Fort Collins sits at a crossroads between city commuting and outdoor access. Many drivers here split their time between paved streets, bike-laden trailhead parking lots, and unpaved county roads leading to hikes, campsites, and climbing areas.
Weather shifts quickly, elevation changes are routine, and gravel is a normal part of daily driving not a rare exception.
This article looks at two sides of vehicle suitability for Fort Collins drivers. The first focuses on cars that work well for outdoor commuters vehicles that handle daily traffic efficiently while remaining capable on gravel roads, dirt pull-offs, and uneven trailhead access routes…