Edmunds rounds up today’s top budget commuter cars

Think you’ve got a long commute? You’re not alone. A 2017 Census Bureau survey found that Americans average nearly 27 minutes on a one-way trip to the office. What to do when you need a car that can rack up miles but not your debt ratio?

Here are Edmunds editors’ top four choices among today’s lowest-priced cars that deliver good fuel economy and have features to ensure your sanity on long drives.

Ford Fiesta ($15,135): The Ford Fiesta has a pintsize price but hardly feels cheap. Sporty and agile handling, high-quality interior materials and the wonderfully intuitive Sync 3 infotainment propel the Fiesta to the top of our budget-friendly list. It returns 31 mpg combined, and there’s even a hatchback version for enhanced utility. On the downside, passenger and cargo space are small, and that sharp handling comes at the expense of a smooth ride.

Kia Rio ($14,795): Today’s Rio is a sophisticated small car without the sophisticated price. With 32 mpg combined, the Rio returns solid fuel economy. And like the Fiesta, it has alert handling. Hard plastic abounds inside, but the overall interior design and construction are first-rate. Standard features are a bit barebones, so it’s worth spending extra money for upgraded infotainment and safety.

Hyundai Accent ($15,880): The Accent is Hyundai’s take on the Kia Rio; both cars share the same mechanical underpinnings. Like the Rio, the Accent offers invigorated handling, 32 mpg combined and an impressive interior. A recent redesign opened up more front and rear legroom and excellent cargo space. However, unlike the Rio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard in the Accent (they’re optional in the Rio). But flat, shapeless seats could take a toll on longer commutes.

Toyota Yaris ($16,370): The current Yaris is essentially a rebadged Mazda 2, which is no longer sold in the U.S. Not only are Mazda’s traditional handling and performance magic baked in, but so is the automaker’s keen eye for interiors. The Yaris also comes standard with features that others charge extra for, such as automatic emergency braking and voice-controlled infotainment. It also delivers 35 mpg combined. A cramped back seat won’t win friends on longer trips, however.