If you put a lot of miles on your car, then you know how important it is to find a vehicle that's fuel-efficient and packed with perks that help you dread your commute a little less. As a used car dealer, we've done a lot of market research and communicated extensively with our commuting customers. After many conversations (and reviewing the sales charts), it's clear that the five models we'll discuss below are some of the best options for those who are seeking a commute-friendly used vehicle.

Ford Escape (2021-2022)

The Escape is a compact SUV with available AWD and even some decent towing figures to boot. Naturally, this might sound like more of an adventure vehicle than a commuter, but that's exactly why it made our list: It is definitely ready for weekend excursions out of the city, and yet it possesses benefits that commuters can love! So it can live up to your everyday needs while also being more than ready to facilitate your weekend trips. 

With a voice-activated touchscreen navigation system, the Escape makes it easy to look up that next destination, whether you're meeting a client or meeting with nature on a remote hiking trail. Just tell the system where you want to go, and it will pull up directions. While you're en route to your destination, you can enjoy your audio media on the available 10-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. We know that podcasts and audiobooks keep commuters entertained (and awake) on long drives, so we know how beneficial a great sound system can be. 

Do you need to park in some tight spots? The available Active Park Assist 2.0 can help you nail that parking spot in one try. It actually takes over steering; all you have to do is shift, brake, and accelerate, and the car will make sure you get into that spot without any dings. You'll be very comfortable, too, thanks to the available 10-way power driver's seat with power lumbar and recline positioning. Getting into the ideal posture for long drives will be a breeze, and you can fight bodily fatigue.

Possibly one of the most commuter-friendly elements, though, has to be the available plug-in hybrid powertrain. It combines the efficiency of hybrid power with the flexibility of modern EV tech because you can plug it in to recharge; you don't rely on regenerative braking to top off the battery, and you can power up on your schedule.

Ford Fusion (2019-2020)

Ford has discontinued the Ford Fusion, but if you can find a used one, it's a terrific commuter. This midsize sedan boasts stylish looks that are just right for corporate and cosmopolitan settings. Plus, it's available with both hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, so it's another fuel-efficient option (and perhaps with the flexibility to plug in like an EV). Drivers appreciate the Fusion's dimensions, which make it easy to get into tough parking spots and maneuver around congested city streets, and it delivers a smooth ride.

Its interior is spacious and should keep adult passengers comfortable; when you plan on taking friends along for the ride, a rear center armrest with two cupholders will give them a place to keep their beverages. The Fusion offers an available 10-way power front seat with lumbar support for ultimate driver comfort. Available heated and ventilated front seats will keep you content, no matter what the weather has in store, and the heated steering wheel is certainly a nice perk on cold days. 

The addition of ambient lighting is a nice touch, letting you match the lighting to your mood. More on the technology front, the Fusion has Wi-Fi hotspot capability, so don't let its 2020 discontinuation scare you away, as it does offer this modern feature so that you and your passengers can go online on the road. All in all, a 2019 or 2020 Ford Fusion balances comfort with style and modern perks for busy drivers.

Honda CR-V (2021-2023)

If you want to drive a compact SUV and are considering something from Honda, the CR-V is an excellent choice. Like the Ford Escape, it also has available AWD and modest towing figures, so it can be both your daily driver and weekend adventurer. 

Drivers appreciate how comfortable its interior is. Its active noise cancellation effectively blocks out unwanted noise, making it easier to hear your music, enjoy conversation, or just be alone with your thoughts after a long day at the office. An available one-touch power moonroof with a tilt feature means you can let some natural light in, which is a nice way to perk up your day. The tilt feature allows for fresh air, too, which can be energizing on long commutes.

Drivers who explore different regions or embrace all four seasons appreciate the available real-time AWD with intelligent control; this system continuously monitors the road, activating AWD when you need it and shutting it off when you don't. (Thus, you don't need to choose between a permanent FWD or AWD setup.) The CR-V is also popular for its suite of driver assistance features, such as the lane-keeping aid and automatic emergency braking.

Toyota Corolla (2021-2022)

The Toyota Corolla consistently tops best-seller lists for affordable, fuel-efficient compact sedans. Its small dimensions make it one of the easiest to park, so those narrower parking spots have your name written all over them. The Corolla also has a reputation for longevity and low maintenance costs, so you can save money with fewer trips to the mechanic. 

The Corolla is available with a hybrid powertrain, with which you'll enjoy excellent fuel economy figures, meaning you can hit the road on that cross-country adventure without hesitation over fuel costs. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite that comes standard on the 2021 and 2022 models is loaded with features to keep you safe, too; one of the most popular is Road Sign Assist, which detects posted road signs and projects their information onto your driver information display. It can detect speed limits, yield signs, stop signs, and other signs, so even if you missed one, your Corolla has your back.

Kia K5 (2021-2023)

The K5 is an interesting commuter vehicle because it has a powerful engine and great driving dynamics, which undoubtedly appeal to performance enthusiasts, but with its midsize sedan body, it's primed for commuting and corporate life. This is another model with impressive driver assistance features that are particularly good for congested areas. Its rearview monitor with parking guidance not only shows you what's behind your vehicle but also provides guidelines to help you get into parking spots.

Many commuters also love this model's 10.25-inch infotainment screen. On these slightly older models, this large touchscreen makes it easy to see directions, incoming caller info, playlist details, and more. The K5 also boasts voice-activated controls, letting you do things like change the song without taking your hands off the wheel. A 12-speaker Bose premium sound system appeals to music lovers, as you'll hear every note so clearly that you'll think you're in the recording studio. Meanwhile, an available panoramic sunroof will let those uplifting rays in, and the heated and ventilated front seats will provide year-round comfort.