With the beginning of a new school year, comes a fresh wave of America’s youngest drivers looking for their first set of wheels. What kind of car a child should drive is one of the most difficult decisions that parents must make. This is not a question that should be taken lightly.
That’s why Kelley Blue Book has released their 2023 list of the best cars for college students.
“There are so many variables to weigh in picking any car – let alone one for a college student – and sometimes the process can be truly overwhelming,” said Brian Moody, executive editor for Kelley Blue Book.
Before you buy
The automobile that you ultimately choose will probably not be on this list, but even before you decide which car to buy, there are additional considerations to make.
First, keep in mind that parking on campus can be costly and a hassle, so make sure a car is even necessary. Next, consider who will be responsible for covering any associated expenditures, as maintenance, repair costs, insurance and fuel economy vary widely from vehicle to vehicle.
Although there are many possibilities on the list, a used family sedan is the best option because midsize and full-size sedans behave reliably in emergency situations, which is helpful for rookie drivers. Consider a car with a sufficient engine that can reach 60 mph in eight to 11 seconds. New drivers lack the skills essential to properly operate high engine power.
What type of vehicle
Then there’s the vehicle itself. Small, light vehicles may not offer enough protection in collisions involving several vehicles, thus the ideal vehicle shouldn’t weigh less than 2,750 pounds. Additionally, avoid choosing a vehicle that’s too big, such a full-size pickup or SUV, because they can be harder to control and are more likely to have longer stopping distances.
Additionally, be sure to look at a vehicle’s crash rating because all contemporary cars have ratings from crash tests. Make careful to check a vehicle’s crashworthiness at both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, as both list crash-test ratings online. On the IIHS tests, look for vehicles that received a “Top Safety Pick+” or “good” rating; for NHTSA, the best vehicles receive four or five stars.
Finally, make sure the car is technologically as up-to-date as possible. Staying connected to a digital life is crucial to younger buyers, so make sure the vehicle has Bluetooth, Android Auto and/or Apple CarPlay.
KBB’s recommendations
Here are the vehicles that KBB recommends:
New Cars and SUVs Under $25,000
1. 2023 Toyota Corolla
2. 2023 Honda Civic
3. 2023 Hyundai Elantra
4. 2023 Honda HR-V
5. 2023 Mazda3
6. 2023 Subaru Crosstrek
7. 2023 Kia Seltos
8. 2023 Hyundai Kona
9. 2023 Nissan Sentra
10. 2023 Kia Soul
Used Cars and SUVs Under $20,000
1. 2015 – 2017 Toyota Camry
2. 2016 – 2017 Honda Accord
3. 2017 – 2018 Toyota Corolla
4. 2015 – 2018 Mazda CX-5
5. 2012 – 2015 Toyota Prius
6. 2014 – 2016 Toyota RAV4
7. 2015 – 2016 Honda CR-V
8. 2016 – 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
9. 2016 – 2018 Mazda3
10. 2016 – 2018 Honda Civic
11. 2017 – 2019 Kia Soul
12. 2015 – 2019 Honda Fit
Best Used Cars and SUVs Under $15,000
1. 2012 – 2014 Toyota Camry
2. 2007 – 2014 Honda CR-V
3. 2011 – 2015 Honda Accord
4. 2011 – 2014 Toyota Corolla
5. 2013 – 2015 Honda Civic
6. 2009 – 2012 Toyota RAV4
