26) 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
$21,680 | 30 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.2/10
The Chevy Malibu’s impressive performance in crash tests and history of excellent marks for reliability make it a wise choice. It also offers ample space for five passengers, with lots of legroom in the back seats and respectable room for cargo.
The base model comes equipped with a fuel-efficient turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It also includes a basic stereo, but if you opt for any trim above the base, you’ll enjoy a touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.
26) 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
$21,680 | 30 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.2/10
25) 2018 Chevrolet Sonic
$18,420 | 30 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.1/10
Every Sonic includes a user-friendly touch-screen interface with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Despite its small footprint, the Sonic sedan has a decent amount of cargo space, and you can choose the hatchback variant if you desire more room. The Sonic’s front seats are among the most comfortable in its class. To top it off, the Sonic delivers agile handling for city driving, while still providing a smooth ride on the highway.
To get a Chevrolet Sonic with the best fuel economy, you need to step up to the LT trim, which comes with a peppy turbocharged 1.4-liter engine. You also have to upgrade to the automatic transmission.
25) 2018 Chevrolet Sonic
$18,420 | 30 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.1/10
24) 2018 Mazda3
$19,145 | 31 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.2/10
Simply pick the available automatic transmission, and the Mazda3 returns great gas mileage. It gets its power from a strong, 155-horsepower four-cylinder. The Mazda3 offers one of the most dynamic driving experiences in its class, and its suspension is sure to soak up most road imperfections.
Comfortable, supportive front seats and enough space for adults in back make the Mazda3 a versatile commuter. It boasts one of the nicest cabins in our compact car rankings and comes standard with a highly responsive 7-inch touch screen.
24) 2018 Mazda3
$19,145 | 31 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.2/10
23) 2018 Kia Rio
$14,900 | 32 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.2/10
The fully redesigned Kia Rio’s low price tag, user-friendly interior tech, and nimble handling make it great for commuters. While it’s more athletic than some rivals, it provides a smooth ride on the freeway. Its energetic four-cylinder is fuel-efficient.
The Rio is roomy for a subcompact car, has a supportive driver’s seat with wide adjustability, and offers room in back for taller occupants. The sedan has respectable cargo capacity, and the hatchback is an even better option. A 5-inch touch screen comes standard, though a more advanced system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is available.
23) 2018 Kia Rio
$14,900 | 32 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.2/10
22) 2018 Hyundai Sonata Eco
$22,650 | 31 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.5/10
Hyundai refreshed the Sonata for the 2018 model year with updated styling, a new suspension, and additional tech and driver assistance features. It offers comfort over performance, which makes it a great daily driver. Its supportive seats, large trunk, and standard 7-inch touch screen up the ante. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard features, along with rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and lane change assist.
The Eco model returns the best fuel economy and only costs $600 more than the base Sonata. It includes a 178-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
22) 2018 Hyundai Sonata Eco
$22,650 | 31 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.5/10
21) 2018 Volkswagen Jetta
$19,645 | 32 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.2/10
Despite the Jetta’s lower spot in our compact car rankings, it has all the makings of a solid commuter car. It features generous cargo space, comfortable seats, and a user-friendly infotainment system. The base screen is small, but you can upgrade to a larger interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
A Jetta equipped with the available automatic transmission and the turbocharged four-cylinder base engine gets solid fuel economy. Like many of today’s compact cars, the Jetta delivers a sporty, comfortable ride.
21) 2018 Volkswagen Jetta
$19,645 | 32 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.2/10
20) 2018 Subaru Impreza
$19,495 | 32 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.4/10
You have to upgrade the base Subaru Impreza with the available automatic transmission to assure the best fuel-efficiency. It’s powered by a meager four-cylinder engine and comes standard with all-wheel drive.
While rivals offer more power, the Impreza is safe, spacious, and practical. It’s also easy on the pocketbook and comes with a notable amount of standard features, including Bluetooth audio streaming, a 6.5-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Opting for the hatchback model means loads more cargo space, and fuel economy suffers only slightly.
20) 2018 Subaru Impreza
$19,495 | 32 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.4/10
19) 2018 Kia Optima
$24,300 | 31 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.6/10
Kia improved the Optima for the 2018 model year with newly standard features like a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, rear cross traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and blind spot monitoring.
The LX 1.6T trim is the most fuel-efficient option, and it comes with extras that commuters will appreciate, including an upgraded 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and leather-trimmed seats. All five passengers will find the Optima’s seats supportive and spacious, and cargo room is plentiful. It’s also a 2018 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+.
