In the pre-pandemic era, daily work life for many involved a regimented routine, including a drive to and from the office. Only a fortunate few enjoyed the luxury of remote work, skipping the often unpredictable daily commute. Fast forward to today, and what was once a perk has become a necessity for millions of Americans—remote jobs are now the norm.
Thankfully, sitting behind a flimsy Ikea desk in the corner of the kitchen isn’t your only option. Automakers offer several features that can turn your average family hauler into a full-time cubicle on wheels, one that you can park in your garage, in the local Home Depot parking lot, or at that cabin in the mountains. From USB ports and wireless chargers to multiple video screens and coddling leather seats, many of today’s new cars are available with everything you need to be productive from anywhere.
Listed below are ten of the best new cars for remote working. To address the tastes and budgets of a wide variety of shoppers, we’ve included a mix of sedans, hatchbacks, trucks, luxury cars, and everything in between.
The Best Cars for Remote Work in 2024
- Buick Enclave
- Cadillac Escalade
- Chevrolet Equinox
- Chrysler Pacifica
- Ford F-150
- Ford Transit
- Honda Pilot
- Toyota Corolla
- Toyota Tacoma
- Volkswagen ID.4
Buick Enclave
Buick may not be the first automotive brand that comes to mind in terms of leading technology, but the automaker gave the Enclave a refresh back in 2022 that brought the model nicely up to date on that front. And, of course, there’s more to a mobile office than tech.
To be focused and productive, you need a quiet and comfortable work space, both of which the Buick Enclave delivers in abundance. All versions come well-appointed, though the Premium and top-of-the-line Avenir trims stand out with a massaging and ventilated driver's seat and heated second-row captain’s chairs with a manual recline feature. The Avenir also adds a standard panoramic moonroof that lets in lots of natural light. (If you’ve ever worked in an office, you know how coveted window seats are—that moonroof can also be optioned on Essence and Premium trims.) Separate front and rear heating and air-conditioning controls mean you can set the temperature to your liking regardless of where you sit.
On the tech front, the Enclave provides USB ports in all three rows as standard, plus a 120-volt power outlet available for Essence and standard for Premium and Avenir trims. Wireless smartphone charging is exclusive across the lineup. Collectively, these features will keep your laptop and any other smart devices fully charged. All versions of the Enclave can be set up to serve as a Wi-Fi hotspot, so staying connected is possible wherever you can pull in a signal.
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Cadillac Escalade
If the Buick doesn’t meet your needs for size or luxury, another General Motors (GM) product may be a better fit. The 2024 Cadillac Escalade is available in regular and extended ESV versions, with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) capability and a choice of gas or diesel engines.
Like the smaller Enclave, the full-size Escalade provides serene interior space with ventilated front bucket seats featuring massage and lumbar functions. You’ll also get heated second-row seats, panoramic moonroof, and tri-zone climate control. Additionally, Cadillac offers an ionizing air filtration system that will provide you with the cleanest air possible, and the available Touring Package gives you soft-close doors for extra peace and quiet.
Unlike the Buick, the Escalade has no issues with screen size, as the standard front OLED (organic light-emitting diode) infotainment system display measures nearly 17 inches diagonally. Complementing that on higher trims are two 12.6-inch monitors for the second row, which can mirror the screen of a connected device. For example, if you're having trouble zooming in sufficiently on that document on your smartphone, you can pull up the same display on the 12.6-inch monitors for better visibility. The Escalade is one of few models to deliver this technology straight from the OEM (original equipment manufacturer).
As might be expected, the Escalade provides several USB ports located throughout the SUV, as well as 120-volt power outlets in the second row and the cargo area. Owners can set up a Wi-Fi connection in the Escalade, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto systems provide an extra level of flexibility.
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Chevrolet Equinox
The third vehicle on our list is yet another GM model. This time we’re looking at the Chevrolet Equinox, and specifically the most expensive Premier variant.
