Opinions about the very best vehicles for school 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 worth towards utility. A number of concerns ought to affect a shopping for choice when purchasing for vehicles for school college students, however typically, they battle. In different phrases, there are tradeoffs.
We aid you tiptoe by this minefield.
Leap forward to our listing of vehicles for school college students
Issues to Think about When Shopping for a Automotive for School
There are numerous variables to weigh when selecting any automotive, not to mention one for a school scholar. The method may be overwhelming. We began with a worth ceiling of $30,000. Which will appear excessive, however we wished to incorporate some new fashions. You will discover a number of picks amongst our used vehicles that value a lot lower than that ceiling.
Different elements embrace automotive possession prices, security, know-how, and practicality.
Do You Want a Automotive in School?
When contemplating a automotive for the college-bound, want versus need is the primary hurdle. Does this explicit school expertise require a automobile? If it doesn’t, a automotive will merely be one other gas, insurance coverage, and possibly parking expense. It is going to even be a distraction.
Some faculties don’t permit first-year school college students to have vehicles. Many faculties restrict parking on campus by permits. A automotive at school is usually a actual trouble. If a private automobile isn’t needed 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, contemplate skipping it, at the very least for the primary few years.
What Is Distinctive About Shopping for a Automotive for School?
Chances are high a younger grownup heading to school will nonetheless depend on household to a point, at the very least for monetary assist. Although not all the time the case, as a rule, it’s. So, automotive shopping for will likely be considerably of a balancing act between what your scholar desires and what the household, possibly already stretched skinny by school bills, can afford. Everybody concerned needs to be prepared for some compromise.
When selecting a automotive, keep in mind 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 somewhat time into eager about what which will appear like relating to the price of possession, commuting wants, and life-style.
Can I Afford a Automotive in School?
An inexpensive cost is a perform of a automobile’s value. These funds have to be stored low, whether or not the mother and father or the scholar shoulder the month-to-month installments. Most carmakers use a captive financing firm, reminiscent of Ford Credit score or Honda Monetary Providers, that provides financing offers on new and Licensed Pre-Owned (CPO) automobiles. This is a superb place to begin.
If you’re securing a mortgage exterior of captive financing, all issues being equal, you’ll nearly all the time rating a decrease month-to-month cost on a used automobile than a brand new one. Credit score unions are recognized to supply decrease share charges on automotive loans. With rates of interest going up lately, it’s one thing to think about.
Take a look at the Kelley Blue E book 5-Yr Price to Personal web page to check the bottom cost-to-own automotive fashions. It considers the prices to keep up the automobile and depreciation.
How A lot Will Automotive Insurance coverage Price a School Scholar?
Insurance coverage value is a key contributor to the whole value of possession. It’s no secret that some automobiles value much less to insure than others. Auto insurance coverage is extremely aggressive, and procuring round can prevent cash.
Nonetheless, premiums are influenced by a number of private elements, reminiscent of 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 choice.
Does a Automotive’s Gasoline Economic system Matter at School?
Gasoline is a type of month-to-month bills that may fluctuate wildly from 12 months to 12 months. All of it has to do with fluctuations within the worth of oil. Search automobiles delivering higher gas financial system, particularly if working on a good price range.
Even in the event 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 following 12 months?
Apart from the occasional journey house for a weekend, school college students are likely to do most of their driving in an city setting. Though a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) won’t be sensible for dorm or condo residing, a conventional hybrid (HEV) will save a couple of journeys to the pump. HEVs are likely to value a bit greater than standard vehicles. A used HEV could also be a better option.
What Function Does Security Play in a Automotive for School?
Security options and rankings ought to all the time be key qualifiers for anybody buying a automobile, no matter age or objective. As you slim your decisions, try the crash check 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’ll be able to see what crash exams entail in our story on the very best vehicles for teenagers.
There are particular security options you don’t wish to do with out. In the event you stick to 2013 and newer fashions, that’s the primary 12 months antilock brakes, traction management, and stability management had been all mandated by the USA authorities. If a backup digital camera is crucial 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 discover different important security and driver-assist options like automated emergency braking, ahead collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. In the event you want extra details about which trim ranges embrace the security options you need, go to Kelley Blue E book’s Professional Opinions for brand new and used automobiles. You’ll be able to try the newest security options in our Security Options 101 article.
