Not everyone is aiming small when considering their next work-from-home vehicle. The phrase “commuter car” tends to bring to mind images of bland, fuel-efficient, uninspiring boxes on wheels.
It’s hardly the kind of vehicle that owners feel much excitement or attachment to. These cars are typically a sensible pick for those who spend hours each week driving to and from the office.
But what happens when commuting is no longer part of your daily routine? Now that you’re off the hook from the daily highway slog, you might be inclined to look for something with a bit more space.
Even if you’re not spending as much time on the road, when you do head out, you’ve got kids to drop off and groceries to load up.
For those of you ready to expand your cargo capacity, our top picks are compact SUVs that strike a perfect balance small enough to be easy to maneuver but big enough to handle your everyday needs.
We’re not suggesting massive, hard-to-park full-size SUVs. Instead, we’re focusing on the powerful and practical mini SUV segment vehicles that sit at the smaller and generally more affordable end of the SUV range.
Chevy Trailblazer – From $21,600
Positioned between the Trax and the Equinox, the Chevy Trailblazer stands as the ideal compact SUV for the modern home worker.
It offers the perfect balance of space, features, and drivability “just right” for drivers looking to upgrade from their commuter sedan to something roomier and far more enjoyable.
Even the base trim is equipped with the comprehensive Chevy Safety Assist system and an outstanding infotainment setup.
Chevrolet has a history of reviving old names for new models, and one of the most recent examples is the 2025 Trailblazer. Unlike the original, which was a large, truck-like SUV, this new version is a compact and efficient crossover designed for city driving.
Despite its smaller, more urban-friendly size, the Trailblazer retains a rugged edge, with all-wheel drive available across all trim levels and a powerful turbocharged engine. This makes it just tough enough to appeal to younger buyers looking for a bit of adventure.
Cost-to-drive estimates for the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS 4dr SUV (1.2L 3cyl Turbo CVT) and similar vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year, with a 55% city and 45% highway driving mix, and energy costs of $3.13 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota
. The monthly cost estimate for the Trailblazer LS is $128, which is notably lower than the average compact SUV’s $161 monthly cost.
Chevrolet has really found a good balance with the latest Trailblazer. While it may not excel in any one area, its all-around competence makes it stand out among competitors.
The Trailblazer offers plenty of power, particularly with the upgraded engine, and the tech improvements from last year ensure it feels modern, even though the model has been around since 2021.
A strong competitor to the Trailblazer is the highly popular Subaru Crosstrek. It offers similar size and capability, with all-wheel drive standard across the lineup.
Other small crossover SUVs to consider include the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, and Toyota Corolla Cross. For those looking for something a bit smaller and more affordable, Chevrolet also offers the Trax.
Also Read: 10 Vehicles With Best Long-Term Fuel Economy That Save You Money Year After Year
Volkswagen Taos – From $23,295
We’re bold enough to call the exterior of the Taos beautiful, though even those who might not share that view still appreciate its excellent handling, spacious interior, and the well-thought-out design of its dashboard cluster.
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos receives a significant refresh, featuring updated styling, new interior materials, and a more powerful engine. Its turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder has been enhanced, delivering a 16-horsepower increase, bringing the total output to 174 horsepower.
Both front- and all-wheel-drive models are now paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous seven-speed dual-clutch automatic in the all-wheel-drive 4Motion models.
Additionally, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is now standard across all trims, and touch-sensitive climate controls are available on all models except for the base one. Volkswagen has also made efforts to reduce cabin noise, improving overall comfort.
Pricing for the 2025 Volkswagen Taos starts at $26,420 and can reach up to $36,120 depending on the trim level and options. The lineup includes several trims: S starting at $26,420, SE at $29,320, SE Black at $31,570, and SEL at $36,120.
We recommend the mid-level SE model, as it offers the best value. The SE comes with standard features such as 18-inch wheels, adaptive headlamps, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, front and rear parking sensors, heated front seats, remote start, and wireless charging.
For added benefits, we’d suggest opting for all-wheel drive, which not only improves traction but also replaces the rear suspension of the front-drive model with a more advanced independent setup.
The Taos is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 174 horsepower and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering power to either the front wheels or all four wheels.
The front-drive and all-wheel-drive versions have distinct rear suspensions; the front-wheel-drive model features a torsion-beam setup, while the all-wheel-drive version is equipped with a more advanced multilink design.
