Best Commuter Cars
Commuting can be more comfortable and rewarding than you think with the best commuter cars on the market Keep reading to find out more about these cars.
Read time
9 minutes
Date
11.10.2023
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Do you dream of a limousine and personal chauffeur escorting you to work instead of sitting behind stand-still traffic, honking your horn, and regretting not leaving sooner? A good commuter car can relieve the stress associated with driving to work. But even if you have to sit in traffic for hours because of an accident, the best commuter cars make it seem like a minor inconvenience.
The list below includes several of the best commuter cars you can find to help you make the most of your commute. While these cars may not be the fanciest or the most stylish, they’ll get the job done without costing you more than necessary. Dependability and reliability are practically written into their DNA.
What is a commuter car?
A commuter car gets you from home to work and back during the week. Whether your route is a five-mile round trip or 100 miles one way, a commuter car is dependable and reliable. It’s also a workhorse on the weekends when you want to travel away from home without paying a fortune in gas.
The term “commuter car” originated in the insurance industry. Since most accidents happen when people commute, it’s a common (and lucrative) segment for most insurance companies. However, it’s a term that most of the population has since adopted.
Commuter cars aren’t one specific car but more of a type of car with some or all of the following features:
- Comfortable
- Reliable
- Safe
- Fuel-efficient
- Affordable
A good commuter car could be a minivan, a crossover SUV, a sedan, or even a pickup truck. It’s a matter of personal preference and what helps you get the job done cheaper.
If you’re debating between leasing, buying, and subscribing, finding a commuter car may not work well if you lease. Sticking within lease mileage limits can be challenging since you’re mainly using the vehicle to put miles on it.
1. Audi A3
- Number of seats: 5
- Fuel efficiency: 138 city and 126 highway for a combined 132 MPGe
- Safety ratings and features: 5 stars from the NHTSA (2021 model) and Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS with blind spot detection, lane departure warning, and lane departure prevention
- True cost to own: $63,000
If you’re looking for a luxury car model as a shorter driver, look no further than the Audi Q5. It is a compact luxury crossover SUV, which means it has a high ride height but is built on the platform of a more standard, compact passenger car. You’ll notice the luxurious seating immediately, with the ability to horizontally and vertically adjust your seat.
The vehicle has consistently won safety awards and while it’s pricier than other models in this list, you’re paying for the extra luxury and the renowned reliability of German engineering.
1. Audi A3
- Number of seats: 5
- Fuel efficiency: 138 city and 126 highway for a combined 132 MPGe
- Safety ratings and features: 5 stars from the NHTSA (2021 model) and Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS with blind spot detection, lane departure warning, and lane departure prevention
- True cost to own: $63,000
If you’re looking for a luxury car model as a shorter driver, look no further than the Audi Q5. It is a compact luxury crossover SUV, which means it has a high ride height but is built on the platform of a more standard, compact passenger car. You’ll notice the luxurious seating immediately, with the ability to horizontally and vertically adjust your seat.
The vehicle has consistently won safety awards and while it’s pricier than other models in this list, you’re paying for the extra luxury and the renowned reliability of German engineering.
2. Tesla Model 3
- Average price: $48,490
- Number of seats: 5
- Fuel efficiency: 138 city and 126 highway for a combined 132 MPGe
- Safety ratings and features: 5 stars from the NHTSA (2021 model) and Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS with blind spot detection, lane departure warning, and lane departure prevention
- True cost to own: $63,000
Many choose the Tesla Model 3 as the best daily driver car because it offers a broad range and plenty of fuel savings. It also offers creature comforts and earned high marks from the IIHS and NHTSA. The 2022 Tesla Model 3 sits up to five people with 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space.
2. Tesla Model 3
- Average price: $48,490
- Number of seats: 5
- Fuel efficiency: 138 city and 126 highway for a combined 132 MPGe
- Safety ratings and features: 5 stars from the NHTSA (2021 model) and Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS with blind spot detection, lane departure warning, and lane departure prevention
- True cost to own: $63,000
Many choose the Tesla Model 3 as the best daily driver car because it offers a broad range and plenty of fuel savings. It also offers creature comforts and earned high marks from the IIHS and NHTSA. The 2022 Tesla Model 3 sits up to five people with 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space.
3. Hyundai Santa Cruz
- Average price: $23,990
- Number of seats: 5
- Fuel efficiency: 21 city and 26 highway for a combined 23 MPG
- Safety ratings and features: 5 stars from the NHTSA and Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS with blind spot detection, lane departure warning, and lane departure prevention
Starting well below most commuter cars on our list at under $24,000, the Hyundai Santa Cruz can tow up to 3,500 pounds and still get a combined fuel-efficiency rating of 23 combined MPG. The juries at the NHTSA and Edmunds are still out as far as the safety ratings and true cost to own, respectively, but the IIHS ranked this quirky pickup as a Top Safety Pick for the 2022 model.
