15 Best Cars for Commuting

Roman Danaev

Best cars08 February 2024

You probably clock in over an hour on the road every day, which makes the search for the best car for commuting a priority.

Everyone’s needs differ. Some are lucky to have a short commute, while others accumulate pretty big mileage through long-distance driving. That’s why we’ve included some of the best options spanning a wide range of categories to cater to different preferences. And whatever the category though, you want a commuter car that combines efficiency, reliability, comfort, and perhaps a touch of style.

So today, we’re looking at the best cars for commuting so that you can find your dream car with Carplus — great financing terms and quick approval.

1. Ford Fiesta

ford-fiesta
Price for a used carFrom £1,100
Body typeHatchback, saloon
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Doors3, 4, 5
Seats5
FuelPetrol, diesel, hybrid
Drive typeFront-wheel drive
Boot capacity292 litres
Fuel efficiency27-57.6 mpg
Infotainment and connectivityMyFord Touch System, Travel Link, voice-control apps, Alexa
SegmentBudget-conscious

The Ford Fiestais the first contender for the best car for commuting, well, like most Ford models. It features a compact size and solid build quality and acts as a great all-rounder by handling both city traffic and longer highway journeys very well.

The availability of 1.0-litre petrol engines, particularly the 100hp version, makes the Fiesta an efficient and solid commuter car. In terms of design, you get a more mature and subtle appearance compared to some rivals.

2. Ford Focus

Price for a used carFrom £2,900
Body typeHatchback, saloon
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Doors3, 4, 5
Seats5
FuelPetrol, diesel, hybrid
Drive typeFront-wheel drive, four-wheel drive
Boot capacity375 litres
Fuel efficiency24-107 mpg
Infotainment and connectivitySYNC Technology, smartphone compatibility, in-vehicle Wi-Fi
SegmentBudget-conscious

The Ford Focus is a top choice among Britain’s family cars and, of course, a strong contender in the best commuter cars sector

The simplicity in most models shines through with two 1.0-litre petrol engine choices — 125hp and 155hp. Both engines are fuel-efficient, even the more powerful one. The Focus also has a reputation for unexpectedly enjoyable driving experiences. For those seeking a bit more excitement without sacrificing comfort, consider the sportier ST-Line variant.

Inside, the Superb maintains its reputation for spaciousness, and the rear seats comfortably accommodate three adults.

3. Audi A3

Audi A3
Price for a used carFrom £2,400
Body typeHatchback, saloon
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Doors3, 4, 5
Seats5
FuelPetrol, diesel, hybrid
Drive typeFront-wheel drive, four-wheel drive
Boot capacity380 litres
Fuel efficiency30-256.8 mpg
Infotainment and connectivityAudi smartphone interface, myAudi app, MMI navigation plus, eSIM
SegmentBudget-conscious

The Audi A3 is a premium commuter car known for its great engines, enjoyable driving experience, and excellent value when bought used.

The engine options for this small car are a 1.0-litre petrol (110hp), a 1.5-litre petrol (150hp), and a 1.4-litre plug-in hybrid model. For those with a long commute, the 150hp diesel engine is a solid choice. Overall, the Audi A3 is a comfortable and quiet ride, exactly what you need from the best cars for commuting.

4. Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf
Price for a used carFrom £1,300
Body typeHatchback, saloon
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Doors3, 4, 5
Seats5
FuelPetrol, diesel, hybrid
Drive typeFront-wheel drive
Boot capacity380 litres
Fuel efficiency29-246 mpg
Infotainment and connectivityApp Connect, We Connect Start online services, IQ Drive, Discover Pro
SegmentBudget-conscious

The Volkswagen Golf is a good commuter car that effortlessly combines class with sophistication. It offers smooth and refined engines and ensures ample power without giving up fuel efficiency. If you often undertake long-distance drives, the diesel or plug-in hybrid models are worth considering. If you prefer automatic transmission for your daily commute, the seven-speed automatic option adds convenience.

Other features making it the best car for commuting (or one of the best) are excellent visibility, light steering, and responsive brakes.

5. Tesla Model 3

Tesla Model 3
Price for a used carFrom £16,900
Body typeSaloon
Gearbox typeAutomatic
Doors4
Seats5
FuelElectric
Drive typeRear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive
Boot capacity425 litres
Fuel efficiencyN/A
Infotainment and connectivityWi-Fi, music streaming, video streaming, internet browser, karaoke
SegmentPremium and luxury

What brings the Tesla Model 3 close to the title of the best car for commuting is impressive acceleration, ease of driving with light controls, and comfortable suspension.

With an impressive range of 267–360 miles, the Model 3 brings in excellent mileage flexibility that you need from a commuter car. The Basic driver assistance pack includes features like traffic sign and pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, and traffic jam assist. Beyond the practicality, there is the Performance model — 0-60 in 3.1 seconds.