During our time driving the Taos, we found the engine’s low-speed performance impressive, the eight-speed automatic transmission to operate seamlessly, and the suspension to maintain a composed ride.
GMC Terrain – From $27,900
The Terrain offers more in terms of comfort and safety than other vehicles in its price range, making it a great option for first-time SUV buyers who will appreciate its extra space and smooth handling.
If the idea of driving a larger vehicle feels intimidating, don’t rush into a wagon or subcompact before giving the Terrain a try. It may appear larger than it actually is, and that’s definitely a plus.
The 2025 GMC Terrain is the latest SUV to receive a redesign, joining GMC’s compact SUV lineup. The new Terrain features updated sheet metal and a redesigned headlamp design inspired by the larger Yukon SUV.
Like its predecessor, it shares the same platform as the Chevrolet Equinox, and both are powered by a 175-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The Terrain takes a more premium approach than the Equinox, offering a more refined interior and a larger 15.0-inch infotainment display, which is vertically oriented between the driver and front passenger. This new Terrain is expected to reach dealerships by the end of 2024.
For the 2025 model year, GMC is launching a new generation of the Terrain with a bolder appearance and modern features. Pricing for the 2025 Terrain starts at $31,395, with prices going up to $33,395 depending on trim and options.
The base Elevation trim is the only option available for this year, offering a good set of features such as a 15.0-inch infotainment display, aluminum wheels, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, and remote start.
For the 2026 model year, GMC will introduce the AT4 trim for a more rugged offering and a luxury-focused Denali trim.
Under the hood, all versions of the 2025 Terrain come with the same turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower.
Front-wheel-drive models feature a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while all-wheel-drive models use an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Both powertrains are shared with the Chevrolet Equinox. Although we have not yet had the chance to test drive the 2025 Terrain, we plan to update this article with our impressions and test results once we do.
Cadillac XT4 – From $35,795
While there are other luxury compact SUVs with more features and power, many of them come with much steeper price tags.
We recommend the XT4 for its exceptional value. Just take a glance at its premium interior and comprehensive list of features, which includes both comfort and safety-focused elements, and we’re sure you’ll be sold on it as well.
The 2024 Cadillac XT4 received a substantial refresh aimed at boosting sales for this American luxury compact crossover. Positioned beneath the XT5 in Cadillac’s lineup and sharing its platform with the Buick Envision, the refreshed XT4 came with significant improvements over its pre-facelifted version.
Cadillac hoped that enhancing the vehicle’s design, interior, and safety features would attract more customers. However, despite these updates, the refreshed XT4, introduced in early 2023, barely surpassed the sales figures of the 2022 model and fell short of the impressive numbers it achieved in 2018.
Available in three trims—Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport—the 2024 XT4 maintained the same drivetrain across all variants, while European buyers also had the option of a turbodiesel engine.
The exterior of the 2024 XT4 saw several key updates. At the front, it retained the broad pentagonal grille, adorned with chrome accents on the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims, while the Sport trim featured piano-black details.
All versions featured new daytime running lights that created a vertical, slim line on either side of the front fascia. The headlights were positioned at the top of the car’s front side scoops, and the lower bumper had a wide pentagonal air intake.
Despite its compact dimensions, the XT4 retained its sporty character, with a flat hood and a raked panoramic windshield that impressed onlookers. The slightly sloping roofline culminated in a forward-slanting tailgate, giving the crossover a hatchback-inspired look.
Depending on the trim, the XT4 came standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, while the Sport model offered an optional 20-inch set. The rear of the vehicle featured the signature Cadillac slim vertical taillights, which were reinterpreted into an L-shape that crossed over the tailgate and underscored the rear window.
The 2024 XT4 saw substantial improvements in its interior. For the American version, the dashboard was entirely new, highlighted by a 33-inch curved display stretching from the driver’s side to the top of the center stack.
This display drew inspiration from the Cadillac Lyric, the brand’s first electric vehicle. In front of the driver was the digital instrument panel, while atop the center stack was the infotainment touchscreen that featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Cadillac aimed to emphasize both luxury and sportiness, equipping the XT4 with bolstered front bucket seats that provided solid side support.
Between the seats, a folding armrest and a center console housed the gear selector, a couple of cupholders, the rotary dial for drive modes, and additional buttons. T
he rear bench seat, with a 60/40 folding seatback, allowed the trunk space to expand from 22.5 cubic feet (637 liters) to 48.9 cubic feet (1,385 liters), enhancing practicality.