19) 2018 Kia Optima
$24,300 | 31 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.6/10
18) 2018 Honda CR-V
$27,050 | 30 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.8/10
The Honda CR-V is the 2018 winner of our Best Compact SUV for the Money and Best Compact SUV for Families awards. Needless to say, it fits the bill as a terrific vehicle for commuting. Choose the EX trim with its turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine to get the best gas mileage for the lowest starting price.
Its reputation for safety and reliability, high-quality cabin, and expansive passenger and cargo capacity are just some of the CR-V’s outstanding qualities. The EX model comes standard with a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a moonroof, remote start, heated front seats, a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a multitude of advanced driver assistance technologies.
18) 2018 Honda CR-V
$27,050 | 30 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.8/10
17) 2018 Honda Accord
$23,570 | 33 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.3/10
The completely redesigned base Accord, with its 192-horsepower turbo-four and automatic transmission, returns impressive fuel economy. It provides supportive front seats, considerable rear-seat legroom, and a large trunk.
Every Honda Accord is equipped with the Honda Sensing System, which includes a healthy list of active safety tech, such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and collision mitigation braking. You have to move up from the base trim to get niceties like an 8-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, wireless device charging, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.
17) 2018 Honda Accord
$23,570 | 33 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.3/10
16) 2018 Kia Forte
$17,900 | 32 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.5/10
The Kia Forte has one of the nicest cabins in our compact car rankings, with five well-padded seats and a spacious trunk. Its standard 147-horsepower four-cylinder won’t win any races, but it’s fuel-efficient when paired with the available automatic transmission.
The Forte is priced lower than many of the vehicles in this slideshow, but it doesn’t come with many standard features. You have to step up from the base model to get a rearview camera and an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Forte comes with an industry-leading warranty, it’s part of a generation that earns high predicted reliability ratings, and it’s a 2018 IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
16) 2018 Kia Forte
$17,900 | 32 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.5/10
15) 2018 Hyundai Accent
$15,995 | 32 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.3/10
A quality interior, roomy seats, and impressive trunk space make the fully redesigned Accent a wise choice for commuters. It’s also inexpensive, even when adding the available automatic transmission, which helps with fuel economy.
The Accent handles well and provides a relatively smooth ride. Its 130-horsepower four-cylinder engine should suffice for most driving situations. The Accent comes with a rearview camera, Bluetooth, and a 5-inch touch screen. If you buy above the base model, you’ll get a 7-inch touch screen system, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.
15) 2018 Hyundai Accent
$15,995 | 32 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.3/10
14) 2018 GMC Terrain Diesel
$31,600 | 32 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.6/10
Getting the best gas mileage out of the Terrain means selecting the SLE Diesel trim with front-wheel drive. It comes equipped with a new 137-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine and plenty of extras, like a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, remote start, and a power liftgate.
The Terrain offers great maneuverability and coddling ride quality. Don’t let its small footprint fool you. It boasts a respectable amount of cargo space and two spacious rows of seats. Every Terrain also comes loaded with standard features, including GM’s Teen Driver safety system, a rearview camera, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
14) 2018 GMC Terrain Diesel
$31,600 | 32 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.6/10
13) 2018 Toyota Camry
$23,495 | 34 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.5/10
The completely redesigned Camry is the winner of our 2018 U.S. News Best Midsize Car for the Money and Best Midsize Car for Families awards. In its base configuration, it comes with a highly fuel-efficient 203-horsepower four-cylinder engine. While it’s no sports car, the Camry delivers respectable power and enjoyable driving dynamics.
The Camry’s upscale interior has firm, cushioned seats and plenty of room up front. However, taller passengers may find the rear seats a bit constricting. While you still can’t get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Camry’s new infotainment system is upgraded and offers improved smartphone integration.
13) 2018 Toyota Camry
$23,495 | 34 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.5/10
12) 2018 Honda Civic
$22,400 | 36 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.2/10
It comes as no surprise that the Civic tops our compact car rankings. It earns top-notch safety ratings, has a track record of above-average scores for reliability, and provides a luxurious cabin. It offers two rows of comfortable seats and lots of space for cargo.
The Civic’s most fuel-efficient trim is the EX-T with the optional automatic transmission. It gets its power from a turbocharged 174-horsepower engine. The EX-T adds several appealing features, like dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, a moonroof, a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
12) 2018 Honda Civic
$22,400 | 36 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.2/10
11) 2018 Hyundai Elantra Eco
$20,550 | 35 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.6/10
Hyundai offers the Elantra in an Eco trim with a turbocharged 128-horsepower engine that gets great gas mileage. The Eco is also a solid value due to its long list of standard features. It comes with a rearview camera, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
The Elantra will please commuters with its quiet, high-quality cabin. The front seats offer considerable support and comfort, while the rear seats provide just enough legroom for most passengers. Rounding out the Elantra’s strengths are above-average cargo space, stellar reliability, and IIHS Top Safety Pick status.
