admin 
Opinions about the best cars for college students are like belly buttons: everyone has one. The problem with creating a collection of such picks is weighing the qualifiers. That is, measuring requirements like safety options against fuel economy and price against utility. Several considerations should influence a buying decision when shopping for cars for college students, but sometimes, they conflict. In other words, there are tradeoffs.
We help you tiptoe through this minefield.
Jump ahead to our list of cars for college students
Things to Consider When Buying a Car for College
There are many variables to weigh when picking any car, let alone one for a college student. The process can be overwhelming. We started with a price ceiling of $30,000. That may seem high, but we wanted to include some new models. You can find several picks among our used cars that cost much less than that ceiling.
Other factors include car ownership costs, safety, technology, and practicality.
Do You Need a Car in College?
When considering a car for the college-bound, need versus want is the first hurdle. Does this particular college experience require a vehicle? If it doesn’t, a car will simply be another fuel, insurance, and maybe parking expense. It will also be a distraction.
Some colleges don’t allow first-year college students to have cars. Many colleges limit parking on campus through permits. A car at college can be a real hassle. If a personal vehicle isn’t necessary for getting to a job or to and from an off-campus residence, it may be more of a want than a need. If so, consider skipping it, at least for the first few years.
What Is Unique About Buying a Car for College?
Chances are a young adult heading to college will still rely on family to some degree, at least for financial support. Though not always the case, more often than not, it is. So, car buying will be somewhat of a balancing act between what your student wants and what the family, maybe already stretched thin by college expenses, can afford. Everyone involved should be ready for some compromise.
When picking a car, remember that it may also need to continue as the primary mode of transportation after college and into the first few years of building a career. Put a little time into thinking about what that may look like regarding the cost of ownership, commuting needs, and lifestyle.
Can I Afford a Car in College?
An affordable payment is a function of a vehicle’s cost. Those payments must be kept low, whether the parents or the student shoulder the monthly installments. Most carmakers use a captive financing company, such as Ford Credit or Honda Financial Services, that offers financing deals on new and Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles. This is an excellent place to start.
If you are securing a loan outside of captive financing, all things being equal, you will almost always score a lower monthly payment on a used vehicle than a new one. Credit unions are known to offer lower percentage rates on car loans. With interest rates going up these days, it’s something to consider.
Check out the Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own page to compare the lowest cost-to-own car models. It considers the costs to maintain the vehicle and depreciation.
How Much Will Car Insurance Cost a College Student?
Insurance cost is a key contributor to the total cost of ownership. It’s no secret that some vehicles cost less to insure than others. Auto insurance is highly competitive, and shopping around can save you money.
However, premiums are influenced by several personal factors, such as driving record, annual mileage, place of residence, and so forth. Historically, drivers younger than 25 can expect insurance to be a significant factor in the total cost of ownership. Involve your insurance costs in your purchase decision.
Does a Car’s Fuel Economy Matter at College?
Gasoline is one of those monthly expenses that can vary wildly from year to year. It all has to do with fluctuations in the price of oil. Seek vehicles delivering better fuel economy, especially if operating on a tight budget.
Even if you can afford to keep a truck or large car fueled at current gas prices, what if the per-gallon price increases by $1 over the next year?
Other than the occasional trip home for a weekend, college students tend to do most of their driving in an urban setting. Although a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) might not be practical for dorm or apartment living, a traditional hybrid (HEV) will save a few trips to the pump. HEVs tend to cost a bit more than conventional cars. A used HEV may be a better choice.
What Role Does Safety Play in a Car for College?
Safety features and ratings should always be key qualifiers for anyone purchasing a vehicle, regardless of age or purpose. As you narrow your choices, check out the crash test scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Our picks scored high with most of them. You can see what crash tests entail in our story on the best cars for teens.
There are certain safety features you don’t want to do without. If you stick with 2013 and newer models, that’s the first year antilock brakes, traction control, and stability control were all mandated by the United States government. If a backup camera is essential to you, the federal government mandated that feature in 2018. However, many cars already had them by then.
