Setting out to create a list of the best commuter cars is tougher than it sounds. It seems as though it should be a no-brainer. But all drivers have unique ideas of what comprises the ideal commuter transport.
For example, suppose your commute involves carpooling. In that case, your definition of a solid commute vehicle will differ from someone whose daily commute means slogging 75 miles by their lonesome from the country into the city.
Jump ahead to see our list of cars and SUVs for commuters
Likewise, if your commute goes from one side of the city to the other, your vehicle preferences will be different from someone who never enters the city at all.
We considered a mixed bag of needs and preferences to put together our picks for some of the best commuter cars. Consequently, our picks include a wide variety of vehicles, from fully electric (EV) sedans to minivans and pickup trucks.
There are hybrids (HEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and traditional gasoline models. Where a new vehicle is available with a gas-fueled engine or as an HEV, we list the gasoline model but mention the HEV.
We did insist that our picks be safe. Therefore, we only included vehicles with high ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Although we didn’t set any sort of mileage requirements, most of our picks deliver at least 25 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving. The three commuter cars that don’t deliver at least 25 mpg include a full-size SUV, a pickup truck, and a minivan. We make our case for each below.
While on the subject of mileage numbers, you will see some fuel-economy estimates in MPGe. This is how the government calculates miles per gallon for vehicles that, at least in part, run on electric-only propulsion. It stands for miles per gallon equivalent.
RELATED STORIES: What is MPGe? Everything You Need to Know
The KBB editors contributing to our list also voiced their opinions on other must-have features. Each adds either to a vehicle’s safety or the driver’s well-being.
We put a lot of stock in crash test ratings and scores. If you base your vehicle buying decision on just one factor, we believe it should be safety. Crash test scores are to safety what your credit score is to your creditworthiness. Crash test scores offer a one-stop snapshot of a vehicle’s safety worthiness.
Although we also look at the government’s crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the IIHS testing protocol provides more extensive information. Consequently, we cite the IIHS here.
The IIHS is a nonprofit organization supported by automotive insurance companies. Not only does it perform and score crash tests, but it also uses other data and qualifiers to issue its annual Top Safety Pick (TSP) and Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) awards. Its top score is Good, followed by Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor in six testing areas. Those areas are driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints and seats.
Every pick on our new car list scored a perfect six out of six Goods. Several are either IIHS TSP or TSP+.
Editors contributing to this list most often mentioned the features below when describing their ideal commuter car. Some features are driver aids, some are infotainment features, and the rest are comfort or convenience features. Our picks may not have every one of our must-haves, but each will have most of them.
RELATED STORIES: A Monthly Fee for Car Features? It’s Coming
As you run through this list, please keep in mind that there is no real consensus on what the best commuter car looks like. For some, it’s mileage. For others, it’s size, and for the rest, it’s everything from fun-to-drive to semi-autonomous. There is no one-size-fits-all vehicle here.
We’ve split our picks into three categories. First is the best commuter cars for transporting large groups, such as a big vanpool or rideshare where you need three rows of seats. Second, we have the best commuter cars for carpoolers. In the third section, you’ll find our picks for the best commuter cars for small groups of people, whether that’s just you or if you bring along a couple of co-workers.
Note: These prices do not include destination charges.
If your commute includes driving in wintry weather, read our story on the best vehicles for snow to see where the picks overlap.
If you are looking for excellent space for people and gear, one of the best choices is the Toyota Sienna minivan. This is an appealing vehicle for carpoolers because of its spacious interior that can seat up to eight people. All Siennas are now hybrids, meaning that no matter what trim level you get, the excellent fuel economy keeps carpooling costs low. And all-wheel drive is available for all-season confidence. The Sienna has a comfortable ride and all three rows offer excellent legroom.
The base LE model comes nicely equipped with dual power sliding doors, 3-zone climate control, smartphone connectivity, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. This suite of safety features includes a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, pre-collision with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Sienna’s 9-inch touchscreen is where you can use Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, and there are seven USB ports throughout the cabin.
The jump to the next trim level, the XLE, adds hands-free dual power sliding doors, heated front seats, and other comfort and convenience features, but that also adds $5,000 to the bottom line. Most commuters will be satisfied with the roster of standard features on the LE, but there are additional packages you can add if you want more creature comforts. See Toyota Sienna models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
Thanks to its somewhat boxy exterior, the all-new Kia Carnival appeals to SUV buyers. Depending on the seat configuration, it can accommodate either seven or eight. Ideal for carpooling, its sedan-like ride and impressive array of infotainment features will please those along for the ride. Hands-free power-sliding side doors are convenient and standard on all trim levels.
Even in its base LX trim, the Carnival comes with several of our must-have features. An 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, and keyless entry with push-button start are standard. The bundle of driver aids includes forward collision warning with AEB, bind-spot monitoring with avoidance assist, rear-cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. Also standard in the LX are lane-following assist and rear-park assist.
