Opinions about one of the best vehicles for faculty college students are like stomach buttons: everybody has one. The issue with creating a set of such picks is weighing the qualifiers. That’s, measuring necessities like security choices towards gas economic system and worth towards utility. A number of concerns ought to affect a shopping for determination when searching for vehicles for faculty college students, however typically, they battle. In different phrases, there are tradeoffs.
We show you how to tiptoe by means of this minefield.
Soar forward to our listing of vehicles for faculty college students
Issues to Take into account When Shopping for a Automobile for School
There are lots of variables to weigh when selecting any automotive, not to mention one for a school scholar. The method might be overwhelming. We began with a worth ceiling of $30,000. That will appear excessive, however we needed to incorporate some new fashions. You’ll find a number of picks amongst our used vehicles that price a lot lower than that ceiling.
Different components embody automotive possession prices, security, expertise, and practicality.
Do You Want a Automobile in School?
When contemplating a automotive for the college-bound, want versus need is the primary hurdle. Does this specific faculty expertise require a car? If it doesn’t, a automotive will merely be one other gas, insurance coverage, and perhaps parking expense. It is going to even be a distraction.
Some faculties don’t permit first-year faculty college students to have vehicles. Many faculties restrict parking on campus by means of permits. A automotive in school is usually a actual problem. If a private car isn’t vital for attending to a job or to and from an off-campus residence, it could be extra of a need than a necessity. If that’s the case, think about skipping it, no less than for the primary few years.
What Is Distinctive About Shopping for a Automobile for School?
Likelihood is a younger grownup heading to school will nonetheless depend on household to a point, no less than for monetary assist. Although not at all times the case, most of the time, it’s. So, automotive shopping for shall be considerably of a balancing act between what your scholar desires and what the household, perhaps already stretched skinny by faculty bills, can afford. Everybody concerned must be prepared for some compromise.
When selecting a automotive, keep in mind that it could additionally must proceed as the first mode of transportation after faculty and into the primary few years of constructing a profession. Put a bit of time into enthusiastic about what which will appear like concerning the price of possession, commuting wants, and way of life.
Can I Afford a Automobile in School?
An reasonably priced cost is a perform of a car’s price. These funds have to be saved low, whether or not the mother and father or the coed shoulder the month-to-month installments. Most carmakers use a captive financing firm, equivalent to Ford Credit score or Honda Monetary Companies, that gives financing offers on new and Licensed Pre-Owned (CPO) autos. This is a wonderful place to begin.
In case you are securing a mortgage exterior of captive financing, all issues being equal, you’ll virtually at all times rating a decrease month-to-month cost on a used car than a brand new one. Credit score unions are identified to supply decrease proportion charges on automotive loans. With rates of interest going up as of late, it’s one thing to contemplate.
Take a look at the Kelley Blue Ebook 5-12 months Price to Personal web page to match the bottom cost-to-own automotive fashions. It considers the prices to keep up the car and depreciation.
How A lot Will Automobile Insurance coverage Price a School Pupil?
Insurance coverage price is a key contributor to the entire price of possession. It’s no secret that some autos price much less to insure than others. Auto insurance coverage is extremely aggressive, and buying round can prevent cash.
Nonetheless, premiums are influenced by a number of private components, equivalent to driving file, annual mileage, place of residence, and so forth. Traditionally, drivers youthful than 25 can anticipate insurance coverage to be a big issue within the whole price of possession. Contain your insurance coverage prices in your buy determination.
Does a Automobile’s Gasoline Economic system Matter at School?
Gasoline is a type of month-to-month bills that may fluctuate wildly from yr to yr. All of it has to do with fluctuations within the worth of oil. Search autos delivering higher gas economic system, particularly if working on a decent finances.
Even in case you can afford to maintain a truck or massive automotive fueled at present gasoline costs, what if the per-gallon worth will increase by $1 over the subsequent yr?
Aside from the occasional journey house for a weekend, faculty college students are likely to do most of their driving in an city setting. Though a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) may not be sensible for dorm or condo dwelling, a standard hybrid (HEV) will save a number of journeys to the pump. HEVs are likely to price a bit greater than standard vehicles. A used HEV could also be a more sensible choice.