3. Hyundai Santa Cruz
- Average price: $23,990
- Number of seats: 5
- Fuel efficiency: 21 city and 26 highway for a combined 23 MPG
- Safety ratings and features: 5 stars from the NHTSA and Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS with blind spot detection, lane departure warning, and lane departure prevention
Starting well below most commuter cars on our list at under $24,000, the Hyundai Santa Cruz can tow up to 3,500 pounds and still get a combined fuel-efficiency rating of 23 combined MPG. The juries at the NHTSA and Edmunds are still out as far as the safety ratings and true cost to own, respectively, but the IIHS ranked this quirky pickup as a Top Safety Pick for the 2022 model.
4. Toyota Sienna
- Average price: $34,560
- Number of seats: 8
- Fuel efficiency: 36 city and 36 highway for a combined 36 MPG
- Safety ratings and features: 5 stars from the NHTSA and Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS with blind spot detection, lane departure warning, and lane departure prevention
- True cost to own: $48,000
A Toyota Sienna costs around $34,500 but has a whopping 101 cubic feet of cargo space. This minivan holds up to eight people at a time and still gets 36 miles to the gallon. It also offers plenty of standard safety features and top marks from the IIHS and NHTSA.
4. Toyota Sienna
- Average price: $34,560
- Number of seats: 8
- Fuel efficiency: 36 city and 36 highway for a combined 36 MPG
- Safety ratings and features: 5 stars from the NHTSA and Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS with blind spot detection, lane departure warning, and lane departure prevention
- True cost to own: $48,000
A Toyota Sienna costs around $34,500 but has a whopping 101 cubic feet of cargo space. This minivan holds up to eight people at a time and still gets 36 miles to the gallon. It also offers plenty of standard safety features and top marks from the IIHS and NHTSA.
5. Honda Accord
- Average price: $26,520
- Number of seats: 5
- Fuel efficiency: 30 city and 38 highway for a combined 33 MPG
- Safety ratings and features: 5 stars from the NHTSA and Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS with blind spot detection, lane departure warning, and lane departure prevention
- True cost to own: $39,000
The Honda Accord won Kelley Blue Book’s highest ranking for a midsize car in 2022. This car has a strong resale value and the lowest true cost-to-own value ($39,000) on our list. You can seat up to five people in a Honda Accord, which has 16.7 cubic feet of cargo space. The starting price for a 2022 Honda Accord is around $26,520, while the hybrid model starts at $26,670. That’s not much of a difference when considering how much you can save in fuel costs if you choose a hybrid model.
The 2022 Honda Accord received a 5 out of 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
5. Honda Accord
- Average price: $26,520
- Number of seats: 5
- Fuel efficiency: 30 city and 38 highway for a combined 33 MPG
- Safety ratings and features: 5 stars from the NHTSA and Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS with blind spot detection, lane departure warning, and lane departure prevention
- True cost to own: $39,000
The Honda Accord won Kelley Blue Book’s highest ranking for a midsize car in 2022. This car has a strong resale value and the lowest true cost-to-own value ($39,000) on our list. You can seat up to five people in a Honda Accord, which has 16.7 cubic feet of cargo space. The starting price for a 2022 Honda Accord is around $26,520, while the hybrid model starts at $26,670. That’s not much of a difference when considering how much you can save in fuel costs if you choose a hybrid model.
The 2022 Honda Accord received a 5 out of 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
6. Lexus NX
- Average price: $39,425
- Number of seats: 5
- Fuel efficiency: 26 city and 33 highway for a combined 28 MPG
- Safety ratings and features: 5 stars from the NHTSA and Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS with blind spot detection, lane departure warning, and lane departure prevention
Edmunds doesn’t have a figure for the true cost of owning a Lexus NX. The premium SUV competes against other compact and crossover SUVs. The NHTSA has not rated the 2022 model, but the 2021 model earned 5 stars. The NX is a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.
6. Lexus NX
- Average price: $39,425
- Number of seats: 5
- Fuel efficiency: 26 city and 33 highway for a combined 28 MPG
- Safety ratings and features: 5 stars from the NHTSA and Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS with blind spot detection, lane departure warning, and lane departure prevention
Edmunds doesn’t have a figure for the true cost of owning a Lexus NX. The premium SUV competes against other compact and crossover SUVs. The NHTSA has not rated the 2022 model, but the 2021 model earned 5 stars. The NX is a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.
7. Subaru Outback
- Average price: $27,145
- Number of seats: 5
- Fuel efficiency: 26 city and 33 highway for a combined 29 MPG
- Safety ratings and features: 5 stars from the NHTSA and Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS with blind spot detection, lane departure warning, and lane departure prevention
- True cost to own: $43,000
Subaru’s Outback starts at $27,145, which is cheaper than other commuter cars on our list. The cargo capacity skyrockets to 75.7 cubic feet in this commuter car, which also earns superior scores from the NHTSA and IIHS. This all-wheel-drive-capable SUV/wagon variant seats up to 5 comfortably.
