Most Americans, 86 percent, rely on their vehicle to get them to and from work every day. With an average commute of 25 minutes each way and gas prices hovering about $3.50 per gallon since February, selecting the right vehicle can make a commute more enjoyable and lower expenses. AAA auto experts test drive and evaluate hundreds of vehicles each year. Our top vehicle picks for commuters are based upon practicality, safety, comfort, fuel efficiency and affordability.

AAA Members interested in purchasing these vehicles should check out the AAA Auto Buying Service online or call 800-816-4899. The service provides a no-haggle experience through pre-arranged pricing as well as a personal auto buying assistant to AAA Members before, during, and after their car purchase.

• AAA Top Commuter Car Picks Chevrolet Volt: Four-passenger, plug-in electric vehicle, is exceptionally quiet, handles well and boasts great acceleration. 
• Toyota Prius or Prius V: Seats five in reasonable comfort and is exceptionally efficient for urban commutes where regenerative braking and the ability to turn the gasoline engine off while the car is stopped will enhance fuel efficiency.
• Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI: Uses a diesel engine to deliver smooth acceleration with strong fuel economy. Handling is precise and predictable. With the option of manual or automatic transmission, these cars are fun to drive.
• Audi A4: Beautifully finished and very comfortable in front, making light work of any commute. The ride is firm but compliant and the handling is tops. The body structure feels exceptionally solid, even when facing rough urban pavement.
• Buick LaCrosse: A steady ride, comfortable seating, responsive handling and an excellent V-6-based drivetrain make this car an ideal choice for commuting in a carpool. Performance is excellent. 
• Ford Fusion: A sleek exterior, upgraded interior and new drivetrains. The Fusion is now offered with three engines. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is an option. 
• Hyundai Genesis: This V-6-powered sedan is refined, powerful and roomy. While handling is predictable, the ride does fall a little short of full luxury sedan status. 
• Nissan Altima: Continues to be a top choice for commuting. It is comfortable for all passengers, performs well and offers several unique safety features.
• Ford Flex: This boxy crossover is hard to beat when looking for room in a vehicle. The ride is quiet and well controlled. The engines are V-6s, with the EcoBoost motor turning in a particularly good performance. 
• Toyota Highlander: This vehicle features a comfortable ride and roomy interior. More impressive are its highway cruising manners and ease of maneuvering in traffic. Add a reputation for dependability and long life and you have a top choice for commuters needing size and passenger capacity. 
• Honda Odyssey: This roomy minivan is well equipped and comfortable. Its size suggests that it is best suited to a less crowded commute venue, but even in an urban setting, the Odyssey is easy to drive.