What Position Does Security Play in a Automobile for School?
Security options and rankings ought to at all times be key qualifiers for anybody buying a car, no matter age or goal. As you slender your selections, take a look at the crash take a look at scores from the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) and the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA). Our picks scored excessive with most of them. You’ll be able to see what crash checks entail in our story on one of the best vehicles for teenagers.
There are particular security options you don’t wish to do with out. When you persist with 2013 and newer fashions, that’s the primary yr antilock brakes, traction management, and stability management have been all mandated by the USA authorities. If a backup digital camera is important to you, the federal authorities mandated that characteristic in 2018. Nonetheless, many vehicles already had them by then.
The newer the mannequin, the extra possible you will see that different important security and driver-assist options like automated emergency braking, ahead collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. When you want extra details about which trim ranges embody the security options you need, go to Kelley Blue Ebook’s Skilled Critiques for brand new and used autos. You’ll be able to take a look at the newest security options in our Security Options 101 article.
What Different Components Affect a School Automobile?
Options like 4 doorways, inventive storage options with locations to cover laptops, straightforward parking manners, and so forth are essential, notably if the car will leap from faculty to first-job transportation.
Know-how options are important on a number of ranges. For instance, voice recognition permits vocalizing instructions to vary the music or temperature degree with out taking your eyes off the highway. However staying related is of the utmost concern for many college-age individuals.
On the very least, they anticipate to have the ability to cost and combine their gadgets right into a car’s infotainment system. Once more, the newer the mannequin, the extra connectivity choices, like USB-C charging ports, shall be present and obtainable.
Automobile Buying in Right this moment’s Market
A number of components proceed to conspire to scale back choose new and used car inventories. The trade’s major wrongdoer is lingering points from the previous microchip scarcity and a normal scarcity of used autos from the 2008 recession. Nonetheless, inventories of recent and used vehicles have drastically improved during the last yr. We noticed a downward motion within the common costs for brand new autos that now have leveled off. Nonetheless, you’ll see stubbornly excessive automotive costs at some manufacturers and restricted selections at others. However, there may be hope now that inventories are close to regular for a lot of new autos. For used vehicles, anticipate these costing lower than $20,000 to stay probably the most tough to search out.
Your vehicle-buying {dollars} might not stretch as far, and you’ll possible must make a number of compromises on automotive shade and content material to safe the kind of automotive you need. When you store for a brand new automotive, chances are you’ll discover a higher deal amongst your seller’s licensed pre-owned vehicles or on the used automotive lot. In different phrases, keep versatile.
Greatest New Vehicles and SUVs for School College students
As you search beneath, please be aware that we included the necessary factory-to-dealer supply payment (vacation spot cost) within the listed new automotive beginning costs.
1. 2024 Toyota Corolla
Beginning Value: $23,145 | Ranking: 4.4
Each 2024 Corolla comes with Toyota’s Security Sense 3.0, a collection of driver aids that features pre-collision with pedestrian detection, automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise management, lane departure warning, lane-keeping help, visitors signal recognition, and automated excessive beams.
A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert is offered as a part of an non-obligatory Premium Bundle. Connectivity options embody Bluetooth, voice recognition, 4 USB ports, Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Wi-Fi functionality. The Environmental Safety Company’s (EPA) government-estimated mixed gas economic system is 35 mpg. Toyota additionally provides the Corolla as a hybrid. See Toyota Corolla fashions on the market close to you
2. 2025 Honda Civic
Beginning Value: $25,345 | Ranking: 4.7
We made the refreshed-for-2025 Civic one in every of our picks for a number of causes, not the least of which is that it has been a frequent Kelley Blue Ebook Greatest Purchase Award winner. It has reigned as our Compact Automobile Greatest Purchase for 2022, 2023, and 2024. The IIHS named it a 2023 Prime Security Choose (It’s nonetheless in testing for 2024/2025), and it earned a 5-Star ranking from NHTSA. It additionally will get a government-estimated 36 mpg in mixed driving. Honda provides the Civic as a hybrid, too.