The newer the model, the more likely you will find other essential safety and driver-assist features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. If you need more information about which trim levels include the safety features you want, go to Kelley Blue Book’s Expert Reviews for new and used vehicles. You can check out the latest safety features in our Safety Features 101 article.
What Other Factors Impact a College Car?
Features like four doors, creative storage solutions with places to hide laptops, easy parking manners, and so forth are important, particularly if the vehicle will jump from college to first-job transportation.
Technology features are critical on several levels. For example, voice recognition allows vocalizing commands to change the music or temperature level without taking your eyes off the road. But staying connected is of the utmost concern for most college-age people.
At the very least, they expect to be able to charge and integrate their devices into a vehicle’s infotainment system. Again, the newer the model, the more connectivity options, like USB-C charging ports, will be current and available.
Car Shopping in Today’s Market
Several factors continue to conspire to reduce select new and used vehicle inventories. The industry’s primary culprit is lingering issues from the past microchip shortage and a general shortage of used vehicles from the 2008 recession. However, inventories of new and used cars have greatly improved over the last year. We saw a downward movement in the average prices for new vehicles that now have leveled off. Still, you’ll see stubbornly high car prices at some brands and limited choices at others. But, there is hope now that inventories are near normal for many new vehicles. For used cars, expect those costing less than $20,000 to remain the most difficult to find.
Your vehicle-buying dollars may not stretch as far, and you will likely need to make a few compromises on car color and content to secure the type of car you want. If you shop for a new car, you may find a better deal among your dealer’s certified pre-owned cars or on the used car lot. In other words, stay flexible.
Best New Cars and SUVs for College Students
As you search below, please note that we included the mandatory factory-to-dealer delivery fee (destination charge) in the listed new car starting prices.
1. 2024 Toyota Corolla
Starting Price: $23,145 | Rating: 4.4
The Toyota Corolla is one of several vehicles on this list that’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick. It also boasts low cost-to-own figures and historically good reliability. The Corolla’s starting price reflects the entry-level LE model. It offers standard equipment like automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, and a rear-seat center armrest.
Every 2024 Corolla comes with Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0, a suite of driver aids that includes pre-collision with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and automatic high beams.
A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert is available as part of an optional Premium Package. Connectivity features include Bluetooth, voice recognition, four USB ports, Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Wi-Fi capability. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) government-estimated combined fuel economy is 35 mpg. Toyota also offers the Corolla as a hybrid. See Toyota Corolla models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
2. 2025 Honda Civic
Starting Price: $25,345 | Rating: 4.7
We made the refreshed-for-2025 Civic one of our picks for several reasons, not the least of which is that it has been a frequent Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award winner. It has reigned as our Compact Car Best Buy for 2022, 2023, and 2024. The IIHS named it a 2023 Top Safety Pick (It’s still in testing for 2024/2025), and it earned a 5-Star rating from NHTSA. It also gets a government-estimated 36 mpg in combined driving. Honda offers the Civic as a hybrid, too.
Every 2025 Civic arrives with the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids, including forward collision warning, auto emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Connectivity technology includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, one USB port, and Bluetooth connectivity. Honda typically doesn’t offer option packages. To gain more content, you must move up the trim-level ladder. And look to the hatchback model for more cargo space. See Honda Civic models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
3. 2024 Hyundai Elantra
Starting Price: $22,775 | Rating: 4.6
The Hyundai Elantra experienced a freshening for 2024. Easy to recommend, it’s a comfy, reliable family hauler. For the modest price of the entry-level SE, you get an EPA-rated 36 mpg combined mileage and Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of safety driver-assist goodies. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, lane centering, driver-attention warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are included.
Other standard features include high-beam assist, an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, and two USB ports. These are some reasons why it’s a past KBB Compact Car Best Buy.
The 2024 Elantra earned a 5-Star rating from NHTSA. Furthermore, the IIHS named it a 2024 Top Safety Pick. See Hyundai Elantra models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
4. 2025 Honda HR-V
Starting Price: $26,450 | Rating: 4.6
Highlighted by its large interior, the Honda HR-V delivers a respectable 28 mpg in combined city-highway driving. The HR-V is a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick+. We like the HR-V not only for its relatively roomy cabin but also for its available all-wheel drive (AWD) and a plethora of safety tech.