We suggest moving up to the EX grade to gain a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a hands-free power rear liftgate. It also includes a navigation system, satellite-radio capability, tri-zone automatic climate control, and Highway Driving Assist, which is a semi-autonomous system. It helps the driver steer, accelerate and brake the vehicle under certain conditions. Front park assist is also included. See Kia Carnival models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
We like the Ford Explorer for several reasons, not the least of which is that it can seat up to seven. This is a plus for carpooling. Plus, even with the base engine, it can tow 5,300 pounds. Ford also offers the Explorer as a hybrid. It has a V6 mated with an electric motor, delivering 27 mpg in combined driving.
The base model provides tri-zone automatic climate control, a power liftgate, an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the Ford CoPilot360 bundle of driver aids. Included are forward collision warning with AEB, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist.
We’d opt for the XLT trim. It adds more USB ports, heated and power-adjustable front seats, heated outboard mirrors, and a 6.5-inch driver information display. On top of that, we’d add the CoPilot360 Assist+ Package ($4,535) with adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, navigation, evasive steering assist, and more. See Ford Explorer models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
In addition to the gas engines available in the RAV4, Toyota also offers an all-wheel-drive hybrid (HEV) and the AWD RAV4 Prime PHEV (plug-in hybrid). The estimated mileage for the HEV is 40 mpg combined. For the PHEV it’s 94 MPGe and 38 mpg once the battery runs dry.
Even in the base LE grade, you score several of our must-have features. For example, a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, and high-beam assist are included. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is also standard. It provides forward collision warning with AEB, lane-departure warning, lane-tracing assist, and lane-keeping assist.
We’d move up to the XLE. It adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry with push-button start, and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. See Toyota RAV4 models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
As does nearly every Subaru, the base Outback provides all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard. Subaru EyeSight is also included. This features forward collision warning with AEB, lane-centering, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The base Outback also provides single-zone automatic climate control, a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
For commuters, we suggest taking a step up to the Premium trim. Among our must-haves, it adds dual-zone automatic climate control, an 11.6-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, a 10-way power driver’s seat, and Wi-Fi capability.
We would also add the $1,400 Blind-Spot Monitoring Package. In addition to that namesake feature, it includes lane-change assist, rear-cross-traffic alert, and a hands-free power liftgate. See Subaru Outback models near you
Compare dealer offers
We are impressed with Chevy Equinox’s competitive pricing, generous interior space, user-friendly systems, and standard driver aids.
Right out of the box, the base Equinox LS comes with forward collision warning with AEB, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also includes a 7-inch touchscreen, USB ports, Wi-Fi capability, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
We recommend the Equinox LT plus the LT Driver Confidence & Convenience Package, which adds $1,795 to the bottom line. Picking this content adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear park assist, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a power liftgate. See Chevrolet Equinox models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
Mazda has the CX-5 scheduled for a freshening for 2022. In the meantime, we are impressed with the 2021 edition for its head-turning styling, athletic driving manners, and available AWD.
In its entry-level Sport trim, the CX-5 provides many of our must-have goodies. A 10.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, and high-beam assist are all standard. Audio send-and-receive text messaging is also included. Among the driver aids are forward collision warning with AEB, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.
We’d step up to the Touring trim to gain a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a rear center armrest with cupholders, and dual-zone automatic climate control. See Mazda CX-5 models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
A crossover EV, the Mustang Mach-E leans on the Mustang nameplate but has very little in common with the iconic pony car. The government estimates its maximum range is up to 300 miles.
We are quite happy with the entry-level Select grade as a commuting warrior. It provides an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and heated outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals. Other standard features are rain-sensing wipers, a windshield de-icer, a 15.5-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. Wi-Fi capability is also standard.
The standard Ford CoPilot360 includes forward collision warning with AEB, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist with steering assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Also included are adaptive cruise control, high-beam assist, and rear park assist with automatic rear braking. We’d pony up another $3,200 for the Comfort/Technology Package, adding a semi-autonomous driving system, full self-parking, a hands-free tailgate, and more. See Ford Mustang Mach-E models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
Sometimes you simply need the utility of a pickup truck. Although the all-new Hyundai Santa Cruz doesn’t provide scads of cargo-box space, it’s ideal for smaller hauling tasks. It drives like a car, delivers decent fuel economy, and is loaded with standard driver aids. Moreover, it’s as easy to park as a midsize sedan.
The base SE comes relatively well equipped. It has high-beam assist, an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, forward collision warning with AEB, lane-keeping assist, and lane-following assist.
We’d step up to the SEL grade to gain blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, keyless entry with push-button start, and heated outboard mirrors with turn-signal indicators. Also included are an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats.