Each 2025 Civic arrives with the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids, together with ahead collision warning, auto emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping help, and adaptive cruise management. Connectivity expertise contains Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, one USB port, and Bluetooth connectivity. Honda usually doesn’t supply possibility packages. To realize extra content material, you will need to transfer up the trim-level ladder. And look to the hatchback mannequin for extra cargo area. See Honda Civic fashions on the market close to you
3. 2024 Hyundai Elantra
Beginning Value: $22,775 | Ranking: 4.6
The Hyundai Elantra skilled a freshening for 2024. Straightforward to suggest, it’s a comfortable, dependable household hauler. For the modest worth of the entry-level SE, you get an EPA-rated 36 mpg mixed mileage and Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of security driver-assist goodies. Ahead collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-keeping help, lane centering, driver-attention warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are included.
Different normal options embody high-beam help, an 8-inch touchscreen, wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, and two USB ports. These are some the reason why it’s a previous KBB Compact Automobile Greatest Purchase.
The 2024 Elantra earned a 5-Star ranking from NHTSA. Moreover, the IIHS named it a 2024 Prime Security Choose. See Hyundai Elantra fashions on the market close to you
4. 2025 Honda HR-V
Beginning Value: $26,450 | Ranking: 4.6
Highlighted by its massive inside, the Honda HR-V delivers a good 28 mpg in mixed city-highway driving. The HR-V is a 2024 IIHS Prime Security Choose+. We just like the HR-V not just for its comparatively roomy cabin but in addition for its obtainable all-wheel drive (AWD) and a plethora of security tech.
The worth right here is for the entry-level LX trim, which comes normal with the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids like ahead collision warning, auto emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping help, and adaptive cruise management. Nonetheless, you must transfer as much as the Sport to get the Blind Spot Data System with a cross-traffic monitor.
The bottom HR-V additionally has a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, two USB charging ports, and one USB interface port. The LX additionally comes normal with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. See Honda HR-V fashions on the market close to you
5. 2025 Mazda3
Beginning Value: $26,135 | Ranking: 4.1
Our listed worth is for the two.5 S 5-door mannequin. The sedan is about $1,000 much less. Mazda earned a 2024 Prime Security Choose+ from the IIHS for the Mazda3. It’s additionally good for an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in mixed city-highway driving. Boasting wonderful dealing with, the Mazda3 might be fitted with all-wheel drive. The non-obligatory I-Activ system can also be why we named this automotive one in every of our Greatest Vehicles for Snow.
Inside, the Mazda3 feels dearer than it’s. Though you will need to transfer as much as the Choose grade for blind-spot monitoring, the entry-level Mazda3 comes with ahead collision warning, emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping help, adaptive cruise management, driver consideration alert, and high-beam help. Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, an 8.8-inch touchscreen, and two USB ports come normal. Of the 2 physique types, we just like the Mazda3 hatchback as a result of it gives as much as 47 cubic toes of cargo area. See Mazda3 fashions on the market close to you
6. 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
Beginning Value: $26,540 | Ranking: 4.6
Redesigned for 2024, Subaru’s go-anywhere Crosstrek comes normal with all-wheel drive backed by a repeatedly variable automated transmission (CVT). Gasoline economic system is a good 29 mpg mixed, or 27 with the Wilderness trim. We just like the Crosstrek for its Symmetrical all-wheel drive, better-than-average resale worth, and strong gas economic system.
Each Crosstrek contains Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Help Know-how. It additionally comes with ahead collision warning with automated emergency braking, lane-keeping help, and adaptive cruise management. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert is non-obligatory or normal on higher trim ranges. Connectivity contains twin 7-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto (wi-fi is an possibility), Bluetooth connectivity, and hands-free cellphone integration. See Subaru Crosstrek fashions on the market close to you
7. 2025 Kia Seltos
Beginning Value: $25,965 | Ranking: 4.8
The Kia Seltos is a surprisingly roomy subcompact SUV. Each model of the Seltos comes with a full suite of security options, together with ahead collision warning with emergency braking, driver consideration warning, lane departure warning, lane-keeping help, lane centering, and high-beam help. So as to add blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, you will need to transfer as much as the S grade, including $500 to the underside line.
