Opinions about the most effective vehicles for faculty college students are like stomach buttons: everybody has one. The issue with creating a group of such picks is weighing the qualifiers. That’s, measuring necessities like security choices towards gas financial system and value towards utility. A number of issues ought to affect a shopping for resolution when looking for vehicles for faculty college students, however typically, they battle. In different phrases, there are tradeoffs.
We show you how to tiptoe via this minefield.
Soar forward to our listing of vehicles for faculty college students
Issues to Think about When Shopping for a Automotive for Faculty
There are lots of variables to weigh when selecting any automobile, not to mention one for a school scholar. The method will be overwhelming. We began with a value ceiling of $30,000. Which will appear excessive, however we needed to incorporate some new fashions. Yow will discover a number of picks amongst our used vehicles that value a lot lower than that ceiling.
Different elements embrace automobile possession prices, security, expertise, and practicality.
Do You Want a Automotive in Faculty?
When contemplating a automobile for the college-bound, want versus need is the primary hurdle. Does this specific school expertise require a car? If it doesn’t, a automobile will merely be one other gas, insurance coverage, and perhaps parking expense. It can even be a distraction.
Some schools don’t enable first-year school college students to have vehicles. Many schools restrict parking on campus via permits. A automobile at 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, not less than for the primary few years.
What Is Distinctive About Shopping for a Automotive for Faculty?
Chances are high a younger grownup heading to varsity will nonetheless depend on household to a point, not less than for monetary assist. Although not at all times the case, as a rule, it’s. So, automobile shopping for shall be considerably of a balancing act between what your scholar desires and what the household, perhaps already stretched skinny by school bills, can afford. Everybody concerned ought to be prepared for some compromise.
When selecting a automobile, do not forget that it could additionally have to proceed as the first mode of transportation after school and into the primary few years of constructing a profession. Put a bit of time into excited about what that will appear like concerning the price of possession, commuting wants, and way of life.
Can I Afford a Automotive in Faculty?
An reasonably priced fee is a perform of a car’s value. These funds have to be saved low, whether or not the dad and mom or the coed shoulder the month-to-month installments. Most carmakers use a captive financing firm, corresponding to Ford Credit score or Honda Monetary Companies, that provides financing offers on new and Licensed Pre-Owned (CPO) automobiles. This is a wonderful place to start out.
In case you are securing a mortgage outdoors of captive financing, all issues being equal, you’ll virtually at all times rating a decrease month-to-month fee on a used car than a brand new one. Credit score unions are identified to supply decrease proportion charges on automobile loans. With rates of interest going up lately, it’s one thing to contemplate.
Try the Kelley Blue E book 5-12 months Value to Personal web page to check the bottom cost-to-own automobile fashions. It considers the prices to take care of the car and depreciation.
How A lot Will Automotive Insurance coverage Value a Faculty Pupil?
Insurance coverage value is a key contributor to the full value of possession. It’s no secret that some automobiles value much less to insure than others. Auto insurance coverage is extremely aggressive, and buying round can prevent cash.
Nevertheless, premiums are influenced by a number of private elements, corresponding to driving file, annual mileage, place of residence, and so forth. Traditionally, drivers youthful than 25 can count on insurance coverage to be a big issue within the whole value of possession. Contain your insurance coverage prices in your buy resolution.
Does a Automotive’s Gas Economic system Matter at Faculty?
Gasoline is a type of month-to-month bills that may differ wildly from yr to yr. All of it has to do with fluctuations within the value of oil. Search automobiles delivering higher gas financial system, particularly if working on a decent finances.
Even in the event you can afford to maintain a truck or massive automobile fueled at present fuel costs, what if the per-gallon value will increase by $1 over the subsequent yr?
Apart from the occasional journey dwelling for a weekend, school college students are inclined to do most of their driving in an city setting. Though a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) won’t be sensible for dorm or condominium dwelling, a standard hybrid (HEV) will save a couple of journeys to the pump. HEVs are inclined to value a bit greater than standard vehicles. A used HEV could also be a more sensible choice.
What Function Does Security Play in a Automotive for Faculty?
Security options and scores ought to at all times be key qualifiers for anybody buying a car, no matter age or objective. As you slender your decisions, try the crash take a look at scores from the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) and the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA). Our picks scored excessive with most of them. You possibly can see what crash assessments entail in our story on the most effective vehicles for teenagers.
