The average distance to work for most Americans is around 16 miles, and oftentimes we just need a no-fuss solution to get from point A to point B.
Hybrid vehicles are a great answer to the daily shuffle because extended driving ranges mean less trips to the gas station and an easier time on your wallet, too. With a short enough commute, you might even be able to say goodbye to the fuel pump altogether as many plug-in hybrids offer nearly 30 miles of electric-only operation.
And just like you'd never hang a painting with a 15-pound sledgehammer, having the right daily driver for the job is very important.
With that in mind, I've curated five hybrids that are great for commuters thanks to their range, reliability, comfort, amenities and cost.
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is practically synonymous with "commuter hybrid" thanks to its mainstream popularity and ubiquitous influence on the hybrids that followed in its tire treads.
With many years and a few generations under its belt, the Prius has had a lot of time to refine and advance its hybrid powertrain, now offering up to an EPA-estimated 58 mpg in the city.
The Prius's compact four-door configuration plus rear hatchback offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo. Plus, it has all the right infotainment features like JBL speakers, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, all accessible through a large 11.6-inch multimedia display.
Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 helps with a safer commute through features that include a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, and more.
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Just like its sibling, the Corolla Hybrid offers the same tried-and-true hybrid technology to deliver up to an EPA-estimated 53 mpg in the city and 52 mpg on the highway.
The Corolla Hybrid offers a different flavor and style than the Prius, though, with a hip-and-modern design language while still utilizing a compact form. You'll also experience a sportier stance and peppier driving dynamics when compared to Prius.
Shopping for the Corolla Hybrid is a breeze, too, because there's only one trim -- your biggest decision will be which of the sleek colors you'll want to rock on your commute. I'm torn between the smooth Celestite Gray Metallic and the electrifying Blueprint.
Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 comes standard, as well as an enhanced Hybrid Battery Warranty that lasts for 10 years from the date of first use, or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. These are a couple of the reasons that the Corolla Hybrid was awarded the 2020 Green Car of the Year by Green Car Journal.
Hyundai IONIQ Plug-in Hybrid
The chic Hyundai IONIQ Plug-in Hybrid has a combined range of up to 620 miles and can run on all-electric mode for up to 29 miles -- perfect for forgetting which side the gas pump is on. And in states like California and New York, the IONIQ will allow you to ride in the HOV lane by yourself thanks to its plug-in hybrid status.
Each of the three available trims -- SE, SEL and Limited -- offers the same-sized battery and overall driving range, but you'll get more commuter-friendly amenities on the higher models, like power driver seats with lumbar support on the SEL trim, and Highway Driving Assist on the Limited trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available only on the SE and SEL models, but the Limited model features a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen and a Harmon Kardon sound system.
The IONIQ Plug-in Hybrid comes standard with Hyundai SmartSense, which offers a full suite of advanced safety technology. And like all Hyundai vehicles, the IONIQ includes a 10-year/100,000 mile Powertrain Limited Warranty -- this also covers the battery and hybrid system. Best of all, every new 2021 Hyundai will receive complimentary scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles. Go forth and commute with confidence!
Honda CR-V Hybrid
If you need a commuter car that can also take on the challenges of a busy family weekend, the Honda CR-V Hybrid is up for the job.
Its sporty SUV design, an EPA-estimated 40 mpg city rating, and tons of cargo space means you can go from office to adventure on any day of the week. A two-motor hybrid powertrain plus standard all-wheel drive lets you have true destination drives, and when you arrive, even the kids can help unload the CR-V thanks to an available hands-free power tailgate with programmable height.
When it's just you and the road, the standard Honda Sensing Suite offers alerts and driver assistance to mitigate collisions or keep you steady in the lane. And because we might sometimes forget to lock the car when in a hurry or tired from a long day of work, Honda Smart Entry will automatically lock the doors when you walk away. It'll also unlock the vehicle as you approach it.
These are just a few of the reasons that the Honda CR-V is the best-selling crossover of the past decade, and now it's available with an advanced hybrid powertrain.
Ford Fusion Hybrid
Although the Ford Fusion isn't coming back for the 2021 model year, it still makes this list because it offers mid-size sedan amenities that are paired with either a traditional hybrid powertrain or a plug-in hybrid configuration. Plus, there are plenty of brand new 2020 Ford Fusion Hybrids at AutoNation dealerships across the nation.
The Fusion Hybrid features a 2.0-liter I4 gas engine and an electric motor that delivers up to an EPA-estimated 43 mpg city/41 mpg hwy, while the Fusion Plug-in Hybrid is capable of up to 26 miles in electric-only mode with an EPA-estimated 107 mpge city/97 mpge hwy.
You can keep an eye on how efficiently you're driving with Ford SmartGauge, which provides customizable real-time data on engine output, battery output, and how hard you're pressing the pedals. Want to maximize your driving range? Turn on Brake Coach for guidance on the smoothest way to drive.
Ford Sync 3 is standard on all models for your entertainment and connectivity needs, and Ford Co-Pilot360 adds an extra layer of safety with key features like a lane-keeping system, pre-collision assist, and a rearview camera.
Andrew Chen | Mar 29, 2021
