Best Commuter Cars For a Less Stressful Drive

12 Great Commuter Cars

Could these vehicles help make your drive time less stressful more enjoyable

Miles per Gladness

Most of us work well past 50, according to the National Institute for Aging. In fact, more than half of us have full-time jobs after 65. Some work at home. Others commute to and from jobs via taxi, bus or local rail. The rest spend an average of nearly 51 minutes a day in commuting traffic, according to Census Bureau numbers. For them, here are some of the best cars — across all categories, emphasizing comfort, reliability, fuel economy and price — you can get for your commute. The list was compiled using input from experts at Edmunds.com, Kelley Blue Book, Consumer Reports and our own additional research.

Honda Fit

Price range: Starts at $33,995 (before any applicable electric car tax credits)
If mileage is a huge commuting priority, then electrics and hybrids should be on your list. The Volt, newly redesigned for 2016, travels 53 miles on battery-only power, the government says, and can also run up to 420 miles while using the onboard gasoline-engine recharger (for when a plug’s not handy for recharging). The mpg-equivalent rating is an eye-opening 106. “Range without anxiety,” says Kelley’s Nerad. Remember, though, electricity to recharge isn’t free.

Chevrolet Volt

Price range: Starts at $26,835
Though this is a midsize car, its interior is surprisingly roomy, says Edmunds’ Hellwig. Solid gas mileage (government-rated at around 40 mpg) and a relatively low price, along with Hyundai’s 100,000-mile warranty, make the Sonata hybrid a compelling choice for commuters, he says. Consumer Reports calls it “slick and efficient” and praises its “frugal fuel consumption, generous interior space, quiet cabin, and comfortable ride.” Worthy rival: Toyota Camry hybrid.

Toyota Prius

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Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Price range: Starts at $30,495
A big crossover SUV — with three rows of seats — that possesses a genteel wagon’s personality. It’s rated 16/23/19 mpg with front-wheel drive and 16/22/18 with all-wheel drive. Nerad sees it as ideal for the working parent who’s “toting kids to school and then going to work, or the commuter who also is a carpooler. It’s neither a minivan nor a ‘faux’ crossover. It has its own way about it.” Consumer Reports says the Flex’s “ride is comfortable and the cabin is quiet and spacious. Rear-seat room is cavernous, with a usable third-row seat and generous cargo space.”

Toyota Avalon Hybrid

Price range: Starts at $36,430 (with 4WD)
This midsize SUV is a pick for those whose commute might involve challenging roads — or none at all. With mpg hovering just below 20, the 4Runner was recently redesigned but remains an old-style truck-based SUV. Hellwig suggests the 4Runner for commuters who require a rugged, work-site car. Consumer Reports acknowledges the 4Runner’s off-road prowess, but isn’t high on its on-road behavior.

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Price range: $19,090 (base sedan, manual); $19,590 (base sedan, automatic)
This line of true subcompact sedans and hatchbacks was named “best overall small car” by Consumer Reports. The Impreza offers excellent fuel economy and optional technology not found in other low-price cars, including EyeSight, a pair of cameras flanking the rearview mirror that can sense if you’re too close to another car and trigger automatic braking. For about $3,000 more, another Subaru model, the Crosstrek, has the same chassis, drivetrain and hardware, but has a sporty SUV body. Most Subarus come standard with all-wheel drive, so there’s no excuse to stay home when it snows.

Buick LaCrosse

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Ford Flex

Most of us work well past 50, according to the National Institute for Aging. In fact, more than half of us have full-time jobs after 65. Some work at home. Others commute to and from jobs via taxi, bus or local rail. The rest spend an average of nearly 51 minutes a day in commuting traffic, according to Census Bureau numbers. For them, here are some of the best cars — across all categories, emphasizing comfort, reliability, fuel economy and price — you can get for your commute. The list was compiled using input from experts at Edmunds.com, Kelley Blue Book, Consumer Reports and our own additional research.

Fiat 500

Most of us work well past 50, according to the National Institute for Aging. In fact, more than half of us have full-time jobs after 65. Some work at home. Others commute to and from jobs via taxi, bus or local rail. The rest spend an average of nearly 51 minutes a day in commuting traffic, according to Census Bureau numbers. For them, here are some of the best cars — across all categories, emphasizing comfort, reliability, fuel economy and price — you can get for your commute. The list was compiled using input from experts at Edmunds.com, Kelley Blue Book, Consumer Reports and our own additional research.

Toyota 4Runner

Most of us work well past 50, according to the National Institute for Aging. In fact, more than half of us have full-time jobs after 65. Some work at home. Others commute to and from jobs via taxi, bus or local rail. The rest spend an average of nearly 51 minutes a day in commuting traffic, according to Census Bureau numbers. For them, here are some of the best cars — across all categories, emphasizing comfort, reliability, fuel economy and price — you can get for your commute. The list was compiled using input from experts at Edmunds.com, Kelley Blue Book, Consumer Reports and our own additional research.

Ram 1500

Most of us work well past 50, according to the National Institute for Aging. In fact, more than half of us have full-time jobs after 65. Some work at home. Others commute to and from jobs via taxi, bus or local rail. The rest spend an average of nearly 51 minutes a day in commuting traffic, according to Census Bureau numbers. For them, here are some of the best cars — across all categories, emphasizing comfort, reliability, fuel economy and price — you can get for your commute. The list was compiled using input from experts at Edmunds.com, Kelley Blue Book, Consumer Reports and our own additional research.

Subaru Impreza

Most of us work well past 50, according to the National Institute for Aging. In fact, more than half of us have full-time jobs after 65. Some work at home. Others commute to and from jobs via taxi, bus or local rail. The rest spend an average of nearly 51 minutes a day in commuting traffic, according to Census Bureau numbers. For them, here are some of the best cars — across all categories, emphasizing comfort, reliability, fuel economy and price — you can get for your commute. The list was compiled using input from experts at Edmunds.com, Kelley Blue Book, Consumer Reports and our own additional research.

Mazda Miata

Most of us work well past 50, according to the National Institute for Aging. In fact, more than half of us have full-time jobs after 65. Some work at home. Others commute to and from jobs via taxi, bus or local rail. The rest spend an average of nearly 51 minutes a day in commuting traffic, according to Census Bureau numbers. For them, here are some of the best cars — across all categories, emphasizing comfort, reliability, fuel economy and price — you can get for your commute. The list was compiled using input from experts at Edmunds.com, Kelley Blue Book, Consumer Reports and our own additional research.

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Most of us work well past 50, according to the National Institute for Aging. In fact, more than half of us have full-time jobs after 65. Some work at home. Others commute to and from jobs via taxi, bus or local rail. The rest spend an average of nearly 51 minutes a day in commuting traffic, according to Census Bureau numbers. For them, here are some of the best cars — across all categories, emphasizing comfort, reliability, fuel economy and price — you can get for your commute. The list was compiled using input from experts at Edmunds.com, Kelley Blue Book, Consumer Reports and our own additional research.

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