5 cars I would actually trust for a Delhi to Manali road trip

Five cars that handle Delhi to Manali with ease, offering comfort, strong engines, and confidence across highways, hills, and rough terrain.

Updated on: Apr 03, 2026 11:33 AM IST

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A Delhi to Manali drive is one of those routes that exposes every weakness in a car. Long highway stretches, broken hill roads, steep climbs and unpredictable traffic demand a mix of comfort, torque and confidence. Here are five cars I would actually trust for this trip.

Jeep Compass is powered by a diesel engine only. There is no petrol on offer.

Mahindra XUV 7XO ( ₹13.66 lakh to ₹24.92 lakh)

The Mahindra XUV 7XO makes 202 PS with the petrol engine and a 185 PS with diesel engine.

The XUV 7XO is easily one of the strongest all-rounders for this route. With both petrol and diesel options on offer, it gives you flexibility, but the diesel is the one you want for this drive thanks to its torque and relaxed cruising ability. Moreover, you can also get an all-wheel drive system with the diesel engine. I would highly recommend the automatic gearbox instead of the manual one because of the traffic conditions.

What makes it stand out is how well it balances everything. It is comfortable enough for long hours, stable at highway speeds, and capable when roads get rough. Add in its tech-loaded cabin and safety features, and it feels like a modern, dependable road trip companion.

Tata Safari ( ₹13.29 lakh to ₹25.96 lakh)

There is no AWD option on the Tata Safari still even if the vehicle is relatively comfortable on less than perfect roads.

The Safari is all about comfort, and that really matters on a 500+ km journey. Its suspension is one of the best in the segment, especially over broken hill roads where fatigue can quickly set in.

The diesel engine may not be exciting, but it is predictable and strong enough for climbs. Combine that with a spacious cabin and commanding seating position, and the Safari becomes an easy choice for family road trips.

Toyota Innova Hycross ( ₹18.33 lakh to ₹31.30 lakh)

The Innova Hycross is one of the best MPVs in India.

If your priority is absolute comfort and zero stress and travelling with your family, the Hycross is hard to beat. Its strong hybrid petrol setup makes city exits smooth and efficient, especially in Delhi traffic.

Where it truly shines is in ride comfort and second-row experience. The captain seats are perfect for long journeys, and the overall refinement is unmatched in this list.

Jeep Compass ( ₹17.99 lakh to ₹30.70 lakh)

The Compass feels tailor-made for hill drives. It has a solid, planted feel that inspires confidence as roads get narrower and more unpredictable.

The diesel engine delivers a strong mid-range punch, ideal for climbs and overtakes. If you opt for the 4x4 variant, it adds genuine capability for rough patches or bad weather, making it one of the most confidence-inspiring cars here.

Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line ( ₹45.73 lakh onwards)

The Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line has been launched in India as a Completely Built Unit (CBU).

If you enjoy driving, the Tiguan R-Line stands out immediately. Its turbo-petrol engine is strong, refined and makes highway runs effortless.

It also feels incredibly stable at speed and offers a premium, well-built cabin. While it misses out on a diesel option, the performance and driving dynamics make it a great choice if you want an engaging road trip rather than just a comfortable one.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Paarth Khatri
Paarth's passion for cars and motorcycles started with collecting newspaper clippings and brochures when he was just a kid. He is obsessed with cars and technology and can talk about them all day. He has been in the auto industry since 2019 and is ready to drive or ride anything.Read More

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