7 Best Commuter Cars: How To Pick a Good Daily Driver

Everyone has a dream car. It's the car you had a poster of as a kid or the one you see driving next to you, making you wish you'd won the lottery or at least earned more than you do now. For me, it's the Dodge Viper, easily one of the coolest and most underrated American muscle/sport cars. Unfortunately, most dream cars aren't very practical. They may sound nice, look nice, and come equipped with all the gadgets and gizmos you could possibly want, but they're expensive to own and operate.

After buying a house, purchasing a car is usually the most expensive expenditure most people will ever make. That's why it's crucial to ensure that the car you end up with is practical. However, buying a practical car doesn't have to be dull. I've heard too many people apologize for driving a Kia Soul or a Nissan Maxima. It's time for us to choose cars that are not only economically responsible but also give us a little pep in our step and that coveted X factor.

There's a lot of pressure in picking the best car for your daily commute. So, in my opinion, here are the seven best budget-friendly commuter cars you can buy today, along with what you should consider when selecting your daily driver and the ultimate test-driving checklist.

Key Considerations for Choosing a Commuter Car:

1. Fuel Efficiency: Cars are already expensive, and the last thing you need is to pour money into a gas guzzler that will drain your wallet. The best daily drivers let you make fewer trips to the gas station and reduce your monthly credit card bill.
2. Comfort and Interior Features: According to Automotive Fleet, the average American spends 293 hours in the car every year. Therefore, it's essential to ensure that your car is comfortable. The best commuter cars are comfortable, quiet, and packed with high-tech features for your enjoyment.
   
3. Reliability: Taking your car to the shop is a headache. It's crucial to ensure you're buying a car that is easy on your bank account, not just your eyes. While a Jeep Wrangler may look great, the upkeep isn't worth it. After the third trip to the mechanics, you'll be back here looking for an affordable and reliable replacement.
   
4. Safety Features: Even if you consider yourself the best driver, accidents can happen. You want to be in the safest car possible. There are many great sites to check safety ratings, but I recommend visiting IIHS. You can find the safety ratings below for your convenience.
   
5. Budget: Car prices are sky-high right now, so it's essential to be smart about your car payments. A good rule of thumb is to never spend over 10% of your gross monthly income on your new car. and I recommend using NerdWallet's car pricing calculator to ensure it fits your budget.
   
6. The X Factor: Now, onto the fun part. After considering safety, fuel efficiency, and your budget, you need to determine if the car brings a smile to your face. Some cars just make you proud to tell people what you drive; just ask any Porsche owner.
   

The Top 7 Commuter Cars:

Toyota Corolla Hatchback

• Base MSRP: $23,355
• MPG: 32 City/41 Highway
• Safety Ratings: Good rating from IIHS
  

The Toyota Corolla Hatchback is the Corolla's hot cousin. Hatchbacks are just rad, and anyone driving one has life figured out. The Corolla Hatchback checks all the boxes: it's reliable, it's a hatchback, so it has the X factor, and most importantly, it won't break the bank. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, getting you where you need to go quickly with a huge smile on your face.

In terms of safety features, the Corolla offers blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, an integrated backup camera, and its trademarked Star Safety System. If you're into modern conveniences, you'll be pleased with its 8-inch infotainment center with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility, a fully digital gauge cluster, and a remote keyless entry system. The interior is comfy, spacious, and stylish, with optional two-tone leather seats in the front and plenty of legroom for back seat passengers.

Honda Civic

• Starting MSRP: $23,950
• MPG: 31 City/40 Highway
• Safety Ratings: Good rating from IIHS
  

The Honda Civic (reviewed separately) is synonymous with reliability, practicality, and performance, making it nearly the perfect commuter car. The major drawback to buying a Civic is that they don't offer a hybrid trim. While it still gets great mileage, a hybrid version would make it the ultimate daily driver. Nevertheless, the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is zippy and fun to drive.

Inside, you'll find comfortable seats, high-quality materials, a comprehensive 7-inch touchscreen infotainment center with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto capabilities, and fully digital gauges. The Civic also boasts a collision mitigation braking system, a road departure mitigation system, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, a lane-keeping assist system, and traffic sign recognition for added safety.

Hyundai Sonata

• Starting MSRP: $25,250
• MPG: 28 City/38 Highway
• Safety Ratings: Good rating from IIHS
  

The Sonata is an excellent mid-size sedan, and with a starting MSRP only $1,300 more than the Civic, you get a lot more space for your money. While it may not be as quick and agile as other cars on this list, it compensates with its immaculate design and spacious interior. Its 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine may not be very quick, but its fuel consumption is similar to the Corolla or Civic. It's the kind of car presidents, dictators, and CEOs roll up to events in.

Read the full review of the Hyundai Sonata here.

Prius Prime

• Starting MSRP: $32,350
• MPG: 133 Electric / 54 Combined Gas
• Safety Ratings: Top Safety Pick+ 2023 from IIHS
  

The Prius Prime is one of the most stylish cars on the road today. People no longer buy a Prius just for environmental reasons; the new Prius Prime combines great fuel economy with a new and improved exterior design, making it the belle of the ball.

Inside, you get plenty of room for rear-seat passengers, comfortable seats, and a wireless charger. And because it's a hatchback, you have ample trunk space.

The main drawback to the Prius is its price tag. Starting at $32,350, you're purchasing a car that is nearly half of what the average American makes in a year.

Ford Maverick

• Starting MSRP: $23,400
• Fuel Economy: 42 City/33 Highway
• Safety Ratings: Good rating from IIHS
  

This might surprise you, but hear me out. The Ford Maverick has an awesome name, and its starting MSRP puts it in the same range as the Civic, Corolla, and Sonata, with comparable fuel consumption. It also has a truck bed, which will always be useful, and plenty of room in the cab, especially considering the back row folds up, opening up space for groceries, bags, or tools.

