Opinions about the best cars for college students are like belly buttons: everyone has one. The problem with creating a collection of such picks is weighing the qualifiers. That is, measuring requirements like safety options against fuel economy and price against utility. Several considerations should influence a buying decision when shopping for cars for college students, but sometimes, they conflict. In other words, there are tradeoffs.
We help you tiptoe through this minefield.
Jump ahead to our list of cars for college students
Things to Consider When Buying a Car for College
- Do You Need a Car in College?
- What Is Unique About Buying a Car for College?
- Can I Afford a Car in College?
- How Much Will Car Insurance Cost a College Student?
- Does a Car’s Fuel Economy Matter at College?
- What Role Does Safety Play in a Car for College?
- What Other Factors Impact a College Car?
- Car Shopping in Today’s Market
There are many variables to weigh when picking any car, let alone one for a college student. The process can be overwhelming. We started with a price ceiling of $30,000. That may seem high, but we wanted to include some new models. You can find several picks among our used cars that cost much less than that ceiling.
Other factors include car ownership costs, safety, technology, and practicality.
Do You Need a Car in College?
When considering a car for the college-bound, need versus want is the first hurdle. Does this particular college experience require a vehicle? If it doesn’t, a car will simply be another fuel, insurance, and maybe parking expense. It will also be a distraction.
Some colleges don’t allow first-year college students to have cars. Many colleges limit parking on campus through permits. A car at college can be a real hassle. If a personal vehicle isn’t necessary for getting to a job or to and from an off-campus residence, it may be more of a want than a need. If so, consider skipping it, at least for the first couple of years.
What Is Unique About Buying a Car for College?
Chances are, a young adult heading to college will still rely on family to some degree, at least for financial support. Though not always the case, more often than not, it is. So, car buying will be somewhat of a balancing act between what your student wants and what the family, maybe already stretched thin by college expenses, can afford. Everyone involved should be ready for some compromise.
When picking a car, remember that it may also need to continue as the primary mode of transportation after college and into the first few years of building a career. Put a little time into thinking about what that may look like regarding the cost of ownership, commuting needs, and lifestyle.
Can I Afford a Car in College?
An affordable payment is a function of a vehicle’s cost. Whether the parents or the student shoulder the monthly installments, those car payments must be kept low. Most carmakers use a captive financing company, such as Ford Credit or Honda Financial Services, that offers financing deals on new and certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles. This is an excellent place to start.
If you are securing a loan outside of captive financing, all things being equal, you will almost always score a lower monthly payment on a used vehicle than a new one. Credit unions are known to offer lower percentage rates on car loans. With interest rates stubbornly high these days, it’s something to consider.
Check out the Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own page to compare the lowest cost-to-own car models. It considers the costs of maintaining the vehicle and depreciation.
How Much Will Car Insurance Cost a College Student?
Insurance cost is a key contributor to the total cost of ownership. It’s no secret that some vehicles cost less to insure than others. Auto insurance is highly competitive, and shopping around can save you money.
However, premiums are influenced by several personal factors, such as driving record, annual mileage, place of residence, and so forth. Historically, drivers younger than 25 can expect insurance to be a significant factor in the total cost of ownership. Include your insurance costs in your purchase decision.
Does a Car’s Fuel Economy Matter at College?
Gasoline or electricity (for an electric vehicle) is one of those monthly expenses that can vary wildly from year to year. It all has to do with fluctuations in the price of oil or electricity. Seek vehicles delivering better fuel economy, especially if operating on a tight budget.
Even if you can afford to keep a truck or large car fueled or fully charged at current prices, what if the per-gallon price increases by $1 over the next year, or electricity costs rise?
Other than the occasional weekend trip home, college students tend to do most of their driving around the campus. Although a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) might not be practical for dorm or apartment living, a traditional hybrid (HEV) will save a few trips to the pump. HEVs tend to cost a bit more than conventional cars; consequently, a used hybrid may be a better choice.
What Role Does Safety Play in a Car for College?
Safety features and ratings should always be key qualifiers for anyone purchasing a vehicle, regardless of age or purpose. As you narrow your choices, check out the crash test scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Our picks scored high with both of them. You can see what crash tests entail in our story on the best cars for teens.
