Opinions about the perfect vehicles for school college students are like stomach buttons: everybody has one. The issue with creating a set of such picks is weighing the qualifiers. That’s, measuring necessities like security choices in opposition to gas financial system and value in opposition to utility. A number of concerns ought to affect a shopping for determination when purchasing for vehicles for school college students, however typically, they battle. In different phrases, there are tradeoffs.

We make it easier to tiptoe by this minefield.

Leap forward to our record of vehicles for school college students

Issues to Contemplate When Shopping for a Automobile for Faculty

There are a lot of variables to weigh when selecting any automotive, not to mention one for a school scholar. The method could be overwhelming. We began with a value ceiling of $30,000. Which will appear excessive, however we needed to incorporate some new fashions. You’ll find a number of picks amongst our used vehicles that value a lot lower than that ceiling.

Different components embrace automotive possession prices, security, expertise, and practicality.

Do You Want a Automobile in Faculty?

When contemplating a automotive for the college-bound, want versus need is the primary hurdle. Does this explicit faculty expertise require a automobile? If it doesn’t, a automotive 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 faculty college students to have vehicles. Many schools 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 might be extra of a need than a necessity. If that’s the case, contemplate skipping it, no less than for the primary few years.

What Is Distinctive About Shopping for a Automobile for Faculty?

Likelihood is a younger grownup heading to school will nonetheless depend on household to a point, no less than for monetary help. Although not all the time the case, as a rule, it’s. So, automotive shopping for will probably be considerably of a balancing act between what your scholar desires and what the household, perhaps already stretched skinny by faculty bills, can afford. Everybody concerned needs to be prepared for some compromise.

An reasonably priced fee is a perform of a automobile’s value. These funds should be stored low, whether or not the dad and mom or the scholar shoulder the month-to-month installments. Most carmakers use a captive financing firm, equivalent to 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.

Insurance coverage value is a key contributor to the overall 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.

Aside from the occasional journey house for a weekend, faculty 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 residence dwelling, a conventional hybrid (HEV) will save just a few journeys to the pump. HEVs are likely to value a bit greater than standard vehicles. A used HEV could also be a more sensible choice.

Security options and scores ought to all the time be key qualifiers for anybody buying a automobile, no matter age or function. As you slim your selections, try the crash take a look at scores from the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) and the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA). Our picks scored excessive with most of them. You’ll be able to see what crash checks entail in our story on the perfect vehicles for teenagers.

There are specific security options you don’t wish to do with out. If you happen to keep on with 2013 and newer fashions, that’s the primary yr antilock brakes, traction management, and stability management had been all mandated by the USA authorities. If a backup digital camera is important to you, the federal authorities mandated that function in 2018. Nonetheless, many vehicles already had them by then.

The newer the mannequin, the extra seemingly one can find different important security and driver-assist options like automated emergency braking, ahead collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. If you happen to 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’ll be able to try the most recent security options in our Security Options 101 article.

What Different Elements Impression a Faculty Automobile?

Options like 4 doorways, inventive storage options with locations to cover laptops, simple parking manners, and so forth are necessary, significantly if the automobile will soar from faculty to first-job transportation.

Know-how options are vital on a number of ranges. For instance, voice recognition permits vocalizing instructions to alter the music or temperature stage with out taking your eyes off the street. However staying related is of the utmost concern for many college-age individuals.

On the very least, they anticipate 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 probably be present and obtainable.

A number of components proceed to conspire to scale back choose new and used automobile inventories. The business’s main perpetrator is lingering points from the previous microchip scarcity and a basic scarcity of used automobiles from the 2008 recession. Nonetheless, inventories of recent and used vehicles have tremendously 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 automotive costs at some manufacturers and restricted selections at others. However, there may be hope now that inventories are close to regular for a lot of new automobiles. For used vehicles, anticipate 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 just a few compromises on automotive coloration and content material to safe the kind of automotive you need. If you happen to store for a brand new automotive, chances are 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 Automobiles and SUVs for Faculty College students

As you search beneath, please be aware that we included the obligatory factory-to-dealer supply charge (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 one among a number of automobiles on this record that’s an IIHS Prime Security Choose. It additionally boasts low cost-to-own figures and traditionally good reliability. The Corolla’s beginning value displays the entry-level LE mannequin. It presents commonplace gear like automated local weather management, distant keyless entry, and a rear-seat heart armrest.

Evaluate supplier presents

2. 2025 Honda Civic

Beginning Value: $25,345 | Score: 4.7

We made the refreshed-for-2025 Civic one among 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 Automobile Greatest Purchase for 2022, 2023, and 2024. The IIHS named it a 2023 Prime Security Choose (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 presents 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 provide possibility packages. To realize 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

Evaluate supplier presents

3. 2024 Hyundai Elantra

Beginning Value: $22,775 | Score: 4.6

The Hyundai Elantra skilled a freshening for 2024. Straightforward to advocate, it’s a comfortable, 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 commonplace 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 explanation why it’s a previous KBB Compact Automobile Greatest Purchase.

