Shopping for a commuter vehicle often focuses on convenience during clear weather and typical traffic. But when winter storms and rush hour combine, you need a car that’s stable, capable, and dependable. This changes what you look for at a used car dealership, especially if you want an affordable, versatile commuter that can brave all types of weather situations.
To help shoppers, we’ve focused on vehicles ideal for the unique environment of winter commuting. Key features should include all-wheel drive, a robust suspension, and comfortable room for the driver and passengers. This way, if you’re looking for a multi-purpose commuter, you’re getting the most for your money from an affordable and dependable used car. Here’s our list of the top 10 cars for winter commuting.
2023 Subaru Legacy
Ideal for small families or solo drivers, the 2023 Subaru Legacy blends the performance of its Boxer-4 engine with practical commuting features. The 2023 Legacy is well worth a look for used car shoppers who need a sedan with lots of built-in safety features, thanks to the standard EyeSight driver assist technology. It is also great for those seeking a fuel-efficient vehicle to brave icy roads and snowstorms. The 2023 Legacy offers a max estimated fuel economy of 27 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. Combined with Subaru’s all-wheel drive torque vectoring and a good set of snow tires, the Subaru Legacy delivers stability, safety, and efficiency, even in winter conditions.
2021 Toyota Camry
A perennial favorite, the Toyota Camry has proven to be a timeless and versatile sedan since it entered the market. Picking a used model from among the multiple generations might be a gargantuan task for some. However, if you’re specifically looking for a modern midsize commuter with practical cabin amenities and a stylish exterior, the 2021 Camry fits the bill. There are multiple trims to choose from, but if you want heated seats and the nine-inch HD touchscreen, the XLE or above is the way to go. However, if all you want is excellent fuel economy and Toyota’s on-demand all-wheel drive performance, any trim with the 2.5L I-4 will net you up to 25 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. The added stability and traction control also make it convenient for snowy weather.
2020 Mazda3 Hatchback
Highly affordable, very compact, easy to maneuver, and great fuel economy, the 2020 Mazda3 Hatchback is the perfect commuter vehicle for solo drivers. The limited cargo capacity is compensated for with the 2.5L SkyActiv-G’s fuel economy, which tops out at up to 25 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway thanks to Mazda’s i-Activ AWD. This provides you with optimized torque distribution and enhanced traction control, making the Mazda3 Hatchback a stable and responsive commuter vehicle that you can rely on whether driving on icy roads or around snowy banks. Standard features like the window defogger and full suite of i-ACTIVSENSE safety assists make the 2020 Mazda3 Hatchback a great choice for those looking for an affordable used commuter car.
2023 Subaru Impreza Sedan
The Subaru Impreza made a name for itself as one of the best rally cars in the circuit back during the 1990s, rivaling the Mitsubishi Lancer. This was thanks to Subaru’s impeccable all-wheel drive design, extremely durable suspension, and high-performance powertrain output. When you put those qualities into a modern compact with advanced EyeSight driver assist technology and Starlink safety tech, you have a vehicle designed to be perfectly suited for long commutes in difficult weather and road conditions. The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive ensures you stay on the road, while the fuel economy enables you to achieve up to 28 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. Combined with some great connectivity features, nimble handling, and a sporty design, the 2023 Subaru Impreza Sedan makes for a dependable winter commuter.
2023 Toyota Corolla
All-wheel drive feature is available for the 2023 Toyota Corolla LE and Hybrid LE trims, offering added stability, responsiveness, and impressive fuel economy. The 1.8L I-4 all-wheel drive hybrid tops out at up to 51 MPG in the city and 44 MPG on the highway, making it a highly efficient option for long commutes. Toyota Safety Sense also includes all necessary automatic driving aids, alerts, and assists to help keep you centered on the road. This makes the 2023 Toyota Corolla a top choice for those scouring a used car dealership for a cost-effective compact sedan that can handle frigid weather and snowy roads.
2024 Hyundai Sonata
The 2024 Hyundai Sonata introduces all-wheel drive for the first time for any trim paired with the 2.5L I-4 engine. This opens up access to an estimated 25 MPG in the city and up to 34 MPG on the highway. This makes the Sonata quite enticing if you want a stunning midsize sedan for your starter family or if you’re a solo driver who wants to drive a fancy commuter. The HTRAC all-wheel drive makes the vehicle highly stable when dealing with various types of weather and road conditions, while the improved 12.3-inch HD touchscreen display is standard across the entire trim line. There is a large cache of proactive safety assists and driver awareness systems, so you have added protection and alerts to help you get to your destination safely.
2023 Nissan Altima
Part of the big refresh for the 2023 Nissan Altima has been the inclusion of more standard enhanced safety features as part of the Nissan Safety Shield 360. This includes everything commuters would find useful, like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and pedestrian detection, to name a few. An improved and upgraded infotainment system and a much sportier front fascia lend themselves well to making the 2023 Nissan Altima a real catch for solo drivers and small families alike. The midsize sedan also features Nissan’s patented Intelligent AWD that delivers stable traction control and stability management while retaining the Altima’s good gas mileage, achieving up to 26 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway.
2022 Kia K5
The Kia K5 is a gorgeous midsize sedan, but it also works well as a good commuter vehicle. The 2022 model year ushered in some worthwhile updates, including standard all-wheel drive on the GT-Line trim and an upgraded 10.3-inch HD touchscreen. What matters most for lengthy drives is comfort and stability, and the GT-Line provides plenty of it, with standard power-heated adjustable mirrors and available heated seats. The all-wheel drive version provides an estimated 25 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. It is a good choice for those who want a stylish midsize that can brave the cold and manage the sometimes unpredictable road conditions during winter commutes.
2023 Toyota Prius
If you’re a solo driver who values range above all else and needs an affordable commuter that can also brave the harshness of winter, the 2023 Toyota Prius is a great option. As part of the fifth generation, it rides on the TNGA-C platform featuring better stability, more performance, and the same range as before. In the all-wheel drive version, you can expect an estimated 53 MPG in the city and up to 54 MPG on the highway. That’s extremely impressive. The on-demand all-wheel drive also means you have improved stability and traction control when dealing with slippery road conditions during the winter. Plus, the improved braking and safety assists ensure the Prius handles well both on the highway and in bumper-to-bumper rush hour traffic.
2020 Cadillac CT4
While less common, the 2020 Cadillac CT4 remains a viable commuter option. The odds aren’t entirely in your favor of finding one at a used car dealership, but if you do manage to come across one, you have a suite of standard driving aids and automated active assists tucked into a sleek package. Plus, there is the luxury-infused interior that puts comfort above utility. The CT4 features a robust infotainment suite and heated seats that come with the Cold Weather Package. The 2.0L turbocharged I-4 with all-wheel drive provides up to 23 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway, making the CT4 an unlikely but welcome commuter. The stability enhancements, powerful performance, and luxury features would make this a great solo commuter during harsh or cold winters.