There are certain safety features you don’t want to do without. If you stick with 2013 and newer models, that’s the first year antilock brakes, traction control, and stability control were all mandated by the United States government. If a backup camera is essential to you, the federal government mandated that feature in 2018. However, many cars already had them by then.
The newer the model, the more likely you will find other essential safety and driver-assist features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. If you need more information about which trim levels include the safety features you want, go to Kelley Blue Book’s Expert Reviews for new and used vehicles. You can check out the latest safety features in our Safety Features 101 article.
What Other Factors Impact a College Car?
Features like four doors, creative storage solutions with places to hide laptops, easy parking manners, and so forth are important, particularly if the vehicle will jump from college to first-job transportation.
Technology features are critical on several levels. For example, voice recognition allows vocalizing commands to change the music or temperature level without taking your eyes off the road. But staying connected is of the utmost concern for most college-age people.
At the very least, they expect to be able to charge and integrate their devices into a vehicle’s infotainment system. Again, the newer the model, the more connectivity options, like USB-C charging ports, will be current and available.
Car Shopping in Today’s Market
Tariffs on some imported vehicles and parts bring many unknowns to today’s market. Our experts project that new and used car prices will rise. Cox Automotive’s Erin Keating said she expects a 5% increase in the prices of vehicles not subject to the full 25% tariff, and new vehicles directly impacted by the 25% tariff would see price increases of between 10% and 15%. Inventories of new and used cars have greatly improved over the last 18 months for many automakers. Still, you may see tight inventory for brands like Lexus, Toyota, and Honda.
RELATED: When Will New Car Prices Drop?
We saw an increase in the average prices for new vehicles, and it’s not uncommon to see stubbornly high car prices at some brands and limited choices at others. For used cars, expect those costing less than $20,000 to remain the most difficult to find. If financing a purchase, higher loan interest rates make it harder to afford the type of car you want.
When your vehicle-buying dollars do not stretch as far, you will likely need to make some compromises on car color and content to secure the type you want. If you shop for a new car, you may find a better deal among your dealer’s certified pre-owned cars or on the used car lot. In other words, stay flexible.
Best New Cars and SUVs for College Students
As you search below, please note that we included the mandatory factory-to-dealer delivery fee (destination charge) in the listed new car starting prices. Prices are accurate as of the story’s publish date.
1. 2025 Toyota Corolla
Starting Price: $23,460
IIHS Award: TSP
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.5
The Toyota Corolla is one of several vehicles on this list that is an IIHS Top Safety Pick. It also boasts low cost-to-own figures and historically good reliability. The Corolla’s starting price reflects the entry-level LE sedan model. It offers standard equipment like automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, and a rear-seat center armrest.
Every new Corolla comes with Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0, a suite of driver aids that includes pre-collision with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and automatic high beams.
A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert is available as part of an optional Premium Package. Connectivity features include Bluetooth, voice recognition, four USB ports, Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Wi-Fi capability. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) government-estimated combined fuel economy is 35 mpg. Toyota also offers the Corolla as a hybrid.
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2. 2025 Honda Civic
Starting Price: $25,400
IIHS Award: TSP
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.7
We made the refreshed-for-2025 Civic one of our picks for several reasons, not the least of which is that it has been a frequent Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award winner. It has reigned as our Compact Car Best Buy since 2022, and 2025 is no exception. It also earned a 5-Star rating from NHTSA. Furthermore, it delivers a government-estimated 36 mpg in combined city-and-highway driving. Honda offers the Civic as a hybrid, too.
Every 2025 Civic arrives with the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids, including forward collision warning, auto emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Connectivity technology includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, one USB port, and Bluetooth connectivity. Honda typically doesn’t offer option packages. To gain more content, you must move up the trim-level ladder. And look to the hatchback model for more cargo space.
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3. 2025 Hyundai Elantra
Starting Price: $23,320
IIHS Award: TSP+
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.6
The Hyundai Elantra experienced a freshening for 2024. Easy to recommend, it’s a comfy, reliable family hauler. For the modest price of the entry-level SE, you get an EPA-rated 36 mpg combined mileage and Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of safety driver-assist goodies. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, lane centering, driver-attention warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are included.
Other standard features include high-beam assist, an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, and two USB ports. These are some reasons why it’s a past KBB Compact Car Best Buy.
The 2025 Elantra earned a 5-Star rating from NHTSA and delivers an estimated 36 mpg in combined driving.
