Drive Smart: Factors to Consider for Your Daily Commute

Many drivers think of their commute as simply a part of their day, and while they might wish there was a way to make it better, they may not know where to start. The truth is the vehicle you choose to get you from home to work and back home again is the best first step on your quest to make the drive more enjoyable, efficient, and safe.

Roanoke Motors Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has many used cars for sale that can help you enjoy your commute more. We also have a friendly and knowledgeable team who can assist you in narrowing down your selection, focusing on features like comfort, efficiency, safety, and connectivity. How can we be so certain we’re the right team for you? Helping our customers find the best vehicles for their driving needs is what we’ve done since 1956, and we plan to continue doing so for many years to come. If you need to upgrade your current commuter car, we invite you to check out our selection today, but first, keep reading to learn more about what factors to consider when looking for the best match.

Fuel-Efficient Commuter Cars

First and foremost, the top priority for drivers who commute daily is typically fuel efficiency. There have been many advances in efficiency in the past few years as more and more manufacturers aim to reduce their carbon footprint. While that’s great, it also makes narrowing down the best options more difficult. When looking at those options, it’s important to pay attention to more than miles per gallon. You’ll also want to consider things like engine, vehicle size, and the model year. Additionally, consider how you’ll use your car beyond commuting. For instance, if you also need it to drop off the kids at school or haul their soccer equipment, the smallest vehicle with the best fuel efficiency might not be the one for you, which is why the list below gives you a bit of wiggle room.

Taking this a bit further, key things to remember are that while larger engines offer more power and performance, they also use more fuel. With this in mind, you’ll want to stick to four-cylinder engines or a fuel-efficient V6. Also, sedans tend to be more fuel efficient, although many SUVs offer comparable numbers while giving you more room. Finally, some older models offer acceptable efficiency, but more modern versions from within the last few years have advanced engineering, which gives them an edge when it comes to fuel efficiency and much more. Now that you have these things in mind, here are a few options to consider.

Toyota Prius

The Prius is a hybrid that has long been known for its efficiency. In fact, you can find models with an EPA estimate of more than 50 MPG. Beyond that impressive number, you’ll also enjoy a spacious, well-designed interior and a smooth ride. Another thing to note about the Prius is that it’s considered a parallel hybrid, which means that its gas-powered engine and electric motor are separate and can run independently. This is a different setup than other hybrid options.

Kia Niro

The Kia Niro is another great choice if you’re looking for a smaller commuter vehicle. Like the Prius, it is also a hybrid. However, it is considered an SUV, meaning it delivers more space than the Prius. Regarding efficiency, the EPA estimate for a 2022 model is 53 MPG in the city and 48 MPG on the highway. It also offers plenty of amenities, including two-zone automatic climate control, seamless connection to compatible phones, and comfortable seating.

Honda Civic

While the Civic does offer a hybrid option in newer models, you’ll also find that the gas-powered version holds its own, delivering up to 36 MPG. Not only that, but Honda is a brand that’s synonymous with safety and dependability, which increases your peace of mind. The Civic can also be found in a hatchback version, which increases your cargo space if that’s a priority.

Nissan Rogue

If you need more room than the above-mentioned vehicles offer, you can look at one of the most fuel-efficient gas-powered crossovers, the Nissan Rogue. This SUV is efficient, and its exterior styling is streamlined and modern. As far as numbers go, its turbocharged 1.5L three-cylinder engine has an EPA combined front-wheel driver estimate of 33 MPG in 2022 models.

Comfort and Connectivity: Commuter Cars That Hit the Mark

Beyond efficiency, you’ll also want to ensure the commuter car you choose is comfortable and provides you and your passengers with advanced technology that allows you to stay connected during the drive. Each vehicle noted above can be considered in this category, as well as the following options.

Honda CR-V

There’s a reason why this vehicle is one of the best-selling SUVs. First, its front seats are designed to decrease fatigue during the drive, and the driver’s seat is positioned to optimize your view. You’ll also find advanced technology that allows you to easily access your favorite apps, directions, and more. Plus, there’s plenty of cargo space with the second-row seats upright and even more when folded flat. Additionally, the hybrid CR-V’s EPA estimate of 35 MPG on the highway is nothing to sneeze at.

Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 has a long list of positives, including its balanced and responsive handling. In addition, you’ll find many standard technology features that make even the longest commutes more enjoyable. Plus, starting with the 2022 model year, Mazda made all-wheel drive standard across all trims, which is a significant advantage for many drivers. The CX-30 is also fun to drive, with its 2.5L I-4 engine and sporty vibe. It’s a great commuter option that doesn’t necessarily look or feel the part. Also, it offers a highway EPA rating above 30 MPG even with its turbocharged engine, making it even more enticing.

Comfort also comes from decreased road noise. This factor contributes to a more pleasant driving experience and lets you more readily enjoy communication with passengers or the latest episode of your favorite podcast. As far as brands are concerned, Honda ranks well when it comes to reduced road noise, especially the CR-V. You’ll find the CR-V has a well-insulated interior, active noise cancellation, and a smooth transmission that cushions every shift along the way. Other quiet SUVs include the Toyota RAV4, the Kia Sportage, and the Nissan Rouge. For cars, you can expect Honda to be at the top of the list, with both the Accord and Civic testing well.

Safety When Commuting

Last but certainly not least is a focus on safety while commuting. In recent years, most manufacturers have put a heavy emphasis on safety technology, making many of the used vehicles you’ll encounter a viable option for commuting. With that in mind, we’ll focus on the features you want to look for when shopping. For instance, you’ll want a used vehicle with features such as blind spot monitoring and forward-collision systems that alert you to possible obstacles in the way, including both pedestrians and vehicles, along with automatic emergency braking systems that apply the brakes if you’re not able to in time to avoid a collision. Additionally, any vehicle from 2019 or newer should have a backup camera installed.

Regarding brands with the highest safety rankings throughout their lineup, Mazda, Kia, Toyota, and Honda consistently rank at the top. In fact, you’ll find that the Toyota Prius is one of the safest small cars you can consider. In addition, Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis, which are all under the Hyundai umbrella, are the most awarded vehicles as of 2024 when it comes to safety. Finally, Mazda is one of the top three safest brands, with Toyota edging it out for the second spot.

Check Out Our Used Inventory Today

If you’re looking for a well-rounded commuter car that offers efficiency, comfort, connectivity, safety, and more, the vehicles mentioned above are a great place to start. You can find many of these and others that might fit your needs when shopping our inventory at Roanoke Motors Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Additionally, our team can assist you in narrowing down your selections to ensure you get the right fit. Contact a team member today to take the next step.

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