Connectivity options embody Bluetooth with voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, one USB port up entrance, and two USB chargers within the second row. With a second-row seat massive sufficient to accommodate adults, Seltos additionally gives class-leading cargo area. See Kia Seltos fashions on the market close to you
8. 2025 Hyundai Kona
Beginning Value: $25,745 | Ranking: 4.8
Completely redesigned for 2024, the Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV that gives large worth. Its small dimension means it’s straightforward to park on campus, and the rear cargo space is effectively suited to hold gear. As well as, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity come normal. Gasoline economic system is pretty much as good as 31 mpg on the freeway with the gasoline engine. A Kona electrical car (EV) can also be obtainable. We just like the Kona for its bar-setting guarantee, class-leading area, and excellent general worth.
The Kona has been available on the market for a number of years and has confirmed dependable. As well as, it’s tapped by the IIHS as a Prime Security Choose+ and scored an NHTSA 5-Star ranking. There’s loads of worth right here, as even the bottom SE mannequin comes normal with blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping help, ahead collision-avoidance help, lane-change help, and rear cross-traffic collision warning. See Hyundai Kona fashions on the market close to you
9. 2024 Nissan Sentra
Beginning Value: $22,320 | Ranking: 4.0
The Nissan Sentra provides practicality, upscale styling, and a little bit of sportiness. This compact automotive has “zero gravity” seats designed to be comfy on the drive to high school, your job, or throughout the nation. The Sentra delivers gas economic system pretty much as good as 40 mpg on the freeway (34 mpg mixed), so journeys to the gasoline station gained’t be too frequent. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are normal on all fashions. NHTSA awarded the Sentra a 5-Star general rating, its highest.
Along with 10 airbags, even the bottom grade comes with the complete suite of Security Defend 360 driver aids, together with auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automated braking, blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, and high-beam help. See Nissan Sentra fashions on the market close to you
10. 2025 Kia Soul
Beginning Value: $21,665 | Ranking: 4.4
We like that the roomy Kia Soul has probably the most reasonably priced base worth of any new automotive on this listing. However it isn’t solely on this listing due to worth — it additionally provides spectacular worth. Ahead collision warning, lane-keeping help, and driver consideration warning are normal. When you add the LX Know-how Bundle (including $500 to the underside line), you’ll achieve lane departure warning, blind-spot collision avoidance, automated excessive beams, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, all non-obligatory on the LX. These options come normal on the S, which begins at $22,790 and contains many extra options than the LX. NHTSA gave the Soul a 4-Star general ranking.
Connectivity options within the base mannequin embody Bluetooth (no voice recognition), Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and one USB port. Armed with an automated transmission (CVT), the Soul delivers as much as 31 mpg in mixed driving, 35 on the freeway. See Kia Soul fashions on the market close to you
11. 2024 Toyota Prius
Beginning Value: $29,085 | Ranking: 4.8
The most costly decide on this listing, the Toyota Prius, is the automotive that made “hybrid” a family phrase. Toyota redesigned the Prius for 2023, molding it into the glossy form of a speedster. Nicely, it’s not that. Nonetheless, it nonetheless manages a powerful gas economic system of 57 mpg in combined city-and-highway driving. College students heading for the snowbelt can add all-wheel drive. Its rear-seat legroom is about common for the phase.
The IIHS named the Prius to its Prime Security Choose+ listing. Each Prius comes with automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with steering help, adaptive cruise management, lane-keeping help, and high-beam help. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert come normal as effectively. And if the 2024 fashions are out of your worth vary, the previous-generation Prius can also be a wonderful alternative. See Toyota Prius fashions on the market close to you
12. 2025 Subaru Legacy
Beginning Value: $26,065 | Ranking: NR
A must have for each scholar at a school within the snowbelt, Symmetrical all-wheel drive stays normal on each Subaru Legacy. The Legacy blends a roomy cabin with spectacular gas economic system and a go-just-about-anywhere angle. It gained’t win a magnificence contest, but it surely’s an IIHS Prime Security Choose, and even the bottom grade’s options embody the EyeSight bundle of superior security options. These are automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise management, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping help. Excessive-beam help is normal, too.
