During her time as an Olympic hurdler, Sarah Wells spent a lot of hours on the road driving to early-morning training sessions, traveling to competitions, and hauling more gear than most people would expect. Long before the crowds and the finish lines, there were quiet drives that became part of her routine. Over time, Sarah learned that the car she drove wasn’t just a way to get from point A to point B; it was part of the system that supported her performance, consistency, and recovery.
Those experiences shape how athletes think about what actually matters in a car, and while their perspective comes from lives as athletes, there are features that serve anyone with an active lifestyle, a demanding schedule, or a commitment to showing up consistently for what matters to them.
The Best Cars for Athletes
- Prioritze Space
- Easy Entry Supports Recovery
- Reliability Builds Consistency
- Prepare for Weather
- Comfort Matters
- Excellence Lives in the Details
Prioritze Space
Sarah says:
Athletes don’t travel light. Between spikes, bags, therapy tools, foam rollers, and sometimes full-sized equipment like hurdles, space is essential. Vehicles with flexible cargo space like SUVs, wagons, and hatchbacks make a noticeable difference. A tight trunk can turn into a daily frustration. So a wide opening, fold-flat seats, and low lift-over height make loading gear fast and painless, especially when your legs are already cooked!
Honda Passport
Matt Smith, Head of Content at CarGurus.com, gave the 2026 Honda Passport a perfect 10 out of 10 in the Form and Function section of his review, calling it a "cargo space king" thanks to the best-in-class volume of its storage area. The Passport offers 44 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and that expands to an also-class-leading 83.3 cubic feet. The rear seats are designed to fold completely flat rather than at an angle, creating an uninterrupted load floor. This midsize crossover SUV also offers great tech features, a full suite of safety technologies, and strong V6 power, making it a well-rounded option.
Read our 2026 Honda Passport review
Kia Telluride
The 2025 Kia Telluride also earned a perfect score on the practicality front for its thoughtful cargo design. In his test drive review, automotive expert Christian Wardlaw praised the "numerous surprise-and-delight features that make it almost impossible not to love this SUV." Behind the third-row seat, the Telluride provides 21 cubic feet of cargo space, but the real utility shines when you fold those seats down—cargo capacity jumps to 46 cubic feet with a flat loading surface. Helpful release buttons located right in the cargo area allow you to flatten the second-row seats without reaching into the cabin, expanding total capacity to a generous 87 cubic feet of storage space. The wide tailgate opening makes it easy to load bulky items, while a hidden compartment under the load floor provides additional secure storage for valuables. The optional 110-volt power outlet in the cargo area on X-Pro models adds even more utility for powering tools or equipment on job sites or outdoor adventures. This combination of generous capacity, one-touch flat-folding convenience, and thoughtful cargo management features creates a truly functional space.
Read our 2025 Kia Telluride review
Easy Entry Supports Recovery
Sarah says:
After a tough workout, your body tells the truth. And what it wants is simplicity. Cars that make it easier to get in and out through higher seating positions, supportive seats, and thoughtful ergonomics matter more than people realize. It’s not about luxury. It’s about respect for a body that’s doing hard things day after day.
That’s one reason many athletes gravitate toward crossovers or SUVs over lower-profile commuter cars. Making sure you don’t end up with tight hip flexors after a big training session is essential to being able to come back the next day and do it all over again!
Nissan Murano
The 2025 Nissan Murano features Nissan's Zero Gravity seats in both rows. Designed to reduce fatigue by providing continuous support that minimizes pressure points during longer journeys, these seats have long been a favorite among CarGurus reviewers. Standard heated and power-adjustable front seats make it easy to find the perfect position, with the Platinum trim adding massage functionality that's conveniently accessed via a button placed just to the driver's left for easy reach without taking eyes off the road. The front row offers an impressive 44.3 inches of legroom and 39.4 inches of headroom with the panoramic moonroof, making it notably more spacious than competitors like the Toyota Crown Signia and Chevy Blazer—giving passengers ample room to settle in comfortably without feeling cramped. Beyond seating comfort, the Murano delivers practical cargo flexibility with 32.9 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats and a standard power liftgate that makes loading easier, with the Platinum trim adding foot-activated opening for true hands-free convenience. The combination of supportive seating, crossover ride height, and accessible cargo space makes the Murano a vehicle that won't prolong your recovery time.
Read our 2025 Nissan Murano review
Land Rover Defender
Christian Wardlaw specifically highlighted the high, commanding seating position of the 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 for transforming daily driving into an easier, more confident experience. He described the seats as "towering thrones of excellence," with outstanding forward visibility that makes it easy to see the corners of the hood and what's near the sides of the vehicle. The high seating position is complemented by 12-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, allowing drivers to dial in their preferred position for maximum comfort and support throughout long drives. The adaptive air suspension can be programmed to automatically lower, making entry and exit easier while still maintaining that commanding driving position once you're behind the wheel. Wardlaw also noted that the tall seating and large windows make the Defender 130 feel open and airy at all times, with a panoramic sunroof bathing the first two rows in natural light that enhances the sense of spaciousness. For those who value the ease of movement that comes from sitting higher and seeing farther, the Defender's elevated driving position creates a more relaxed, less strained driving experience where you're looking over traffic instead of into it.
