The Best Used Cars for Carpooling

With prices at the pumps constantly fluctuating and the environment and climate change on people’s minds, one of the best ways to use less and save more is by carpooling with colleagues, neighbors, and friends. However, if your vehicle is unreliable or too small, that can make things more challenging. But luckily for you, there are lots of great, affordable options out there for those interested in making carpooling part of their daily travels.

For Iowa drivers searching through Des Moines car sales to find that perfect carpool companion at an affordable price, we welcome you to take a look at our extensive online selection of pre-owned vehicles at Online.cars that are ideal for traveling with multiple passengers around Des Moines and beyond. Not only do we offer a vast inventory of high-quality vehicles, but we aim to revolutionize your car-shopping experience by allowing you to find the perfect vehicle on your terms and schedule from the comfort of your own home. Let’s take a look at some notable carpool-friendly vehicles that are sure to enhance your daily drive.

Sedans That Prioritize Safety

A lot of people think you need a huge vehicle like a van or a full-size SUV for carpooling, but in reality, there are many sedans that offer ample passenger space, along with a host of great comfort and safety features drivers are looking for to ensure all on board are safe. Safety should always be a feature to consider whether you’re traveling with children or coworkers, and many modern sedans prioritize this concern.

One of the vehicles that has been topping the list of safest vehicles since 2009 is the Kia Optima, which was named by Forbes in 2009 as being a sedan that was designed to not only be efficient but also safe. As recently as 2019, the Optima was awarded an overall 5-star Top Safety+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The sedan ranked high in all five of its test categories, ranging from side to headrests and seats. The 4-door midsize sedan offers a roomy cabin with seating for up to five, making it a great vehicle for a small carpooling group of adults or children.

A company that has made a name for itself when offering safe cars is Nissan, so it should be no surprise that one made it onto the list of safest sedans. The Nissan Altima has a reputation for being a well-rounded, safe vehicle and is only one of many Nissan models that have received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS as recently as 2020. The Altima has an extensive list of safety features, making it a great buy. Going for a Nissan from 2019 or a more recent model means you get access to the company’s standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, composed of six safety and driver assist systems to keep you safe and protected on the road, including Automatic Emergency Braking and a Lane Departure Warning.

The third model we want to highlight for its consistently high safety ratings to the popular Honda Accord. The Honda Accord ranks high in safety, with it being awarded five stars and named a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS in 2021. With a great range of standard features and noteworthy efficiency, the Honda Accord is a great sedan for commuters and small carpooling groups that want a reliable vehicle that will keep them safe day after day. The Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver assistance tools is standard on recent models, including valuable features like a Collision Mitigation Braking System and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Effortlessly Efficient SUVs and Crossovers

Looking for something a little larger than a sedan? Something with a bit more power or flexibility? Then check out the spacious SUV and crossover segment that has continued to grow in size and popularity. There are many great options to pick from regarding SUVs, but are they efficient? After all, we are talking about much larger vehicles that will burn more fuel; is there a balance between getting a large, spacious SUV and the ability to enjoy great fuel efficiency? The answer is a resounding “Yes!” In the last decade, automotive makers have transformed the gas-guzzling SUV into an efficient machine with compact and crossover models that offer drivers the convenience of a larger vehicle combined with the efficiency and smooth driving of a sedan.

One of our favorite choices regarding efficiency is the best-selling Toyota RAV4. The 5-seat compact crossover SUV offers drivers the option of front-wheel or all-wheel drive, giving you access to additional power and performance you might want if you often tackle snowy or slippery weather. While we love the well-rounded Toyota RAV4, we think where it shines is when it comes to its fuel economy. If buying used, check out the 2020 model to get an impressive 28 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway when equipped with FWD.

Looking for a bit of luxury on your drive while still saving a few dollars at the pumps? The 2021 Buick Encore GX is a spacious crossover that is great for adult and child passengers alike, thanks to its spacious cabin that offers plenty of leg and headroom. Expect the 2021 Encore GX to deliver not only a smooth drive with touches of luxury but also an efficient one, offering a fuel economy of 30 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway when you opt for the front-wheel drive model with the 1.3L engine.