The price here is for the entry-level LX trim, which comes standard with the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids like forward collision warning, auto emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, you have to move up to the Sport to get the Blind Spot Information System with a cross-traffic monitor.
The base HR-V also has a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, two USB charging ports, and one USB interface port. The LX also comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. See Honda HR-V models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
5. 2025 Mazda3
Starting Price: $26,135 | Rating: 4.1
Our listed price is for the 2.5 S 5-door model. The sedan is about $1,000 less. Mazda earned a 2024 Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for the Mazda3. It’s also good for an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in combined city-highway driving. Boasting excellent handling, the Mazda3 can be fitted with all-wheel drive. The optional I-Activ system is also why we named this car one of our Best Cars for Snow.
Inside, the Mazda3 feels more expensive than it is. Although you must move up to the Select grade for blind-spot monitoring, the entry-level Mazda3 comes with forward collision warning, emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, driver attention alert, and high-beam assist. Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, an 8.8-inch touchscreen, and two USB ports come standard. Of the two body styles, we like the Mazda3 hatchback because it provides up to 47 cubic feet of cargo space. See Mazda3 models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
6. 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
Starting Price: $26,540 | Rating: 4.6
Redesigned for 2024, Subaru’s go-anywhere Crosstrek comes standard with all-wheel drive backed by a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Fuel economy is a respectable 29 mpg combined, or 27 with the Wilderness trim. We like the Crosstrek for its Symmetrical all-wheel drive, better-than-average resale value, and solid fuel economy.
Every Crosstrek includes Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. It also comes with forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert is optional or standard on upper trim levels. Connectivity includes dual 7-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto (wireless is an option), Bluetooth connectivity, and hands-free phone integration. See Subaru Crosstrek models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
7. 2025 Kia Seltos
Starting Price: $25,965 | Rating: 4.8
The Kia Seltos is a surprisingly roomy subcompact SUV. Every version of the Seltos comes with a full suite of safety features, including forward collision warning with emergency braking, driver attention warning, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane centering, and high-beam assist. To add blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, you must move up to the S grade, adding $500 to the bottom line.
Connectivity features include Bluetooth with voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, one USB port up front, and two USB chargers in the second row. With a second-row seat large enough to accommodate adults, Seltos also provides class-leading cargo space. See Kia Seltos models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
8. 2025 Hyundai Kona
Starting Price: $25,745 | Rating: 4.8
Totally redesigned for 2024, the Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV that offers tremendous value. Its small size means it’s easy to park on campus, and the rear cargo area is well suited to carry gear. In addition, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity come standard. Fuel economy is as good as 31 mpg on the highway with the gas engine. A Kona electric vehicle (EV) is also available. We like the Kona for its bar-setting warranty, class-leading space, and outstanding overall value.
The Kona has been on the market for a few years and has proven reliable. In addition, it’s tapped by the IIHS as a Top Safety Pick+ and scored an NHTSA 5-Star rating. There is plenty of value here, as even the base SE model comes standard with blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic collision warning. See Hyundai Kona models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
9. 2024 Nissan Sentra
Starting Price: $22,320 | Rating: 4.0
The Nissan Sentra offers practicality, upscale styling, and a bit of sportiness. This compact car has “zero gravity” seats designed to be comfortable on the drive to school, your job, or across the country. The Sentra delivers fuel economy as good as 40 mpg on the highway (34 mpg combined), so trips to the gas station won’t be too frequent. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all models. NHTSA awarded the Sentra a 5-Star overall score, its highest.
In addition to 10 airbags, even the base grade comes with the full suite of Safety Shield 360 driver aids, including auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, and high-beam assist. See Nissan Sentra models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
10. 2025 Kia Soul
Starting Price: $21,665 | Rating: 4.4
We like that the roomy Kia Soul has the most affordable base price of any new car on this list. But it isn’t only on this list because of price — it also offers impressive value. Forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warning are standard. If you add the LX Technology Package (adding $500 to the bottom line), you’ll gain lane departure warning, blind-spot collision avoidance, automatic high beams, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, all optional on the LX. Those features come standard on the S, which starts at $22,790 and includes many more features than the LX. NHTSA gave the Soul a 4-Star overall rating.