With as a lot cargo area because the Toyota Camry and almost one of the best rear-seat legroom in its class, the Legacy can comfortably haul a number of individuals and their stuff. Even with all-wheel drive, the Legacy claims a mixed-driving gas economic system of 30 mpg. See Subaru Legacy fashions on the market close to you
13. 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Beginning Value: $24,395 | Ranking: 4.2
The present era Trailblazer has carried out effectively in security testing, receiving NHTSA’s highest general rating of 5 stars. Furthermore, its normal superior security options embody automated ahead emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping help, and lane departure warning. Excessive-beam help can also be normal. We suggest choosing the $395 Driver Confidence Bundle that provides blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. It’s a cut price.
With probably the most rear-seat legroom in its class and a bit of better-than-average cargo area, the Trailblazer is a powerful hauler. At 31 mpg, its mixed-driving gas economic system is above common amongst rivals. You’ll be able to add all-wheel drive for $2,000. See Chevrolet Trailblazer fashions on the market close to you
14. 2024 Mazda CX-30
Beginning Value: $26,415 | Ranking: 4.4
In case your faculty scholar is heading to high school in a snowy local weather, the Mazda CX-30 is a strong decide due to its normal all-wheel drive. It’s a member of the IIHS Prime Security Choose+ winners listing. The CX-30 posts the very best base horsepower of its phase, but its mixed gas economic system is 29 mpg. That’s nonetheless about common mileage among the many combustion rivals in its class. The CX-30 doesn’t present as a lot cargo area as lots of its class rivals, and its rear-seat legroom is about common.
As for superior security options, the entry-level trim comes with ahead automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-keeping help, and high-beam help. It additionally comes with blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross visitors alert. See Mazda CX-30 fashions on the market close to you
Greatest Used Vehicles and SUVs for School College students Beneath $20,000
The used automotive costs listed right here vary from the KBB Honest Buy Value of the oldest, most reasonably priced trim degree to the most recent top-of-the-line trim degree. For instance, pricing for the 2015-2016 CR-V ranges from the 2015 LX to the 2016 Touring.
15. 2015-2018 Toyota Camry
Value: $12,000-$20,000 | Ranking: 4.5-4.7
The IIHS gave these Toyota Camry sedans’ mannequin years the nod as Prime Security Choose+ selections. As for gas economic system, their government-estimated mixed mileage for the gasoline engines was 25-32 mpg, relying on the powertrain. This outcome was not class-leading however respectable.
Normal gear included Bluetooth connectivity, one USB port, and the Entune infotainment interface with a 6.1-inch touchscreen. For the primary time in a Camry, the 2015 version had a rearview digital camera as normal. Non-compulsory driver aids have been a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, ahead collision warning, and high-beam help. Skilled tip: On this worth vary, you may wish to focus in on a 2018 Camry. It’s an all-new era. This Camry comes normal with the Toyota Security Sense P (TSS-P) suite of security and driving aids and provides wonderful gas economic system. See Toyota Camry fashions on the market close to you
16. 2016-2017 Honda Accord
Value: $13,200-$19,000 | Ranking: 4.6-4.7
An IIHS Prime Security Choose+, the midsize Honda Accord provides a great deal of area. This era of the Accord supplied a rearview digital camera, stability management, and antilock brakes. Accessible driver aids included ahead collision warning and lane departure warning. Bluetooth connectivity is normal in these years as effectively. Pandora functionality and one USB port additionally made the grade. Search for an Accord EX or larger to get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. See Honda Accord fashions on the market close to you
17. 2017-2019 Toyota Corolla
Value: $13,200-$18,000 | Ranking 4.2-4.6
The Toyota Corolla has constantly provided wonderful reliability, low possession prices, and good gas economic system. This roomy and comfy sedan can also be identified for its security. The 2017 mannequin is a Prime Security Choose+, and the 2018 is a Prime Security Choose. Toyota Security Sense-P is normal on all Corolla fashions for these years, which provides automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise management. See Toyota Corolla fashions on the market close to you
18. 2015-2018 Mazda CX-5
Value: $11,000-$16,000 | Ranking: 4.7
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact 5-passenger SUV with attractiveness and a enjoyable driving expertise. However what’s most essential for faculty college students is that this car provides wonderful gas economic system, as excessive as 34 mpg on the freeway, has loads of security options, and earns spectacular reliability.
