Improving the Daily Drive: Ford’s Best Commuter Vehicles

Daily commuting requires a solid vehicle. While some drivers may be able to get by with something that’s not quite up to par, anybody with a significant daily commute knows that a good vehicle is worth the investment. You need something that will serve you for the long term without any issues, preferably something that doesn’t drain your wallet with gas bills. And since you’ll be spending so much time in the car, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to have some nice design and technology features to make the rides more enjoyable. But, the most important, non-negotiable factor is reliability. If your vehicle isn’t reliable, it’s not worth your time or money. Ford has worked hard to make its brand name synonymous with reliability. Ford’s vehicles are known for being sturdy, dependable, and luxurious; with several hybrid and even all-electric options, they have highly efficient vehicles as well. If you’re looking for a Ford dealer near Peoria to find your next daily driver, these are some of Ford’s best commuter vehicles to look out for. There’s an argument to be made that any one of Ford’s vehicles could be a good commuter vehicle, but there are three in particular that we think fit the bill in a special way. 

The Compact Escape

Compact SUVs are becoming the new industry standard. If you’ve tracked automotive trends at all over the past several years, you’ve likely noticed a significant reduction in sedans and a significant increase in SUVs of all sizes and varieties, but especially in the compact to midsize sector. Drivers have realized that compact SUVs provide the same benefits as sedans at a similar price point but actually provide more benefits by offering more space and doing so in a flexible way. With a larger build, compact SUVs often have higher safety ratings and can handle a wider variety of driving excursions. As the industry continues to lean into compact SUVs, the Ford Escape is perfectly positioned to be a standard commuter vehicle.

The Escape is one of Ford’s most popular vehicles. Having had a significant makeover for the 2020 model year, anybody who’s seeking a used model should consider looking for a 2020 model or later, as you’ll have a more modern build with better interior features. That said, one of the things that makes the Escape a great option for commuters is its versatility; it can be as simple or as luxurious as you want it to be. If you’re looking to save money, going with the baseline Active trim will get you a nice experience with competent technology, but nothing unnecessary. But, if you’re looking for something to really improve the commute experience, the ST-Line trims will give you beautiful and sporty design cues, larger and more pronounced technology, and luxury features like power-adjustable, heated front seats. The Escape is what you make of it.

One of the things that makes the Escape an especially good option for commuters is the fact that it offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. The available 2.5-liter hybrid engine offers an EPA-estimated fuel-efficiency rating of up to 42 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. Hybrid technology actually does work more efficiently in city environments, which is great news for those living in Peoria, so you’ll be able to save a lot of money over time. Taking that further, the plug-in hybrid model offers the opportunity for limited all-electric driving, meaning you can drive without fuel being involved at all. While it will require a bit of a lifestyle change when it comes to charging your vehicle, the economic impact could be tremendous. The Escape is a well-rounded commuter vehicle, offering space, varying luxury features, and fantastic fuel efficiency, all at an affordable price point. It’s really the commuter’s ideal.

The Midsize Edge

The Ford Edge is a stylish and versatile midsize SUV. As such, it offers more interior space than the Escape, offering up to 73.4 cu.ft. of interior cargo space, which is highly impressive for a vehicle as compact as the Edge. Like the Escape, the Edge only seats five, but its larger body keeps it focused on maximizing space. Moreover, the Edge leans more into luxury and performance than the Escape does, meaning your drive is comfortable and spacious. 

The Edge wants to thrill, both with its driving and its interior. Offering two engine options, a 2.0–liter EcoBoost turbocharged I-4 engine and a 2.7-liter EcoBoost turbocharged V6 engine, drivers can choose their adventure. While both engines are highly capable, the 2.7-liter V6 engine deserves special mention. Offering up to 335 hp and 380 lbs-ft of torque, the Edge, small as it may be, is offering the same specs as many midsize trucks on the market. While you may not strictly need such performance capability for your daily commute, it may inspire you to use the vehicle for more than simply commuting, and the torque capability will certainly come in handy if you ever meet rough conditions. 

The Edge does not offer a hybrid option, but it offers a fuel efficiency rating of up to 28 MPG on the highway, so it’s certainly efficient. What the Edge lacks in hybrid technology, it makes up for in luxury features. The Edge offers a standard 12-inch color touchscreen, meaning it takes technology very seriously. Its interior is designed to be an oasis where you feel a wave of quiet and refinement, complemented by access to a leading multimedia experience. If you choose a higher-level trim like the Titanium, you’ll find features like a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel and a B&0 12-speaker sound system, which includes a subwoofer; 12 speakers in an interior as compact as the Edge means you’ll be truly immersed in the audio. With optional leather seating appointments and Ford’s cutting-edge SYNC 4A  technology, you may find yourself driving around the block a few times to make the commute last longer. As SUVs become the new industry standard, a pre-owned Edge offers great space and versatility at an affordable price.  

The Sporty Mustang Mach-E

You may see the Mustang Mach-E listed here and think “a Mustang is way more than I need for my commute.” Well, it may be more than you need, but the Mustang and Mustang Mach-E are different vehicles. The Mustang Mach-E has a Mustang sports car’s performance, no doubt (it wouldn’t have the right to bear the name if it wasn’t), but as an all-electric compact SUV, it provides impressive levels of efficiency and versatility, which can save commuters huge amounts of money over time. The Mustang Mach-E also provides next-level luxury features and more cargo space. 

With seating for up to five and far more cargo space than any traditional Mustang, the Mach-E provides much more utility than a sports car while retaining the performance of one. The vehicle allows for on-the-road charging as well as at-home charging. Public charging stations can be easily found by using the FordPass app built into Ford Connected Built-In Navigation. The at-home charging is the key to getting the most out of your battery-electric vehicle, as the Mach-E has a range of up to 320 miles, meaning you can charge at home and save money. Sure, the Mach-E may be a little more expensive upfront, but it will eliminate fuel bills from your life altogether. 

The 2025 Mustang Mach-E provides four fantastic trim levels, all of which pay homage to the Mustang’s rich racing history and the Mach-E’s electrified nature. If you’re looking for luxury, you’ll find it here like nowhere else. The combination of luxury and electrified driving is as good as it gets in the industry right now, and with no gas expenses, the money spent on any extra luxury features will pay off. The Mustang Mach-E is perhaps Ford’s most exciting vehicle right now, and it provides a highly efficient and highly luxurious vehicle for commuters.

The Daily Drive

Commuters drive a lot. While it may not be driving that is done strictly for pleasure, it doesn’t change the fact that you’re going to spend a lot of time in the car. As such, you want to make sure that your vehicle is reliable, does not add significant expenses to your life, and is an enjoyable place to be. While some people may want to prioritize enjoyment last, having features you like will make the drive more tolerable. Great convenience and comfort features will help you enjoy the ride to work more, which is essential in improving your daily life in Peoria. The three options we’ve discussed here today have similarities but ultimately provide three very different experiences to drivers. Ford knows that different commuters have different preferences and focuses, and so they offer options to cater to everyone. Whether you’re looking for an affordable and efficient commuter like the Escape, a luxurious performer of a commuter like the Edge, or an all-electric sporty commuter like the Mustang Mach-E, Ford has you covered. Your commute will never be the same again.

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