Commuting Without Compromise: Fuel-Efficient Sedans Perfect for Indy Drivers

How much time do you spend in the driver’s seat every week? The average commute for Indy residents is 25.3 minutes, with most traveling into the city for work and spending at least an hour behind the wheel each day. However, you likely spend a lot more time in your car because of traffic, errands, school drop-offs and pick-ups, activities, and everything else that requires getting from Point A to Point B.

With this much time in your car, we can’t help but wonder how your current vehicle enhances your experience and prioritizes your comfort as you navigate your busy life. As the leading used car dealer near Indianapolis, we’re dedicated to helping you make the most out of your time in the driver’s seat without compromise. But what does that look like? It starts by helping you find an affordable and reliable sedan that saves you more money at the pump and is equipped with all the comforts, technologies, and safety features you want and need as you travel in and around Indianapolis.

#1) Ford Fusion

It’s only fitting to start our list with a versatile Ford sedan like the Fusion. Debuting in 2006, the midsize Fusion made a lasting impression in the Ford lineup and earned its place as a family-friendly car with modern styling, plenty of tech, and engaging performance. Ford capitalized on the Fusion’s success until 2020, enticing drivers with its expansive trim lineup, multiple powertrain options, and all-wheel drive capability. Today, a 2020 Fusion is an excellent find for Indianapolis commuters who want a well-equipped sedan at a budget-friendly price.

Ford heightens the Fusion’s value by equipping it with plenty of standard safety and connectivity features, from the SYNC 3 infotainment system on a color touchscreen display to the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assist technologies. The safety suite and the Fusion’s high-strength build consistently earned this sedan top safety ratings from the Insurance Insitute of Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Moreover, these tools enhance your commute by optimizing your situational awareness and actively minimizing the potential for collisions as you navigate the hustle and bustle of Indianapolis traffic.

When it comes to efficiency, the Fusion also shines in every condition because of Ford’s incredible powertrain designs. The Fusion’s standard 1.5L EcoBoost inline-four averages 23 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway on 2020 models, with the 2.0L EcoBoost averaging 20 MPG and 28 MPG, respectively, on all-wheel drive models. The 2.5L EcoBoost i-VCT uses less fuel on the highway at 31 MPG but is easily outshined by the hybrid powertrain that offers a combined average of 42 MPG and guarantees more money stays in your wallet.

#2) Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry is another outstanding option for Indy commuters looking for an efficient sedan with sophisticated styling and a stellar reputation for reliability. As one of Toyota’s longest-running nameplates, the Camry has a rich history in the industry. It’s renowned for its versatility and competency—especially models built since 2020, when Toyota breathed new life into its best-selling sedan.

The 2020 and 2021 Camry are fan favorites because of performance-inspired trims like the Camry TRD. Indianapolis drivers with a penchant for speed and thrills will fall in love with the Camry TRD, which is immediately distinguishable by its aerodynamic design, red pinstriping, red brake calipers, and exclusive badging. The real showstopper is the Camry TRD’s heartbeat—a 3.6L V6 paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that outfits this sedan with Sport Mode and paddle shifters as the engine roars to life and produces 301 hp. The specially-tuned TRD cat-back dual exhaust system adds the perfect finishing touch, guaranteeing you turn heads everywhere you go in and around Indy.

#3) Honda Accord

Like the Camry, the Honda Accord is a popular sedan with a long legacy in the industry. Introduced as a complement to the Civic in the mid-1970s, the Accord has evolved from a compact car into a sophisticated midsize sedan renowned for its high-value packaging. It’s affordable, comfortable, and versatile, which Indy drivers will experience firsthand in models like the 2022 Accord.

The 2022 Accord is enticing because it’s the last of the tenth generation, with Honda introducing the eleventh-generation Accord in 2023. While it’s hard to deny the appeal of a new model with all the bells and whistles, Indy drivers can easily enjoy those features at a fraction of the “new car” sticker price. For example, the 2022 Accord Touring is the top-of-the-line trim, powered by a 2.0L turbocharged engine that produces 252 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque for exceptional handling and off-the-line acceleration. Moreover, this output doesn’t compromise the sedan’s efficiency, with the turbocharged Touring averaging 22 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway.

Indianapolis drivers wanting to keep more money in their wallets will find plenty of options, thanks to the Accord’s hybrid powertrain lineup. The Accord Hybrid EX-L offers the best fuel economy at 48 MPG in the city and on the highway. Most notably, this modest fuel consumption still makes for an exciting performance, with the hybrid powertrain producing 212 hp and 232 lb-ft of near-instant torque. It’s the perfect combination that gives Indianapolis commuters the best of both worlds.

#4) Subaru Legacy

All-season confidence is guaranteed when you navigate life in Indianapolis from behind the wheel of a Subaru Legacy. Making its worldwide debut in 1989 as Subaru’s flagship sedan, the Legacy has earned a prominent place in the Subaru lineup, even inspiring revered SUVs like the Outback. But what makes the Legacy such an excellent choice for Indy commuters? Subaru’s use of a Boxer engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive system gives sedans like the Legacy an undeniable advantage in the segment.

Customers looking for the latest all-season capability will find that and more in the 2020 Legacy, which marks the seventh generation of this sedan. Outfitted with a 2.5L Boxer engine that delivers 182 hp, the 2020 Legacy is built on Subaru’s Global Platform and comes standard with symmetrical all-wheel drive and the renowned Eyesight Driver Assist Technology suite. The packaging is remarkable, giving you the confidence to navigate every condition, from rain, sleet, or snow to rush-hour traffic and congested city streets.

Beyond its standard all-wheel drive, the Legacy is also appealing because it’s practical and luxurious. While Subaru is often pigeonholed for building practical and functional models, trims like the Legacy Touring shed new light on this automaker and its approach to luxury. With genuine Nappa leather upholstery, the 2020 Legacy Touring boasts an upscale cabin enhanced by advanced technologies, heated and ventilated seating, and premium detailing that can transform every drive.

It’s Time to Upgrade Your Commute

Indianapolis traffic isn’t for the faint of heart, whether your commute brings you into the city from Carmel or north from Southport or Friendswood. Traffic can be brutal in any direction, but your experience in the driver’s seat doesn’t have to be. So, are you ready to upgrade your commute?

You deserve a fuel-efficient sedan that doesn’t require you to settle or compromise on your must-haves. With sedans like the Fusion, Legacy, Accord, and Camry, you don’t have to choose between affordability, luxury, or performance. Instead, you can have it all and enjoy the reliability ingrained in some of the world’s most revered automotive brands.