Commuting to work can feel like a chore, with traffic to battle and costly gas prices to fill up. But the right car can lessen the blow to your wallet and be a smooth, comfortable drive to the office.
As a commuter, you’re likely in the market for an affordable, fuel-efficient car with great features. The good news is there are plenty of options out there. Here’s a list of cars that can save money based on fuel economy, maintenance repairs, and safety features.
1. Honda Civic
The Honda Civic has been around since the early 1970s and has always been an affordable option. Over the decades, the budget-friendly car, known for reliability, has been redesigned multiple times, ensuring that it remains a financially secure choice for many. In 2022, it got a major overhaul to a more upscale feel with features such as a 7-inch infotainment display ideal for keeping an eye on the morning traffic, driver-assistance features such as blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, heated exterior mirrors and a power sunroof.
- Price: $23,950
- Maintenance: “A Honda Civic will cost about $5,245 for mainte.nance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for popular sedan models by $1,851,” per CarEdge.
- Fuel Economy: 40 mpg.
2. Acura Integra
If you’re looking for a luxury sedan for your daily commute, the Acura Integra is a good choice due to its overall excellence. The 2024 model is a fun drive with its 200-horsepower engine, comfortable heated seats and safety features such as adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.
- Price: $31,800.
- Maintenance: “Acura models average around $10,730 for maintenance and repair costs during their first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for luxury brands by $1,314,” per CarEdge.
- Fuel Economy: 37 mpg.
3. Toyota Corolla Hybrid
The Toyota Corolla Hybrid is comfortable for your work commute and boasts a five-star safety rating. It features blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and more. Plus, it’s affordable.
- Price: $24,595.
- Maintenance: It’s estimated that over the course of five years, maintenance will cost $5,514 for a 2022 model per Edmunds.
- Fuel Economy: 47 combined mpg; 570-mile range.
4. Honda CR-V
If an SVU is more your style, the inexpensive Honda CR-V is ideal for commuting, given its fuel efficiency. While it might not have the latest tech gadgets or luxury feel, it’s affordable and safe.
- Price: $29,500.
- Maintenance: “A Honda CR-V will cost about $7,155 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for popular SUV models by $1,978,” per CarEdge.
- Fuel Economy: 40 combined mpg.
5. Hyundai Kona Electric
An electric vehicle might be a smart choice for daily commuting, and the Hyundai Kona Electric is stylish, smooth, and spacious inside. The entry-level battery performs slower, but the competitive price makes it a great deal for those looking to drive green to work.
- Price: $32,675
- Maintenance: For the first three years, or 36,000 miles, Hyundai pays the maintenance cost.
- EPA: 261 miles