We’d also add the Activity Package ($3,270). It gains you a lockable rolling cargo-box cover, rear-sliding window, a 115-volt power outlet, a cargo tie-down system, a 10.25-inch digital gauge display, and wireless phone charging. See Hyundai Santa Cruz models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
Best Value for Commuters: $22,690 (S)A versatile people hauler, the Kia Seltos provides better-than-expected interior space, lots of driver aids, and an impressive warranty.
The entry-level LX comes relatively well equipped, offering standard all-wheel drive and a wide array of driver aids. They include forward collision warning with AEB, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. An 8-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are also standard.
Spending an additional $200 for the S grade loses the AWD but gains a 10.25-inch touchscreen, navigation, more USB ports, and automatic climate control. A bargain, we say. See Kia Seltos models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
If you have a good-size budget for your commuter car, consider the fully electric Volvo XC40 Recharge. Yes, Volvo also sells a gasoline-only XC40. Its base price is about $20,000 less and it delivers 26 mpg in mixed driving. However, the XC40 Recharge has an impressive 85 MPGe fuel economy, a maximum range of 223 miles, and you will never have to go to a gas station again.
Based on the price tag, you may be relieved to know the base Twin Plus grade has just about every must-have feature on our list, except a semi-autonomous driving system. It includes rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry with push-button start, high-beam assist, dual-zone automatic climate control, and 8-way heated power-adjustable front seats. Also standard are a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 9-inch vertical touchscreen, Wi-Fi capability, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Among the driver aids are forward-collision warning with AEB, blind-spot monitoring with steering assist, and rear cross-traffic alert with automatic rear braking. Also included are lane-keeping assist with steering assist, lane-departure alert, driver-attention alert, and adaptive cruise control. See Volvo XC40 models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
Kelley Blue Book’s Best Buy Award Winner among midsize sedans for 2021, the Honda Accord provides class-leading resale value, a roomy cabin, a smooth ride, and crisp handling. Honda also offers Accord as a hybrid that delivers 47 mpg in combined driving.
You can go with the entry-level LX and still come away with many of our must-have features. Standard content includes dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Honda Sensing is also included with forward collision warning with AEB, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist with steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. See Honda Accord models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
In addition to the popular sedan, offered with a gas engine or as a hybrid, the Toyota Corolla also is available as a hatchback. That hybrid sedan is especially appealing, as it delivers 52 mpg in combined driving.
We appreciate the Corolla for its variety of safety technologies, roomy cabin, and reliability.
In its basic L trim, the Corolla sedan is reasonably well equipped with the full Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. bundle of driver aids. It includes forward collision warning with AEB, lane-departure warning with steering assist, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
However, we recommend spending an additional $450 on the LE. It brings with it automatic climate control, variable windshield wipers, a remote keyless fob, an extra USB port, and an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen.
We would then pay another $1,150 for the Convenience Package. Among other features, it adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, heated outboard mirrors, and keyless entry with push-button start. See Toyota Corolla models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
One of the best-selling cars in America, the Honda Civic is totally redesigned for 2022. Honda also offers Civic as a hatchback.
Although the base LX grade comes with several of our must-have features, we would step up to the EX. In addition to the LX’s 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and single-zone automatic climate control, the EX gets a bunch of other goodies. They include dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, heated outboard mirrors, and blind-spot monitoring.
Honda Sensing is standard on every Civic. It includes forward collision warning with AEB, lane-departure warning, road-departure warning with steering assist, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. See Honda Civic models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
A prime reason Nissan Sentra made this list is Nissan’s exceptional Zero Gravity seats that help your body assume a neutral spinal posture. This is particularly helpful if you are one of those commuters spending hours a day in your vehicle.
The base Sentra S comes with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 bundle of driver aids, as well as some of our other must-haves. However, spending another $1,000 for the SV gets you adaptive cruise control, an 8-inch touchscreen, keyless entry with push-button start, and a 7-inch driver information display.
Nissan Safety Shield 360 includes forward collision warning with AEB, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert with automatic rear braking. See Nissan Sentra models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
The Hyundai Ioniq is a car that’s available as a plug-in hybrid or a hybrid. The hybrid posts 59 mpg combined. Not available in every state, the PHEV’s electric-only range is up to 29 miles.
In its base SE guise, the Ioniq PHEV provides heated outboard mirrors, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Also included are an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Among the driver aids are forward collision warning with AEB, lane-keeping assist, and lane-following assist.
For commuters, we recommend moving up to the SEL grade. It adds a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, and integrated turn signals in the outboard mirrors. See Hyundai Ioniq models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
The Tesla Model 3 is well-equipped, even in its base Standard Range Plus trim. Its maximum range is 263 miles. Although you do gain a few additional features, spending $10,000 to move up a grade to the Long Range adds about 90 miles of range.