There are specific security options you don’t wish to do with out. Should 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 function in 2018. Nevertheless, many vehicles already had them by then.
The newer the mannequin, the extra seemingly you’ll discover different important security and driver-assist options like automated emergency braking, ahead collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Should you want extra details about which trim ranges embrace the security options you need, go to Kelley Blue E book’s Skilled Critiques for brand new and used automobiles. You possibly can try the newest security options in our Security Options 101 article.
What Different Elements Affect a Faculty Automotive?
Options like 4 doorways, inventive storage options with locations to cover laptops, simple parking manners, and so forth are essential, notably if the car will soar from school to first-job transportation.
Know-how options are essential on a number of ranges. For instance, voice recognition permits vocalizing instructions to alter the music or temperature degree with out taking your eyes off the highway. However staying linked is of the utmost concern for many college-age individuals.
On the very least, they count on to have the ability to cost and combine their units 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.
Automotive Purchasing in At this time’s Market
A number of elements proceed to conspire to cut back choose new and used car inventories. The business’s main offender is lingering points from the previous microchip scarcity and a normal scarcity of used automobiles from the 2008 recession. Nevertheless, inventories of latest and used vehicles have vastly improved during the last yr. We noticed a downward motion within the common costs for brand new automobiles that now have leveled off. Nonetheless, you’ll see stubbornly excessive automobile costs at some manufacturers and restricted decisions at others. However, there may be hope now that inventories are close to regular for a lot of new automobiles. For used vehicles, count on these costing lower than $20,000 to stay essentially the most troublesome to search out.
Your vehicle-buying {dollars} might not stretch as far, and you’ll seemingly have to make a couple of compromises on automobile coloration and content material to safe the kind of automobile you need. Should you store for a brand new automobile, you could discover a higher deal amongst your vendor’s licensed pre-owned vehicles or on the used automobile lot. In different phrases, keep versatile.
Greatest New Vehicles and SUVs for Faculty College students
As you search under, please notice that we included the obligatory factory-to-dealer supply payment (vacation spot cost) within the listed new automobile beginning costs.
1. 2024 Toyota Corolla
Beginning Value: $23,145 | Score: 4.4
The Toyota Corolla is one in all a number of automobiles on this listing that’s an IIHS Prime Security Decide. It additionally boasts low cost-to-own figures and traditionally good reliability. The Corolla’s beginning value displays the entry-level LE mannequin. It gives customary tools like automated local weather management, distant keyless entry, and a rear-seat middle armrest.
Each 2024 Corolla comes with Toyota’s Security Sense 3.0, a set of driver aids that features pre-collision with pedestrian detection, automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise management, lane departure warning, lane-keeping help, site visitors signal recognition, and automated excessive beams.
A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert is offered as a part of an non-compulsory Premium Bundle. Connectivity options embrace 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 financial system is 35 mpg. Toyota additionally gives the Corolla as a hybrid. See Toyota Corolla fashions on the market close to you
2. 2025 Honda Civic
Beginning Value: $25,345 | Score: 4.7
We made the refreshed-for-2025 Civic one in all our picks for a number of causes, not the least of which is that it has been a frequent Kelley Blue E book Greatest Purchase Award winner. It has reigned as our Compact Automotive Greatest Purchase for 2022, 2023, and 2024. The IIHS named it a 2023 Prime Security Decide (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 gives 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 consists of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, one USB port, and Bluetooth connectivity. Honda usually doesn’t supply choice packages. To realize extra content material, you could 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 | Score: 4.6
The Hyundai Elantra skilled a freshening for 2024. Simple to advocate, it’s a snug, dependable household hauler. For the modest value 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 customary options embrace 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 Automotive Greatest Purchase.
The 2024 Elantra earned a 5-Star ranking from NHTSA. Moreover, the IIHS named it a 2024 Prime Security Decide. See Hyundai Elantra fashions on the market close to you
4. 2025 Honda HR-V
Beginning Value: $26,450 | Score: 4.6
Highlighted by its massive inside, the Honda HR-V delivers a decent 28 mpg in mixed city-highway driving. The HR-V is a 2024 IIHS Prime Security Decide+. We just like the HR-V not just for its comparatively roomy cabin but additionally 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 customary 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. Nevertheless, it’s a must to transfer as much as the Sport to get the Blind Spot Info 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 customary 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 | Score: 4.1
Our listed value is for the two.5 S 5-door mannequin. The sedan is about $1,000 much less. Mazda earned a 2024 Prime Security Decide+ 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 will be fitted with all-wheel drive. The non-compulsory I-Activ system can be why we named this automobile one in all our Greatest Vehicles for Snow.
