Despite Detroit’s role as the originator of the American auto industry, this city didn’t invent traffic. While our “rush hour” may last up to four hours each morning, this isn’t the only urban center to experience stop-and-go traffic, relentless road construction, and all of the other factors that can make our daily commute the most stressful part of our day.
The only solution to this stress is to find a car that makes traffic headaches more bearable, and this magical vehicle is likely waiting for you at a used car dealership near Detroit.
Choosing your next used car, truck, or SUV is a big decision, especially if you’re going to be navigating I-75 or I-94 on a daily basis. Here are some suggestions to keep in mind when shopping for your next means of everyday transportation.
For Commuting in Highway Traffic
Does your daily drive involve the I-96/I-275/I-696 interchange? Stop-and-go highway traffic is notoriously hard on automobiles, causing not just a drain on fuel economy but also wear on engine components and shortening the lifespan of your brakes.
While you can’t do anything about how other people choose to drive, there are plenty of things you can do to maintain the health of your used car, including routine maintenance. And when it comes to fuel economy, no vehicle handles stop-and-go quite like a hybrid.
The Toyota Prius was one of the first hybrid models to hit American streets, and it has remained one of the top-selling hybrid models since its debut.
Available with your choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive, the Prius was fully redesigned in 2023. These 2023 models are becoming popular on used car lots, thanks to their impressive tech, improved horsepower, longer battery range, and a combined EPA fuel economy rating as high as 57 MPG, depending on the trim level and drivetrain.
There’s no cure for stop-and-go traffic, but your wallet can rest easy, knowing you’ve chosen a hybrid vehicle with maximum fuel efficiency.
Features for Extra Peace of Mind
Accidents are inevitable in any urban setting. While we’re proud of Detroit drivers for doing the right thing, it’s also reasonable for urban commuters to rely on the safety features and driver assistance technology offered by their daily transportation.
The Honda Civic has earned its place as one of America’s favorite commuter cars for its excellent fuel economy, an impressive suite of driver assistance tech, abundant safety features for all passengers, and an overall uncomplicated driving experience.
Offered as a sedan or a hatchback, the Civic was most recently overhauled in 2022. And while the fuel economy of the standard gas-powered Civic has been a benchmark in its class for many years, those looking for even more savings at the pump might consider the hybrid model, which debuted in 2025.
The Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance technologies includes standard forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and a few extras, such as Traffic Sign Recognition and Traffic Jam Assist, both of which can be particularly helpful in heavy traffic.
Front, knee, and front-side airbags are provided for the driver and front passenger, along with side curtain and outboard rear-passenger-side airbags, ensuring that all passengers are protected from all angles.
While no car can prevent the unexpected, drivers seeking the greatest peace of mind should take a close look at all the safety features and driver assistance tech offered on each used car.
For Versatility and Adventure
You don’t have to have mud-crawling aspirations to crave a little adventure. Michigan is one of the most scenic states in the nation, from the Upper Peninsula to the Detroit skyline.
Historically speaking, all-wheel-drive vehicles have been seen as strictly for adventure. However, more recent developments in models like the Subaru Outback and Jeep Grand Cherokee have demonstrated that these all-terrain-friendly SUVs make great partners on city streets as well.
The snowy season in Detroit lasts from November to March, and it typically gets an annual total of 45 inches of snow. With that in mind, the Subaru Outback's all-wheel drive takes on new meaning.
Many used Outback models have up to two XMODE options, which allow for driving in Snow/Dirt or Deep Snow/Mud. Both drive modes reduce transmission output for greater engagement and will adjust wheel spin based on the terrain.
The Outback's Wilderness trim level, which debuted in 2022, offers increased ground clearance, roof rails with crossbars, and skid plates, making it the most off-road-capable outfit in the lineup.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the more versatile SUVs on the used market, too, with a plug-in hybrid powertrain option and a three-row, seven-passenger cabin joining the lineup in 2022.
While not all Grand Cherokee trim levels have earned a Trail Rated badge for supreme off-road capability, features like skid plates, all-terrain tires, and a two-speed transfer case are found throughout the lineup.
Jeep's Trailhawk trim is considered the off-roading expert of the Grand Cherokee's lineup, with expert features like a disconnecting front anti-roll bar and a Quadra Drive II full-time four-wheel drive system, but the rest of the trim lineup carries itself with equal grace regardless of whether you’re dodging potholes or rocking along the trails.
Though all-wheel drive has gotten a bad reputation for having worse fuel economy than front-wheel drive, today’s all-terrain SUVs have plenty of street smarts in addition to their trail skills.
For Drivers Who Want More
And then there are the drivers who feel that, if you’re going to be stuck in traffic, you might as well have a good time. From especially comfortable seats to top-tier infotainment, a used luxury sedan or SUV might be the way to go if you’re looking to stretch your budget to get the best.
The Lincoln Aviator is a local Detroit favorite with extensive ties to the community. But more importantly, the Aviator is a three-row luxury SUV that’s perfectly at home in Detroit traffic, loves cruising the highways, and can tow and stow cargo with the same gusto as more rugged SUVs.
While rear-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive has historically been optional across all trim levels and standard on higher ones, with Deep Conditions and Slippery drive modes for optimal control. The Aviator also offers features that keep drivers happy, such as 30-way power-adjustable massaging front seats in the Black Label trim.
Across the Aviator's trim lineup, however, you’ll find plenty of fine features like leather upholstery, heated front-row and second-row seats, and a premium Revel audio system. Adaptive air suspension is also a popular choice for those looking to smooth out the I-96 service roads come springtime.
One of the best ways to stretch your car-buying budget is to buy a used vehicle, which can bring pre-owned luxury models and top trim levels into your reach, expanding the amount of happiness you can get from your used car.
Choosing the Right Used SUV for Your Commute
Ultimately, most drivers find themselves balancing most of these attributes when choosing their next used vehicle. Nearly everyone has a budget in mind—not just for the vehicle, but for how much they’re willing to spend on regular upkeep, fuel, and insurance.
Thankfully, most of today’s cars, trucks, and SUVs are designed to keep drivers comfortable and connected, and smart safety tech has become a standard that nearly all automakers around the world respect. So, really, it comes down to what makes you happiest overall.