Read our 2025 Land Rover Defender review
Reliability Builds Consistency
Sarah says:
In sport, consistency is everything. Miss enough practices, and progress stalls. The same is true with transportation. A reliable vehicle removes friction from an already demanding schedule. Early mornings, long drives, and back-to-back commitments leave no room for breakdowns or unpredictability.
Reliability doesn’t just protect your time; it protects your mindset. And sometimes…that’s everything!
Lexus tops the CarGurus list of most reliable car brands and also accounts for three of the 10 vehicles on our list of most reliable luxury cars. One of our recent favorites from the manufacturer is the Lexus GX.
Lexus GX
Expert reviewer Peter Nelson called the 2025 GX "one of the best all-rounder midsize luxury SUVs" in his test drive review, noting that it combines the dependability of the Lexus brand with genuine capability and premium comfort. The GX earned a perfect 10 out of 10 for Look and Feel for its clean, elegant interior, quality switchgear, pleasant materials, and thoughtful balance of luxury and functionality. The SUV's twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 produces 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, delivering performance that feels substantially faster than expected, and it also features a robust full-time four-wheel-drive (4WD) system. Cargo capacity reaches up to 90.5 cubic feet in two-row Overtrail models and 76.9 cubic feet in three-row configurations. Technology is user-friendly and modern, with a 14-inch touchscreen that operates smoothly with no lag and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 comes standard across all trims, including adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance that operates smoothly without false alerts. The GX delivers the peace of mind and long-term dependability that comes with the brand's reputation for quality.
Prepare for Weather
Sarah says:
When I was training as an Olympic hurdler, the work didn’t stop because the conditions weren’t ideal. Training happened in the rain, the cold, the dark, and sometimes all three at once. Showing up consistently meant being ready for whatever the day (and the weather) threw at me.
That’s why weather-readiness matters in a vehicle. Features like all-wheel drive, strong traction control, good visibility, and reliable handling in poor conditions aren’t about convenience, they’re about dependability. When you have an early morning workout, a long commute, or a place you need to be, your car shouldn’t be a question mark.
Subaru Forester Wilderness
The 2026 Forester Wilderness features Subaru's standard Active Torque Split all-wheel-drive (AWD) system with enhanced capabilities specifically designed to tackle challenging conditions. The Wilderness model takes that even further with X-Mode Dual Mode traction settings offering dedicated Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes that manage engine output, transmission performance, and AWD distribution for maximum traction on slippery surfaces. Rugged all-terrain tires, a limited-slip rear differential, and an impressive 9.3 inches of ground clearance allow the Wilderness to tackle snow, mud, and rough terrain that would leave typical crossovers stranded. During extensive off-road testing in the Portland area's challenging terrain, the Forester proved stable and planted across various surfaces. Visibility is a standout feature thanks to the Forester's classic tall-window design, which provides excellent sightlines in all directions—crucial when navigating in poor weather or reduced visibility conditions. The high seating position offers a commanding view of the road, while the optional 180-degree forward-view camera system aids with navigation. Reviewers noted that the Forester Wilderness delivers a comfortable ride with a remarkably quiet cabin at highway speeds, and the handling feels secure even in adverse conditions. Subaru's comprehensive EyeSight suite of advanced driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, automatic emergency braking, and an active blind-spot monitoring system that can add steering inputs to prevent collisions, further enhances confidence in challenging weather.
Read our 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness review
Chevrolet Colorado
The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado demonstrates exceptional weather-readiness across its lineup, particularly in the off-road-focused Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 trims that come standard with a shift-on-the-fly 4WD system featuring electronic hi-lo gear selection. The Colorado excels with selectable drive modes tailored for challenging conditions, including a dedicated Off-Road Mode for grass, mud, gravel, or deep snow and a Terrain Mode that manages power delivery, throttle response, and transmission shift points to maximize traction. The Trail Boss offers 9.5 inches of ground clearance thanks to its factory 2-inch suspension lift, while the ZR2 takes things further with 10.7 inches, and the top-spec ZR2 Bison provides over a foot of clearance with its 4.5-inch total lift—allowing it to handle deep snow and challenging terrain that would stop lesser vehicles. Advanced traction technology ensures confident handling in poor conditions, with the Trail Boss and Z71 featuring standard rear locking differentials, while the ZR2 and ZR2 Bison add front locking differentials for maximum grip in slippery situations. During testing with chunky mud-terrain tires on the ZR2 Bison, the truck proved nearly unstoppable on wet, muddy trails. The high seating position provides excellent visibility, and comprehensive safety features including blind-zone steering assist with trailer coverage, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic emergency braking enhance confidence when navigating in reduced visibility. The ZR2's advanced Multimatic DSSV shocks not only excel off-road but also provide a comfortable, controlled ride on regular pavement, making it equally capable whether crossing a snowstorm-swept highway or traversing a muddy trail.