Under the hood, the 2024 Cadillac XT4 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 235 horsepower (238 PS).
This engine was paired with a standard nine-speed automatic transmission, which sent power to the front wheels. However, customers had the option of an all-wheel-drive system, regardless of the trim.
In addition to the gasoline-powered model, European buyers could opt for a turbodiesel version of the XT4, which featured the same 2.0-liter engine producing 172 horsepower (174 PS) and was also paired with the nine-speed automatic transmission.
Infiniti QX50 – From $39,150
If you’re facing a lengthy commute (and your budget permits), the QX50 stands out as a luxury SUV that excels as a daily driver.
Packed with features and as luxurious as any European rival, the interior of the Infiniti is a space you’ll genuinely enjoy spending time in. From our perspective, it’s also the most visually appealing vehicle in its class.
In a market where many premium-branded SUVs offer rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive for enhanced sportiness and added grip, the 2024 Infiniti QX50 opts for a front-wheel-drive configuration paired with a modestly powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 268 horsepower.
This setup makes it challenging for the QX50 to compete with more athletic competitors like the BMW X3 and Genesis GV70, despite offering a strong feature set and solid comfort at a competitive price point.
With few significant updates and facing such stiff competition, it raises the question: does the QX50 have what it takes to compete without undergoing a complete redesign?
For 2024, there are no major changes to the Infiniti QX50, aside from the introduction of a new paint color called Black Obsidian, which is available on the top two trim levels.
The 2024 Infiniti QX50 is priced from affordable to somewhat expensive, with the base Pure model starting at $41,000 MSRP. The Luxe trim comes in at $44,300, while the Sport model is priced at $49,200. The Sensory trim, which includes most of the available technology features, is priced at $53,500, and the top-tier Autograph trim costs $58,050.
All trims, except for the Autograph which includes it as standard, offer the option of all-wheel drive for an additional $2,000. Additionally, a destination charge of $1,350 applies.
Considering the offerings from more expensive competitors, spending over $50,000 on the QX50 might not be the best decision. The Luxe trim, with the option for all-wheel drive if needed for local weather conditions, represents the best value.
This trim provides a solid climate control system, a well-equipped infotainment suite, essential safety systems, and several high-end features such as a surround-view camera.
The QX50’s interior is well-appointed with an abundance of features and plenty of space, but it does feel somewhat outdated in terms of style.
Infiniti is known for creating premium interior spaces, and the QX50 offers a decent amount of room, but the cabin’s design doesn’t fully reflect modern trends.
The dual touchscreen displays, accompanied by physical buttons along the sides, are more reminiscent of older systems compared to the large, minimalist displays seen in newer models.
Combined with the central console, this setup can feel cluttered, making it difficult to quickly navigate the controls. However, the QX50 comes well-equipped right from the start, offering plenty of comfort and tech features.
Worst Cars That Don’t Fit the Life
There is an abundance of contenders for the title of the worst car ever made so many, in fact, that choosing the absolute worst is no simple task.
Additionally, considering how much cars have evolved over the years, a vehicle that was subpar by modern standards might not seem quite as bad when compared to one from the 1980s.
However, does this make it even worse when manufacturers miss the mark in today’s automotive landscape?
On the flip side, there are cars from the past that may have seemed perfectly fine at the time, but looking back now, it’s clear just how poor some of them really were.
Of course, there are also models that were dreadful from the outset, earning their makers a reputation that could follow them for decades.
Citroen C3 Pluriel
- Price new: £12,370
- Price now: £1,600
- Powertrain: 1.4-litre 4cyl petrol; five-speed manual gearbox
- Power: 72bhp
- 0-62/top speed: 0-60 in 13.9 secs/101mph
At the turn of the millennium, it seemed like everyone was taking their superminis and hatchbacks and transforming them into convertibles.
The Peugeot 206 CC, Nissan Micra C+C, and Volkswagen even offered cabriolet versions of its Golf and the ‘new’ Beetle. Citroen got in on the open-top craze with a soft-top version of its C3.
The primary issue with the C3 Pluriel was its absurd packaging. While the electronic canvas roof could be slid back without much trouble, removing the cumbersome roof rails was both a complicated and physically demanding task.
Once removed, there was nowhere to store them inside the car, meaning if rain caught you off guard, you were out of luck.
The C3 Pluriel’s shortcomings didn’t end there. Its already poor handling became alarmingly worse once the roof rails were taken off, and the cramped interior had a cheap feel to it.