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4. 2025 Honda HR-V
Starting Price: $26,795
IIHS Award: TSP+
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.5
Highlighted by its large interior, the Honda HR-V delivers a respectable 28 mpg in combined city-highway driving. The HR-V has a 5-Star NHTSA rating. We like the HR-V not only for its relatively roomy cabin but also for its available all-wheel drive (AWD) and a plethora of safety tech.
The price here is for the entry-level LX trim, which comes standard with the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids like forward collision warning, auto emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, you have to move up to the Sport to get the Blind Spot Information System with a rear cross-traffic monitor.
The base HR-V also has a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, two USB charging ports, and one USB interface port. The LX also comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
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5. 2025 Mazda3
Starting Price: $26,335
IIHS Award: TSP+
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.1
Our listed price is for the 2.5 S hatchback model. The sedan starts at $1,000 less. The Mazda3 is good for an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Boasting excellent handling, the Mazda3 can be fitted with all-wheel drive. The optional I-Activ system is also why we named this car one of our Best Cars for Snow.
Inside, the Mazda3 feels more expensive than it is. Although you must move up to the Select grade for blind-spot monitoring, the entry-level Mazda3 comes with forward collision warning, emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, driver attention alert, and high-beam assist. Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, an 8.8-inch touchscreen, and two USB ports come standard. Of the two body styles, we like the Mazda3 hatchback because it provides up to 47 cubic feet of cargo space.
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6. 2025 Subaru Crosstrek
Starting Price: $27,980
IIHS Award: N/A
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.6
Redesigned for 2024, Subaru’s go-anywhere Crosstrek comes standard with all-wheel drive backed by a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Fuel economy is a respectable 29 mpg combined, or 27 with the Wilderness trim. We like the Crosstrek for its Symmetrical all-wheel drive, better-than-average resale value, and solid fuel economy. Furthermore, it has a 5-Star NHTSA rating.
Every Crosstrek includes Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. It also comes with forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert is optional or standard on upper trim levels. Connectivity includes dual 7-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto (wireless is an option), Bluetooth connectivity, and hands-free phone integration.
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7. 2025 Kia Seltos
Starting Price: $26,085
IIHS Award: N/A
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.7
The Kia Seltos is a surprisingly roomy subcompact SUV. Every version of the Seltos comes with a full suite of safety features, including forward collision warning with emergency braking, driver attention warning, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane centering, and high-beam assist. To add blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, you must move up to the S grade, adding $500 to the bottom line.
Connectivity features include Bluetooth with voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, one USB port up front, and two USB chargers in the second row. With a second-row seat large enough to accommodate adults, Seltos also provides class-leading cargo space. The NHTSA has awarded the Seltos a 5-Star safety score.
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8. 2025 Hyundai Kona
Starting Price: $26,000
IIHS Award: TSP+
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.8
Totally redesigned in 2024, the 2025 Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV offering tremendous value. Its small size means it’s easy to park on campus, and the rear cargo area is well-suited to carry gear. In addition, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity come standard. Fuel economy is as good as 31 mpg on the highway with the gas engine. A Kona electric vehicle (EV) is also available. We like the Kona for its bar-setting warranty, class-leading space, and outstanding overall value.
The Kona has been on the market for a few years with proven reliability. In addition to its IIHS accolades, it earned an NHTSA 5-Star safety rating. There is plenty of value here, as even the base SE model comes standard with blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic collision warning. Did we mention the standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen?
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9. 2025 Nissan Sentra
Starting Price: $22,730
IIHS Award: N/A
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.0
The Nissan Sentra offers practicality, upscale styling, and a bit of sportiness. This compact car has “Zero Gravity” seats designed to be comfortable on the drive to school, your job, or across the country. The Sentra delivers fuel economy as good as 40 mpg on the highway (34 mpg combined), so trips to the gas station won’t be too frequent. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all models. NHTSA awarded the Sentra a 5-Star overall score, its highest.
In addition to 10 airbags, even the base grade comes with the full suite of Safety Shield 360 driver aids, including auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, and high-beam assist.
