Revolutionize Your Journey to Work with 2023’s Best Commuter Cars

Your daily commute doesn’t need to be complicated. When the goal is the A-B driving that most of us face daily, you need a good commuter car.

Thankfully, most automakers equip every trim level with some features and qualities to give consumers modern systems during their time on the road. Most budget-friendly cars come with comfort, infotainment, and safety features ideal for everyday driving. The best choices also offer affordable starting prices and good fuel mileage figures to keep the costs of daily driving as low as possible.
Here are six of the best commuter cars you can use for your daily drive.

Mazda 3

The 2023 Mazda3 is one of the most affordable and useful cars with it’s upscale interior materials and a peppy base powertrain. The Mazda3 is one of the few cars on this list that comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission instead of a CVT. Driving the Mazda3 is engaging, responsive, and fun, putting “zoom zoom” qualities at your fingertips for an affordable price. This car has an 8.8-inch touchscreen display, smartphone compatibility, and safety features that earn it a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Some of these useful safety features include adaptive cruise control and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Starting MSRP: $23,950

Hyundai Elantra

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra is among the best commuter cars, with a comfortable, enjoyable drive and a cabin filled with intuitive features. Hyundai has historically included the most features at the best prices to offer excellent value. The Elantra provides a smooth ride on rough pavement, making it a great car during any commute. In addition to the affordable price and great fuel mileage, the Elantra comes with America’s best powertrain warranty, covering the powertrain components for ten years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. If you want a stylish commuter car packed with excellent qualities, the Elantra should be at the top of your list.

Starting MSRP: $21,475

Nissan Sentra

The 2023 Nissan Sentra is a mixed bag of possibilities in the commuter car world. This comfortable compact car is sporty, spacious, and built with an attractive cabin and lots of standard features. Unfortunately, it has an underpowered engine, numb handling, and a small cargo area. Should you consider a car that’s a mixed bag? The 2023 Sentra is comfortable and has some standard safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, that you don’t find included in many other models in this class. The infotainment system isn’t quite as advanced as other models, but it still offers the desired level of connectivity, making this Nissan useful on the road.

Starting MSRP: $20,200

Kia Rio

When the goal is to find a small car that’s inexpensive and reliable, the 2023 Kia Rio should rocket to the top of the list. This little Kia comes with one of the longest standard warranties in the automotive industry and has been named the U.S. News & World Report Best Subcompact Car for the Money. The Rio’s cabin area features a well-built, comfortable space with an 8-inch touchscreen and wireless smartphone connectivity. You won’t find wireless connections in some vehicles that cost twice as much as this little Kia. Toss in the great fuel mileage, and you’ve got one of the best commuter cars in the market.

Starting MSRP: $16,750

Nissan Versa

When you’re looking for the most affordable price, the 2023 Nissan Versa will be near the top of your list. This might not be the best commuter car overall, but it has the affordable price desired and solid build quality to make it a possibility. The Nissan Versa S, the base model, is one of the few Nissan vehicles without a CVT. Instead, you’ll have a 5-speed manual, which some drivers prefer. This small Nissan sedan has a well-built cabin, large trunk, and decent ride for the price, making it a contender among affordable daily drivers.

Starting MSRP: $16,130

Kia Soul

The 2023 Kia Soul is one of the most versatile commuter cars with its large rear cargo area and impressive passenger compartment. The Soul is an interesting vehicle with a fun and funky style, excellent fuel mileage, and affordable price. As a Kia product, the Soul comes with an excellent standard warranty. Several advanced driver-assist features come standard in the base Kia Soul LX, including automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. These items aren’t often found in vehicles priced below $20,000. The Soul can be a great car for your daily drive with its 8-inch touchscreen and easy smartphone connectivity.

Starting MSRP: $19,890

Which of these six commuter cars will be in your driveway? Each model is affordable and ready to get you to and from your workplace every day.