This vary of years covers two completely different generations of the CX-5. The 2017 and 2018 have the identical muscular styling as the present mannequin. These years supply extra upscale options and extra superior security, too. Whichever yr of the 2015-2018 Mazda CX-5 suits your worth vary, you’re getting an IIHS Prime Security Choose+. See Mazda CX-5 fashions on the market close to you
19. 2012-2017 Toyota Prius
Value: $8,300-$19,500 | Ranking: 3.9-4.5
For the 2012 by means of 2015 mannequin years, the Toyota Prius boasted a mixed mileage of 48 mpg. It scored excessive in security checks, together with the IIHS naming it a Prime Security Choose for 2012-2013 and a TSP+ for 2014-2015. Bluetooth connectivity and one USB port got here normal. The rearview digital camera got here with the Prius Three from 2012 to 2014 and was normal with the Prius Two from 2014 to 2015. We extremely suggest searching for a Prius 5 with the obtainable Advance Know-how Bundle, which comes with lane-keeping help, a pre-collision system, and adaptive cruise management. Fortuitously, 2012-2015 Prius 5 fashions at the moment vary from $8,300-$15,400.
In case your finances permits you to edge nearer to the $20,000 mark, you may get into the 2016-2017 Prius. This era provided even higher gas economic system, at 52 mpg mixed, a nicer trip, and extra normal security options. It is usually a TSP+. See Toyota Prius fashions on the market close to you
20. 2014-2016 Toyota RAV4
Value: $11,500-$18,000 | Ranking: 3.4-4.6
Posting a government-estimated 25-26 mpg in mixed driving, the 2016 mannequin yr of the Toyota RAV4 was an IIHS Prime Security Choose+, and the 2015 a Prime Security Choose. Each RAV4 got here with a rearview digital camera. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and high-beam help have been on the choices listing. Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition and one USB port have been standard-issue. See Toyota RAV4 fashions on the market close to you
21. 2015-2016 Honda CR-V
Value: $12,700-$16,500 | Ranking: 4.8-4.9
In 2015, the Honda CR-V obtained a big refresh with a extra highly effective, extra fuel-efficient engine, updates to the design, and extra comfort options. These years are additionally IIHS TSP+. Mixed mileage was an estimated 29 mpg in front-wheel-drive (FWD) fashions.
The 2015 mannequin yr launched the Honda Sensing suite of superior security options, together with collision mitigation braking, lane-keep help, adaptive cruise management, and ahead collision warning. To get these, you’ll need to search for a 2015 or 2016 Touring — but it surely’s price it. In addition to, you’ll additionally get a totally loaded, dependable, comfy SUV. See Honda CR-V fashions on the market close to you
22. 2016-2018 Subaru Crosstrek
Value: $12,000-$17,000 | Ranking: 4.4-4.7
In 2016, the Subaru Crosstrek dropped the “XV” from its identify and obtained up to date styling. This subcompact SUV has spectacular floor clearance and normal all-wheel drive, a mixture that’s tailored for weekend journey in addition to all-season security. Including to the security quotient is the Crosstrek’s Prime Security Choose+ ranking for the 2016 mannequin yr, together with a Prime Security Choose ranking for 2017. These years supplied blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and EyeSight security tech. Its diminutive dimension makes parking on campus or within the metropolis straightforward. The Crosstrek was all-new for 2018. Whereas this mannequin yr prices extra, it has normal Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, extra security options, and extra refinement. See Subaru Crosstrek fashions on the market close to you
23. 2016-2018 Mazda3
Value: $11,500-$16,300 | Ranking: 4.4-4.5
As with lots of this firm’s vehicles and SUVs, the Mazda3 is sporty, trendy, and has an upscale inside. The Mazda3 is offered as a sedan or hatchback, with a alternative of engines that mean you can select extra effectivity or extra energy.
