10 Best Cars for College Students
College students have to have reliable transportation, especially if they are living far from home. If you’re looking for the best cars for college students, you want something that will be affordable, reliable, and practical. You also want to find something that will fit into their budget and lifestyle, meaning you want to buy something that is good on gas and has plenty of safety features and technology. That said, here are 10 of the best cars for college students today.
1. Honda Civic
All in all, the Honda Civic is a decent car for anyone, but it has been a go-to vehicle for college students for years. It gets great gas mileage and is known to be an incredibly reliable car. The Civic will help them save on gas and last throughout their college years (and beyond). Other perks of this specific car are that it’s compact, so it’s easy to maneuver around crowded campus parking lots. It also has standard safety features like cruise control and lane-keeping assist. These add to the appeal of the Civic among college students.
2. Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla offers the perfect combination of dependability and affordability. Known for its longevity, this car requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for students on a budget. It provides a smooth ride and an impressive fuel economy of up to 40 MPG on highways. A user-friendly infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensures seamless connectivity. Toyota’s Safety Sense package includes collision avoidance and pedestrian detection for added security.
3. Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is a stylish and budget-friendly option for students. It offers an upscale interior and modern tech features, including wireless smartphone connectivity. Its fuel efficiency and low cost of ownership make it an economical choice. Advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert come standard. The Elantra also provides a comfortable ride, perfect for long road trips home.
4. Mazda3
For students who want a car with a sporty edge, the Mazda3 is a great choice. It boasts a sleek design, premium interior materials, and sharp handling. Fuel economy remains impressive, with up to 36 MPG on highways. The Mazda3 comes with an intuitive infotainment system and a high-quality sound system. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning.
5. Ford Escape
For students who prefer an SUV, the Ford Escape offers space and practicality. With ample cargo room, it’s perfect for road trips, moving into dorms, or carrying sports equipment. The Escape’s fuel-efficient engine options keep costs low for students on a budget. A user-friendly touchscreen infotainment system makes staying connected effortless. Advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking ensure added security.
6. Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza is an all-weather-ready car, making it ideal for students in areas with harsh winters. It comes with standard all-wheel drive, ensuring excellent traction on icy roads. The Impreza also has great fuel efficiency, reducing the cost of commuting. A spacious interior and comfortable seats make it a great daily driver. Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist system provides added safety features like adaptive cruise control.
7. Honda Fit
The Honda Fit is perfect for students who need a compact car with ample cargo space. Its Magic Seat feature allows for flexible storage configurations, accommodating larger items. The Fit’s fuel efficiency makes it an economical choice for students on a budget. A small size makes it easy to navigate tight parking spaces on campus. Honda’s strong reputation for reliability ensures it will last for years.
8. Nissan Versa
The Nissan Versa is one of the most affordable new cars on the market. Despite its low price, it offers a comfortable ride and modern tech features. Fuel efficiency is excellent, making it a great option for students needing to save on gas. The Versa includes essential safety features like forward collision warning and lane departure warning. Its compact design makes it easy to drive and park in city environments.
9. Volkswagen Jetta
The Volkswagen Jetta offers a refined ride and a high-quality interior. It boasts a fuel-efficient turbocharged engine, making it cost-effective for students. The Jetta’s spacious cabin provides comfort for both the driver and passengers. A user-friendly infotainment system with smartphone integration keeps students connected. Advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking come standard.
10. Kia Soul
For students who want something unique, the Kia Soul offers a standout design with excellent practicality. Its boxy shape provides impressive interior space and cargo capacity. A budget-friendly price tag and strong fuel efficiency make it a great option. The Soul’s tech-forward interior includes a large touchscreen and smartphone integration. Standard safety features like lane-keeping assist enhance its appeal.
The Perfect Ride for College Life
Whether you are a parent or a student, these are some of the best cars you can buy for anyone headed off to college. They each have their own unique benefits. Consider your personal needs and what is most important to you and, as always, do your research before you buy. This will lead you to the perfect ride for college life.
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.