Inside, the Mazda3 feels costlier than it’s. Though you could 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 customary. Of the 2 physique kinds, we just like the Mazda3 hatchback as a result of it offers as much as 47 cubic ft of cargo area. See Mazda3 fashions on the market close to you
6. 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
Beginning Value: $26,540 | Score: 4.6
Redesigned for 2024, Subaru’s go-anywhere Crosstrek comes customary with all-wheel drive backed by a constantly variable automated transmission (CVT). Gas financial system is a decent 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 stable gas financial system.
Each Crosstrek consists of 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-compulsory or customary on higher trim ranges. Connectivity consists of twin 7-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto (wi-fi is an choice), Bluetooth connectivity, and hands-free telephone integration. See Subaru Crosstrek fashions on the market close to you
7. 2025 Kia Seltos
Beginning Value: $25,965 | Score: 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 could transfer as much as the S grade, including $500 to the underside line.
Connectivity options embrace 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 offers class-leading cargo area. See Kia Seltos fashions on the market close to you
8. 2025 Hyundai Kona
Beginning Value: $25,745 | Score: 4.8
Completely redesigned for 2024, the Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV that provides great worth. Its small measurement means it’s simple 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 customary. Gas financial system is nearly as good as 31 mpg on the freeway with the fuel engine. A Kona electrical car (EV) can 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 couple of years and has confirmed dependable. As well as, it’s tapped by the IIHS as a Prime Security Decide+ and scored an NHTSA 5-Star ranking. There may be loads of worth right here, as even the bottom SE mannequin comes customary 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 | Score: 4.0
The Nissan Sentra gives practicality, upscale styling, and a little bit of sportiness. This compact automobile has “zero gravity” seats designed to be comfy on the drive to high school, your job, or throughout the nation. The Sentra delivers gas financial system nearly as good as 40 mpg on the freeway (34 mpg mixed), so journeys to the fuel station gained’t be too frequent. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are customary 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 total 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 | Score: 4.4
We like that the roomy Kia Soul has essentially the most reasonably priced base value of any new automobile on this listing. But it surely isn’t solely on this listing due to value — it additionally gives spectacular worth. Ahead collision warning, lane-keeping help, and driver consideration warning are customary. Should 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-compulsory on the LX. These options come customary on the S, which begins at $22,790 and consists of many extra options than the LX. NHTSA gave the Soul a 4-Star general ranking.
Connectivity options within the base mannequin embrace 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 | Score: 4.8
The most costly choose on this listing, the Toyota Prius, is the automobile that made “hybrid” a family phrase. Toyota redesigned the Prius for 2023, molding it into the glossy form of a speedster. Properly, it’s not that. Nevertheless, it nonetheless manages a powerful gas financial system of 57 mpg in blended 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 Decide+ 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 customary as effectively. And if the 2024 fashions are out of your value vary, the previous-generation Prius can be a wonderful alternative. See Toyota Prius fashions on the market close to you
12. 2025 Subaru Legacy
Beginning Value: $26,065 | Score: NR
Vital for each scholar at a school within the snowbelt, Symmetrical all-wheel drive stays customary on each Subaru Legacy. The Legacy blends a roomy cabin with spectacular gas financial system and a go-just-about-anywhere perspective. It gained’t win a magnificence contest, but it surely’s an IIHS Prime Security Decide, and even the bottom grade’s options embrace 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 customary, too.
With as a lot cargo area because the Toyota Camry and practically the most effective 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 financial system of 30 mpg. See Subaru Legacy fashions on the market close to you
13. 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Beginning Value: $24,395 | Score: 4.2
The present era Trailblazer has carried out effectively in security testing, receiving NHTSA’s highest general rating of 5 stars. Furthermore, its customary superior security options embrace automated ahead emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping help, and lane departure warning. Excessive-beam help can be customary. We advocate choosing the $395 Driver Confidence Bundle that provides blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. It’s a discount.
