Shopping online for a used car, truck, or SUV is a responsible way to treat your wallet, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun when you drive away with it.
The average time spent driving is almost an hour, and that’s only climbing higher as traffic gets worse. For many daily commuters, they can spend two or more hours in their vehicle on the weekday.
Whether you’re looking for a daily or a vehicle that’s reserved for weekends, road trips, and off-road adventures, these are some of the top vehicles that will bring a bit of joy into your drive without breaking your budget.
#1 Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco is Ford’s answer to the Jeep Wrangler, and it’s a ride made for off-roading. This is your vehicle of choice for tackling dirt roads and rock crawling. It will get you to wherever your heart desires, but it also comes in four-door varieties for family-friendly and everyday driving.
Check out reviews for different years if you’re buying used. While the revival of the brand in the 2020s switched to a V6 engine, upgrading to the Bronco Raptor delivers 418 horsepower.
#2 Hyundai Kona
This crossover adds a little more punch to that family-friendly SUV. The line is known for offering brisk acceleration with the turbocharged engine option while balancing the fun with good fuel economy.
Inside, the cabin feels a bit more grown, and there’s plenty of cargo space for your everyday life. The Hyundai Kona will help you inject a little bit more fun into your life
#3 Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger is an affordable mid-size pickup that can be practical for both work and your off-hours adventures. While the Ranger was discontinued back in 2012, it was revived in 2019, providing a variety of used options, depending on how old you want to go.
With 270 horsepower and a towing capability of 7,500 lbs., the Ford Ranger can get a lot done. You can add a lot more fun to it with the Tremor Off-Road package, adding all-terrain tires and FOX shocks that will let you get off the beaten path.
#4 Subaru WRX
Don’t the Subaru WRX fool you; just because it’s a junior family car doesn’t mean that it’s not a joy to drive. Road & Track said that despite its reputation as not the best-looking vehicle around, it manages to rank alongside the Corvettes and Porsches of the world as far as fun goes.
What it lacks in the body, it more than makes up for in the engine, especially in older models that were more driver-oriented. If you want to tear up some tracks on the weekend but still need to drive your family around safely on the weekdays, the WRX is your best choice.
#5 Volkswagen Jetta
This compact sedan provides a bit more kick in the budget range. It is compact, affordable, and surprisingly fun on your everyday commute. Make no mistake, the Volkswagen Jetta isn’t going to be a vehicle you can take to the track, but it will keep you entertained during your everyday errands.
Driving doesn’t have to be boring. These are just four vehicles that can spice up your commute or take you off-road.
