The car brands that offer the longest test drives

New car buyers often only have less than 60 minutes to decide if a car is worth the purchase, but consumers are increasingly demanding longer test drives – and the automotive industry is taking notice.

More dealerships are beginning to offer extended test drives on a case-by-case basis, allowing customers to assess a vehicle over a longer period of time that's more indicative of their daily routine.

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This is especially common for prospective electric vehicle (EV) buyers, who want the opportunity to trial an EV – sometimes subject to a deposit – for up to 48 hours.

"Customers frequently ask for extended test drives, particularly for EV models," a Hyundai Australia spokesperson told Drive.

"It’s a substantial shift moving from ICE [internal combustion engine] to EV, so it provides customers that little bit of extra time to get comfortable with having an electric vehicle (charging, range anxiety, etc)."

So which brands in Australia offer extended test drives? Drive spoke to a range of manufacturers to find out.

Editor's note: Generally speaking, extended test drives are usually at the dealership's discretion. However, some car brands do offer longer testing across their dealer network. Drive always recommends contacting your local dealer in advance to confirm availability.

"The Honda network can offer Honda Display Vehicles for extended test drives from any of our sales sites nationally," a spokesperson from Honda Australia told Drive.

"Each Honda Centre will work with individual customers to determine a timeframe that suits the customers’ needs and expectations."

"Lexus dealers work closely with each customer looking to purchase a vehicle on a case-by-case basis. Depending on availability, [Lexus] can arrange a test drive that best suits their needs. This may include an extended test drive in certain circumstances," a Lexus spokesperson told Drive.

Additionally, specific Lexus Encore members are offered various perks catered to the Lexus experience.

"If a Lexus customer is an Encore Platinum or Encore Elevate member, they can access a range of Lexus vehicles as part of our On Demand program at participating dealerships and airport valets throughout Australia and New Zealand.

"Encore Platinum members receive four trips of up to eight days each, over a three-year membership period. Encore Elevate members receive two trips of up to five days each, over a one-year membership period," they added.

"Mercedes-Benz offers customers to test-drive vehicles for extended periods on a case-by-case basis. This service is available at the discretion of the dealerships and pending vehicle availability," a Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesperson told Drive.

Kia Australia doesn't have an official extended testing program. However, a spokesperson from the brand told Drive most dealers "are happy to offer 24-hour test drives on the EV line-up".

"The option of 24-hour test drives is available at Mazda dealerships," a spokesperson from Mazda Australia told Drive.

"It’s at their individual discretion (and dependent on stock/availability), so we’d recommend customers liaise directly with their preferred dealer for this request in advance of their visit."

Various MG dealerships offer a 48-hour test drive for its electric vehicles.

"The overnight loans are at dealer discretion. However, Fern Tree Gully MG, Melbourne City, Mornington, Bairnsdale MG and Essendon MG are some of the many [dealerships] in our network who offer this service," a spokesperson from MG Australia confirmed.

Hyundai Australia doesn't offer an extended test-drive program. However, Drive understands it's up to the individual Hyundai dealer's discretion if the service is available.

Hyundai said dealerships will likely offer extended testing more often on weekdays, as demonstrator vehicles are generally required for weekends.

"All models are available [for an extended test drive and is] dependent on if the dealership has one registered as a demo, and it doesn’t already have existing bookings scheduled," a Hyundai Australia spokesperson told Drive.

An Isuzu Ute Australia spokesperson said customers looking to purchase an Isuzu D-Max or MU-X SUV can book a "no-obligation" test drive of a demonstrator vehicle at one of its 160 dealerships in Australia.

Depending on a dealership's specific policies, some buyers could be allowed to test a vehicle for a longer period.

"On a case-by-case basis, some Isuzu Ute dealers may be in a position to offer an extended test drive, with some corporate, government and fleet customers eligible for more extensive test-drive evaluations which may be organised through Isuzu Ute Australia’s Fleet program," the Isuzu Ute spokesperson explained.

Toyota Australia doesn't officially offer an extended testing program. However, Drive understands that, depending on the dealership and specific circumstances, this may be possible for customers.

Audi Australia confirmed testing a demonstrator vehicle beyond an hour is not a standard requirement across its dealership networks but can happen on a case-by-case basis.

A spokesperson for Inchape – the distributor for Peugeot, Citroen, and Subaru in Australia – said it prioritises "an exceptional customer experience, tailored to their unique experiences".

"[As such] our retailers will often offer extended test-drive opportunities for customers, designed to meet their requirements. As this is a tailored [experience], it’s hard to share info on a one-size-fits-all approach," they told Drive.

As Peugeot is under the Inchape brand, it follows the same "tailored" customer experience as Citroen, meaning Peugeot buyers can extend the testing period at most dealerships.

Customers staying at Ovolo Sydney can also take advantage of a limited-time complimentary use of a Peugeot 408.

“Polestar is happy to work with buyers on creating a bespoke test experience, such as an overnight loan, depending on availability and demonstrated interest in the vehicle," a Polestar Australia spokesperson confirmed.

"It’s limited to customers over 25 years and weekday loans to avoid peak periods.”

German luxury brand Porsche said prolonged customer testing can happen "on a case-by-case basis". It is predominantly offered on new models "for loan during customer service appointments".

"Additionally, our Porsche Drive Rental program functions as an extended test-drive initiative if a customer would like to hire a Porsche at their discretion for a leisurely drive experience," a Porsche Australia spokesperson told Drive.

"Most Official Porsche Centres also host the Porsche Drive the Range program, a full-day test-drive experience covering the entire model range. This program is selectively offered to prospects and is backed by our head office."

As Subaru falls under the Inchape umbrella, the Japanese auto giant offers the same testing experience as Peugeot and Citroen, meaning Subaru buyers can extend the testing period at most dealerships.