Different Driving Demands

Driving in Arizona poses a unique set of challenges, unlike anywhere in the United States. East of the Mississippi, weather conditions like ice, snow, and salt cause vehicles to rust more quickly.

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In Arizona, we deal with a lot of sun-related problems. Fading or peeling paint, and dry rotted tires are victims of the intense sun.

Dusty conditions and craggy, unmaintained country roads pose unique challenges. No matter where you live in Arizona, you want a vehicle that stands up to your driving conditions. Here's a little headstart on your research.

Choose the best vehicle based on your driving needs. // Canva
Choose the best vehicle based on your driving needs. // Canva
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Choosing the Best Vehicle for Arizona Drivers

We took into account factors like reliability, durability, fuel efficiency, comfort, and performance. No matter where you live in Arizona, there's something for everyone.

2023 Honda Civic//Cars.com
2023 Honda Civic//Cars.com
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1. 2023 Honda Civic

  • If you live in a more urban area like Tucson or Phoenix, you might want to consider this popular and reliable vehicle. US News ranked the 2023 Honda Civic number one for small cars.
  • The Honda Civic has consistently has long received high marks for customer satisfaction. There's also a hybrid option. If you're looking for impressive fuel economy and low emissions, consider the Honda Civic.
2023 Chevy Corvette//Cars.com
2023 Chevy Corvette//Cars.com
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2. 2023 Chevrolet Corvette

  • This isn't your best bet if you're looking for a way to haul hay back to the ranch - obviously. However, if you want a high-performance sports car that's well suited to Arizona's heat, the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette is a great choice.
  • The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette is ranked as the #1 luxury sports car by U.S. News.
2023 Hyundai Tucson // Cars.com
2023 Hyundai Tucson // Cars.com
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3. 2023 Hyundai Tucson

  • The Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV. It's versatile and practical, and well suited to growing families. Whether you're hauling the tribe to soccer practice or a weekend adventure, the comfort and cargo space may be just what you're looking for.
  • Check out the hybrid option for increased fuel efficiency. Car and Driver ranked the 2023 Hyundai Tucson #1 compact SUV.
Ford F-150 // Cars.com
Ford F-150 // Cars.com
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4. 2023 Ford F-150

  • This versatile, reliable option can handle the rural or urban workload. Whether you're hauling hay bales, building supplies, or helping a friend move, this full-size pickup truck is a workhorse.
  • You can also choose the hybrid option, which offers drivers more versatility. This was Car and Driver's number one pick for full-size pickup trucks.
2023 Kia Soul // Cars.com
2023 Kia Soul // Cars.com
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5. 2023 Kia Soul

  • The Kia Soul is a subcompact SUV. Car and Driver made this their pick as the number one subcompact SUV.
  • Fun and stylish, the Kia Soul is considered a strong value. There is also an impressive electric option.
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The Bottom Line

Depending on your needs, any of these vehicles are well-suited to the Arizona heat and terrain. It's always a good idea to consider Arizon'a's diverse driving conditions, plus your needs and preferences. Then dive into some virtual and hands-on research to choose the best wheels for your needs.

See the Must-Drive Roads in Every State

LOOK: Most dangerous states to drive in

Stacker used the Federal Highway Administration's 2020 Highway Statistics report to rank states by the fatalities per billion miles traveled. 

LOOK: See how much gasoline cost the year you started driving

To find out more about how has the price of gas changed throughout the years, Stacker ran the numbers on the cost of a gallon of gasoline for each of the last 84 years. Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (released in April 2020), we analyzed the average price for a gallon of unleaded regular gasoline from 1976 to 2020 along with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for unleaded regular gasoline from 1937 to 1976, including the absolute and inflation-adjusted prices for each year.

Read on to explore the cost of gas over time and rediscover just how much a gallon was when you first started driving.

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