Motorway vs City Driving: What You Need to Know

We explore the key differences between motorway and city driving and how each impacts your car. From fuel efficiency to wear and tear, this guide covers everything you need to know to make informed decisions – whether you're driving or buying a used car.

The Cazoo editorial team

Published on 07 November 2025 | 15 mins read

The way you use your car matters—whether you spend your time zipping through city streets or clocking up miles on the motorway can make a real difference to your car, your wallet, and your everyday comfort.

Here’s what you need to know about these two driving environments, the impact each has on your car, and some handy tips to help you make the best choices if your driving habits are weighted towards either motorway or city driving – especially if you’re eyeing up your next set of wheels.

What’s the difference between motorway and city miles?

It’s a common myth that miles on the motorway are harsh on cars because of the speed and distance – in fact, it’s actually the start-stop rhythm and rough roads of city driving that can take the biggest toll on your vehicle.

It's for this reason you'll often see sellers pointing out a car for sale has done “mostly motorway miles” when you’re browsing the classifieds. Motorway driving usually means steadier speeds, smoother roads, and less stress on the car’s parts, making those miles a little kinder on your car compared to city journeys packed with traffic lights and endless gear changes.

City Driving

The experience: City driving is full of challenges – think heavy traffic, frequent stops, and squeezing into tight parking spaces. You’ve got to keep your wits about you, dodging buses, cyclists, and endless queues.

Road conditions: With all that wear from daily traffic, city roads can be pretty rough around the edges. Potholes, speed bumps, and lots of road markings come with the territory.

Fuel efficiency: Despite lower speed limits, city driving is less efficient because you’re always stopping, starting, and idling in queues. That eats up fuel quicker than you might expect and means you'll get fewer miles from a tank in those conditions.

Emissions and costs: Clean Air Zones and charges like London’s ULEZ mean running a petrol or diesel car in the city can get pricey if it doesn’t meet emissions standards. Electric and hybrid cars really shine in the city, thanks to lower running costs – and in the case of electric cars, zero tailpipe emissions.

Best cars for city driving

For city life, small is beautiful. Look for nippy city cars and superminis – they’re easy to park, cheap to run, and perfect for weaving through busy streets. Electric vehicles and hybrids are great options, too, especially if you want to avoid congestion charges.

Top 10 cars for city driving

Motorway Driving

The experience: On the motorway, it’s a different story. You can settle into a steady speed, enjoy smoother roads, and cover long distances in comfort. It might not be as exciting, but your car loves it!

Road conditions: Motorways are generally better maintained, giving you a smoother ride and fewer hazards compared to city streets. No potholes, minimal stopping, and wide lanes make for a stress-free journey.

Fuel efficiency: Cruising at a consistent speed is great for your engine and your wallet. This is where cars achieve their best fuel economy – especially if you use cruise control.

Emissions: Right now, you don’t need to worry about urban emission charges on the motorway. Some stretches have lower speed limits to reduce emissions, but overall, it’s a greener choice for long journeys.

Best cars for motorway driving – diesel vs petrol vs hybrid vs electric

Choosing the right car for motorway drives depends on what matters to you (and your budget). Here’s a quick rundown:

Diesel cars

Pros: Amazing fuel economy and range, especially for long-distance drivers.
Cons: Pricier fuel and maintenance, and fewer new options as diesel sales wind down.

Petrol cars

Pros: Cheaper to buy and repair, usually quieter and lots of choice on the market.
Cons: Use more fuel on long trips, so less cost-effective for high-mile drivers.

Hybrid cars

Pros: Super efficient for mixed driving, eco-friendlier, and smooth both in town and on the motorway.
Cons: Tend to cost more upfront.

Electric cars

Pros: Whisper-quiet, incredibly cheap to run, and environmentally friendly – no tailpipe emissions.
Cons: Still not as convenient for extremely long motorway runs unless you’ve planned your charging stops.

So, which is best?

It’s all about your needs. If you do lots of motorway miles, focus on comfort and efficiency. If you do a bit of everything, a hybrid or efficient diesel could be your best friend. And don’t forget, with petrol and diesel bans on the horizon, it’s worth looking ahead.

Top 10 cars for motorway driving

Why does it matter?

City miles and motorway miles each affect your car in different ways. City driving wears out brakes, clutch, gearbox, and tires faster due to constant stopping and rough surfaces. It’s also less efficient on fuel and emissions. Motorway driving, on the other hand, is kind to your car: the steady pace reduces wear and lets the car run at its best.

Quick tips:

Motorway cars often have higher mileage, but less wear overall
City cars may have fewer miles, but show more signs of wear and tear
Service history is more important than just the number on the odometer

Practical advice for car buyers

Don’t judge a car just by the miles – ask about where and how it’s been driven.
Look for clues like small dents and scuffed wheels (think: city driving), or smooth, even wear (likely motorway use).
Always get a mechanic’s opinion if you’re not sure!

What about high-mileage cars?

High-mileage doesn’t automatically mean bad news. Well-maintained, motorway-driven cars can be a great buy, sometimes better than lower-mileage city cars that have had a harder life. Just remember, regular care and servicing are the secret to a happy car, wherever it’s been driven.