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10. 2025 Kia Soul
Starting Price: $21,885
IIHS Award: N/A
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.4
We like that the roomy Kia Soul has the most affordable base price of any new car on this list. But it isn’t only on this list because of price — it also offers impressive value. Forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warning are standard. If you add the LX Technology Package (adding $500 to the bottom line), you’ll gain lane departure warning, blind-spot collision avoidance, automatic high beams, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, all optional on the LX. Those features are standard on the S, which starts at about $2,000 more and includes many more features than the LX. NHTSA gave the Soul a 4-Star overall rating.
Connectivity features in the base model include Bluetooth (no voice recognition), Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and one USB port. Armed with an automatic transmission (CVT), the Soul delivers up to 31 mpg in combined driving, 35 on the highway.
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11. 2025 Toyota Prius
Starting Price: $29,485
IIHS Award: TSP+
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.8
The most expensive pick on this list, the Toyota Prius, is the car that made “hybrid” a household word. Toyota redesigned the Prius for 2023, molding it into the sleek shape of a speedster. Well, it’s not that. However, it still manages an impressive fuel economy of 57 mpg in mixed city-and-highway driving. Students heading for the snowbelt can add all-wheel drive. Its rear-seat legroom is about average for the segment.
Earning a 5-Star NHTSA rating, every Prius comes with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and high-beam assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert come standard as well. And if the 2025 models are out of your price range, the previous-generation Prius is also an excellent choice.
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12. 2025 Subaru Legacy
Starting Price: $27,980
IIHS Award: N/A
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.0
A must-have for every student at a college in the snowbelt, Symmetrical all-wheel drive remains standard on every Subaru Legacy. The Legacy blends a roomy cabin with impressive fuel economy and a go-just-about-anywhere attitude. It won’t win a beauty contest, but it has a 5-Star NHTSA rating, and even the base grade’s features include the EyeSight bundle of advanced safety features. Those are automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. High-beam assist is standard, too.
With as much cargo space as the Toyota Camry and nearly the best rear-seat legroom in its class, the Legacy can comfortably haul several people and their stuff. Even with all-wheel drive, the Legacy claims a mixed-driving fuel economy of 30 mpg.
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13. 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Starting Price: $24,495
IIHS Award: N/A
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.2
The current generation Trailblazer has performed well in safety testing, receiving NHTSA’s highest overall 5-Star score. Moreover, its standard advanced safety features include automatic forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and lane departure warning. High-beam assist is also standard. We recommend opting for the $395 Driver Confidence Package, adding blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. It’s a bargain.
With the most rear-seat legroom in its class and a little better-than-average cargo space, the Trailblazer is an impressive hauler. At 30 mpg, its mixed-driving fuel economy is above average among rivals. All-wheel drive is available across the Trailblazer lineup.
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14. 2025 Mazda CX-30
Starting Price: $26,615
IIHS Award: TSP+
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.2
As for advanced safety features, the CX-30‘s entry-level trim comes with forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and high-beam assist. It also includes blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alert.
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Best Used Cars and SUVs for College Students Under $20,000
The used car prices listed here range from the KBB Fair Purchase Price of the oldest, most affordable trim level to the newest top-of-the-line trim level. For example, pricing for the 2015-2017 CR-V ranges from the 2015 LX to the 2017 Touring.
15. 2018 Toyota Camry
Price Range: $15,200-$18,300 | Expert Rating: 4.6
IIHS Award: TSP+
Combined Fuel Economy: 34 mpg
Toyota redesigned the Camry for 2018. The three powertrain choices include a hybrid. Standard in the base trim were LED headlights, remote keyless entry, a 7-inch touchscreen, a USB port, and cloth seating. Standard advanced safety tech included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and high-beam assist.
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16. 2016-2017 Honda Accord
Price Range: $11,700-$17,200 | Expert Rating: 4.6-4.7
IIHS Award: TSP+
Combined Fuel Economy: 31 mpg
An IIHS Top Safety Pick+, the midsize Honda Accord offers loads of space. This generation of the Accord provided a rearview camera, stability control, and antilock brakes. Available advanced driver aids included forward collision warning and lane departure warning. Bluetooth connectivity has become standard in recent years as well. Pandora capability and one USB port also made the grade. Look for an Accord EX or higher to get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
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17. 2020 Toyota Corolla
Price Range: $14,600-$19,000 | Expert Rating: 4.4
IIHS Award: TSP
Combined Fuel Economy: 33 mpg
The Toyota Corolla has consistently offered excellent reliability, low ownership costs, and good fuel economy. This roomy and comfortable sedan is also known for its safety. Toyota redesigned the Corolla for 2020. Standard fare included LED headlights, a 7-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 bundle of advanced safety features was also included with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with steering assist, high-beam assist, and adaptive cruise control.