The design was so flawed that certain parts of the vehicle were actually illegal in the UK. For instance, Citroen marketed the car as having the ability to convert from a convertible into a pick-up truck by folding down the rear seats and lowering the tailgate, supposedly ideal for carrying surfboards.
However, this setup would obscure the vehicle’s number plate, potentially leading to unwanted attention from local law enforcement.
Originally designed to serve as a family hatchback, a saloon with a sunroof, a convertible, a roadster, and even a pick-up truck, the C3 Pluriel failed to excel in any of these roles. How a car this misguided was approved as recently as 2003 remains a mystery.
Also Read: 13 Engines That Made Japanese Cars Unstoppable and Changed Performance Culture Forever
Austin Allegro
- Price new: from £1,159
- Price now: from £2,500
- Powertrain: 1.0-1.7 litre 4cyl petrol
- Power: 49/90bhp
- 0-60: 18.4 seconds (1.3 petrol)
For many years, the Allegro has competed with the Morris Marina for the title of the quintessential example of everything that was wrong with British car manufacturing in the 1970s.
While some enthusiasts might argue that’s unfair, the car was hastily developed to replace the long-standing Austin 1100, and when it was released in 1973, buyers were not impressed.
The boxy styling of the Allegro stemmed from engineering compromises that were far from ideal. The decision to reuse running gear from other models resulted in a car that was disappointing to drive.
Moreover, at a time when the Renault 5 and Volkswagen Golf showcased practical hatchback designs, the Allegro stuck with an outdated saloon-style boot.
Adding to the confusion was the ‘Quartic’ steering wheel. Hindsight has led some fans to claim it was ahead of its time, prefiguring the flat-bottomed wheels used in racing cars. However, British Leyland quietly abandoned this design after a rushed facelift in 1975.
The Allegro emerged as a product of the merger between Leyland Motors and British Motor Holdings in 1968, when Leyland management realized BMH had no plan to replace the aging yet still popular Austin 1100.
It seems possible that they missed the memo that the Allegro’s rivals were hatchbacks, as they rushed it to market. While the lack of a practical boot was a major drawback, it wasn’t the car’s only issue.
The Allegro’s interior was cramped, and the engine options were underpowered. Even worse, the Allegro was priced higher than its main competitors. Those few cars that did manage to find owners were often plagued with reliability problems.
Simple issues like overtightening the wheel bearing nuts could lead to bearing failures, while automotive folklore suggested that the Allegro’s flexible chassis allowed you to seal the doors shut simply by jacking up the car in the wrong place.
It’s no surprise the car earned the nickname ‘All Aggro.’It’s safe to say that the Allegro was not a sales success. Though it was produced for nine years with around 650,000 units sold, its predecessor, the Austin 1100, had sold a staggering 2.1 million models across all its variants.
A facelift in 1975 addressed some of the car’s issues, and another update in 1979 improved things further. That update also introduced the Equipe, a sporty version with silver paint and bold orange stripes.
However, in the face of competition from cars like the Golf GTI, the Allegro felt even more out of place. The arrival of the Austin Maestro in 1983 couldn’t have come soon enough.
Rover CityRover
- Price new: £6,500
- Price now: from £300
- Powertrain: 1.4-litre 4cyl petrol; five-speed manual gearbox
- Power: 83bhp
- 0-62/top speed: 0-60 in 11.9 secs/100mph
By the time MG Rover introduced the CityRover to its lineup in 2003, the company was already facing financial difficulties.
While Rover had a history of producing successful city cars, such as the Mini and Metro, the CityRover, based on the Indian-made Tata Indica, was a poorly conceived decision that drained even more money from the company’s sinking funds.
Rovers had long been associated with affordable prestige, but the CityRover completely failed to mask its low-cost origins.
While budget cars can be appealing, this model, priced from £6,500 at the time, didn’t seem to justify the cost. It felt generations behind its competition, with a drab, low-quality interior, subpar build quality, and uninspired styling.
The CityRover had fierce competition in the form of the Fiat Panda, which offered far better value for money. As a result, the CityRover had a brief production run of just two years, while the Fiat continued for nearly a decade.
Had the CityRover carried a different badge, it might have stood a chance as a no-frills budget option. However, being a Rover meant that buyers had certain expectations based on the brand’s long history.