Connectivity features in the base model include Bluetooth (no voice recognition), Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and one USB port. Armed with an automatic transmission (CVT), the Soul delivers up to 31 mpg in combined driving, 35 on the highway. See Kia Soul models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
11. 2024 Toyota Prius
Starting Price: $29,085 | Rating: 4.8
The most expensive pick on this list, the Toyota Prius, is the car that made “hybrid” a household word. Toyota redesigned the Prius for 2023, molding it into the sleek shape of a speedster. Well, it’s not that. However, it still manages an impressive fuel economy of 57 mpg in mixed city-and-highway driving. Students heading for the snowbelt can add all-wheel drive. Its rear-seat legroom is about average for the segment.
The IIHS named the Prius to its Top Safety Pick+ list. Every Prius comes with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and high-beam assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert come standard as well. And if the 2024 models are out of your price range, the previous-generation Prius is also an excellent choice. See Toyota Prius models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
12. 2025 Subaru Legacy
Starting Price: $26,065 | Rating: NR
A must-have for every student at a college in the snowbelt, Symmetrical all-wheel drive remains standard on every Subaru Legacy. The Legacy blends a roomy cabin with impressive fuel economy and a go-just-about-anywhere attitude. It won’t win a beauty contest, but it’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick, and even the base grade’s features include the EyeSight bundle of advanced safety features. Those are automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. High-beam assist is standard, too.
With as much cargo space as the Toyota Camry and nearly the best rear-seat legroom in its class, the Legacy can comfortably haul several people and their stuff. Even with all-wheel drive, the Legacy claims a mixed-driving fuel economy of 30 mpg. See Subaru Legacy models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
13. 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Starting Price: $24,395 | Rating: 4.2
The current generation Trailblazer has performed well in safety testing, receiving NHTSA’s highest overall score of five stars. Moreover, its standard advanced safety features include automatic forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and lane departure warning. High-beam assist is also standard. We recommend opting for the $395 Driver Confidence Package that adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. It’s a bargain.
With the most rear-seat legroom in its class and a little better-than-average cargo space, the Trailblazer is an impressive hauler. At 31 mpg, its mixed-driving fuel economy is above average among rivals. You can add all-wheel drive for $2,000. See Chevrolet Trailblazer models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
14. 2024 Mazda CX-30
Starting Price: $26,415 | Rating: 4.4
If your college student is heading to school in a snowy climate, the Mazda CX-30 is a solid pick because of its standard all-wheel drive. It is a member of the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ winners list. The CX-30 posts the highest base horsepower of its segment, yet its combined fuel economy is 29 mpg. That’s still about average mileage among the combustion rivals in its class. The CX-30 doesn’t provide as much cargo space as many of its class competitors, and its rear-seat legroom is about average.
As for advanced safety features, the entry-level trim comes with forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and high-beam assist. It also comes with blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alert. See Mazda CX-30 models for sale near you
Compare dealer offers
Best Used Cars and SUVs for College Students Under $20,000
The used car prices listed here range from the KBB Fair Purchase Price of the oldest, most affordable trim level to the newest top-of-the-line trim level. For example, pricing for the 2015-2016 CR-V ranges from the 2015 LX to the 2016 Touring.
15. 2015-2018 Toyota Camry
Price: $12,000-$20,000 | Rating: 4.5-4.7
The IIHS gave these Toyota Camry sedans’ model years the nod as Top Safety Pick+ choices. As for fuel economy, their government-estimated combined mileage for the gas engines was 25-32 mpg, depending on the powertrain. This result was not class-leading but respectable.