The hatchback gives greater than 47 cubic toes of cargo area — loads of room to stow your stuff on shifting day. The Mazda3 is a Prime Security Choose+ for mannequin years 2016-2017 and a Prime Security Choose for 2018. Larger trim ranges embody security options like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane-keep help, and adaptive cruise management. The hatchback has the next Honest Buy Value than the sedan, however it is best to be capable of discover 2016-2018 hatchbacks for lower than $20,000. See Mazda3 fashions on the market close to you
24. 2016-2018 Honda Civic
Value: $13,500-$19,000 | Ranking: 4.7-4.8
Traditionally, Honda has provided its Civic in a number of configurations propelled by assorted powertrains. For 2016-2018, these powertrains delivered 30-36 mpg in mixed driving. (That doesn’t embody the efficiency Sort R mannequin). Fulfilling the connectivity wants, these Civic fashions supplied Bluetooth, one USB port, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, even within the entry-level trim. On the usual options listing for the highest trims and obtainable as an possibility on most others was the Honda Sensing security suite. It included ahead collision warning with auto emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping help, and adaptive cruise management. As well as, the Civic sedan was an IIHS Prime Security Choose for the 2017 mannequin yr and a Prime Security Choose+ for 2016. See Honda Civic fashions on the market close to you
25. 2018-2022 Kia Soul
Value: $9,500-$20,000 | Ranking: 4.3-4.6
The Kia Soul takes the hatchback thought and makes it fashionable and funky. It has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an non-obligatory feisty turbocharged engine. The inside has trendy distinction piping and pulsating speaker lights.
The Soul is about greater than appears to be like, nevertheless. The 2018 model obtained the top-tier TSP+ security ranking, whereas the 2019-2022 obtained a TSP security ranking. The Soul can also be obtainable with a number of superior security options. This Kia can carry greater than 60 cubic toes of substances with the rear seats folded down, and there’s even a hidden cupboard space below the cargo ground. The Soul has gas economic system pretty much as good as 35 mpg on the freeway with the gasoline engine. (An EV variant can also be obtainable.) See Kia Soul fashions on the market close to you
26. 2015-2019 Honda Match
Value: $9,800-$18,000 | Ranking: 4.6-4.8
Though Honda has discontinued the Match, it’s nonetheless a viable alternative for a school automotive. It doesn’t come as totally loaded as bigger, dearer fashions, but it surely’s protected, straightforward to park, and has strong gas economic system. It could be a small automotive, however its Magic Seat inside makes it straightforward to hold massive gadgets like a TV inside with the liftgate closed.
A rearview digital camera got here normal, as did a blind-spot digital camera on the passenger facet for the EX grade. Bluetooth connectivity, streaming functionality, and one USB port have been normal on the expertise entrance. In mixed driving, the Match achieved 31-36 mpg. As well as, the Match was an IIHS Prime Security Choose for mannequin yr 2015. Newer fashions can be found with the Honda Sensing suite of security options, which it is best to search for when researching a used Match. See Honda Match fashions on the market close to you
Greatest Vehicles and SUVs for School College students Beneath $15,000
27. 2012-2014 Toyota Camry
Value: $8,200-$12,000 | Ranking: 3.7-3.8
The Toyota Camry obtained a big overhaul for 2012. Already identified for its consolation, excessive resale worth, and wonderful reliability, the enhancements with this era embody higher gas effectivity and an all-new hybrid system. If yow will discover a hybrid that matches your finances, you’ll profit from a gas economic system that’s pretty much as good as 42 mpg within the metropolis. After we checked pricing, we found that the LE Hybrid was the lowest-priced trim degree. It’s a cut price. Based mostly on our worth checks, you may get a totally loaded 2014 XLE Hybrid inside finances.
There’s a connectivity system on this era known as Entune, which has satellite tv for pc radio compatibility. Bluetooth comes onboard. Ten airbags come normal, as does the Star Security System, which incorporates digital brake-force distribution and brake help. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was non-obligatory, so search for the next trim degree to search out one outfitted with it. All these years have been IIHS Prime Security Picks. See Toyota Camry fashions on the market close to you
28. 2007-2014 Honda CR-V
Value: $5,700-$13,000 | Ranking: 3.7-3.9
We’ve included a variety of CR-V mannequin years as a result of the Honda CR-V is extremely recommendable for faculty college students. Honda redesigned the CR-V for 2007. One security enhancement was the addition of tire stress monitoring. Aspect-curtain airbags have been additionally normal. Most connectivity and any driver-aid options are discovered on the top-end EX-L grade throughout these mannequin years. For instance, Bluetooth connectivity and a rearview digital camera have been choices for the EX-L. Authorities-estimated mixed mileage was 22-26 mpg.
