Best reliable cars for a long commute

The BMW 3 Series is a car which has commuting at its very core. You could almost see it as the original business car, sweeping effortlessly along vast stretches of motorway without any hesitation. These days, the 3 Series is more accomplished than ever and while the latest generation does bring more tech, we’re fans of this sixth-generation car as it’s got all of the equipment you need but at a more affordable price.

It’s available as a more practical estate model, too, and thanks to a range of efficient yet punchy engines, the 3 Series isn’t going to cost the earth to run. Fan-favourite 320d models are particularly frugal, while the plug-in hybrid 330e is a great option for those drivers who are able to charge up at home.

The Volkswagen Golf is a safe choice as a used commuter car. It’s the Golf’s all-rounder character which makes it ideal in this area as it’s just as well suited to travelling up the motorway as it is slotting into a space at a busy train station car park. The Golf’s unending popularity means that there’s loads of choice in the used market, too, with this seventh-generation car representing a good blend of must-have tech and value-for-money.

It’s comfortable and quiet inside, too, while five-door versions bring extra accessibility – handy if you’re dropping kids off at school on your way to work. A great variety of engines – including a very frugal GTE plug-in – make the Golf a sure-fire option for those after low running costs.

The original crossover, the Qashqai was the car which showed drivers they didn’t just need to be driving a standard hatchback anymore. In fact, the Qashqai has been a massive success, appealing to motorists who like to sit a little higher up. And though it does have a family-friendly focus, the Qashqai is still great for commuters – it’s not overly large and thanks to its good range of engines it’s not expensive to run, either.

The Qashqai is a hard-wearing car, too, with solid interior materials – though the odd plastic section can feel a bit cheap. As with most cars popular with families, make sure you check out any used Qashqai for damage both inside and out. However, for commuting it makes a fine choice and provides great levels of space and practicality.

Though it isn’t often seen as the most inspiring of cars, you cannot fault the Volkswagen Passat for how effective it is. Comfortable, spacious and very refined, it’s a car which can take the edge off the longest and dreariest of commutes.

Being a Volkswagen means that the Passat feels very solidly built with decent materials used throughout. You’re also able to get it as a roomier estate version if you’re after a little extra boot space, though luggage capacity in the standard version is respectable. However, it’s the Passat’s fuss-free driving experience that’ll really appeal to commuters, while its well-padded chairs, decent sound system and plentiful equipment mean it’s a fine place to be – even if you’re stuck in traffic on the M1.

While a lot of people will see the Volkswagen Tiguan as the go-to mid-size SUV, we’d argue that its sister car – the Seat Ateca – makes for a smarter choice. Despite being identical underneath, the Ateca is often cheaper than its German cousin yet brings the same excellent driving experience and well-made interior.

If you’re a commuter looking to stand out then you’ll appreciate the vibrant colour palette available on the Ateca, with oranges and reds being particularly strong in this area. The Ateca also offers the confidence-inspiring raised driving position which has helped to make SUVs so popular. A well-specified interior with lots of standard equipment should also help to take the edge off even the dreariest of commutes.

If you think of an estate car, we’d bet it’s a Volvo you’re picturing. This Swedish brand has been ingrained in the estate car segment for decades. While it has stepped back from this area, its back catalogue means there are loads of great used Volvo estates to choose from – and the V60 is one of our favourites.

This latest generation of V60 is one of the most accomplished with great levels of technology but a spacious interior which feels classic ‘Volvo’. Plus, it’s impressively comfortable over longer distances with well-managed suspension which takes the worst out of the lumps and bumps in the road. It’s a classy and refined way to commute, that’s for sure.

The Mercedes A-Class broke new ground by become a ‘regular’ hatchback which delivered a more upmarket, premium experience. As a result, it has been something of a hit and this makes it a widespread option on the used market. A great range of engines – including some particularly efficient diesels – ensure there’s something for all drivers.

For commuters, the A-Class fits the bill. It’s comfortable, efficient and reasonably compact, making it an easy car to thread into smaller parking spaces or through tighter car parks. It’s also got lots of user-friendly technology inside, with even earlier A-Class examples incorporating a clever widescreen infotainment system. It was, in fact, one of the first cars in the Mercedes range to get this high-tech setup.

Considering going electric for your next commuter car? The Jaguar I-Pace could be a great way to go about it. Used prices for the I-Pace have fallen considerably making this once premium-priced electric SUV far more affordable than you might expect.

It’s packed with features, too, with many examples sporting a pleasant full-length panoramic sunroof. This allows you to see more of the outdoors – particularly when you’re stuck in traffic. However, with a range of around 250 miles, it should have more than enough battery power to get your daily commute done on a single charge. In fact, switching to an EV could be a surefire way to lower commuting costs overall.

A sleek, sportscar-esque car can help add a bit of drama to your commute and the A5 is a great way of doing just that. Available as both a standard coupe or a more practical five-door Sportback, the A5 has all of the usual Audi trademarks. Great materials, solid construction and an assured driving style are all present in this good-looking car.

Refinement is a real plus-point with the A5, too, and if you’ve got a longer commute then this a fine car to get it done in. Low levels of wind and road noise ensure that the A5’s cabin remains reassuringly hushed. At the same time, good sound systems across the board allow you to enjoy your favourite songs or podcasts.

If a little extra character and flair is what you’re after from your next commuter car, then the Alfa Romeo Giulia nails the brief. Arguably one of the most stylish saloons available today, it’s a car which encapsulates everything people love about Alfa Romeo. It’s great to drive and is a car you’ll never tire of walking up to each day.

While the range-topping V6-powered Quadrifoglio grabs the headlines, it’s not the the most efficient. However, more ‘regular’ Veloce versions bring all the same flamboyance but with running costs which are far easier to deal with, particularly when commuting. You’ll also be able to brighten up the darkest of winter drives with the Giulia’s excellent range of exterior colours, including stand-out reds and greens.

Best features