If you want to go further for less checking out a used hybrid might be a great option. When looking for an efficient pre-owned model, keep an eye out for the incredibly efficient and long-lasting 2021 Subaru Crosstrek hybrid. This affordable hybrid offers first-class fuel efficiency for carpoolers looking to get the most for their dollars. The 2021 Crosstrek hybrid delivers a combined 90 MPGe, making it a value machine that will continue to save you money mile after mile. The roomy Crosstrek hybrid seats five without cramping while leaving plenty of flexibility for daily essentials, work materials, or school gear you might need to bring along.

Comfort and Convenience With Minivans and Full-Size SUVs

With all the hype around crossovers and SUVs, let’s not forget the original carpooling vehicle, the minivan. The minivan offers extensive seating for large groups, not to mention the interior is often designed to be extremely flexible and child-friendly. And one of the best parts? Many used minivans can often be had for less than a full-size SUV, making them a great buy for drivers that need a lot of car for less.

One of the top minivans to look out for is the award-winning Honda Odyssey. With a name like Honda, drivers know they are getting a reliable vehicle they can depend on. For 13 consecutive years, the Odyssey had been named “Best Minivan for Families” by US News & World Report. The Odyssey is a vehicle that has it all thanks to its smart, practical design that delivers ample cargo space, comfortable seating for up to eight people across three rows, and a high-reliability rating. To access great features and technology, check out a 2020 or 2021 model for the ultimate savings and value.

We get that you might not want the space but would prefer an updated SUV over a minivan; if that’s the case, plenty of full-size SUVs are out there, with a noteworthy model being the affordable Kia Telluride. This is a 3-row SUV that was named “Best 3-Row SUV For Families” in 2021 by US News & World Report. The Kia Telluride offers flexible seating for seven or eight passengers with plenty of room for additional cargo.

The Telluride has also been noted as having a comfortable interior with an abundance of useful standard features and user-friendly tech, making it fun to drive and easy to use. With a number of awards under its belt, from receiving a top safety pick from the IIHS in 2020 to receiving the “Best Buy” award from Kelley Blue Book among Three-Row Midsize SUVs, the Kia Telluride has a lot to offer carpoolers.

Looking for a little luxury? We get it. Sometimes you want some deluxe creature comforts, elegant design, plus modern tech to make your drive and those you’re carpooling with feel a little more glamorous, or at the very least more enjoyable even on days when there are other places you’d rather be. Enter the Volvo CX90.

This midsize SUV can comfortably seat up to seven passengers, plus it comes fully loaded with top-of-the-line safety and driver assist features, advanced tech like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and more! With a top safety rating and an option for a built-in booster seat for young children, the Volvo CX90 isn’t just about adding a touch of luxury to your carpooling session; it’s also family-friendly, making it a great SUV that can grow and change with your life as needed.

Carpool With Confidence in These Fantastic Options

Do you want a vehicle that will get you where you need to go as safely as possible? Or are you thinking more about your wallet and want to get the most out of every mile? Or maybe it’s just about space and convenience? Whatever you’re looking for, a great used vehicle is waiting to help make your carpool run a little smoother. Getting the perfect vehicle for your needs is the best way to elevate your drive and make it more rewarding than ever. Remembering budget, daily distance, and passenger space is important when you consider your next carpooling vehicle.

It’s also worth noting that you don’t have to get a giant full-size SUV or van either. With assorted options ranging in size from sedans to vans, there is something for all needs and budgets. At Online.cars, we welcome you to search through our extensive online inventory to find your perfect carpool companion. Our Patented Nationwide Search software allows you to explore over 200,000 pre-owned vehicles from across the nation, giving you the ability to find a model that is tailored to your specific driving needs. Change how you shop for a vehicle today and check out our exceptional inventory at Online.cars.