Standard equipment included Bluetooth connectivity, one USB port, and the Entune infotainment interface with a 6.1-inch touchscreen. For the first time in a Camry, the 2015 edition had a rearview camera as standard. Optional driver aids were a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, and high-beam assist. Expert tip: In this price range, you might want to focus in on a 2018 Camry. It is an all-new generation. This Camry comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) suite of safety and driving aids and offers excellent fuel economy. See Toyota Camry models for sale near you
16. 2016-2017 Honda Accord
Price: $13,200-$19,000 | Rating: 4.6-4.7
An IIHS Top Safety Pick+, the midsize Honda Accord offers loads of space. This generation of the Accord provided a rearview camera, stability control, and antilock brakes. Available driver aids included forward collision warning and lane departure warning. Bluetooth connectivity is standard in these years as well. Pandora capability and one USB port also made the grade. Look for an Accord EX or higher to get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. See Honda Accord models for sale near you
17. 2017-2019 Toyota Corolla
Price: $13,200-$18,000 | Rating 4.2-4.6
The Toyota Corolla has consistently offered excellent reliability, low ownership costs, and good fuel economy. This roomy and comfortable sedan is also known for its safety. The 2017 model is a Top Safety Pick+, and the 2018 is a Top Safety Pick. Toyota Safety Sense-P is standard on all Corolla models for these years, which adds automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. See Toyota Corolla models for sale near you
18. 2015-2018 Mazda CX-5
Price: $11,000-$16,000 | Rating: 4.7
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact 5-passenger SUV with good looks and a fun driving experience. But what’s most important for college students is that this vehicle offers excellent fuel economy, as high as 34 mpg on the highway, has plenty of safety features, and earns impressive reliability.
This range of years covers two different generations of the CX-5. The 2017 and 2018 have the same muscular styling as the current model. These years offer more upscale features and more advanced safety, too. Whichever year of the 2015-2018 Mazda CX-5 fits your price range, you’re getting an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. See Mazda CX-5 models for sale near you
19. 2012-2017 Toyota Prius
Price: $8,300-$19,500 | Rating: 3.9-4.5
For the 2012 through 2015 model years, the Toyota Prius boasted a combined mileage of 48 mpg. It scored high in safety tests, along with the IIHS naming it a Top Safety Pick for 2012-2013 and a TSP+ for 2014-2015. Bluetooth connectivity and one USB port came standard. The rearview camera came with the Prius Three from 2012 to 2014 and was standard with the Prius Two from 2014 to 2015. We highly recommend shopping for a Prius Five with the available Advance Technology Package, which comes with lane-keeping assist, a pre-collision system, and adaptive cruise control. Fortunately, 2012-2015 Prius Five models currently range from $8,300-$15,400.
If your budget allows you to edge closer to the $20,000 mark, you can get into the 2016-2017 Prius. This generation offered even better fuel economy, at 52 mpg combined, a nicer ride, and more standard safety features. It is also a TSP+. See Toyota Prius models for sale near you
20. 2014-2016 Toyota RAV4
Price: $11,500-$18,000 | Rating: 3.4-4.6
Posting a government-estimated 25-26 mpg in combined driving, the 2016 model year of the Toyota RAV4 was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, and the 2015 a Top Safety Pick. Every RAV4 came with a rearview camera. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and high-beam assist were on the options list. Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition and one USB port were standard-issue. See Toyota RAV4 models for sale near you
21. 2015-2016 Honda CR-V
Price: $12,700-$16,500 | Rating: 4.8-4.9
In 2015, the Honda CR-V received a significant refresh with a more powerful, more fuel-efficient engine, updates to the design, and more convenience features. These years are also IIHS TSP+. Combined mileage was an estimated 29 mpg in front-wheel-drive (FWD) models.