7. Subaru Outback
- Average price: $27,145
- Number of seats: 5
- Fuel efficiency: 26 city and 33 highway for a combined 29 MPG
- Safety ratings and features: 5 stars from the NHTSA and Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS with blind spot detection, lane departure warning, and lane departure prevention
- True cost to own: $43,000
Subaru’s Outback starts at $27,145, which is cheaper than other commuter cars on our list. The cargo capacity skyrockets to 75.7 cubic feet in this commuter car, which also earns superior scores from the NHTSA and IIHS. This all-wheel-drive-capable SUV/wagon variant seats up to 5 comfortably.
How to choose a commuter car
With so many best commuter cars to choose from, how can you pick one? This decision can be challenging if you’re unsure how to choose between hybrid and electric powertrains. Keep reading to see how you can narrow your choices.
Check out a FINN car subscription if you’re tired of the buy-here, pay-here humdrum dealership drama. FINN offers a unique way to subscribe to a vehicle for a short time to gain more time to decide or even save up a bit more to get a commuter car you can enjoy.
1. Safety
Most commutes involve driving at highway speeds. Find a vehicle that scores well with the NHTSA and the IIHS. The safer your car is, the less you have to worry about injuries in the event of an accident.
2. Comfort
The best car for a long commute is comfortable and easy to drive. You might have sophisticated climate control or mood lighting and heated and cooled seating. A quiet cabin and plush seats can help ease the tension caused by other drivers on the road.
3. Capacity (cargo and seating)
The further away from home, the more you need if you stay overnight. Having a few extra seats in the best daily driver car you can find is also a good idea. More seats mean you can carpool with more people to make commuting fun.
4. Fuel efficiency
It’s no secret that hybrid and electric vehicles score well in fuel efficiency tests. However, some of the best daily driver cars still make it easy to stretch your dollars further at the gas pump.
5. Reliability and cost to own
The best commuter cars have a low cost to own but a high reliability rating. They may also be easier and cheaper to insure than other vehicles. The security of a manufacturer's or extended warranty can also help improve a commuter car’s reliability.
What is the most fuel-efficient car for a daily commute?
The most fuel-efficient car for a daily commute is a hybrid or a fully-electric vehicle. The newest Toyota Prius model achieves 51 city and 47 highway MPG. In addition, the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid maintains 55 city and 54 highway MPG.
The Tesla Model 3 also scores high for fuel efficiency ratings. This electric car achieves 138 city and 126 highway MPGe. If you’re looking for the best city cars that also do well on the highway, you can’t go wrong with either of these models.
What is a good small commuter car?
The Honda Accord is a good small commuter car. Accords typically hold their value well and sport a respectable fuel-efficiency rating. They’re also among the safest and most reliable vehicles on the road.
Many people ask if Cadillacs are reliable cars. While Cadillacs certainly bring a sophisticated approach to long commutes, they don’t score particularly well regarding reliability. However, the brand ranks third to Genesis and Lexus for dependability.
Which is the best car for a long drive?
The Tesla Model 3 or the Lexus NX is the best car for a long drive. Both of these cars add an element of luxury to the mix while staying within an affordable price range. However, you should pay attention to how far you’ll be driving and how many Supercharger stops are along your route if you choose the Tesla Model 3.
Final thoughts
Finding the best car for your commute can be challenging, especially if you’re on a budget. However, once you start comparing makes and models based on fuel efficiency, comfort, reliability, and safety, you can easily pick out a shortlist worthy of the long road ahead. These cars will get you where you need to go safely, reliably, and without breaking the bank.
One alternative to purchasing or leasing a commuter car is subscribing to one through services like FINN. With FINN, your monthly payment and any fueling costs are all you have to worry about. The rest (registration, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation) is handled in a single monthly payment you make for six to 12 months. If you’re ready to subscribe to a new car and mix up your mundane commute, check out a FINN car subscription today.
Final thoughts
Finding the best car for your commute can be challenging, especially if you’re on a budget. However, once you start comparing makes and models based on fuel efficiency, comfort, reliability, and safety, you can easily pick out a shortlist worthy of the long road ahead. These cars will get you where you need to go safely, reliably, and without breaking the bank.
One alternative to purchasing or leasing a commuter car is subscribing to one through services like FINN. With FINN, your monthly payment and any fueling costs are all you have to worry about. The rest (registration, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation) is handled in a single monthly payment you make for six to 12 months. If you’re ready to subscribe to a new car and mix up your mundane commute, check out a FINN car subscription today.
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