What Different Components Affect a School Automotive?
Options like 4 doorways, inventive storage options with locations to cover laptops, simple parking manners, and so forth are vital, notably if the automobile will soar from school to first-job transportation.
Expertise options are crucial 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 folks.
On the very least, they count on to have the ability to cost and combine their gadgets right into a automobile’s infotainment system. Once more, the newer the mannequin, the extra connectivity choices, like USB-C charging ports, will likely be present and accessible.
Automotive Procuring in In the present day’s Market
A number of elements proceed to conspire to cut back choose new and used automobile inventories. The business’s main perpetrator is lingering points from the previous microchip scarcity and a common scarcity of used automobiles from the 2008 recession. Nonetheless, inventories of recent and used vehicles have vastly improved over the past 12 months. We noticed a downward motion within the common costs for brand new automobiles that now have leveled off. Nonetheless, you’ll see stubbornly excessive automotive 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 probably the most tough to seek out.
Your vehicle-buying {dollars} could not stretch as far, and you’ll possible have to make a couple of compromises on automotive colour and content material to safe the kind of automotive you need. In the event you store for a brand new automotive, it’s possible you’ll discover a higher deal amongst your supplier’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 observe 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 | Score: 4.4
The Toyota Corolla is certainly one of 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 worth 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 collection 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-obligatory 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 certainly one of 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 score 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 know-how contains Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, one USB port, and Bluetooth connectivity. Honda usually doesn’t provide choice packages. To achieve extra content material, it’s essential to transfer up the trim-level ladder. And look to the hatchback mannequin for extra cargo house. 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 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 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 score 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 good 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 accessible 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. Nonetheless, you need 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 worth 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 glorious dealing with, the Mazda3 may be fitted with all-wheel drive. The non-obligatory I-Activ system can be why we named this automotive certainly one of our Greatest Vehicles for Snow.
Inside, the Mazda3 feels costlier than it’s. Though it’s essential 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 customary. Of the 2 physique kinds, we just like the Mazda3 hatchback as a result of it offers as much as 47 cubic toes of cargo house. 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). Gasoline financial 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 stable gas financial system.
Each Crosstrek contains Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Help Expertise. 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 customary on higher trim ranges. Connectivity contains twin 7-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto (wi-fi is an choice), 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 | 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, it’s essential to 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 house. 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 super worth. Its small measurement means it’s simple to park on campus, and the rear cargo space is properly suited to hold gear. As well as, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity come customary. Gasoline financial system is pretty much as good as 31 mpg on the freeway with the gasoline engine. A Kona electrical automobile (EV) can be accessible. We just like the Kona for its bar-setting guarantee, class-leading house, and excellent total worth.
The Kona has been in the marketplace 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 score. There’s 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 automotive has “zero gravity” seats designed to be snug on the drive to high school, your job, or throughout the nation. The Sentra delivers gas financial system pretty much as good as 40 mpg on the freeway (34 mpg mixed), so journeys to the gasoline station received’t be too frequent. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are customary on all fashions. NHTSA awarded the Sentra a 5-Star total 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 probably the most inexpensive base worth of any new automotive on this listing. Nevertheless it isn’t solely on this listing due to worth — it additionally gives spectacular worth. Ahead collision warning, lane-keeping help, and driver consideration warning are customary. In the event you add the LX Expertise Bundle (including $500 to the underside line), you’ll acquire 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 customary on the S, which begins at $22,790 and contains many extra options than the LX. NHTSA gave the Soul a 4-Star total score.
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 costliest choose 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 smooth form of a speedster. Properly, it’s not that. Nonetheless, it nonetheless manages a formidable gas financial 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 section.