What makes the Maverick even more compelling is its hybrid option. With the Maverick, you get excellent gas mileage, all the modern conveniences you could need, and, to top it off, it's a safe car with standard safety features.

Toyota RAV4 Prime

• Starting MSRP: $43,090
• MPG: 40 city/36 highway
• Safety Ratings: Top Safety Pick+ 2023 from IIHS
  

The RAV4 was the fourth best-selling car in 2022, selling nearly 400,000 units. With the growing popularity of crossovers and trucks, the RAV4, specifically the RAV4 Prime, combines excellent gas mileage, an attractive exterior, and a comfortable interior to make an overall excellent commuter car.

Unfortunately, the RAV4, like the Prius Prime, has a hefty price tag. Again, it offers all the safety and technological features you could hope for, but you have to be independently wealthy to afford it.

Hyundai Ioniq 6

- Starting MSRP: $41,600⁠

- Range on a Full Charge: Up to 361 miles

- Safety Ratings: Top Safety Pick+ 2023 from IIHS

If you're in the market for an environmentally friendly electric car, look no further than the Hyundai Ioniq 6. Hyundai is responsible for some of the best electric sedans on the market today. Along with the great build quality, you get a great-looking car. Its lower, more aerodynamic profile is compelling and unique compared to some of the other EVs on the market today.

Best Budget Cars

Kia Rio

• Starting MSRP: $16,750
• MPG: 32 City/41 Highway/ 36 Combined
• Safety Ratings: Good rating from IIHS

The Kia Rio stands out as the best budget-friendly commuter car on the market today. Its interior boasts a spacious cabin, an 8-inch touchscreen, standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the convenience of remote starting from your phone. Equipped with a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, the Rio delivers excellent fuel efficiency and ample power for navigating through town and traffic.

How to Evaluate Commuter Cars

Finding the right car is challenging, and while test drives are a good start at picking your future daily driver, it's easy to overlook important factors. That's why I'm providing you with the ultimate test-driving checklist:

1. Comfort: Set the front two seats to a comfortable position and then sit in the rear seats. Consider how you normally sit while driving; does the car you're test driving allow you to sit comfortably in that position? Having a handle above my side window is a must.
2. Handling: Get a feel for how the car drives. Understand how fast it can accelerate, brake, and respond to your movements. Before your test drive, plan a route that takes you through town and on the freeway, and include a U-turn to assess the car's turning radius.
3. Noise Levels: Bring a trusted friend or relative on your test drive and try to have a conversation with them at various volumes. Start with normal conversation volume and gradually lower it to gauge interior noise levels and understand what to expect on road trips.
4. Storage: Examine your current daily driver and take note of the items you store in it. Do you have sunglasses, change, napkins, cash? While test driving, consider where each item will go in the new car. If there isn't a clear location for a particular item, decide if that's a deal breaker.
5. Visibility: Prioritize safety by ensuring a good line of sight in front, to the sides, and behind you. Consider the size of your blind spots on the right and left, as well as the size of the pillars between your windshield and side windows. Adjust the mirrors to your liking and have your friend walk around the car while you're in it to assess visibility.
6. Do Your Research: Dive deep into car reviews. Visit sites like Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, and subscribe to Best Daily Drivers to stay updated with the pros and cons of the cars you're considering.
7. Calculate Total Cost of Ownership: Remember that there are more expenses related to owning a car than just the initial purchase cost. Make a list of estimated fuel costs, call your insurance provider for a quote, and get a good understanding of potential maintenance costs.
   

Choosing the right daily driver is a smart financial move. If you have a 30-60 minute commute, a Dodge Charger Hellcat may seem cool, but it will drain your wallet for years. Carefully consider what's important to you and prioritize reliability, budget consciousness, comfort, and that X factor when selecting your next daily driver.

And remember, this decision shouldn't be rushed. Take your time, conduct thorough research, and don't feel pressured to buy a car right away.

FAQs

Which car is best for daily driving?

The ideal car for daily driving depends on your specific needs and preferences. Compact cars like the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla are popular choices for their fuel efficiency and maneuverability in urban settings. Alternatively, midsize sedans such as the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry offer a comfortable ride and additional space. If you prefer an SUV, models like the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V provide versatility for daily tasks. Ultimately, consider factors like fuel efficiency, comfort, and practicality to find the best daily driver for your lifestyle.

What supercar makes the best daily driver?

The term "daily driver supercar" implies a high-performance car suitable for everyday use. Models like the Porsche 911, Ferrari Roma, or Aston Martin DB12 are often praised for blending supercar performance with daily practicality. These cars offer comfortable interiors, advanced technology, and drivability suitable for regular commuting. However, it's crucial to note that maintenance costs and fuel efficiency may differ from conventional daily drivers.

Can a sports car be a daily driver?

Yes, many sports cars can serve as daily drivers. Modern sports cars often feature comfortable interiors, advanced safety features, and user-friendly technology. Models like the Mazda MX-5 Miata, Ford Mustang, or Dodge Charger provide an exhilarating driving experience without sacrificing everyday usability. Keep in mind that factors such as fuel efficiency and cargo space may vary compared to traditional daily drivers.

What is the most fuel-efficient car for daily commute?

The Toyota Prius stands out as one of the most fuel-efficient cars for daily commuting. With its hybrid technology, the Prius achieves impressive fuel economy, making it an excellent choice for those prioritizing fuel efficiency in their daily commute. Other notable fuel-efficient options include the Honda Insight and Hyundai Ioniq, both offering hybrid technology and low fuel consumption for a cost-effective and eco-friendly daily driving experience.