6. Volvo S60

Volvo S60
Price for a used carFrom £3,900
Body typeSaloon
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Doors4
Seats5
FuelPetrol, diesel, hybrid
Drive typeFront-wheel drive, four-wheel drive
Boot capacity442 litres
Fuel efficiency26-122.8 mpg
Infotainment and connectivityGoogle integrations, Sensus Connect functionality, Volvo On Call, map updates
SegmentBudget-conscious

The Volvo S60 could be the best car for commuting just for safety alone, thanks to Volvo’s reputation. Standard driver aids include cruise control, cross-traffic alert, and pre-collision assist for added safety.

Despite its sporty look, the S60 provides a pleasant ride, handling potholes like a luxury executive saloon. The S60 excels when driven calmly on a daily commute. The plug-in hybrid version with the electric drivetrain offers quick acceleration, but even that model is best enjoyed in a straight line like a typical long-distance commuter car.

7. Honda Civic

Honda Civic
Price for a used carFrom £2,200
Body typeHatchback, saloon
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Doors3, 4, 5
Seats5
FuelPetrol, diesel, hybrid
Drive typeFront-wheel drive
Boot capacity430 litres
Fuel efficiency31-61.4 mpg
Infotainment and connectivityHondaLink, wireless phone connectivity, in-dash navigation, internet browsing
SegmentBudget-conscious

The Honda Civic offers a fantastic driving experience, is well-built, and is fuel-efficient. In the latest models, Honda streamlined the engine options to a single 2.0-litre hybrid. This one combines the power of a larger petrol unit with the torque of a diesel.

The supple ride over bumps and potholes makes it one of the best commuter cars and ideal for both short trips and long commutes. The added benefits are decent sound insulation and standard adaptive cruise control.

8. Hyundai i30

Hyundai i30
Price for a used carFrom £2,500
Body typeHatchback
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Doors3, 5
Seats5
FuelPetrol, diesel, hybrid
Drive typeFront-wheel drive
Boot capacity395 litres
Fuel efficiency44.4-60 mpg
Infotainment and connectivityHyundai’s Live Services, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluelink
SegmentBudget-conscious

The Hyundai i30 is a practical and reliable family hatchback and a commuter car, though not the most exciting. It has a good reputation for its refined build, compact design, solid construction, and ample features.

The petrol engines, especially the entry-level 1.4-litre and the 1.6-litre diesel, deliver responsive performance. The i30 Turbo offers satisfactory speed, but it falls short of being a true hot hatch. Still, all the trims will be some of the best cars for commuting.

9. Mazda3

Mazda3
Price for a used carFrom £3,400
Body typeSaloon, hatchback
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Doors4, 5
Seats5
FuelPetrol, diesel
Drive typeFront-wheel drive, four-wheel drive
Boot capacity358 litres
Fuel efficiency25-37 mpg
Infotainment and connectivityMazda Connect (smartphone integration, music, nav), Gracenote database, voice recognition
SegmentBudget-conscious

The Mazda3 is a top choice for a commuter car because of an engaging and nostalgic driving experience. Owners choose it for understated luxury, but it doesn’t sacrifice on practicality.

You get a range of petrol and diesel engines, along with manual and automatic gearbox options. Notably, its fourth-generation hatchback, the best car for commuting out of the 3’s range, features innovative Skyactiv-X technology. This tech enhances efficiency with a blend of spark and compression-ignition technologies.

10. Škoda Superb Estate

Škoda Superb Estate
Price for a used carFrom £9,600
Body typeEstate
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Doors5
Seats5
FuelPetrol, diesel, hybrid
Drive typeFront-wheel drive, four-wheel drive
Boot capacity660 litres
Fuel efficiency30.4-217.3 mpg
Infotainment and connectivityBuilt-in eSIM, gesture control, DAB, SmartLink, Škoda Connect services
SegmentMid-range value

The Škoda Superb Estate offers immense practicality without compromising on comfort and value as a used or new car. It’s exceptionally spacious — it can carry all your luggage or even larger items like a washing machine.

The entry-level petrol engine is a punchy and efficient choice for the category of the best commuter cars. For those needing to cover long commutes, the diesel is a reliable option. The Superb Estate’s infotainment system is functional but doesn’t lead the class.

11. Audi A6

Audi A6
Price for a used carFrom £7,900
Body typeSaloon, estate
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Doors4, 5
Seats5
FuelPetrol, diesel, hybrid
Drive typeFront-wheel drive, four-wheel drive
Boot capacity530 litres
Fuel efficiency24-256.8 mpg
Infotainment and connectivityMMI Touch interface, in-vehicle apps, 4G LTE connectivity, Google Earth, handwriting-recognition tech
SegmentMid-range value

The Audi A6 is the best car for commuting for those who want a saloon with a sporty appearance, especially in the A6 S Line versions. The car exudes an assertive presence with its crease-ridden bodywork and aggressive bumpers.

