Kia Sportage 2024 – 8.2/10
The 2024 Kia Sportage is a compact SUV that offers commuters a reliable, comfortable and affordable SUV option for morning and afternoon commutes. The interior is spacious and features heated seats, a wireless charging pad and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It also comes with a range of safety and convenience features such as blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control. The Sportage can be equipped with hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive.
Lexus NX2024 – 7.6/10
The 2024 Lexus NX offers commuters a smooth, quiet and refined ride, delivering more than 30 miles per gallon in every variant. This new NX has a sleek and modern design with LED headlights, a large spindle grille and a dual exhaust system. The interior features leather seats, a heated steering wheel and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is easy to use and update. The NX also comes with a standard selection of safety features, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and adaptive cruise control.
Hyundai i30 2020 – 7.6/10
Now available in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric versions, the Kia Niro has a significantly larger footprint than the previous model. This size makes it very easy to drive and park in tight garage or deck areas. The new exterior design affected almost every part and brings the new Niro in line with Kia’s other modern SUVs. The interior is also new, with textured surfaces on the seats and dashboard, as well as modern touches borrowed from the design of Kia’s EV6. The Niro features animal-free textiles and the headliner is made from recycled material. Two 10.25-inch panoramic digital screens are offered, one for the instrument cluster and one for infotainment.
Toyota Camry 2025 – 7.5/10
The Toyota Camry now has the fifth generation of its hybrid drive system and gets a whopping 51 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving. That’s the commuter’s playing field. Efficiency doesn’t mean the Camry isn’t powerful. In addition to good power distribution, the hybrid system’s rear motor kicks in when extra traction is needed on slippery or snowy surfaces, helping commuters stay on the road. The cabin is spacious and comfortable.
Lexus RX 2024 – 7.5/10
The Lexus RX is a complete revamp of the original luxury SUV, but there are many things that will make the new model instantly familiar to commuters. It only comes in a two-row configuration, and hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants are available. The new interior is simplified compared to the last without sacrificing elegance or comfort. Technology is new, including the infotainment system, which measures 9.8 inches. It also features a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12-speaker sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, six USB ports, LED fog lights, a sliding and tilting roof, and roof rails.
2025 Volvo EX30 – 7.3/10
The 2025 Volvo EX30 has a small but spacious commuter cabin that offers Scandinavian-inspired design and innovative storage solutions. It is available in two powertrain options: a single-motor version that achieves a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-estimated range of 275 miles on a full charge, or a dual-motor version with a range of 265 miles. The SUV’s low center of gravity keeps it flat on the road, and it’s maneuverable in city traffic. Volvo says both versions can be charged from zero percent to 100 percent in eight hours using a home charging connection.
Editor’s note: The Volvo EX30 was originally scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in 2024. However, Volvo has postponed the launch to 2025. It is already being sold elsewhere.
2024 Lincoln Corsair – 7.1/10
The Lincoln Corsair is a small SUV that offers commuters a smooth, quiet and luxurious ride. Its new design includes LED headlights, a chrome grille and a panoramic sunroof. The interior features soft leather seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-speaker Revel sound system. The Corsair also has a number of safety and convenience features such as blind spot detection, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera and can be equipped with a driver assistance feature that keeps the hands off and the eyes on the driver.
2024 Toyota Prius Prime – 7.1/10
Lower, wider and longer than the outgoing model, the new Toyota Prius Prime offers more space for commuters and their luggage. It achieves excellent fuel economy of 52 miles per gallon. Buyers can also drive 44 miles on electric power alone before the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine kicks in when they plug the car in to charge. The Prius Prime comes standard with advanced safety features, including lane change assist and forward cross-traffic alert. Traffic jam assist technology makes it easier to sit in traffic during your commute.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek – 7.0/10
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is a great choice for commuters looking for a versatile, reliable, fuel-efficient and fun SUV. Subaru has given the model a sporty and rugged design with LED headlights, a roof spoiler and 18-inch wheels. It has a spacious interior and standard all-wheel drive that can handle almost any weather and road conditions. The Crosstrek comes with lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Redesigned seats make sitting for long periods less tiring and more comfortable.
Ford Maverick 2024 – 7.0/10
The Ford Maverick is designed for commuters who need to haul cargo daily or who commute between jobs on a regular basis. With its excellent efficiency, especially in hybrid form, the Maverick can drive to the office or further afield without stopping for fuel. The cabin is simply upholstered in patterned fabric, but leather is optional on some trims. Most touch points are made of plastic or rubber, making them easy to clean. The Maverick has physical buttons and knobs for the climate control and radio, and a small 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.