The 2024 Elantra earned a 5-Star ranking from NHTSA. Moreover, the IIHS named it a 2024 Prime Security Choose. See Hyundai Elantra fashions on the market close to you

Evaluate supplier presents

4. 2025 Honda HR-V

Beginning Value: $26,450 | Score: 4.6

Highlighted by its giant inside, the Honda HR-V delivers a good 28 mpg in mixed city-highway driving. The HR-V is a 2024 IIHS Prime Security Choose+. We just like the HR-V not just for its comparatively roomy cabin but in addition for its obtainable all-wheel drive (AWD) and a plethora of security tech.

The value right here is for the entry-level LX trim, which comes commonplace 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 commonplace with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. See Honda HR-V fashions on the market close to you

Evaluate supplier presents

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 Choose+ 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 could be fitted with all-wheel drive. The non-compulsory I-Activ system can be why we named this automotive one among our Greatest Automobiles for Snow.

Inside, the Mazda3 feels dearer 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 commonplace. 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 house. See Mazda3 fashions on the market close to you

Evaluate supplier presents

6. 2024 Subaru Crosstrek

Beginning Value: $26,540 | Score: 4.6

Redesigned for 2024, Subaru’s go-anywhere Crosstrek comes commonplace with all-wheel drive backed by a constantly variable automated transmission (CVT). Gas 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 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 commonplace on higher trim ranges. Connectivity consists of twin 7-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto (wi-fi is an possibility), Bluetooth connectivity, and hands-free cellphone integration. See Subaru Crosstrek fashions on the market close to you

Evaluate supplier presents

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 giant sufficient to accommodate adults, Seltos additionally offers class-leading cargo house. See Kia Seltos fashions on the market close to you

Evaluate supplier presents

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 dimension 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 commonplace. Gas financial system is nearly as good as 31 mpg on the freeway with the fuel engine. A Kona electrical automobile (EV) can be obtainable. We just like the Kona for its bar-setting guarantee, class-leading house, and excellent general worth.

The Kona has been in the marketplace for just a few years and has confirmed dependable. As well as, it’s tapped by the IIHS as a Prime Security Choose+ and scored an NHTSA 5-Star ranking. There’s loads of worth right here, as even the bottom SE mannequin comes commonplace 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

Evaluate supplier presents

9. 2024 Nissan Sentra

Beginning Value: $22,320 | Score: 4.0

The Nissan Sentra presents practicality, upscale styling, and a little bit of sportiness. This compact automotive has “zero gravity” seats designed to be comfy on the drive to highschool, 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 received’t be too frequent. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are commonplace 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 complete suite of Security Protect 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

Evaluate supplier presents

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 automotive on this record. However it isn’t solely on this record due to value — it additionally presents spectacular worth. Ahead collision warning, lane-keeping help, and driver consideration warning are commonplace. If you happen to add the LX Know-how 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-compulsory on the LX. These options come commonplace 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

Evaluate supplier presents

11. 2024 Toyota Prius

Beginning Value: $29,085 | Score: 4.8

The most costly decide on this record, the Toyota Prius, is the automotive 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. Nonetheless, it nonetheless manages a formidable 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 Choose+ record. 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 commonplace as properly. And if the 2024 fashions are out of your value vary, the previous-generation Prius can be a superb alternative. See Toyota Prius fashions on the market close to you

Evaluate supplier presents

12. 2025 Subaru Legacy

Beginning Value: $26,065 | Score: NR

Essential for each scholar at a school within the snowbelt, Symmetrical all-wheel drive stays commonplace 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, but it surely’s an IIHS Prime Security Choose, 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 commonplace, too.

With as a lot cargo house because the Toyota Camry and almost the perfect 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

Evaluate supplier presents

13. 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Beginning Value: $24,395 | Score: 4.2

The present technology Trailblazer has carried out properly in security testing, receiving NHTSA’s highest general rating of 5 stars. Furthermore, its commonplace superior security options embrace automated ahead emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping help, and lane departure warning. Excessive-beam help can be commonplace. 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 little bit 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

Evaluate supplier presents

14. 2024 Mazda CX-30

Beginning Value: $26,415 | Score: 4.4

In case your faculty scholar is heading to highschool in a snowy local weather, the Mazda CX-30 is a stable decide due to its commonplace all-wheel drive. It’s a member of the IIHS Prime Security Choose+ winners record. 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 house 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 visitors alert. See Mazda CX-30 fashions on the market close to you

Evaluate supplier presents

Greatest Used Automobiles and SUVs for Faculty College students Beneath $20,000

The used automotive costs listed right here vary from the KBB Truthful Buy Value of the oldest, most reasonably priced trim stage to the latest top-of-the-line trim stage. 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 Choose+ selections. 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.