Read our 2025 Chevrolet Colorado review
Comfort Matters
Sarah says:
Recovery doesn’t begin when you get home. It starts the moment the workout ends. A smooth ride, supportive seating, climate control, and a quiet cabin all contribute to the transition from effort to rest. For athletes, that drive home is often the first chance to breathe, reflect, and reset. Comfort isn’t indulgence. It’s part of the recovery process.
Hyundai Ioniq 9
The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 delivers exceptional comfort through a combination of thoughtful design and advanced technology. Matt Smith called the cabin "astonishingly quiet," noting that "even at highway speeds, the Calligraphy trim’s active noise cancellation, sound-absorbing tires, and first- and second-row acoustic glass do a terrific job of quieting down any wind and road noise from creeping in." He also noted that the Ioniq 9's chassis is "very softly sprung, which leads to a smooth and pillowy ride on most roads." Dual-zone climate control comes standard with air vents in all three rows, and upper trims add heated and ventilated captain's chairs for second-row passengers. A heated steering wheel is standard on SEL and above. The interior's spacious, airy layout contributes significantly to passenger comfort, with flat floors throughout and massive rear doors that create generous entryways for easy loading and unloading. The Ioniq 9's focus on ride quality and cabin tranquility makes it an excellent choice for a peaceful, comfortable journey.
Read our 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 review
Acura MDX
Christian Wardlaw described the 2026 Acura MDX as "a sanctuary of sorts," exactly the kind of thing an athlete needs after a hard workout. The MDX delivers exceptional comfort for front-row passengers, particularly in the A-Spec Advance trim with its 16-way power-adjustable, heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats. Combined with supple leather, tri-zone automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic glass sunroof, the MDX creates an environment that serves as a welcome retreat from daily stress. The SUV excels at blending ride isolation with structural solidity, and its Amplitude Reactive Dampers successfully filter minor road vibrations while minimizing unwanted body motions. The excellent Bang & Olufsen audio system, available on all but the base model, further enhances the luxurious atmosphere.
Read our 2026 Acura MDX review
Excellence Lives in the Details
Sarah says:
As a keynote speaker on excellence, I often remind audiences that excellence isn’t reserved for big moments. It’s built in the systems that support us every day. The car you drive may not be the most glamorous part of your routine, but when it helps you show up prepared, on time, and ready to do the work, then it’s doing its job! And that’s what excellence looks like in real life.
Chevrolet Traverse
The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse stands out for its cutting-edge technology systems that support drivers through everyday demands with remarkable sophistication. At the heart of the experience is the impressive standard 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by Google Built-in, which seamlessly integrates Google Maps navigation, Google Assistant voice recognition, and access to the Google Play Store for various apps. Google Assistant proved particularly effective in testing, responding quickly and accurately to voice commands. The system's large, crisp display looks great and provides an intuitive user interface that works exactly as expected, eliminating the learning curve often associated with new vehicle technology. The Traverse's optional Enhanced Driving Package really lets it take the weight off the driver's shoulders with Super Cruise, Chevrolet's outstanding hands-free driving-assist system. Super Cruise now operates on more roads than ever and includes automated lane-change functionality that works seamlessly on compatible highways. The system includes three years of access and pairs with remote-parking technology and a camera-based digital rearview mirror that provides an unobstructed view even when cargo blocks the traditional mirror. An 11-inch digital instrumentation panel offers multiple customizable views, and the comprehensive suite of standard safety features—including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and a Safety Alert Seat that vibrates to warn of collision threats—ensures drivers remain informed and protected throughout every journey.
Read our 2025 Chevrolet Traverse review
Mazda CX-70
Christian Wardlaw awarded the 2025 Mazda CX-70 a rare perfect 10 out of 10 for safety, recognizing how its comprehensive i-ActiveSense technology suite provides dependable protection for everyday driving. Standard safety features include Forward Smart Brake Support with pedestrian detection, Lane-Departure Warning, Lane-Keep Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert—systems that work quietly in the background to prevent accidents before they happen. Premium trim levels add Emergency Lane-Keeping with Blind-Spot Assist, Road-Keep Assist, and Head-on Traffic Avoidance Assist, and Wardlaw noted that the road-keeping assist system proved effective during testing on desert highways when the vehicle drifted too close to the pavement edge. The CX-70's Cruising & Traffic Support system combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist to create a hands-on semi-autonomous driving feature that worked with impressive accuracy and refinement on both two-lane highways and multi-lane freeways. An Unresponsive Driver Support system monitors driver engagement and can initiate a safe, automated stop if the driver becomes unresponsive, addressing situations like medical emergencies or falling asleep at the wheel. The combination of these proactive safety technologies creates a reliable foundation of support that helps drivers navigate daily commutes and long journeys with greater confidence and security.
Read our 2025 Mazda CX-70 review