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 properly. And if the 2024 fashions are out of your worth vary, the previous-generation Prius can be a wonderful selection. See Toyota Prius fashions on the market close to you
12. 2025 Subaru Legacy
Beginning Value: $26,065 | Score: NR
A must have 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 angle. It received’t win a magnificence contest, nevertheless it’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 house because the Toyota Camry and almost the very best rear-seat legroom in its class, the Legacy can comfortably haul a number of folks 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 properly in security testing, receiving NHTSA’s highest total 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 probably the most rear-seat legroom in its class and somewhat better-than-average cargo house, the Trailblazer is a formidable hauler. At 31 mpg, its mixed-driving gas financial 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 | 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 section, 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 house as lots 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 School College students Below $20,000
The used automotive costs listed right here vary from the KBB Honest Buy Value of the oldest, most inexpensive 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 gasoline engines was 25-32 mpg, relying on the powertrain. This outcome 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 had been a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, ahead collision warning, and high-beam help. Professional tip: On this worth 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 glorious 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 house. 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 properly. 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 persistently supplied glorious reliability, low possession prices, and good gas financial system. This roomy and comfy sedan can be recognized 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 vital for school college students is that this automobile gives glorious 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 provide extra upscale options and extra superior security, too. Whichever 12 months of the 2015-2018 Mazda CX-5 suits your worth 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 by 2015 mannequin years, the Toyota Prius boasted a mixed mileage of 48 mpg. It scored excessive in security exams, 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 purchasing for a Prius 5 with the accessible Advance Expertise Bundle, which comes with lane-keeping help, a pre-collision system, and adaptive cruise management. Happily, 2012-2015 Prius 5 fashions presently vary from $8,300-$15,400.
In case your price range means that you can edge nearer to the $20,000 mark, you will get into the 2016-2017 Prius. This era supplied even higher gas financial system, at 52 mpg mixed, a nicer journey, and extra customary security options. It’s also 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 12 months 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 had been on the choices listing. Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition and one USB port had 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 12 months 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 — nevertheless it’s price it. In addition to, you’ll additionally get a totally loaded, dependable, snug 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 mix that’s tailored for weekend journey in addition to all-season security. Including to the security quotient is the Crosstrek’s Prime Security Decide+ score for the 2016 mannequin 12 months, together with a Prime Security Decide score 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 12 months 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 lots 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 selection of engines that let you select extra effectivity or extra energy.
The hatchback offers greater than 47 cubic toes of cargo house — 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 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 | Score: 4.7-4.8
Traditionally, Honda has supplied 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 accessible 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 12 months 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 thought and makes it trendy and funky. It has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an non-obligatory 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 score, whereas the 2019-2022 acquired a TSP security score. The Soul can be accessible 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 space for storing below the cargo flooring. The Soul has gas financial system pretty much as good as 35 mpg on the freeway with the gasoline engine. (An EV variant can be accessible.) 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 selection for a school automotive. It doesn’t come as absolutely loaded as bigger, costlier fashions, nevertheless it’s secure, simple to park, and has stable gas financial system. It could be a small automotive, 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 had been customary on the know-how entrance. In mixed driving, the Match achieved 31-36 mpg. As well as, the Match was an IIHS Prime Security Decide for mannequin 12 months 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 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 recognized for its consolation, excessive resale worth, and glorious reliability, the enhancements with this era embrace larger gas effectivity and an all-new hybrid system. If you could find a hybrid that matches your price range, you’ll profit from a gas financial system that’s pretty much 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 worth checks, you will get a totally loaded 2014 XLE Hybrid inside price range.
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-obligatory, so search for a better trim degree to seek out one outfitted with it. All these years had 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 school college students. Honda redesigned the CR-V for 2007. One security enhancement was the addition of tire strain monitoring. Facet-curtain airbags had 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 had 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 12 months, provides extra comfort options, together with a 5-inch colour 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 house within the 2012-2014 fashions than earlier than. Each of those generations of the CR-V scored properly in crash exams. It earned 4 or 5 stars in authorities crash exams, 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. Nonetheless, traction management, antilock brakes, and stability management had been customary. NHTSA awarded the Accord with a 5-Star total rating, and the IIHS gave the 2011 and 2012 a Good score.
And although the 2011-2012 Accord is an easy-to-recommend automotive for school college students, the 2013-2015 fashions are even higher. It was all-new for 2013, and its security score 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, reminiscent of 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 superb automotive for school college students due to its glorious repute for reliability, robust 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 supplied an amazing 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 inexpensive automobile. For instance, neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto had been accessible within the Honda Civic throughout these mannequin years, however Bluetooth and Pandora streaming are outfitted.
Whereas energetic driver aids like ahead collision warning weren’t accessible, 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 exams. 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 accessible 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 house to 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 properly in NHTSA and IIHS crash testing. See Toyota RAV4 fashions on the market close to you
