Top 9 Cars For Long Distance Trips In 2023

It would take you around 6 hours and 34 minutes to travel 452 kilometres by car from Lagos to Onitsha. Even though it may seem like a significant distance to go, millions of Nigerians eagerly anticipate going not only to Onitsha but also to other locations all throughout the nation, particularly around significant holidays like Christmas and the New Year.

It’s crucial to know what kind of vehicle you should be driving if you intend to go by road to Nigeria’s East, North, West, or South-South states and capitals.

In order to make this process simpler, we asked auto experts for their recommendations on the top ten vehicles for holiday road trips. This is why consulting auto specialists before making a car purchase is crucial. The vehicles on this list are renowned for attributes like comfort, space, toughness, and security. Space and cargo volume should come first, not speed or a plush interior. 

1. Toyota Sienna

The Toyota Sienna is a solid minivan and it offers you plenty of space and cargo room. It is the only car in its class that offers the all-wheel-drive feature.

Budget: In terms of pricing, your budget for a used (foreign or locally used) Toyota Sienna will fall between N900,000 and N16 million for models ranging between 2002 and 2016.

2. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

In some markets, this car is simply referred to as the Toyota Prado. The Prado is a full-size four-wheel-drive vehicle in the Toyota Land Cruiser range and offers you excellent safety features, powerful engine performance, a spacious interior and a robust suspension system.

Budget: Buying a used (foreign used or locally used) Toyota Land Cruiser Prado will cost you between N2.6 million and N37.5 million for models ranging from 2006 to 2019.

3. Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is a mid-size crossover SUV. It was introduced in 2002 and has since carved a reputation for itself as the largest SUV from Honda and features three-row seating.

Budget: To buy a used (foreign used or locally used) Toyota Pilot, it will cost you between N1 million and N22 million for models ranging from 2003 to 2018.

4. Toyota Hilux

The Toyota Hilux is rugged, reliable and trusted for long road trips where you need far more cargo space than most cars can offer. The Hilux has a proven reputation for exceptional sturdiness and reliability even with sustained heavy use.

Budget: If you have plans to buy a used (foreign used or locally used) Toyota Hilux, it will cost you between N3.5 million and N26.5 million for models ranging from 2010 to 2019.

5. Nissan Pathfinder

The Nissan Pathfinder is a popular choice for road trips in Nigeria and the reason for its wide adoption is simple – Its reliability is above average, keeps you and your family cosy and can withstand tough roads and terrains.

Budget: Buying a used (foreign used or locally used) Nissan Pathfinder will cost you between N600,000 and N7.3 million for models ranging from 2002 to 2013.

6. Toyota HiAce

The Toyota HiAce is a light commercial van that comes loaded with cabin space. With the HiAce, you’re guaranteed more legroom, headroom and a heightened level of in-cabin comfort.

Budget: For a used (foreign used or locally used) Toyota HiAce, your budget will sit between N1.5 million and N23.5 million for models ranging from 1999 to 2018.

7. Toyota Venza

The Toyota Venza is a mid-size five-passenger crossover SUV and is known for its reliability, stylish look, easy entry and exit, cargo space and clever storage. It also has easy-to-fold rear seats, and a comfortable interior that comes with plenty of rear-seat space.

Budget: Trusted dealers in Nigeria who sell used (foreign used or locally used) Toyota Venza have pegged your budget between N3 million and N13.5 million for models ranging from 2009 to 2015.

8. Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is a mid-size crossover SUV built on the same platform as used on the Toyota Camry. It has a sufficient storage room and is perfect for a growing family.

Budget: You can buy a used (foreign used or locally used) Toyota Highlander with a budget of between N1.2 million and N32 million for models ranging from 2003 to 2019.

9. Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry typically outsells other sedans in its category. It’s a perfect car for a family planning a road trip. In addition to having good fuel economy, its reputation for transporting families over long distances is truly impressive.

Budget: Are you interested in a used (foreign used or locally used) Toyota Camry? If you responded with a ‘yes,’ then your budget should fall between N600,000 and N28 million for models ranging from 1999 to 2018.

Conclusion 

Now that you know what car to buy, it is also important to pay attention to other vital things. For instance, there are things you need to check in your car before a road trip.

• 7 Most Important Documents You Must Have To Drive Freely In Nigeria
• Understanding What Affects Your CAR BATTERY Lifespan
• How Much Is Transportation From Abuja To Onitsha by Road? Travel Prices & Guides
• Lagos To Onitsha By Road, Bus Price, Best Traveling Tips
• Toyota Hiace price in Nigeria – Reviews And Buying Guide

Do not drive when you are stressed or sick. You should familiarise yourself with the car’s blind spots and always remember to wear your seatbelt.