This two-row, five-passenger midsize crossover features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that returns an EPA-rated 31 mpg on the highway. All trims are available with your choice of front-wheel-drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Front and rear USB ports are standard, and with the Equinox Premier, you’ll also get a 120-volt power outlet, a wireless charging pad, and an 8-inch infotainment screen (compared to 7 inches for other trims). Front seats are heated and offer multiple power adjustments, though the split rear bench is less inviting. Wi-Fi connectivity is standard.
Chevy does offer rear screens as part of the Equinox's rear entertainment packages, though they don’t include the mirroring feature found on the Escalade. However, remote workers will likely find the optional tablet holders worth considering. These are mounted to the rear of the front seats and can be coupled with additional USB ports.
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Chrysler Pacifica
Minivans are an obvious choice for remote work, with their spacious interiors, ease of entry and exit, relatively decent efficiency, and obvious comfort. Today’s crop is the best it has ever been, but two stand apart from the rest: the Chrysler Pacifica and the Kia Carnival.
For this list, our nod goes to the Pacifica. Available with a gasoline engine or plug-in hybrid powertrain with exceptional fuel economy, and either FWD or AWD capability, this practical yet stylish van delivers a level of versatility not matched by its competitors. All versions include a few of the essentials, but the Pinnacle variant comes with everything you’d want for working remotely. Amenities include Wi-Fi connectivity, USB ports for all three rows, one 120-volt and two 12-volt power outlets, and a wireless charging pad for smartphones. Similar to the Cadillac Escalade, the Pacifica Pinnacle features a dual-screen rear entertainment system that mirrors linked portable devices.
Also contributing to the Pacifica Pinnacle’s office-space credentials are stowable second- and third-row seats that let you stretch out and configure the area to your individual preference. An available built-in vacuum cleaner helps keep the area tidy.
As for the Kia Carnival, it lacks hybrid and AWD options, but it meets or surpasses the Pacifica on other fronts. The SX Prestige trim is ideal for remote work with its screen-mirroring capability, tray tables, and power-reclining second-row captain’s chairs with extendable leg rests. There's even a two-way intercom to facilitate communication between rows, which will have you feeling right at home if you're missing those all-office pages.
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Ford F-150
Like most full-size pickups, the Ford F-150 is available in a dizzying array of configurations based on trim, cab style, bed length, drivetrain, engine, and options. We can say this: all F-150s come with a USB port, a 12-volt power outlet, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Wi-Fi capability through FordPass Connect. Beyond that, things get a little less streamlined, with anti-theft motion sensors on the Lariat, front and rear 120-volt outlets on the F-150 King Ranch, massaging front seats on the Platinum, and so on. One option you might consider for remote work is the Interior Work Surface, which folds the shifter down and allows you to extend the console's flat surface over it.
Perhaps most relevant is the F-150’s available Pro Power Onboard option. Essentially, this is a built-in generator linked to the pickup's powertrain. Trucks fitted with a gasoline engine can be upgraded with a 2,000-watt system, and the F-150 Hybrid goes one step further with a standard 2,400-watt version that draws from the engine and battery pack. If that’s not enough, Ford offers a 7,200-watt Pro Onboard setup for the Hybrid. Your mobile office shouldn't be a problem, even if decked out with multiple laptops, a bank of monitors, and a portable fridge.
Step up to the fully electric F-150 Lightning with a 9,600-watt Intelligent Backup Power system. When fully charged and plugged into your home charger, Ford claims the truck will draw off its battery pack to power an average-size home for up to three days.
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Ford Transit
Depending on how it's configured, the Ford Transit van could be viewed as a blank slate for remote workers. Passenger and cargo versions feature a selection of wheelbase lengths, roof heights, turbocharged or naturally aspirated V6 engines, and the option of RWD or AWD capability. Inside the largest Transit Cargo model is nearly 500 cubic feet of usable space waiting to be built out to an owner’s specifications.
Adding to the Transit’s suitability for workplace use is a Wi-Fi hotspot courtesy of FordPass Connect, multiple USB ports and 12-volt power outlets (the number varies by configuration), and plenty of interior lighting. Some Transit Passenger trims include a standard wireless charging pad.