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18. 2019 Mazda CX-5
Price Range: $13,200-$15,000 | Expert Rating: 4.6
IIHS Award: TSP+
Combined Fuel Economy: 28 mpg
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact 5-passenger SUV with good looks and a fun driving experience. But what’s most important for college students is that this vehicle offers excellent fuel economy, as high as 31 mpg on the highway, has plenty of safety features, and earns impressive reliability.
Among the standard features are auto on-off LED headlights, a 7-inch touchscreen, rain-sensing wipers, and cloth seating. Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control were also included in the base price.
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19. 2016-2017 Toyota Prius
Price Range: $12,700-$16,891 | Expert Rating: 4.5
IIHS Award: TSP+
Combined Fuel Economy: 52 mpg
The 2016 and 2017 models were the first of a new generation of Prius. Highlighting the standard features were multiple color displays, Entune audio, a USB port, Siri hands-free, and eight airbags. Moreover, upper trims qualified for a color head-up display. This was also the model year that Toyota made its Safety Sense P bundle of advanced safety technology standard. It included automatic forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and high-beam assist.
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20. 2016-2017 Toyota RAV4
Price Range: $13,000-$18,700 | Expert Rating: 4.4-4.5
IIHS Award: TSP+
Combined Fuel Economy: 25 mpg
Toyota gave the RAV4 a bit of a freshening for 2016 and added a hybrid powertrain to the lineup in the process. Every RAV4 came with a rearview camera. Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition and one USB port. Several advanced safety techologies were in the optional TSS-P package for 2016, which became standard in 2017. Included were forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, high-beam assist, and adaptive cruise control.
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21. 2015-2017 Honda CR-V
Price Range: $10,800-$19,200 | Expert Rating: 4.8-4.9
IIHS Award: TSP+
Combined Fuel Economy: 28 mpg
In 2015, the Honda CR-V received a significant refresh with a more powerful, more fuel-efficient engine, updates to the design, and more convenience features. These years are also IIHS TSP+. Combined mileage was an estimated 29 mpg in front-wheel-drive models.
The 2017 model year rang in a new generation for the CR-V. A 184-hp 4-cylinder pulled duty as the base engine. The base LX was rather devoid of advanced safety tech. So, if you shop this model year, look for the EX trim or higher. Standard on all trims were air conditioning, power windows, and a few other expected convenience features for the time. Stepping up to the EX gains such niceties as dual-zone automatic climate control and push-button start. The EX’s advanced safety features include Honda Sensing with forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Also standard for EX were high-beam assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
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22. 2016-2018 Subaru Crosstrek
Price Range: $9,600-$16,500 | Expert Rating: 4.4-4.7
IIHS Award: TSP+ (2016, 2018), TSP (2017)
Combined Fuel Economy: 29 mpg
In 2016, the Subaru Crosstrek dropped the “XV” from its name and received updated styling. This subcompact SUV has impressive ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive, a combination that’s tailor-made for weekend adventure as well as all-season safety. Adding to the safety quotient is the Crosstrek’s Top Safety Pick+ award for the 2016 model year, along with a Top Safety Pick award for 2017. These years provided blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and EyeSight safety tech. Its diminutive size makes parking on campus or in the city easy. The Crosstrek was all-new for 2018. While this model year costs more, it has standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, more safety features, and more refinement.
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23. 2016-2018 Honda Civic
Price Range: $11,500-$18,700 | Expert Rating: 4.7-4.8
IIHS Award: TSP+ (2016), TSP (2017)
Combined Fuel Economy: 35 mpg (2016), 36 mpg (2017, 2018)
Historically, Honda has offered its Civic in multiple configurations propelled by assorted powertrains. Our mpg numbers are for the base sedan. Fulfilling the connectivity needs, these Civic models provided Bluetooth, one USB port, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, even in the entry-level trim. On the standard features list for the top trims and available as an option on most others was the Honda Sensing safety suite. It included forward collision warning with auto emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
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24. 2018-2023 Kia Soul
Price Range: $8,000-$19,800 | Expert Rating: 4.3-4.6
IIHS Award: TSP+ (2018), TSP (2019-2022)
Combined Fuel Economy: 31 mpg (2020-2023), 28 mpg (2018, 2019)
The Kia Soul takes the hatchback idea and makes it modern and cool. It has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an optional feisty turbocharged engine. The interior has stylish contrast piping and pulsating speaker lights.