With essentially 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 financial system is above common amongst rivals. You possibly can 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 | Score: 4.4
In case your school scholar is heading to high school in a snowy local weather, the Mazda CX-30 is a stable choose due to its customary all-wheel drive. It’s a member of the IIHS Prime Security Decide+ winners listing. The CX-30 posts the very best base horsepower of its phase, but its mixed gas financial 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 a lot of its class opponents, 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 site visitors alert. See Mazda CX-30 fashions on the market close to you
Greatest Used Vehicles and SUVs for Faculty College students Below $20,000
The used automobile costs listed right here vary from the KBB Truthful Buy Value of the oldest, most reasonably priced trim degree to the latest 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 | Score: 4.5-4.7
The IIHS gave these Toyota Camry sedans’ mannequin years the nod as Prime Security Decide+ decisions. As for gas financial system, their government-estimated mixed mileage for the fuel engines was 25-32 mpg, relying on the powertrain. This end result was not class-leading however respectable.
Commonplace tools 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 customary. Non-obligatory driver aids have been a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, ahead collision warning, and high-beam help. Skilled tip: On this value vary, you may wish to focus in on a 2018 Camry. It’s an all-new era. This Camry comes customary with the Toyota Security Sense P (TSS-P) suite of security and driving aids and gives wonderful gas financial system. See Toyota Camry fashions on the market close to you
16. 2016-2017 Honda Accord
Value: $13,200-$19,000 | Score: 4.6-4.7
An IIHS Prime Security Decide+, the midsize Honda Accord gives a great deal of area. This era of the Accord offered a rearview digital camera, stability management, and antilock brakes. Out there driver aids included ahead collision warning and lane departure warning. Bluetooth connectivity is customary in these years as effectively. Pandora functionality and one USB port additionally made the grade. Search for an Accord EX or greater 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 | Score 4.2-4.6
The Toyota Corolla has constantly provided wonderful reliability, low possession prices, and good gas financial system. This roomy and cozy sedan can be identified for its security. The 2017 mannequin is a Prime Security Decide+, and the 2018 is a Prime Security Decide. Toyota Security Sense-P is customary 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 | Score: 4.7
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact 5-passenger SUV with beauty and a enjoyable driving expertise. However what’s most essential for faculty college students is that this car gives wonderful gas financial system, as excessive as 34 mpg on the freeway, has loads of security options, and earns spectacular reliability.
This vary of years covers two totally 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 matches your value vary, you’re getting an IIHS Prime Security Decide+. See Mazda CX-5 fashions on the market close to you
19. 2012-2017 Toyota Prius
Value: $8,300-$19,500 | Score: 3.9-4.5
For the 2012 via 2015 mannequin years, the Toyota Prius boasted a mixed mileage of 48 mpg. It scored excessive in security assessments, together with the IIHS naming it a Prime Security Decide for 2012-2013 and a TSP+ for 2014-2015. Bluetooth connectivity and one USB port got here customary. The rearview digital camera got here with the Prius Three from 2012 to 2014 and was customary with the Prius Two from 2014 to 2015. We extremely advocate looking 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. Luckily, 2012-2015 Prius 5 fashions presently 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 financial system, at 52 mpg mixed, a nicer trip, and extra customary 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 | Score: 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 Decide+, and the 2015 a Prime Security Decide. 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 | Score: 4.8-4.9
In 2015, the Honda CR-V acquired 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 completely 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 | Score: 4.4-4.7
In 2016, the Subaru Crosstrek dropped the “XV” from its identify and acquired up to date styling. This subcompact SUV has spectacular floor clearance and customary 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 Decide+ ranking for the 2016 mannequin yr, together with a Prime Security Decide ranking for 2017. These years offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and EyeSight security tech. Its diminutive measurement makes parking on campus or within the metropolis simple. The Crosstrek was all-new for 2018. Whereas this mannequin yr prices extra, it has customary 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 | Score: 4.4-4.5
As with a lot of this firm’s vehicles and SUVs, the Mazda3 is sporty, fashionable, 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 offers greater than 47 cubic ft of cargo area — loads of room to stow your stuff on shifting day. The Mazda3 is a Prime Security Decide+ for mannequin years 2016-2017 and a Prime Security Decide for 2018. Increased trim ranges embrace security options like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane-keep help, and adaptive cruise management. The hatchback has a better Truthful Buy Value than the sedan, however you must have the ability to 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 | Score: 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 embrace the efficiency Kind R mannequin). Fulfilling the connectivity wants, these Civic fashions offered 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 choice 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 Decide for the 2017 mannequin yr and a Prime Security Decide+ for 2016. See Honda Civic fashions on the market close to you
25. 2018-2022 Kia Soul
Value: $9,500-$20,000 | Score: 4.3-4.6
The Kia Soul takes the hatchback concept and makes it trendy and funky. It has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an non-compulsory feisty turbocharged engine. The inside has fashionable distinction piping and pulsating speaker lights.
