People who have never experienced a long commute often fail to understand the complexities of long-distance driving. Buying a safe, economical vehicle is an obvious place to start, but if you're planning to spend a lot of time behind the wheel, you need to make sure your vehicle is a good place to spend that time. 

You can't just show up at a used car dealership and buy the most economical vehicle; you need a long-term plan for accommodating your long commute in a way that doesn't wreck your budget. So, let's take a look at some of the top things to consider when picking the right used car for your driving needs, especially if you'll be spending a lot of time bonding with it on your way to work.

Buying Based on Fuel Economy

The easiest way to avoid spending too much at the gas pump is to purchase a car that doesn't require much gas, or none at all. Electric vehicles (EVs) are going to be the most efficient all around, since they use no gas, but they can still be costly, even on a used car lot. 

That said, hybrid vehicles are an excellent choice for drivers on a tight budget who don't want to fill up every day. In fact, with regenerative braking power, hybrids can essentially keep themselves charged in stop-and-go traffic. If you have a commute that involves a lot of time parked at the freeway interchange, a hybrid might be a good choice to keep your overall cost of ownership down.

One popular hybrid vehicle is the Toyota Prius. With its most recent generation debuting in 2023, it's possible to find a well-equipped, ready-to-go used Prius with modern amenities.

The 2023 model demonstrates the Prius's overall practicality, with its 2.0L four-cylinder engine and electric motor. Together, this combination makes 194 hp on front-wheel-drive models and 196 hp on all-wheel-drive models. Not bad, but the real surprise is the fuel economy: as high as 57 MPG combined, according to the EPA.

The Prius is easy to love, as well. Offered in a variety of trim levels, the 2023 Prius's introductory trims typically include an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with six USB-C ports. Higher trims get a bigger infotainment screen, along with cool tech like a digital rearview mirror or power-operated hatchback.

Another super-efficient model is the Hyundai IONIQ, which can be found solely on the used car lot, as Hyundai discontinued this hybrid subcompact sedan after the 2022 model year in order to pivot the IONIQ nameplate to an EV.

The 2022 model featured a 1.6L inline-four engine and motors that delivered 58 MPG in the city and 60 MPG on the highway. Issued as a front-wheel-drive model only, the hybrid IONIQ also gives drivers a spacious 26.5 cu.ft. of cargo space, standard dual-zone automatic climate control, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. 

And for those who depend on their music or audiobooks to get them through the commute, the 2022 IONIQ's top Limited trim has an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system for your enjoyment.

If Seeking a Spacious Interior

There are plenty of reasons why drivers might choose a larger vehicle for their lengthy commute. Those who share their ride with other passengers or equipment can make use of the extra space, and even solo drivers can appreciate the deluxe accommodations offered by some of the SUVs on today's used market. 

The Kia Telluride has gained popularity in recent years for turning the three-row SUV template on its head with sensible design and surprisingly upscale standard features. While the Telluride will be all-new for 2027, the previous generation (which spanned from 2020 to 2025) is a great example of everything the Telluride can do.

On the highway, the first-gen Telluride offers a fuel economy of 24 MPG to 26 MPG, depending on whether you have front-wheel or all-wheel drive. This is with an 18.8-gallon fuel tank that gives you about 400 miles before needing a refill.

The design of the Telluride is also accommodating, with stadium seating that places the back rows slightly higher than the ones in front. With all seats occupied, the 2023 Kia Telluride has 21 cu.ft. of cargo space, which expands to 46 cu.ft. or 87 cu.ft. of cargo space, depending on if one or both back rows are stowed. 

But if you're looking for tons of space and an enormous fuel tank, the Jeep Wagoneer might be more your style.

The Wagoneer made its debut in 2022, and with a maximum cargo space of 116.7 cu.ft., this three-row SUV made an immediate splash. It is big, but with five traction control settings and a fuel tank that can hold up to 583 miles' worth of gas, it is also bold.

The 2022 Wagoneer also includes standard seating for eight, with power-adjustable front seats and a second-row seat that slides forward to allow access to the third row. Rear passengers also get 39 inches of headroom, and in some models, a rear-seat entertainment system, making it an ideal carpooling vehicle for passengers of all ages.

Wanting Comfort & Tech Features 

For some drivers, it's not so much the space itself, but what it can do. Comfort and convenience are essential to drivers who spend a significant amount of time behind the wheel.

Therefore, you might be looking for a vehicle that not only offers decent fuel economy and plenty of room but also keeps you cozy, safe, and connected. In this case, it's a good idea to look at each model's list of features.

The Hyundai Tucson is a vehicle that often warrants a double-take. Its second generation debuted in 2022, with gas, hybrid, and PHEV powertrains offered. The gas-only powertrain has a top highway fuel economy of 33 MPG for front-wheel-drive models, while the Tucson Hybrid gets as much as 38 MPG there.

Inside, this SUV has a 10.25-inch touchscreen, optional 64-color ambient lighting, a pollution-sensing air ventilation system, heated front and rear outboard seats, a panoramic sunroof, and an eight-speaker Bose Premier audio system, all of which are available in the 2022 model, offering luxury-level features at a budget-friendly price. 

The Mazda CX-5 is also well-known for its abundance of top-shelf features. Its second generation began production in 2022 with a huge announcement, making all-wheel drive standard.

All of the 2022 CX-5's trims include a 2.5L inline-four engine, but the Turbo-named trims turbocharge it to deliver 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, making long highway mileage feel smooth and effortless. 

Mazda also gave the CX-5 a full range of fun features, including heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, Nappa leather upholstery, a programmable power tailgate, and a surround-sound audio system.

Find the Best Long-Distance Model for You

When considering which used car is ideal for your long commute, your budget and driving routine often lead the search, but don't sell yourself short on features you can't live without. Subjective things like seat comfort and HVAC vent placement can be essential when you spend a lot of time in your car. 

Ultimately, however, the best vehicle for your commute is one that is dependable, efficient, comfortable, and gets you to work and home again safely.