11) 2018 Hyundai Elantra Eco
$20,550 | 35 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.6/10
10) 2018 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel
$23,820 | 37 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.2/10
The Cruze LT can be equipped with a 137-horsepower turbodiesel engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission. This setup returns superb gas mileage. Even if you opt to stick with the standard manual transmission, the EPA says you’ll enjoy the same combined fuel economy rating.
Every Cruze is loaded with standard features that make it a great daily driver. It comes equipped with a 7-inch touch-screen interface, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Teen Driver, and a rearview camera. The LT provides even more commuter-friendly amenities, like heated side mirrors, steering wheel-mounted audio and phone controls, and cruise control. All seats are roomy, and there’s ample room for cargo.
10) 2018 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel
$23,820 | 37 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.2/10
9) 2018 Honda Fit
$16,990 | 36 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.1/10
Adding the available automatic transmission to the base Honda Fit gets you great fuel-efficiency. With the Fit, you get a lot for your money, and that’s why it’s the winner of our 2018 Best Subcompact Car for the Money award. The Fit features a spacious, upscale interior and a large, versatile cargo area. All trims above the base include a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
The Fit’s tiny footprint and agile handling make it a great car for the city commuter. However, its modest 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine might not be the best choice if you do a lot of highway driving, as it lacks highway passing power and is loud at high speeds.
9) 2018 Honda Fit
$16,990 | 36 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.1/10
8) 2018 Ford C-Max Hybrid
$24,120 | 40 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.1/10
The C-Max Hybrid doesn’t fare well in our wagon rankings. Nonetheless, it returns exceptional fuel economy, while providing adept handling and peppy performance. Its cabin also impresses with premium materials, supportive seats, and excellent outward visibility. It has less room for cargo than rival wagons, but its configuration still means you’ll have lots of available space.
The base C-Max comes standard with typical features, including a rearview camera, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and Bluetooth. However, you can opt for appealing extras, like leather upholstery, heated front seats, an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
8) 2018 Ford C-Max Hybrid
$24,120 | 40 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.1/10
7) 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid
$33,400 |110 MPGe/42 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.2/10
The Clarity is one of the most upscale plug-in hybrids for under $35,000. It will take you 47 miles on electric power alone, while returning 110 mpg-equivalent. Even when its gas engine kicks in, the Clarity still gets 42 mpg. It has a luxury cabin, comfortable front seats, and above-average cargo space for the class.
The Clarity is best suited for city commuters, due to its long all-electric range, peppy engine, and instant torque. On the highway, it’s unable to deliver sufficient power for merging and passing maneuvers.
The Clarity comes standard with an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a long list of advanced driver assistance technologies.
7) 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid
$33,400 |110 MPGe/42 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.2/10
6) 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
$26,000 | 40 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.3/10
For the 2017 model year, Hyundai added a newly standard 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HD Radio to the Sonata Hybrid. It has a larger trunk than most competitors, supportive front seats, and some of the roomiest rear seats in its class. Moreover, the Sonata Hybrid’s cabin is comparable to many luxury cars’.
The 2017 Sonata Hybrid offers a smooth ride, and its transition from electric to gas power is nearly imperceptible. Like the Clarity, it does a great job with brisk acceleration around town, but you’ll need to give yourself some extra time when attempting to merge or pass on the highway. The Sonata Hybrid was named a 2017 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.
A refreshed 2018 Sonata Hybrid is already on the market. Our review is coming shortly.
6) 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
$26,000 | 40 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.3/10
5) 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid
$25,995 | 42 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.6/10
The Kia Optima Hybrid is the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid’s corporate cousin. While it doesn’t fare nearly as well in our midsize car rankings, it has a higher U.S. News interior score. As far as commuter cars are concerned, this is important. The Optima Hybrid provides a functional interior with high-quality materials, decent cargo space, and comfortable front seats.
Standard features include a 7-inch touch screen, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a rearview camera. It delivers a coddling ride, earns excellent crash test ratings, and has a reputation for outstanding reliability.
5) 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid
$25,995 | 42 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.6/10
4) 2018 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
$27,920 | 46 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.3/10
A spacious interior, user-friendly tech features, and impressive performance land the Malibu Hybrid near the top of our midsize car rankings. These qualities also make it an ideal commuter car. Both rows offer expansive space and adequate comfort, and the Malibu’s handsome cabin is comprised of first-rate materials.
Chevrolet does a stellar job of offering a multitude of standard features in many of its vehicles, and the Malibu Hybrid is no exception. It includes a Wi-Fi hot spot, a 7-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a rearview camera. It only comes in one trim, but several packages are available.
