenadier is built around conventional off-road hardware. Its petrol engine is a BMW-sourced 3.0-litre straight-six producing 286PS and 450Nm, paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic. Permanent four-wheel drive, a two-speed transfer case and centre differential lock are standard. The Grenadier also provides 264mm of ground clearance and an 800mm wading depth, making it suitable for rocky tracks, wadis and remote overland routes.

Jetour G700 TopFire

The Jetour G700 TopFire takes a different approach by combining a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine with dual electric motors and electric all-wheel drive. The TopFire adds a dedicated off-road chassis, increased ground clearance, forged wheels and adjustable nitrogen shock absorbers. The regular UAE-spec G700 hybrid system is rated at 724hp and 795Nm and uses a 100-litre fuel tank, highlighting the platform’s long-distance focus.

Mercedes-Benz V-Class

The Mercedes-Benz V-Class suits cross-country journeys where most driving takes place on paved roads. UAE listings include V 250 and V 300 versions, along with long-wheelbase and specialised passenger configurations. Its van-based layout provides a large passenger area, flexible seating and sliding side doors. It does not offer the ground clearance or low-range gearing of a 4×4, but it makes more sense when passenger and luggage capacity are the main requirements.

Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler makes more sense when a cross-country journey includes technical off-road sections. Current UAE 2026 models include a 2.0-litre turbo engine producing around 270hp, with four-wheel-drive versions widely available. The four-door Wrangler is the more practical touring option because it provides five seats and substantially more luggage room than the two-door model. However, its cabin and fuel capacity remain smaller than those of full-size SUVs.

Ford Ranger Raptor

The Ford Ranger Raptor works well when travellers need to carry bulky equipment separately from passengers. The UAE-market 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 version produces around 392hp and 583Nm, paired with a 10-speed automatic and four-wheel drive. It seats five and has an 80-litre fuel tank. The pickup bed is useful for carrying camping equipment, recovery gear, bicycles or other items that would otherwise take up cabin space.

Volkswagen Bus

For paved cross-country touring, the modern Volkswagen Multivan carries forward the Volkswagen Bus concept. Depending on configuration, it offers six or seven seats. The current Multivan provides 469 litres of luggage capacity with the seats installed and up to 1,844 litres when the rear seats are removed. Multivan models are also available in the UAE used-car market. Its modular interior suits group touring better than serious off-road driving.

Honourable Mention

Volvo V90 Estate

The Volvo V90 Estate is a niche used-market option in the UAE rather than a mainstream new-car choice today. Its estate body provides a long cargo floor that extends to nearly two metres with the rear seats folded, and AWD versions were also produced. Its lower ride height suggests it is meant for paved roads, but the combination of passenger space and luggage capacity suits long motorway journeys.

Audi A6 Avant

The Audi A6 Avant provides another road-focused alternative to a large SUV. Depending on specification, equipment includes quattro all-wheel drive, rear-axle steering and adaptive air suspension. Its estate body provides usable luggage space without the overall height of a full-size SUV, making it better suited to cross-country journeys that remain mainly on highways and paved mountain roads.

Stay tuned to UAE’s most popular auto blog for more information about the latest happenings in all of the Emirates.