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Identifying the First-Gen Ford MustangBest Commuter Cars
With a balance of efficiency, daily livability, and affordability these are the best new and used commuter cars on the market today.
A Reliable and Efficient Daily Driver
Sometimes car shopping isn’t always about finding the most horsepower, the best entertainment system, or the highest towing capacity. Instead, there are some shoppers out there that just want an affordable commuter car that simply gets them from point A to B every day with little to no hassle. A car that can keep going well past 100,000 miles, has commendable fuel efficiency, and has enough comfort to endure the drive. Here’s some of the best options, both new and used, for your next great commuter car.
Best New Commuters
2025 Toyota Sienna
For those whose commutes include picking up and dropping off kids, the 2025 Toyota Sienna is among the best daily drivers available today. The Sienna offers minivan spaciousness, including up to 101 cu.-ft. of cargo space and three row seating, as well as bonus touches like a center console drink cooler and 18 cupholders (for real). The Sienna also does its thing efficiently with its hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5L engine with two electric motors for 245 horsepower. While that doesn’t translate to sports car acceleration, it does allow the Sienna to achieve up to 36 mpg. Tech features include a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, their suite of advanced driver assistance features. The 2025 Toyota Sienna LE starts at $39,185 while the top-trim Platinum starts at $56,145.
2025 Honda Accord
The 2025 Honda Accord is perhaps the nameplate’s finest hour thus far with its combination of comfort, efficiency, and stylishness. The basic 1.5L four cylinder is complemented by an optional hybrid system that pairs a 2.0L four cylinder with an electric motor for 204 horsepower and up to 48 mpg. Tack on segment-best handling and you’ve got a commuter that’s both economical and enjoyable to drive. The interior is likewise impressive with its high-quality materials and segment-leading rear seat legroom stretching 41 inches. The Accord tops things off with sterling safety ratings that include an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The Honda Accord starts at $28,295 and tops out with the Touring Hybrid at $39,300.
2025 Toyota Prius
The hybrid of hybrids continues to make one of the best commuter cars around. The 2025 Toyota Prius pairs slick new looks with its most efficient powertrains ever. The basic 2.0L hybrid four-cylinder makes 194 horsepower and nets 57 mpg. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version, the Prius Prime, makes 220 horsepower, offers up to 44 miles of electric-only range, and 52 mpg. The current-generation Prius offers a roomy and uniquely stylish interior, including 20 cu.-ft. of cargo space thanks to its hatchback design. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 offers the latest in driver assistance tech to round out a stellar commuter car. The 2025 Toyota Prius LE starts at $28,745 while the top trim Prius XSE Prime starts at $40,465.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5
If you’re open to making the leap to full electrification, our recommendation of a go-to commuter EV is the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5. The Ioniq 5 blends striking good looks and a killer interior with an efficient and punchy electric powertrain. The basic, single-motor RWD version is powered by a 58.0 kWh battery pack and makes 168 horsepower and offers up to 220 miles of range on a single charge. A 77.4 battery version is offered in either RWD or AWD. The RWD version is the most efficient with up to 303 miles of range and 225 horsepower. The more powerful dual-motor AWD has 320 horsepower and splits the difference on range at 260 miles. The Ioniq 5 features a boldly styled interior with a mix of high-end tech and everyday creature comforts. Its hatchback body style affords 27.2 cu.-ft. of cargo behind the rear seats and up to 59.3 cu.-ft. with them folded down. The Ioniq 5’s trims start with the SE Standard Range at $42,985 and runs to $54,685 for the AWD Limited.
Best Used Commuters
1998-2011 Lincoln Town Car
Ford’s Crown Victoria became ubiquitous as the fleet vehicle of choice for police forces across the country in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The vaunted Panther platform that underpinned it as well as Mercury’s Grand Marquis and Marauder was also shared with the Lincoln Town Car of the same period. That means the Lincoln version shares those other cars’ durability and longevity while adding in a good deal of comfort and luxury appointments. The Modular 4.6L V8 is among the most dependable engines Ford ever built; offering between 205 and 239 horsepower (depending on the year). Plush leather seats and wood trim offer a clear step up in luxury from the more utilitarian Crown Vic. You can find Lincoln Town Cars in good condition for between $8,000 and $10,000.
2009-2014 Subaru Outback
The fourth-generation Subaru Outback (2009-2014) encapsulates all that’s beloved about Subarus writ large: off-road cops, cargo space galore, a comfortable cabin, and a decent ride. The fourth-gen Outback offers either a 2.5L flat-four or a larger 3.6L flat-six for added punch. 8.7 inches of ground clearance and Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive allow the rugged wagon to tackle dirt roads and light trail work with ease. Up to 71 cu.-ft. of cargo capacity makes the wagon-bodied Outback as capacious as your average compact crossover. The Subaru Outback is a great all-‘rounder capable of pulling double duty as a daily commuter and weekend warrior. You’ll find fourth-generation Outbacks on the used market listed between $8,000 and $10,000.
2008-2012 Lexus RX 350
The Lexus RX 350 is one of the most reliable vehicles of the past 25 years, in terms of both running costs and frequency of repairs. The luxury equivalent of the Toyota RAV4, the RX 350 adds an attractive cabin and an expansive sweet of high-end features to a sterling track record of dependability. The RX 350 offers up to 80 cu.-ft. of cargo capacity and high-end interior options include rear seat entertainment, a Mark Levinson stereo, and heated and cooled front seats. The RX 350 runs a 3.5L V6 making 275 horsepower. A hybrid version, the RX 450h, combines that motor with two electric ones for 297 horsepower. Fuel economy is 20 mpg combined for the non-hybrid and 30 mpg for the hybrid. You’ll find the Lexus RX 350 listed for between $10,000 and $12,000.
2012-15 Honda Civic
The fabled Honda Civic has to make an appearance on this list as they have a history of just continuing to run after hundreds of thousands of miles with little to no hassle. That doesn’t necessarily mean you should go out and make a 1992 Honda Civic your commuter car, but you should take advantage of the more recent low mileage models available. The ninth-generation Civic features a 1.8L SOHC I4 engine makes 140hp and nets a fuel economy of 28 city / 38 highway for a combined 31 mpg. The Honda Civic also provides a comfortable ride while commuting across town every day. Eight-generation Civic’s are typically listed for between $8,000 and $12,000 depending on mileage and condition.
2010-2015 Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius was the original influencer of the hybrid car trend. It has always delivered great gas mileage and the 3rd generation, spanning 2010 through 2015, is no different. The main engine combination you’ll find is a 1.8L I4 paired with an electric motor and a CVT. The average fuel economy of this generation is 49 city / 46 highway for a combined 48 mpg. That’s well worth the investment, but that isn’t the only Prius option to take note of. You can and should look at the plug-in hybrid versions and the newer Prius models available for even better gas mileages. The third-generation Prius can be found with moderate mileage for between $8,000 and $11,000.
2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Chevrolet’s Bolt EV was conceived as an affordable urban runabout EV. And while flashy Teslas and Hyundai EVs take up much of the EV attention, the Bolt EV has been quietly one of Chevy’s best-selling vehicles. And thanks to both a lower-than-average starting price and the volume of sales, the Bolt is also one of the most affordable used EVs on the market. The 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV has the ability to travel 259 miles on its fully charged lithium-ion battery. The electric engine makes 200 horsepower, reaches 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, and has DC Fast Charging as an available option. The small hatchback doesn’t carry as much cargo or passenger space as other EVs like the Tesla Model Y, but it undercuts the Model Y by $5,000 to $10,000. You can find lightly used 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EVs for between $16,000 and $18,000.