Engine options include a diesel, a non-hybrid petrol, and a plug-in hybrid. The twin-turbocharged petrol engine may be overkill for long-distance commuter cars, but it’s a lot of fun. If you want completely automated cruise control or rear-wheel steering, you can only get driver assistance packs with a high-quality trim.

12. Citroën C3

Citroën C3
Price for a used carFrom £3,300
Body typeHatchback
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Doors5
Seats5
FuelPetrol, diesel
Drive typeFront-wheel drive, four-wheel drive
Boot capacity300 litres
Fuel efficiency34-83.1 mpg
Infotainment and connectivityDAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
SegmentBudget-conscious

The Citroën C3 is a solid commuter car — compact, practical, and affordable. It represents a key part of Citroën’s business in the UK, and it’s for a good reason.

The model offers two 1.2-litre petrol engine options and a 1.5-litre diesel. The 110hp petrol engine proves to be the best all-rounder with lively performance and decent fuel economy. The 84hp petrol variant is suitable for city driving, albeit a bit sluggish on open roads. The diesel option makes the best car for commuting through the motorway.

13. Hyundai Ioniq

Hyundai Ioniq
Price for a used carFrom £8,400
Body typeHatchback
Gearbox typeAutomatic
Doors5
Seats5
FuelHybrid, electric
Drive typeFront-wheel drive
Boot capacity341 litres
Fuel efficiency59-256 mpg
Infotainment and connectivityHyundai Update Portal, OTA functionality, media-streaming apps
SegmentMid-range value

The Hyundai Ioniq , possibly the best car for commuting, has a standout design with sharp creases, hidden door handles, and unique lighting features.

The model is powered by a 1.6-litre engine and a 28kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. In the electric version, the Ioniq has an official electric range of 174 miles, so it’s more than enough for short commutes without frequent recharging. There are several driving modes — Eco (better fuel efficiency), Normal, and Sport — with clear graphical instrumentation on its digital screen.

14. Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai
Price for a used carFrom £2,900
Body typeSUV
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Doors5
Seats5
FuelPetrol, diesel, hybrid
Drive typeFront-wheel drive, four-wheel drive
Boot capacity480 litres
Fuel efficiency44.5-83.1 mpg
Infotainment and connectivityHome-to-car services, built-in Alexa, in-car Wi-Fi, remote control services
SegmentBudget-conscious

The Nissan Qashqai is a good commuter car, being a handsome and easy-driving family SUV.

The Qashqai comes with 1.5-litre and 1.6-litre diesel options, along with petrol options like 1.2-litre and 1.6-litre turbocharged units. The smaller engines make the best commuter cars and prove preferable in terms of cost and smoothness. The hybrid technology includes a small electric motor for enhanced economy.

Despite its bigger size, the vehicle is user-friendly, with standard rear parking sensors and a surround-view camera.

15. Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport

Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport
Price for a used carFrom £5,900
Body typeHatchback
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Doors5
Seats5
FuelPetrol, diesel
Drive typeFront-wheel drive
Boot capacity490 litres
Fuel efficiency46.3-61.4 mpg
Infotainment and connectivityIntelliLink System, 3D maps and European coverage, two infotainment screens
SegmentMid-range value

The Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport could be the best car for commuting, especially in later models. The car feels light, responsive, and easy to manoeuvre, as it features nicely weighted and communicative steering.

The Insignia Grand Sport comes with various engine options, including a 1.5-litre petrol for urban commuting and, if you want to save money, a more fuel-efficient 2.0-litre diesel for extended motorway drives. All models include features like road sign recognition, lane assist, and automatic emergency braking.

Conclusion

To sum it up, finding the best commuter cars boils down to balancing efficiency, comfort, and personal preferences. Think about what you need: a city-friendly ride, a long-distance companion, or a bit of both? Make sure your commuter car is right for you and that it’s crafted for an enjoyable driving experience. And with Carplus, not only do you get the best cars for commuting, but you also enjoy excellent financing terms to make your dreams a tangible reality.

Your monthly payment
£363.23
Loan amount:£16,000
Length of loan:60 months
Interest rate:12,9%
Amount of interest£5,793.84
Total payment:£21,793.84
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FAQ

Which car is suitable for my daily commute?

You have a range of excellent choices, all listed in the article. Some of the best cars for commuting are Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus, Audi A3, Volkswagen Golf, and Tesla Model 3.

What affordable car is ideal for long journeys?

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly commuter car, consider options like the Volvo S60, Honda Civic, Hyundai i30, and Mazda3. There are other great choices for extended trips, so make sure to read the full list.

What makes a car optimal for motorway driving?

A good motorway car is powerful, stable, and comfortable. It should also have a strong engine, smooth handling, low cabin noise, and advanced safety features. Good fuel economy is important, too.

What can I do to improve my daily car commute?

The first thing is to buy the right commuter car that addresses your needs. On top of that, it’s better to maintain your car regularly, plan efficient routes, and avoid peak traffic. If you got caught in traffic anyway, stay hydrated and have snacks on hand.