Top 3 Cars for Running Errands

What is an errand runner? To some, this might sound like a difficult to define class of vehicle. After all, don’t errands come in many different shapes and sizes? For some people, an errand might be heading to the grocery store to do the week’s shopping, while for others it may involve picking up a small load of lumber at the local hardware store.

This would suggest that in order for a vehicle to be considered an errand runner it must be versatile enough to handle a fairly wide range of different load sizes and types. It also must be small enough to be practical in both an urban and rural setting – a full-size SUV is definitely capable of swallowing a great deal of cargo, but it’s not really in the spirit of an easy to drive, easy to park average-sized automobile.

This guide examines some of the best errand runners currently available on the market and discusses the features and capabilities that make them great choices for drivers with active lifestyles.

2009 Chevrolet HHR

A few years after its debut, the success of the Chrysler PT Cruiser got General Motors thinking along the same retro design lines. This lead to the development of the Chevrolet HHR, a part wagon / part van compact that flattened out the tall roof of the PT Cruiser to create a unique utility vehicle. The HHR’s front end styling is reminiscent of 1940’s and 50’s Chevrolet pickup trucks, and its flat sides and bulging fenders further suggest a panel wagon origin.

The 2009 Chevrolet HHR takes its low cost, high utility status so seriously that it can even be ordered in the same body style as the panel wagon it imitates. Panel editions of the HHR feature two front passenger doors and rear quarters with no doors and no side glass. This makes them a great option for anyone who needs to load up their vehicle with building supplies or tools but who doesn’t want to worry about breaking any windows. For those who need their errand runner to also double as a passenger hauler, the HHR can be purchased in a standard, 4-door edition with a regular glassed-in rear section. The panel version features 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space, while the regular HHR shrinks that down to just under 58 cubic feet.

The HHR’s small size makes it quite easy to slip through traffic and park in even the most crowded lots. Its 4-cylinder power plant is also quite economical – the 2.2 liter unit provides 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque while still turning in fuel mileage of 22 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway for the base model. Those who require their errands to be completed in the quickest amount of time possible can opt for the HHR SS model which swaps in a 260 horsepower, turbocharged 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, while a 4-speed automatic can be selected as an option.

The 2009 Chevrolet HHR packs a lot of practicality into a small and attractive package that can be as fast or as frugal as is required.

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2009 Honda Element

The 2009 Honda Element is what the industry used to call a ‘cute-ute’ – a compact SUV directed more at the everyday driving crowd than off-road enthusiasts. While the relevance of that particular term might have faded as SUV’s branched out to cover almost every demographic, the usefulness of the Element as an errand runner has remained constant throughout the years. The small SUV / crossover is actually slightly shorter than the more car-like Chevrolet HHR, but its tall roof and increased ride height give it the impression of being much larger.

This extra visual bulk doesn’t detract from the fact that the Element handles quite well, and is no more taxing to drive than a regular compact car. What sets the Element apart, in addition to its available all-wheel drive, is its impressive interior room. In addition to providing seating for 4 passengers, the Honda Element can handle 25 cubic feet of luggage stacked behind its rear seat, or a total of almost 75 cubic feet of cargo with the interior properly configured. This means that the Element can swallow not only standard garage sale purchases such as birdcages and coffee tables, but it is also a candidate for bringing home love seats and sofas.

The Element was completely redesigned for 2009, and as such it offers a more refined driving experience than its predecessors. Motivation is provided by a 166 horsepower, 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine that is shifted via a 5-speed manual or automatic transmission. Fuel economy is decent for an SUV, coming in at 20 miles per gallon around town and 25 miles per gallon on the highway.

The 2009 Honda Element is a mini-crossover utility vehicle that truly delivers when it comes to errand-enabling cargo space, reasonable driving manners and decent fuel mileage.

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2009 Suzuki SX4 Crossover

When Suzuki replaced its aging Aerio, it had some fairly large shoes to fill – in terms of usefulness, if not actual size. The compact wagon had attracted a sizable following thanks to its low purchase price and great utility – it hauled luggage, potted trees and groceries with equal aplomb. The 2009 Suzuki SX4 Crossover hatchback fortunately doesn’t stray too far from the original formula, except to improve upon the overall package.

The Suzuki SX4 Crossover is positioned as a crossover instead of a wagon, but whatever the parent company wants to call it, it fills the compact carry-all niche quite well. The interior of the SX4 Crossover is not exactly spacious for passengers, but the cargo area has been designed to provide easy access, with almost no intrusions into the storage compartments from the wheel wells, door panels or other trim. Unlike some other crossovers in its segment, the SX4 Crossover boasts a flat load floor that is mounted quite low on the vehicle, which makes for easy loading and unloading. With the rear seats folded forward, the Suzuki can swallow 54 cubic feet of gear without batting an eye.

The 2009 Suzuki SX4 Crossover is also a delight to pilot around town while zooming from one errand to another. While not quite a driver’s car, the subcompact makes more power than many of its competitors – 143 horses in total, along with 136 lb-ft of torque from a 2.0 liter, 4-cylinder engine. A 5-speed manual does a good job of managing the SX4 Crossover’s powerband, but a 4-speed automatic is also available. The crossover’s fuel consumption is rated at 22 miles per gallon in stop and go traffic and 29 miles per gallon in highway cruising, with the all-wheel drive edition knocking 1 mile per gallon off of each of those numbers.

The 2009 Suzuki SX4 Crossover is the perfect errand runner for drivers who want to maintain the appearance of sport while still fitting into the compact car-only parking spaces.