How to Choose a Great Commuter Car in 2023
Written by DriveAxis.ca April 12, 2023
If you spend a lot of time behind the wheel going to and from work every day, you’re going to want a commuter car that is practical, comfortable and convenient. You’ll also want a car that can pull double-duty on weeknights and weekends, so you can tackle everything from dropping the kids off at soccer practice, to buying groceries.
Commuter cars are built with convenience in mind, but that comes in a few different forms. When choosing the right commuter car, it’s good to understand what makes them so practical in the first place, so you can be better informed when it comes to making the right purchasing decision. Here’s a few tips to assist you.
COMMUTER CARS FOR HEAVY DRIVERS
You may be a regular commuter, but what if you’re also a driving enthusiast who loves cruising around on the weekend and taking in the sights? For that, you’ll need a commuter car that will be your “home away from home,” at least where the road is concerned. These cars prioritize a mixture of comfort, fuel efficiency, and most importantly, fun!
Think Honda’s popular Civic, an all-around best contender when it comes to mixing all three into the perfect concoction on four capable wheels. The Civic is not only affordable, but reputable, as well. It’s one of the most reliable cars ever to hit the road, as well as one of the most versatile. Plus, you have several options to fit your style, from sedans, to sporty coupes, and even a hatchback to make carrying extra gear around that much easier. For extra spice, consider the Si line, which offers a bit more sport for the buck, as well as the Civic Type R hatchback, a car that cranks out an astonishing 306 horsepower!
COMMUTER CARS FOR WEEKEND ADVENTURERS
The weekly commute should be a comfortable and enjoyable one, but when Saturday and Sunday arrive, it’s all about hitting the open road for a bit of fun with your friends and family. For that, you’ll want a car that can handle all of them comfortably, while still leaving enough space for luggage and equipment. SUVs and crossovers are quickly becoming the gold standard for this type of commuter car, and Honda’s CR-V is one of the most attractive.
The CR-V handles much like a car, rather than a bulky pickup, and that means a more comfortable ride. Plus, it’s good on gas, has plenty of storage space, and can handle the off-road with all-wheel drive (AWD) traction. There’s even a hybrid model for those who want to stretch their gas dollars to the absolute maximum; perfect for deep treks off the beaten path! Once your weekend adventure has concluded, you’re ready to get back to the weekly routine with a commuter car that is comfy and safety-focused, thanks to a plethora of driving aids like emergency braking, forward-collision warning and road/lane departure mitigation systems.
COMMUTER CARS FOR THE LUXURY-MINDED
If you’re going to spend so much time behind the wheel every day, you might as well do it in style! Luxury commuter cars are plentiful, which means it all boils down to your particular taste in brand, styling and amenities. Typically, these cars have a lot of tech built into them, which makes the daily commute so much more enjoyable. One of the best, and most reputable is BMW’s own 3-series.
Not only does it boast BMW’s world-renowned handling and quality, but it also blends enough tech into its affordable platform to turn the heads of many would-be buyers. There’s no lack of options when it comes to engine power, either. This level of luxury also affects what’s under the hood, from a super-smooth suspension with solid traction, to premium-level craftsmanship. Inside, there’s plenty of enjoyment to be had, courtesy of tech packages and infotainment options, digital instrument clusters and driver assist technologies.
COMMUTER CARS FOR THE SPORTS ENTHUSIAST
Not every car needs to be practical. In fact, sometimes it’s preferable to spoil the teenager in all of us, and what better car to encapsulate that mindset than Ford’s legendary Mustang? For what it offers under the hood, it’s a surprisingly affordable sports car that’ll make your daily commute that much more enjoyable, whether you’re weaving (safely, of course) in and out of traffic, or cruising home in style after a hard day at the office.
The only caveat of the Mustang is its 2-door sports coupe build, which makes carpooling something of a punchline. Never fear, however! The Mustang makes up for this shortcoming with a 310 horsepower engine off its 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine, but if that’s not enough, there’s always a 330hp performance package, or a 760hp Shelby GT500 package, if your wallet is deep enough. Just be mindful of speed traps, and you’ll be right as rain!
CONCLUSION
Commuter cars come in many different flavors, all of which depend on your personal style and set of preferences. Do you want something safe, cost-effective, practical and understated, or would you prefer to blow a bundle on a daily commuter that’ll make you grin from ear to ear?
There is no right or wrong answer, but if you’re having trouble deciding, it’s time to give us a call at DriveAxis. We’ll help you find the best pre-owned car from the above models, so you can make a more informed purchasing decision. Plus, we take care of all financing in-house, which means you’re guaranteed to get approved, regardless of your credit history. Are you ready to enhance the quality of your daily commute? Now’s the time!