While no generation of the Metro was perfect, they still possessed unique qualities that helped them sell in steady numbers. In contrast, the CityRover seemed doomed from the start, with fewer than 9,000 units hitting UK roads before the company’s collapse in 2005.
To offer a tiny bit of credit, the CityRover did provide reasonable interior space for its size. Unfortunately, its appeal as a family car was marred by the fact that even anti-lock brakes were only available as an optional extra.
If you happen to find a CityRover today, you’ll score points for rarity, but finding one in decent condition is far from easy.
Morris Marina
- Price new: £575
- Price now: £300-£10,000
- Powertrain: 1.3/1.8-litre 4cyl petrol; four-speed manual gearbox
- Power: 60-95bhp
- 0-62/top speed: 0-60 in 12.1 secs/100mph (1.8TC)
How do you replace an iconic car like the Morris Minor? Not like this. The general consensus today is that British Leyland’s Morris Marina, introduced in 1971, was barely preferable to taking the bus but only just.
Despite its sales of 1.2 million units worldwide, indicating some level of popularity at the time, both contemporary critics and modern pundits agree that the Marina was outclassed by rivals from Ford, Vauxhall, and almost every other car manufacturer on numerous fronts.
The Marina’s reputation was further tarnished by its use of outdated suspension technology borrowed from the ancient Morris Minor and the MGB, along with a limited range of engines that were already outdated when the car was launched.
Additionally, its awkward dimensions placed it somewhere between the Ford Escort and the Cortina, making it neither here nor there in terms of size.
In its defense, British Leyland hoped that a conservative design approach would appeal to markets in the Commonwealth that weren’t yet ready for more modern, front-wheel-drive cars like the Austin Maxi, which was still in the design stages.
However, the Marina lacked excitement and character, and this, combined with mockery from the Top Gear presenters, has solidified its place in the “worst cars ever made” hall of fame.
Many of the Marina’s issues stemmed from underfunding and British Leyland’s often-confused product strategy.
A sporting coupé variant was initially considered to compete with the Ford Capri, but instead, it was relegated to a more affordable three-door entry model, which, although quite attractive, wasn’t a strong contender.
Despite its flaws, the Marina did have some rally success in the 1.3-litre class, and it also played a part in shaping automotive history. The floorpan of the Marina inspired the development of the Hyundai Pony, the Korean brand’s first production car, which was launched in 1975.
Chrysler PT Cruiser Cabriolet
- Price new: £17,925
- Price now: £3,000
- Powertrain: 2.4-litre 4cyl petrol; five-speed manual gearbox
- Power: 141bhp
- 0-62/top speed: 0-60 in 10.6 secs/121mph
Sometimes things just don’t work out despite initial promise, and other times, some ideas seem doomed to fail right from the start. The Chrysler PT Cruiser Cabriolet undoubtedly falls into the latter category.
To give the benefit of the doubt, we need to take ourselves back to the early 2000s, when retro car designs were becoming popular.
Cars like the MINI, Fiat 500, and Volkswagen Beetle had tapped into nostalgia, so it made sense for Chrysler to try and replicate this success with the PT Cruiser, a car not based on a particular model but embodying a retro style of its own.
For the standard ‘estate’ version, this retro approach briefly worked. However, by the time the Cabriolet version was introduced in 2005, the initial PT Cruiser hype had fizzled out.
The car had already become a symbol of what some now refer to as “firework cars” those that spark initial excitement but quickly fade away once the novelty wears off.
When the drop-top model arrived, it was already facing an uphill battle, and unfortunately, it didn’t live up to expectations.
From the uncomfortable seating position to the impractical, top-hinged letterbox boot, the PT Cruiser Cabriolet had several design flaws.
The 141bhp 2.4-litre petrol engine performed better with the manual gearbox, though the shifting was imprecise, but driving enjoyment was still lacking.
Visibility with the roof up was poor, and lowering the electric hood revealed a bulky rollover hoop that made accessing the rear seats even more difficult.
The interior quality also left much to be desired, as US car brands at the time typically focused on producing cars for the American market, which had less demand for features like soft-touch plastics or pleasant cabin aesthetics, which European buyers typically preferred.
It’s a shame because with better execution, the PT Cruiser Cabriolet could have become a cult classic for the right reasons.
Although it still stands out with its distinctive looks likely because you don’t see many on the road today it’s clear that the car was a product of a cost-cutting era, trying to cash in on the retro wave without the charm or driving dynamics needed to make it truly successful.