Included are keyless entry, heated and 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated outboard mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and dual-zone automatic climate control. A 15-inch touchscreen houses most system controls. You can even enter your Tesla 3 using your smartphone. What this sedan doesn’t provide is Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Autopilot is standard, adding forward collision warning with AEB, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Although it’s pricey ($10,000), we’d consider adding Full Self-Driving Capability. It gains you automatic lane changing, self-parking, remote parking, automatic traffic light and stop sign response, and automatic navigation. It also includes Smart Summon, which can summon your Tesla to meet you through your smartphone. See Tesla Model 3 models for sale near you
If you aren’t in one of the Northeast or Western coastal states, you are out of luck because Hyundai only markets the Kona Electric in 12 states within those two regions. However, you can still get the gasoline Kona with a base price that’s $14,000 lower than the base Kona EV. Its combined fuel economy is 30 mpg.
The EV’s entry-level SEL trim provides heated outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals, single-zone automatic climate control, and keyless entry with push-button start. Also standard are a 10.25 digital gauge display, an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto.
Among the driver aids are forward collision warning with AEB, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Although it adds $7,500 to the bottom line, we’d move up to the Limited trim. Along with a list of other goodies, it adds adaptive cruise control, navigation, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, more USB ports, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. See Hyundai Kona models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
Over the last 25 years, the Toyota Prius has proven to be a reliable, highly fuel-efficient vehicle. The current generation of the Prius started in 2016, which means you can pick up a model that’s fairly similar to the 2022 model for a lot less money.
The Prius can provide fuel economy as good as 56 mpg in the Eco, or 52 mpg in all other trim levels. But it isn’t just about saving money at the pump. The Toyota Prius is a spacious car with a quiet interior. It has a comfortable ride and pleasant road manners. Its liftback design also means there is an impressive amount of space for cargo.
The Prius Two comes nicely equipped with a 4.2-inch display that shows hybrid functions and efficiency. It also comes with a 6.1-inch touchscreen that works with the Entune system, audio, Bluetooth, and Siri Eyes Free. The standard Toyota Safety Sense-P brings pre-collision with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control.
Shop for a top-of-the-line Prius Four or Four Touring if you want heated front seats and a power driver’s seat. See Toyota Prius models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
One of our favorite things about the Nissan Altima during the last several years is its Zero Gravity seats. NASA collaborated on their design, which helps you to assume a neutral spinal posture. Whether it’s a long commute or a cross-country trip, these seats reduce stress and fatigue.
If you stay in the upper trim levels (we priced the 2.5 SV), you get a lot of bang for your buck. The SV for these model years included an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, keyless entry with push-button start, hands-free texting, dual-zone automatic climate control, and Siri Eyes Free.
Among the driver aids were forward collision warning with AEB, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning. See Nissan Altima models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
A different take on the hybrid formula, the Chevrolet Volt PHEV runs on battery power until the battery gets depleted. Then the gasoline engine kicks in to continue feeding power to the electric motors. On battery alone, the Volt’s range is up to 53 miles. The total range with a fully charged battery and a full tank of gas is 420 miles.
We priced out the Premiere with the Confidence II Package. This provides the widest array of driver aids. They include forward collision warning with AEB, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Other must-have features include an 8-inch touchscreen, automatic climate control, Wi-Fi capability, and Apple CarPlay. See Chevrolet Volt models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
An ideal urban runabout, the small-on-the-outside, big-on-the-inside Honda Fit delivers solid fuel economy, is easy to park, and came fairly well equipped in its day. We priced the EX grade.
The EX came with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, keyless entry with push-button start, and satellite radio capability. Among its driver aids are forward collision warning with AEB, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control and high-beam assist were also standard for higher trims starting in 2018. See Honda Fit models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
Redesigned for 2020, the Ford Escape leaped from mediocre safety ratings to an IIHS TSP. Not only did Ford make it structurally safer, but it also infused it with more driver aids. Ford also added HEV and PHEV powertrains for 2020. We priced the SE grade.
The SE’s standard content included a power-adjustable driver’s seat, automatic climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen, multiple USB ports, and heated outboard mirrors. Other standard features are keyless entry with push-button start, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Included in every 2020 Escape, the CoPilot360 bundle provides forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and high-beam assist. Also standard are blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control. See Ford Escape models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
Hyundai offered the Sonata with gas engines and as an HEV and a PHEV, but the hybrid models are challenging to find. We priced the Limited with the Ultimate Package. Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, and keyless entry with push-button start. Also included were heated front and rear seats and ventilated front seats.
You’ve got to pick up an option package or two to gain most driver aids. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is standard on the Limited. Adaptive cruise control, rear-park assist, high-beam assist, and lane-departure warning are part of the Ultimate Package. See Hyundai Sonata models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