The 2015 model year introduced the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety features, including collision mitigation braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning. To get those, you’ll have to look for a 2015 or 2016 Touring — but it’s worth it. Besides, you’ll also get a fully loaded, reliable, comfortable SUV. See Honda CR-V models for sale near you
22. 2016-2018 Subaru Crosstrek
Price: $12,000-$17,000 | Rating: 4.4-4.7
In 2016, the Subaru Crosstrek dropped the “XV” from its name and received updated styling. This subcompact SUV has impressive ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive, a combination that’s tailor-made for weekend adventure as well as all-season safety. Adding to the safety quotient is the Crosstrek’s Top Safety Pick+ rating for the 2016 model year, along with a Top Safety Pick rating for 2017. These years provided blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and EyeSight safety tech. Its diminutive size makes parking on campus or in the city easy. The Crosstrek was all-new for 2018. While this model year costs more, it has standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, more safety features, and more refinement. See Subaru Crosstrek models for sale near you
23. 2016-2018 Mazda3
Price: $11,500-$16,300 | Rating: 4.4-4.5
As with many of this company’s cars and SUVs, the Mazda3 is sporty, stylish, and has an upscale interior. The Mazda3 is available as a sedan or hatchback, with a choice of engines that allow you to choose more efficiency or more power.
The hatchback provides more than 47 cubic feet of cargo space — plenty of room to stow your stuff on moving day. The Mazda3 is a Top Safety Pick+ for model years 2016-2017 and a Top Safety Pick for 2018. Higher trim levels include safety features like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The hatchback has a higher Fair Purchase Price than the sedan, but you should be able to find 2016-2018 hatchbacks for less than $20,000. See Mazda3 models for sale near you
24. 2016-2018 Honda Civic
Price: $13,500-$19,000 | Rating: 4.7-4.8
Historically, Honda has offered its Civic in multiple configurations propelled by assorted powertrains. For 2016-2018, those powertrains delivered 30-36 mpg in combined driving. (That doesn’t include the performance Type R model). Fulfilling the connectivity needs, these Civic models provided Bluetooth, one USB port, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, even in the entry-level trim. On the standard features list for the top trims and available as an option on most others was the Honda Sensing safety suite. It included forward collision warning with auto emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. In addition, the Civic sedan was an IIHS Top Safety Pick for the 2017 model year and a Top Safety Pick+ for 2016. See Honda Civic models for sale near you
25. 2018-2022 Kia Soul
Price: $9,500-$20,000 | Rating: 4.3-4.6
The Kia Soul takes the hatchback idea and makes it modern and cool. It has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an optional feisty turbocharged engine. The interior has stylish contrast piping and pulsating speaker lights.
The Soul is about more than looks, however. The 2018 version received the top-tier TSP+ safety rating, while the 2019-2022 received a TSP safety rating. The Soul is also available with several advanced safety features. This Kia can carry more than 60 cubic feet of gear with the rear seats folded down, and there’s even a hidden storage space under the cargo floor. The Soul has fuel economy as good as 35 mpg on the highway with the gas engine. (An EV variant is also available.) See Kia Soul models for sale near you
26. 2015-2019 Honda Fit
Price: $9,800-$18,000 | Rating: 4.6-4.8
Although Honda has discontinued the Fit, it’s still a viable choice for a college car. It doesn’t come as fully loaded as larger, more expensive models, but it’s safe, easy to park, and has solid fuel economy. It may be a small car, but its Magic Seat interior makes it easy to carry large items like a TV inside with the liftgate closed.
A rearview camera came standard, as did a blind-spot camera on the passenger side for the EX grade. Bluetooth connectivity, streaming capability, and one USB port were standard on the technology front. In combined driving, the Fit achieved 31-36 mpg. In addition, the Fit was an IIHS Top Safety Pick for model year 2015. Newer models are available with the Honda Sensing suite of safety features, which you should look for when researching a used Fit. See Honda Fit models for sale near you
Best Cars and SUVs for College Students Under $15,000
27. 2012-2014 Toyota Camry
Price: $8,200-$12,000 | Rating: 3.7-3.8
The Toyota Camry received a significant overhaul for 2012. Already known for its comfort, high resale value, and excellent reliability, the improvements with this generation include greater fuel efficiency and an all-new hybrid system. If you can find a hybrid that fits your budget, you’ll benefit from a fuel economy that is as good as 42 mpg in the city. When we checked pricing, we discovered that the LE Hybrid was the lowest-priced trim level. It’s a bargain. Based on our price checks, you can get a fully loaded 2014 XLE Hybrid within budget.
