The Best SUVs for Long Commutes

When you spend a significant amount of time in your vehicle, it’s important to have one you enjoy driving. Sedans tend to be the go-to amongst commuters thanks to their fuel economy, but branching outside of that segment may provide surprisingly satisfying results. SUVs, for example, can also make great commuter cars. They’re roomy and comfortable, and the competition in that market, in particular, drives automakers to put a lot of time and effort into developing their SUVs, meaning better options for consumers. We know, we know; you’re worried about the cost of fueling them. Although they have a reputation for guzzling gas, the rise of hybrid and electric powertrain technology means even SUVs can be fuel efficient.

Of course, fuel economy isn’t the only factor that goes into your decision for which vehicle you want to commute in day in and day out. Comfort is likely to be pretty important to the average commuter, as is safety. Cost is another thing to consider when picking your daily driver, and SUVs surely aren’t the cheapest, but buying used can ensure you’re getting a lot of value at a price that’s easier to swallow. There are a variety of SUVs that check all of these boxes and more. If you’re on the hunt for your next commuter car, these next seven vehicles will be all the motivation you need to start searching for a used SUV for sale near you.

Chevy Bolt EUV

Chevy has been busy developing new hybrid and full-electric vehicles, and we see some of the fruit of that labor in the form of the Chevy Bolt EUV, which debuted for the 2022 model year. The name should sound familiar; the Bolt EV has been a staple of Chevy’s electric line since 2017. The Bolt EUV, or Electric Utility Vehicle, is a larger version of the traditional Bolt EV, landing it in the subcompact SUV segment. As far as SUVs go, it’s one of the tinier ones, so it may not be a good fit for drivers who like a little more room. However, its fuel economy is hard to beat. This fully-electric SUV operates sans gas, of course, and its range is up to 247 miles when fully charged, plenty for most commuters out there.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

For the sport-minded commuter, there may be no better SUV than the Ford Mustang Mach-E. It borrows its namesake from one of the most iconic muscle cars of all time and has the power and capability to live up to the reputation. The GT Performance version of the Mach-E is tuned specifically for high-speed thrills, launching from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. This feat is made possible by its beefy, all-electric powertrain that produces 480 hp and 634 lb-ft of torque. If that seems excessive to you, there are several other versions of the Mach-E geared towards different performance goals. The California Route 1, for example, seeks to maximize range at 312 miles, while the base-level Select is all about making the Mach-E more accessible to a broader range of budgets.

Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid

Plug-in hybrids can be a great solution for commuters who like the idea of an electric vehicle but are concerned about the logistics of charging when they need to take longer trips. Plug-in hybrids can operate either in a fully-electric capacity or as a hybrid, keeping things flexible for the driver. For its part, the Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 37 miles of electric driving, enough to get through a good chunk of most commutes. Adding to the holistic performance of the Escape is an automatic all-wheel drive. When road conditions call for it, it will automatically switch to all-wheel drive for boosted traction. When it’s not needed, the vehicle will operate in front-wheel drive to maximize fuel economy.

Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV

Your wallet may be twinging at the thought of getting a Mercedes-Benz as your daily driver, but the GLA is the entry-level contender for their SUV lineup, so it may not be as pricey as you think. Plus, if you have to commute every day, doing so in a vehicle dripping with luxury might make the whole experience a little more, dare I say, enjoyable. Being a luxury brand, the GLA SUV will provide its passengers with a premier experience inside the cabin, even though it’s one of the more affordable models from Mercedes-Benz. It comes standard with features like power-operated front seats with memory functions and remote start, so you can warm your car up before hopping in it in the morning. It’s quite compact but still allows for space to stretch out with 50.5 cu.ft of cargo space, plus 38 inches of legroom for rear passengers.

Honda CR-V

Honda is a big name amongst commuters and for good reason. They’ve earned a reputation for crafting efficient, reliable, and affordable vehicles, which pairs well with the daily grind. It’s versatile and customizable, with several different trim levels to choose from and both gasoline and hybrid powertrains. That versatility is exactly what makes the Honda CR-V a good commuter car. Being an SUV, it’s roomy and uses its space well, getting up to 76.5 cu.ft. of cargo space with the seats folded down. You may not need all that space during your daily trek to and from work, but it will sure come in handy during your next road trip. Newer models of the CR-V are also incredibly safe, with Honda’s Sensing Suite coming standard. This means the inclusion of features like adaptive cruise control, road departure mitigation, and emergency braking, regardless of which trim level you opt for.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Toyota is another household name for in-the-know commuters, and, like Honda, they’re lauded for their affordable, high-quality vehicles. The Toyota RAV4 can be had with either a traditional gasoline or hybrid powertrain, but we like the latter for commuters as it gets up to 41 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway. This means extra space doesn’t have to come at the cost of extra fuel, so you can feel good about riding solo to work in your SUV. The RAV4 is also powerful and torque-heavy, getting 219 hp from its engine and electric motors that will allow you to accelerate onto the highway with ease.

Mazda CX-30

With a starting MSRP sub-$23,000 for the newest model year, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 looks more expensive than it is. This thoughtfully-designed subcompact SUV oozes luxury both inside and out thanks to its clean lines and quality materials. Its interior is stylish and driver-forward, with unique features like the dial located behind the shifter for easy toggling through the infotainment system, which sits nestled in the plush dashboard. The CX-30 doesn’t just look good, either. An available 2.5-liter turbocharged engine puts sporty performance at the fingertips of thrill-seeking drivers. It produces up to 250 hp and 319 lb-ft of torque.

Switch Up Your Routine With an SUV

If you have a long commute, you may have felt limited to more compact vehicles in order to avoid spending a fortune at the pump, but the modernization of powertrain technology means hybrid and electric versions of larger vehicles—like SUVs—are becoming more realistic for those who are putting a healthy amount of mileage on their car each week. What’s more, these fuel-savvy vehicles aren’t just one-trick ponies riding off efficiency alone. More and more, comfort, convenience, and safety are part of the package as well.