The Soul is about more than looks, however. The 2018 version received the top-tier TSP+ award, while the 2019-2022 models received a TSP award. The Soul also has several advanced safety features. This Kia can carry more than 60 cubic feet of gear with the rear seats folded down, and there’s even a hidden storage space under the cargo floor. The Soul has fuel economy as good as 35 mpg on the highway with the gas engine. (An EV variant is also available.)
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25. 2015-2019 Honda Fit
Price Range: $8,200-$17,300 | Expert Rating: 4.6-4.8
IIHS Award: TSP (2015)
Combined Fuel Economy: 36 mpg
Although Honda has discontinued the Fit, it’s still a viable choice for a college car. It doesn’t come as fully loaded as larger, more expensive models, but it’s safe, easy to park, and has solid fuel economy. It may be a small car, but its Magic Seat interior makes it easy to carry large items like a TV inside with the liftgate closed.
A rearview camera came standard, as did a blind-spot camera on the passenger side for the EX grade. Bluetooth connectivity, streaming capability, and one USB port were standard on the technology front. In combined driving, the Fit achieved up to 36 mpg. Moreover, the Fit earned NHTSA’s 5-Star rating across its entire model-year run. Newer models are available with the Honda Sensing suite of safety features, which you should look for when researching a used Fit.
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Best Cars and SUVs for College Students Under $15,000
26. 2016-2018 Mazda3
Price Range: $8,600-$14,000 | Expert Rating: 4.4-4.5
IIHS Award: TSP+ (2016, 2017), TSP (2018)
Combined Fuel Economy: 34 (2016), 31 (2017), 31 (2018)
As with many of this company’s cars and SUVs, the Mazda3 is sporty, stylish, and has an upscale interior. The Mazda3 is available as a sedan or hatchback, with a choice of engines that allow you to choose more efficiency or more power.
The hatchback provides more than 47 cubic feet of cargo space — plenty of room to stow your stuff on moving day. Higher trim levels include safety features like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The hatchback has a higher Fair Purchase Price than the sedan, but you should be able to find 2016-2018 hatchbacks for less than $20,000.
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27. 2012-2015 Toyota Camry
Price Range: $8,100-$12,800 | Expert Rating: 3.7-4.6
IIHS Award: TSP (2012-2014), TSP+ (2015)
Combined Fuel Economy: 28 mpg
The Toyota Camry received a significant overhaul for 2012. Already known for its comfort, high resale value, and excellent reliability, the improvements with this generation include greater fuel efficiency and an all-new hybrid system. If you can find a hybrid that fits your budget, you’ll benefit from a fuel economy that is as good as 42 mpg in the city. Based on our price checks, you can get a fully loaded 2015 XLE Hybrid that is well within budget.
There is a connectivity system in this generation called Entune, which has satellite radio compatibility. Bluetooth comes onboard. Ten airbags come standard, as does the Star Safety System, which includes electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was optional, so look for a higher trim level to find one equipped with it.
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28. 2007-2014 Honda CR-V
Price Range: $5,400-$11,200 | Expert Rating: 3.7-3.9
IIHS Award: TSP (2007-2009, 2012, 2013)
Combined Fuel Economy: 23 mpg (2007-2009), 24 mpg (2010, 2011), 26 mpg (2012-2014)
We’ve included a wide range of CR-V model years because the Honda CR-V is highly recommended for college students. Honda redesigned the CR-V for 2007. One safety enhancement was the addition of tire pressure monitoring. Side-curtain airbags were also standard. Most connectivity and any driver-aid features are found on the top-end EX-L grade during these model years. For example, Bluetooth connectivity and a rearview camera were options for the EX-L. Government-estimated combined mileage was 23-26 mpg.
