Best Vans, Trucks, and SUVs for Daily Commuting in the Twin Cities

If you live around the Twin Cities, commuting can seem like a struggle, especially with the summer construction Minnesotans face. According to a Robert Half survey, the Twin Cities has one of the shortest commute times compared to 27 other U.S. cities, but no amount of commute-time or stress-level will help when traffic is gridlocked.

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So, what is the best way to combat those stand-still times in the morning and evening? It’s simple - having the right vehicle for commuting will ease all your worries about spending 54 minutes of your day on the highway. We’ve compiled a list of the best crossovers, SUVs, vans, and trucks for your daily commute—and what’s even better—you’ll still love driving your vehicle during the weekend!

Subcompact Crossover SUV:

If you’re searching for a subcompact crossover, look no further than the Subaru Crosstrek! With a higher ground clearance than its counterpart the Impreza Hatchback, this smaller crossover brings decent acceleration, comfortable interior, and spaciousness. You’ll love listening to the radio or streaming your favorite songs from the infotainment system, which is super user-friendly.

MPG: 27 city / 33 highway

MSRP: From $21,895

Compact Crossover SUV:

One of the best compact SUVs is the Honda CR-V. Not only has it won an award for the Best Compact SUV for the Money but it boasts the Best Compact SUV for Families award. Beyond the awards, the CR-V’s reputation for safety and reliability are top-notch and a reason why this vehicle is popular among millennials. With added features like larger cargo capacity and an infotainment system that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and so much more in modern tech.

MPG: 28 city / 34 highway

MSRP: From $24,250

Mid-size SUV:

Jaguar F-Pace is not only sporty, but it’s interior offers top of the line quality and comfort. Its lightweight architecture helps boost efficiency and creates smooth operation for handling and braking. Plus, it’s safety and protection, features driver assistance technology to keep you on the road and steer you into the perfect parking spot at your office building.

MPG: 26 city / 33 highway

MSRP: From $42,065

Three-Row SUV:

If you’re looking for an SUV with three rows and a lot of space, the Dodge Durango is the right pick for you! You can easily seat adults in the third row which doesn’t feel cramped. So if you’re the type who likes to carpool during the week, check out the Durango. On top of the extra space and cargo storage, the infotainment system is user-friendly all while having a quiet interior noise level, so your days spent driving to and from work will be relaxing.

MPG: 19 city / 26 highway

MSRP: From $29,995

Vans:

The Kia Sedona has quickly overtaken the long-time champ of minivans, the Honda Odyssey. Not only does the Sedona come with ease of handling and braking but the upscale interior makes it feel more like an SUV than a van. With a lot of room for activities and a spacious interior, you'll love spending time in this van. Plus, don’t forget Kia has improved their infotainment system, so you’re sure to be jamming to your favorite songs.

MPG: Up to 18 city / 25 highway

MSRP: From $27,000

Trucks:

We know that pickup trucks often get the reputation for hauling everything and anything under the sun, but how do they fair when it comes to the best commuting options? While it's tough to find a truck that will provide the same fuel efficiency as SUVs or hybrids, you can still find a truck that offers decent fuel economy along with towing capabilities.

So, what the best option? We’ve come to a tie, between the Chevrolet Colorado, and the Ford F-150. Why? The Chevy Colorado gets roughly 27 mpg on the highway while the F-150 offers 26 mpg. So you’ll be on your way to work, whether you’ve got anything in the bed of your truck, or not!

Chevrolet Colorado:

MPG: Up to 22 city / 30 highway

MSRP: From $20,500

Ford F-150:

MPG: Up to 20 city / 26 highway

MSRP: From $27,705

Commuting Less but with Fuel Efficient Options

Millennials and even Gen Xers are commuting less by vehicle and opting for other means to get to where they need to be, but many are still choosing hybrid options that offer 30+ MPG. At Poquet, schedule a test drive or contact one of our local experts to get you driving one of the top vehicles for commuting!

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