4) 2018 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
$27,920 | 46 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.3/10
3) 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid
$27,800 | 46 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.3/10
The completely redesigned Camry Hybrid costs a touch less than the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. It returns the same combined fuel economy and earns the same U.S. New interior score. The Camry boasts sporty performance and agile handling, while providing a quiet, cushioned ride. It also features a first-rate cabin with roomy seats and a large trunk.
The IIHS designates the Camry Hybrid as a 2018 Top Safety Pick+. All models come with a full suite of active safety features, including a rearview camera, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. You also get an intuitive 7-inch touch screen, Siri Eyes Free, and Bluetooth. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not available in Toyota vehicles.
3) 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid
$27,800 | 46 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.3/10
2) 2018 Toyota Prius
$23,475 | 52 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.1/10
The Prius paved the way for the latter hybrids in this slideshow, and it’s still one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the market today. Over the years, Toyota has improved the hybrid to be a very well-rounded commuter car. It features an upmarket cabin with comfortable front seats and a huge cargo area. The Prius provides controlled handling, a smooth ride, and exceptional maneuverability.
Standard features in the Prius include a rearview camera, lane keep assist, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, a 6.1-inch touch-screen display, Siri Eyes Free, and Bluetooth. The Prius’ powertrain delivers instant torque, which is helpful for city commuting, but you’ll have to put your foot to the floor to overcome its lack of power at higher speeds.
2) 2018 Toyota Prius
$23,475 | 52 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.1/10
1) 2018 Hyundai Ioniq
$22,200 | 55 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.1/10
Hyundai does a fantastic job of checking all the right boxes to make the Ioniq an arguably unmatched commuter car. It’s reasonably priced, returns top-notch fuel economy, and has a high-quality interior with comfortable seats and an expansive cargo area. It delivers smooth, peppy acceleration and confident, predictable handling.
The Ioniq earns a perfect 10 U.S. News safety score and is a 2018 IIHS Top Safety Pick. It comes standard with an easy-to-use touch-screen interface, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a rearview camera. You can also get the Ioniq in a plug-in hybrid or all-electric configuration.
1) 2018 Hyundai Ioniq
$22,200 | 55 mpg | U.S. News Interior Score: 8.1/10
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Are any of these top commuter cars on your list? Visit our new car rankings to learn more and compare models. Also, check out our best financing deals and best lease deals pages to see manufacturers’ current offers.
When it’s time to buy, use our U.S. News Best Price Program to find the dealer near you with the lowest prices. Shoppers who use the program save an average of $3,106 off their new car purchase.
26 Best Commuter Cars
- 26) 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
- 25) 2018 Chevrolet Sonic
- 24) 2018 Mazda3
- 23) 2018 Kia Rio
- 22) 2018 Hyundai Sonata Eco
- 21) 2018 Volkswagen Jetta
- 20) 2018 Subaru Impreza
- 19) 2018 Kia Optima
- 18) 2018 Honda CR-V
- 17) 2018 Honda Accord
- 16) 2018 Kia Forte
- 15) 2018 Hyundai Accent
- 14) 2018 GMC Terrain Diesel
- 13) 2018 Toyota Camry
- 12) 2018 Honda Civic
- 11) 2018 Hyundai Elantra Eco
- 10) 2018 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel
- 9) 2018 Honda Fit
- 8) 2018 Ford C-Max Hybrid
- 7) 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid
- 6) 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
- 5) 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid
- 4) 2018 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
- 3) 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid
- 2) 2018 Toyota Prius
- 1) 2018 Hyundai Ioniq
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Check Out the Best Commuter Cars on the Market Today
What makes a top-notch commuter car? If you use your car primarily for driving to and from work every day, it likely transforms into an additional living space. You probably keep it packed full of an array of items that you may need in a pinch, and your car’s infotainment system serves as a “third screen” for communication and media.
Many people’s commuting times are increasing these days, so having a car that offers plenty of comfort, appealing interior features, and adequate cargo space is important. A reasonable price, as well as a fuel-efficient powertrain, are also prime considerations.
The following cars and SUVs are priced under $35,000 with an automatic transmission. In fact, several are priced around the $20,000 mark, and many cost even less. Additionally, every commuter car on our list returns at least 30 mpg, and U.S. News interior scores for comfort, features, and cargo space are impressive.
It’s important to note that U.S. News scores and rankings have a tendency to change on a regular basis. This is because we continually update our reviews based on new incoming data and expert opinions from automotive journalists. With that being said, remember that the scores mentioned in this slideshow may not match the scores in our rankings.
Continue reading to learn more about today’s best commuter cars.