The Soul is about greater than seems to be, nevertheless. The 2018 model acquired the top-tier TSP+ security ranking, whereas the 2019-2022 acquired a TSP security ranking. The Soul can be obtainable with a number of superior security options. This Kia can carry greater than 60 cubic ft of drugs with the rear seats folded down, and there’s even a hidden space for storing beneath the cargo flooring. The Soul has gas financial system nearly as good as 35 mpg on the freeway with the fuel engine. (An EV variant can be obtainable.) See Kia Soul fashions on the market close to you
26. 2015-2019 Honda Match
Value: $9,800-$18,000 | Score: 4.6-4.8
Though Honda has discontinued the Match, it’s nonetheless a viable alternative for a school automobile. It doesn’t come as totally loaded as bigger, costlier fashions, but it surely’s protected, simple to park, and has stable gas financial system. It could be a small automobile, however its Magic Seat inside makes it simple to hold massive gadgets like a TV inside with the liftgate closed.
A rearview digital camera got here customary, 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 customary on the expertise entrance. In mixed driving, the Match achieved 31-36 mpg. As well as, the Match was an IIHS Prime Security Decide for mannequin yr 2015. Newer fashions can be found with the Honda Sensing suite of security options, which you must search for when researching a used Match. See Honda Match fashions on the market close to you
Greatest Vehicles and SUVs for Faculty College students Below $15,000
27. 2012-2014 Toyota Camry
Value: $8,200-$12,000 | Score: 3.7-3.8
The Toyota Camry acquired a big overhaul for 2012. Already identified for its consolation, excessive resale worth, and wonderful reliability, the enhancements with this era embrace better gas effectivity and an all-new hybrid system. If you could find a hybrid that matches your finances, you’ll profit from a gas financial system that’s nearly as good as 42 mpg within the metropolis. Once we checked pricing, we found that the LE Hybrid was the lowest-priced trim degree. It’s a discount. Based mostly on our value checks, you may get a completely 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 customary, 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-compulsory, so search for a better 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 | Score: 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 customary. 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 coloration display within the middle stack. It consists of 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 practically 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 assessments. It earned 4 or 5 stars in authorities crash assessments, and most of those mannequin years earned IIHS Prime Security Decide standing. See Honda CR-V fashions on the market close to you
29. 2011-2015 Honda Accord
Value: $7,700-$15,000 | Score: 3.9-4.7
The 2011 and 2012 Honda Accord didn’t have a lot in the way in which of normal 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. Nevertheless, traction management, antilock brakes, and stability management have been customary. NHTSA awarded the Accord with a 5-Star general rating, and the IIHS gave the 2011 and 2012 a Good ranking.
And although the 2011-2012 Accord is an easy-to-recommend automobile 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 nearly 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, corresponding 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 | Score: 2.8-3.8
The Toyota Corolla compact sedan is a good automobile for faculty college students due to its wonderful repute for reliability, sturdy resale worth, and spectacular security options for this period. It has a roomy inside for its measurement 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 | Score: 4.0-4.6
The Honda Civic has a stable consolation, security, and reliability repute. It provided a fantastic worth when it was new, which continues as a used mannequin. Nevertheless, 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, you could find 2014 and 2015 fashions with the Honda LaneWatch blind-spot digital camera system, and a rearview digital camera got here customary. For these mannequin years, the Civic scored excessive in crash assessments. The IIHS named the sedan model a Prime Security Decide+ 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 | Score: 3.5
Regardless of its compact measurement, this era of the Toyota RAV4 was obtainable with a small third row of seats. This function could make it simpler to carpool to occasions off-campus. And when that third row is folded down, there’s loads of area to your gear.
The RAV4 is understood for reliability, sturdy 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