City Or Country?
Not every car can do every job. Parallel parking a pick-up on a busy street can be a nightmare, just like trying to navigate gravel roads in a city car. We've rounded up some of the best cars on the market for both country and city living.
1. Toyota Corolla
In discussing city cars, there's no better place to start than with the Toyota Corolla. The Corolla scores excellently in terms of fuel efficiency, safety, and longevity. Not too shabby for the best-selling car of all time.
2. Chevrolet Equinox
City driving doesn't mean you have to sacrifice all your cargo room to squeeze into itty-bitty parking spaces. The equinox is compact yet muscular; it can make tight turns while holding enough gear to see your kid off to college. Additionally, the Equinox is one of several EVs on this list.
3. Subaru Impreza
City driving can be just as risky as off-roading, especially when snow and ice enter the equation. The all-wheel drive of the Impreza will have you navigating slippery slopes with ease. In general, Japanese manufacturers know their stuff when it comes to city cars.
4. Ford Flex
Okay, so the Ford Flex technically retired in 2019, but you can still find used models for a good deal. Not only is this cross-over a stylish alternative to a van likely to be in good condition used, but it's less high tech than recent releases. Massive infotainment panels can be dangerous and difficult to see over!
Ford Motor Company from USA on Wikimedia
5. Volvo V60
Volvo's V60 is the station wagon for the modern era. With hybrid capabilities and admirable torque, the V60 improves on the poor handling of previous models. Also, the seats are exceptionally comfy, which is important if you're going to be stuck in traffic.
6. BMW M2
Typically, the more a car costs, the bigger it is. However, bigger cars—especially extra-long ones—can be an absolute nightmare to park and maneuver. The BMW M2 has all the glitz and glam of a large, upscale model, but it won't give you an ulcer trying to reverse out of a spot.
7. Mini Cooper
Rather than singling out a specific model, we're going to shout out the entire Mini Cooper range for city driving. Minis are stylish and sleek; a small car that doesn't feel cramped. They also come in fun colors, which will help you find your car in a crowded lot of grey and white.
Devon Janse van Rensburg on Unsplash
8. Honda Civic
Sometimes, there's no cause to mess with classics like the Honda Civic. The flexible price range helps drivers who may not have a ton to spend narrow down their priorities without feeling like they're settling for a tin can. This cozy commuter will actually have you looking forward to your morning drive (minus the traffic, of course)!
9. Fiat 500
Bigger isn't always better, especially when you have to find a parking spot in a crowded lot. Luckily, the Fiat 500 is a reliable and stylish city car that's easy to park and easy on your wallet. The 2025 electric release even comes in a dazzling rose gold model.
10. Hyundai Kona
There's more to the Hyundai Kona than meets. The trunk has a surprising amount of space for how small the SUV itself is, while the elevated driving position will help keep an eye out for pedestrians and cyclists of all sizes. The Kona's all-wheel drive also helps us nicely segue into our next section.
Hyundai Motor Group on Unsplash
Now that we've covered cars that will help you navigate urban jungles with ease, let's look at a few that thrive on the road less traveled.
1. Kia Telluride
Not let the Telluride's squeaky-clean looks lull you into a false sense of security. Kia cooked up an absolute beast with the latest iteration of this SUV. If you get an X-Pro, you'll get 5,500 lbs of towuing power.
2. Ford Bronco
You don't have to be a cowboy to tame this Bronco. The Ford Bronco is the one name you'll hear repeated over and over again in the off-roader discussion—for a good reason! The Trail Turn Assist, off-road stability, and water management system makes traversing all sorts of terrains a breeze.
3. Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser has been a popular choice for the wilder side of the world for over half a century. Whether you're camping off the grid or exploring an area where the infrastructure isn't exactly up to date, the Land Cruiser has your back. It's also easy to repair if you break down.
4. Dacia Duster 4x4
You shouldn't have to leave the family behind if you want to go off-roading. The Dacia Duster is a crossover that really lives up to its name, going from comfortable urban drives, to rocky off-roading. While not quite as rugged as others on this list, the Duster is great for occasional off-roaders.
5. GMC Sierra 2500
If you thought the Telluride's 5,500 towing capacity was impressive, just wait until you get a load of the GMC Sierra 2500's 16,000 towing capacity! Of course, the two are vastly different vehicles, so it isn't entirely fair to compare them. That said, this is a truck with some serious heft and monstrous strength.
6. Ram 1500
It seems like everyone and their mom drives a massive truck these days, even if it's just down to the supermarket. However, if you want to take your truck out into the elements, you should consider a Ram 1500. The Ram 1500 includes locking rear differentials, skid plates, and Selec-Speed Control.
7. Jeep Wrangler
Next to the Ford Bronco, the Jeep Wrangler is likely the name you'll see most in this discussion. The Wrangler replaced the Civilian Jeep line, which brought military tech to the general populace. The Wrangler is always evolving to best meet customer needs.
8. Land Rover Defender
If you have cash to burn and need a third row for your off-roading adventures, the Land Rover Defender is the car for you. The Defender can sail over rocks as well as three feet of water without any trouble. The Terrain Response System makes the hefty price tag worth it.
9. Mercedes G-Class
Though this vehicle is best known for sitting idly in the driveways of celebrity mansions, the Mercedes G-Class got its' start as a military vehicle for the last shah of Iran. The G-Class has a retro look but the best of modern capabilities. Visually, it's less rough-and-tumble than others on this list, but no less capable.
10. Ariel Nomad 2
The Ariel Nomad 2 isn't quite a car or a dune buggy but something in between. The Nomad is lightweight with soft suspension, making it one of the most fun vehicles on the market. If you really want to experience the elements with all five senses, the Nomad 2 will get you as close as possible.