There is a connectivity system in this generation called Entune, which has satellite radio compatibility. Bluetooth comes onboard. Ten airbags come standard, as does the Star Safety System, which includes electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was optional, so look for a higher trim level to find one equipped with it. All these years were IIHS Top Safety Picks. See Toyota Camry models for sale near you
28. 2007-2014 Honda CR-V
Price: $5,700-$13,000 | Rating: 3.7-3.9
We’ve included a wide range of CR-V model years because the Honda CR-V is highly recommendable for college students. Honda redesigned the CR-V for 2007. One safety enhancement was the addition of tire pressure monitoring. Side-curtain airbags were also standard. Most connectivity and any driver-aid features are found on the top-end EX-L grade during these model years. For example, Bluetooth connectivity and a rearview camera were options for the EX-L. Government-estimated combined mileage was 22-26 mpg.
The next generation of the CR-V, starting with the 2012 model year, adds more convenience features, including a 5-inch color screen in the center stack. It includes an updated all-wheel-drive system and is more fuel-efficient. One of the nicest details of the 2012-2014 CR-V is its easy-folding rear seats. On both sides of the cargo area, there is a pull-type handle. One yank and one side of the 60/40-split back seat collapses nearly flat. And there’s more cargo space in the 2012-2014 models than before. Both of these generations of the CR-V scored well in crash tests. It earned four or five stars in government crash tests, and most of these model years earned IIHS Top Safety Pick status. See Honda CR-V models for sale near you
29. 2011-2015 Honda Accord
Price: $7,700-$15,000 | Rating: 3.9-4.7
The 2011 and 2012 Honda Accord didn’t have much in the way of standard connectivity. It came with USB connections, and to get Bluetooth connectivity and satellite radio capability, you had to move up to the EX-L. However, traction control, antilock brakes, and stability control were standard. NHTSA awarded the Accord with a 5-Star overall score, and the IIHS gave the 2011 and 2012 a Good rating.
And even though the 2011-2012 Accord is an easy-to-recommend car for college students, the 2013-2015 models are even better. It was all-new for 2013, and its safety rating increased to TSP+. Its government-estimated fuel mileage is as good as 35 mpg on the highway with the 2013-2015 models. These models are also more spacious and efficient and have more safety features, such as LaneWatch and adaptive cruise control. See Honda Accord models for sale near you
30. 2011-2014 Toyota Corolla
Price: $7,000-$12,000 | Rating: 2.8-3.8
The Toyota Corolla compact sedan is a great car for college students because of its excellent reputation for reliability, strong resale value, and impressive safety features for this era. It has a roomy interior for its size and some connectivity features, including a USB port and Bluetooth. These model years are all IIHS Top Safety Picks. See Toyota Corolla models for sale near you
31. 2013-2015 Honda Civic
Price: $7,500-$13,000 | Rating: 4.0-4.6
The Honda Civic has a solid comfort, safety, and reliability reputation. It offered a great value when it was new, which continues as a used model. However, you will make compromises as you travel back in model years to score a more affordable vehicle. For example, neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto were available in the Honda Civic during these model years, but Bluetooth and Pandora streaming are equipped.
While active driver aids like forward collision warning weren’t available, you can find 2014 and 2015 models with the Honda LaneWatch blind-spot camera system, and a rearview camera came standard. For these model years, the Civic scored high in crash tests. The IIHS named the sedan version a Top Safety Pick+ for model years 2013-2014. In addition, its combined government-estimated mileage was 31-34 mpg. See Honda Civic models for sale near you
32. 2009-2012 Toyota RAV4
Price: $7,900-$11,000 | Rating: 3.5
Despite its compact size, this generation of the Toyota RAV4 was available with a small third row of seats. This feature can make it easier to carpool to events off-campus. And when that third row is folded down, there’s plenty of space for your gear.
The RAV4 is known for reliability, strong resale value, and safety. This SUV comes with the Star Safety System, which includes traction control, stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, an antilock braking system, and brake assist. It also has hill-start assist and downhill assist control. The RAV4 performed well in NHTSA and IIHS crash testing. See Toyota RAV4 models for sale near you