The next generation of the CR-V, starting with the 2012 model year, adds more convenience features, including a 5-inch color screen in the center stack. It includes an updated all-wheel-drive system and is more fuel-efficient. One of the nicest details of the 2012-2014 CR-V is its easy-folding rear seats. On both sides of the cargo area, there is a pull-type handle. One yank and one side of the 60/40-split back seat collapses nearly flat. And there’s more cargo space in the 2012-2014 models than before. Both of these generations of the CR-V scored well in crash tests. It earned four or five stars in government crash tests, and most of these model years earned IIHS Top Safety Pick status.
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29. 2011-2015 Honda Accord
Price Range: $6,500-$13,944 | Expert Rating: 3.9-4.7
IIHS Award: TSP+ (2013-2015)
Combined Fuel Economy: 26 mpg (2011, 2012), 30 mpg (2012-2015)
The 2011 and 2012 Honda Accord didn’t have much in the way of standard connectivity. They came with USB connections, and to get Bluetooth connectivity and satellite radio capability, you had to move up to the EX-L. However, traction control, antilock brakes, and stability control were standard. NHTSA awarded the Accord a 5-Star overall score.
And even though the 2011-2012 Accord is an easy-to-recommend car for college students, the 2013-2015 models are even better. It was all-new for 2013, and its safety rating increased to TSP+. Its government-estimated fuel mileage is as good as 35 mpg on the highway with the 2013-2015 models. These models are also more spacious and efficient and have more safety features, such as LaneWatch and adaptive cruise control.
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30. 2011-2014 Toyota Corolla
Price Range: $6,500-$11,400 | Expert Rating: 2.8-3.8
IIHS Award: TSP
Combined Fuel Economy: 29 mpg (2011-2013), 30 mpg (2014)
The Toyota Corolla compact sedan is a great car for college students because of its excellent reputation for reliability, strong resale value, and impressive safety features for this era. It has a roomy interior for its size and some connectivity features, including a USB port and Bluetooth. These model years are all IIHS Top Safety Picks.
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31. 2013-2015 Honda Civic
Price Range: $6,000-$14,000 | Expert Rating: 4.0-4.6
IIHS Award: TSP+ (2013, 2014), TSP (2015)
Combined Fuel Economy: 32 mpg (2013), 33 mpg (2014, 2015)
The Honda Civic has a solid comfort, safety, and reliability reputation. It offered great value when it was new, which continues as a used model. However, you will make compromises as you travel back in model years to score a more affordable vehicle. For example, neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto were available in the Honda Civic during these model years, but Bluetooth and Pandora streaming are equipped.
While active driver aids like forward collision warning weren’t available, you can find 2014 and 2015 models with the Honda LaneWatch blind-spot camera system, and a rearview camera came standard. For these model years, the Civic scored high in crash tests. The IIHS named the sedan version a Top Safety Pick+ for model years 2013-2014.
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32. 2013-2015 Toyota RAV4
Price Range: $10,900-$14,500 | Expert Rating: 3.4-4.6
IIHS Award: TSP (2013, 2015)
Combined Fuel Economy: 26 mpg
A new generation of the Toyota RAV4 rolled into showrooms for 2013. It lost its in-name-only third-row seat and V6, but gained a 6-speed automatic transmission, a rearview camera, and a 6.1-inch infotainment touchscreen. It also boasted the best cargo room in the segment with the second row folded. Oh, and a liftgate replaced the side-hinged swing-out rear door.
The RAV4 is known for reliability, strong resale value, and safety. This SUV comes with the Star Safety System, which includes traction control, stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, an antilock braking system, and brake assist. It also has hill-start assist and downhill assist control.
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33. 2012-2015 Toyota Prius
Price Range: $7,100-$14,600 | Expert Rating: 3.9-4.0
IIHS Award: TSP (2012, 2013), TSP+ (2014, 2015)
Combined Fuel Economy: 48 mpg
For the 2012 through 2015 model years, the Toyota Prius boasted a combined mileage of 48 mpg. Bluetooth connectivity and one USB port came standard. The rearview camera came with the Prius Three from 2012 to 2014 and was standard with the Prius Two from 2014 to 2015. We highly recommend shopping for a Prius Five with the available Advanced Technology Package, which comes with lane-keeping assist, a pre-collision system, and adaptive cruise control. The 2012-2015 range-topping Prius Five models currently range from $9,000-$14,600.
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