Those are certainly handy features, but the Transit really earns its remote-office stripes with its list of available options. Again, depending on which version is selected, Ford offers high-capacity multi-zone air-conditioning systems, auxiliary heaters, an inverter capable of powering various devices, and a host of window and door options.
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Honda Pilot
As you’ve likely noticed by now, there is no shortage of suitable crossovers available to people who work remotely. Among the best of them is the Honda Pilot.
Buyers have their choice of FWD or AWD and several trims. However, those looking for workplace amenities will want to focus on the Touring or Elite trims. In exchange for the extra greenbacks, you get Wi-Fi connectivity and USB ports in all three rows. Trailsport and Elite trims will provide you with 110-volt power outlets. There’s even color-adjustable ambient lighting available, which may do nothing for your productivity but will surely liven up your mobile office.
All versions of the Pilot come with tri-zone heating and air conditioning, and all but the base LX and Sport trim include second-row controls. Couple that with heated second-row captain’s chairs draped in perforated leather, and you have one very inviting workspace.
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Toyota Corolla
A humble Toyota Corolla may not be the first car that comes to mind when you think of working remotely, but this fuel efficient little sedan packs all of the basics you need to stay connected while continuing to earn a paycheck. All variants are equipped with front and rear USB-C ports to revitalize anything with a rechargeable battery, Bluetooth for streaming and hands-free business calls, a 12-volt power outlet, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Integrated apps include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, while a wireless charging pad is listed among the available options.
The top XSE trim comes with heated front seats clad in faux leather, but there is no mistaking the Corolla for other more luxurious models on this list. That said, this is an entry-level car known for longevity and efficiency, which can be had for less than $22,000 and is already a top pick for thousands of shoppers.
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Toyota Tacoma
Purchasing a vehicle for remote-work needs shouldn’t come at the expense of your personal tastes and lifestyle interests. Put another way, if you enjoy weekend home projects or steering your all-terrain tires to the trails at quitting time, a compact sedan or luxe minivan may not work for you. Instead, we suggest the Toyota Tacoma.
The 2024 Tacoma has been completely redesigned, and includes some of the latest and greatest technology, without sacrificing the utility you demand from a midsize pickup truck. All versions, from the basic RWD SR XtraCab Tacoma to the off-road-oriented 4WD TRD Pro Double Cab, can be configured with a Wi-Fi hotspot via Toyota Connected Services, and all feature at least multiple USB-C ports and at least one 12-volt power outlet. Gas trim levels offer a 400-watt AC inverter with an outlet in the bed and rear seat, while the hybrid MAX models feature an upgraded 2400-watt AC inverter standard. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all trims.
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Volkswagen ID.4
Volkswagen is a relative newcomer to the world of electric vehicles (EVs), though its first model is well-suited for the remote-working scenario many of us are now enjoying. VW calls it the ID.4: a five-passenger crossover available with RWD or AWD.
Volkswagen retains the base trim for the 2024 model year, meaning it's still possible to get in one for less than $39k, and that’s before any available incentives. All models do come equipped with USB ports, integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, at least an 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a wireless charging pad. Upper trim levels add massaging power seats, as well as a panoramic moonroof that lets the sun shine on your rolling cubicle.
In preparation for cold mornings, Volkswagen has equipped the ID.4 with standard heated front seats and upper trims feature a heated steering wheel. Along those same lines, the ID.4—like other EVs—can be preconditioned. The Car-Net smartphone app is more than just a keyless entry and remote start system: It also lets users direct the car to start heating (or cooling) the interior to a preset temperature. This not only creates a welcoming “office” environment, but it also reduces the draw on the ID.4’s battery when the vehicle is plugged into a charger, to prevent a loss in driving range. Conversely, preconditioning when the vehicle is not being charged will decrease driving range. That is, unfortunately, one downside of selecting an EV as an office-on-wheels: the use of the various outlets and chargers will lessen the driving range.
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