Customary gear 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 commonplace. Elective driver aids had 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 technology. This Camry comes commonplace with the Toyota Security Sense P (TSS-P) suite of security and driving aids and presents 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 Choose+, the midsize Honda Accord presents a great deal of house. This technology of the Accord offered a rearview digital camera, stability management, and antilock brakes. Accessible driver aids included ahead collision warning and lane departure warning. Bluetooth connectivity is commonplace in these years as properly. Pandora functionality and one USB port additionally made the grade. Search for an Accord EX or larger 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 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 Choose+, and the 2018 is a Prime Security Choose. Toyota Security Sense-P is commonplace 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 attractiveness and a enjoyable driving expertise. However what’s most necessary for school college students is that this automobile presents 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 completely 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 yr of the 2015-2018 Mazda CX-5 matches your value vary, you’re getting an IIHS Prime Security Choose+. 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 checks, together with the IIHS naming it a Prime Security Choose for 2012-2013 and a TSP+ for 2014-2015. Bluetooth connectivity and one USB port got here commonplace. The rearview digital camera got here with the Prius Three from 2012 to 2014 and was commonplace with the Prius Two from 2014 to 2015. We extremely advocate purchasing 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. Fortuitously, 2012-2015 Prius 5 fashions at the moment vary from $8,300-$15,400.

In case your funds permits you to edge nearer to the $20,000 mark, you may get into the 2016-2017 Prius. This technology supplied even higher gas financial system, at 52 mpg mixed, a nicer trip, and extra commonplace security options. Additionally it is 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 Choose+, and the 2015 a Prime Security Choose. 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 record. 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 obtained 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 should search for a 2015 or 2016 Touring — but it surely’s price it. In addition to, you’ll additionally get a totally 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 obtained up to date styling. This subcompact SUV has spectacular floor clearance and commonplace 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 Choose+ ranking for the 2016 mannequin yr, together with a Prime Security Choose ranking for 2017. These years offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and EyeSight security tech. Its diminutive dimension makes parking on campus or within the metropolis simple. The Crosstrek was all-new for 2018. Whereas this mannequin yr prices extra, it has commonplace 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 out there as a sedan or hatchback, with a alternative of engines that permit you to select extra effectivity or extra energy.

The hatchback offers greater than 47 cubic ft of cargo house — loads of room to stow your stuff on shifting day. The Mazda3 is a Prime Security Choose+ for mannequin years 2016-2017 and a Prime Security Choose 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 it’s best to 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 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 record for the highest trims and obtainable as an possibility 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 Choose for the 2017 mannequin yr and a Prime Security Choose+ 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 fashionable 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 appears to be like, nevertheless. The 2018 model obtained the top-tier TSP+ security ranking, whereas the 2019-2022 obtained 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 cupboard space 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 automotive. It doesn’t come as totally loaded as bigger, dearer fashions, but it surely’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 giant objects like a TV inside with the liftgate closed.

A rearview digital camera got here commonplace, 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 commonplace on the expertise entrance. In mixed driving, the Match achieved 31-36 mpg. As well as, the Match was an IIHS Prime Security Choose for mannequin yr 2015. Newer fashions can be found with the Honda Sensing suite of security options, which it’s best to search for when researching a used Match. See Honda Match fashions on the market close to you

Greatest Automobiles and SUVs for Faculty College students Beneath $15,000

27. 2012-2014 Toyota Camry

Value: $8,200-$12,000 | Score: 3.7-3.8

The Toyota Camry obtained a big overhaul for 2012. Already recognized for its consolation, excessive resale worth, and glorious reliability, the enhancements with this technology embrace higher gas effectivity and an all-new hybrid system. If you could find a hybrid that matches your funds, 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 stage. It’s a discount. Based mostly on our value checks, you may get a totally loaded 2014 XLE Hybrid inside funds.

There’s a connectivity system on this technology referred to as Entune, which has satellite tv for pc radio compatibility. Bluetooth comes onboard. Ten airbags come commonplace, 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 stage to search out one geared up 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 stress monitoring. Aspect-curtain airbags had been additionally commonplace. 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 following technology of the CR-V, beginning with the 2012 mannequin yr, provides extra comfort options, together with a 5-inch coloration display within the heart 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 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 checks. It earned 4 or 5 stars in authorities crash checks, and most of those mannequin years earned IIHS Prime Security Choose 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 best way 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 commonplace. 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 automotive for school 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, equivalent 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 superb automotive for school college students due to its glorious fame for reliability, sturdy resale worth, and spectacular security options for this period. It has a roomy inside for its dimension 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 fame. It supplied a terrific 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 reasonably priced automobile. For instance, neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto had been obtainable within the Honda Civic throughout these mannequin years, however Bluetooth and Pandora streaming are geared up.

Whereas energetic 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 commonplace. For these mannequin years, the Civic scored excessive in crash checks. The IIHS named the sedan model a Prime Security Choose+ 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 dimension, this technology 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 house 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 properly in NHTSA and IIHS crash testing. See Toyota RAV4 fashions on the market close to you

Associated Articles About Used Automobiles and Extra