Honda Fit: “Excellent gas mileage and a nice, tight turning radius” make this four-door hatchback subcompact a good choice for city commuters, says Ed Hellwig, executive editor at online car shopping and research site Edmunds.com. A rear “magic seat” folds in multiple ways to handle oddball cargo and provides surprisingly generous legroom. “It’s tall, easy to get into and out of, and economical to own and operate,” says Kelley Blue Book analyst Jack Nerad. The Fit earns a “recommended” from Consumer Reports. Price range: $16,725 to $22,000. Click Here to Get Invoice Pricing Today
Toyota 4Runner: 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. Price range: Starts at $36,430 (with 4WD). Click Here to Get Invoice Pricing Today
Toyota Prius: Toyota’s pioneering compact gas-electric hybrid hatchback boasts midsize interior room, offers a pleasant ride and delivers on the promise of better gas mileage, getting more than 50 mpg. City commuters will get higher mpg as the electric motor comes into play more often. Consumer Reports calls the Prius’ technology “well-proven,” and the car ranks among the most reliable around, with low ownership costs. But it also notes that drawbacks include engine noise and a “lack of lumbar support adjustment” during longer trips. The smaller Prius C and larger Prius V might be worth a look, too. Price range: Starts at $25,035. Click Here to Get Invoice Pricing Today
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: 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. Price range: Starts at $26,835. Click Here to Get Invoice Pricing Today
Ram 1500: This full-size pickup could be the choice for commuters who need the hauling or towing capability of a pickup — or might need its job-site utility — but don’t want to put up with a harsh ride in return. Hellwig says that the “V-6 base [gasoline] engine has some of the best mileage in the class, in our testing. It’s very close to, or better than, its [government] ratings. The diesel is very good, too, but if you don’t want to spend [more] for the gasoline V-8 or the diesel, the V-6 is a good choice.” Price range: $27,340 to mid-$60,000s. Click Here to Get Invoice Pricing Today