The subsequent era of the CR-V, beginning with the 2012 mannequin yr, provides extra comfort options, together with a 5-inch shade display screen within the middle stack. It contains an up to date all-wheel-drive system and is extra fuel-efficient. One of many nicest particulars of the 2012-2014 CR-V is its easy-folding rear seats. On each side of the cargo space, there’s a pull-type deal with. One yank and one facet of the 60/40-split again seat collapses almost flat. And there’s extra cargo area within the 2012-2014 fashions than earlier than. Each of those generations of the CR-V scored effectively in crash checks. It earned 4 or 5 stars in authorities crash checks, and most of those mannequin years earned IIHS Prime Security Choose standing. See Honda CR-V fashions on the market close to you
29. 2011-2015 Honda Accord
Value: $7,700-$15,000 | Ranking: 3.9-4.7
The 2011 and 2012 Honda Accord didn’t have a lot in the way in which of ordinary connectivity. It got here with USB connections, and to get Bluetooth connectivity and satellite tv for pc radio functionality, you needed to transfer as much as the EX-L. Nonetheless, traction management, antilock brakes, and stability management have been normal. NHTSA awarded the Accord with a 5-Star general rating, and the IIHS gave the 2011 and 2012 a Good ranking.
And though the 2011-2012 Accord is an easy-to-recommend automotive for faculty college students, the 2013-2015 fashions are even higher. It was all-new for 2013, and its security ranking elevated to TSP+. Its government-estimated gas mileage is pretty much as good as 35 mpg on the freeway with the 2013-2015 fashions. These fashions are additionally extra spacious and environment friendly and have extra security options, equivalent to LaneWatch and adaptive cruise management. See Honda Accord fashions on the market close to you
30. 2011-2014 Toyota Corolla
Value: $7,000-$12,000 | Ranking: 2.8-3.8
The Toyota Corolla compact sedan is a good automotive for faculty college students due to its wonderful popularity for reliability, robust resale worth, and spectacular security options for this period. It has a roomy inside for its dimension and a few connectivity options, together with a USB port and Bluetooth. These mannequin years are all IIHS Prime Security Picks. See Toyota Corolla fashions on the market close to you
31. 2013-2015 Honda Civic
Value: $7,500-$13,000 | Ranking: 4.0-4.6
The Honda Civic has a strong consolation, security, and reliability popularity. It provided an important worth when it was new, which continues as a used mannequin. Nonetheless, you’ll make compromises as you journey again in mannequin years to attain a extra reasonably priced car. For instance, neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto have been obtainable within the Honda Civic throughout these mannequin years, however Bluetooth and Pandora streaming are outfitted.
Whereas lively driver aids like ahead collision warning weren’t obtainable, yow will discover 2014 and 2015 fashions with the Honda LaneWatch blind-spot digital camera system, and a rearview digital camera got here normal. For these mannequin years, the Civic scored excessive in crash checks. The IIHS named the sedan model a Prime Security Choose+ for mannequin years 2013-2014. As well as, its mixed government-estimated mileage was 31-34 mpg. See Honda Civic fashions on the market close to you
32. 2009-2012 Toyota RAV4
Value: $7,900-$11,000 | Ranking: 3.5
Regardless of its compact dimension, this era of the Toyota RAV4 was obtainable with a small third row of seats. This characteristic could make it simpler to carpool to occasions off-campus. And when that third row is folded down, there’s loads of area on your gear.
The RAV4 is understood for reliability, robust resale worth, and security. This SUV comes with the Star Security System, which incorporates traction management, stability management, digital brake-force distribution, an antilock braking system, and brake help. It additionally has hill-start help and downhill help management. The RAV4 carried out effectively in NHTSA and IIHS crash testing. See Toyota RAV4 fashions on the market close to you
