The majority of university students do not have stable high-paying incomes, so their budget for buying a car is limited. However, there are some safe, reliable, and affordable options available in the market. Some cars also come with spacious cargo areas, making them a great value for college students.
According to a report by “US News & World Report” this month, the following 14 new car models are the best choices for college student drivers for the upcoming fall semester. Whether it’s for new students, returning students, or parents buying a car for their children heading to college in the fall, referring to this list can save a lot of time and hassle.
The 14 best cars for college students in 2024 come from various car brands, focusing on value and practicality. Each car has good safety ratings and performs well.
The Toyota Prius Prime, priced at $32,975 and with a total score of 8.0/10, slightly higher in price than most vehicles on this list, is a stylish and versatile plug-in hybrid car that is worth considering. It is suitable for students with short commute times and easy access to charging stations. The Prius Prime can travel about 45 miles on a full charge and has received high ratings when switching to gasoline power. Overall, it is a practical and efficient compact car.
The Subaru Outback is one of the pricier options among cars suitable for college students, but this practical SUV can continue to demonstrate its value long after graduation. Equipped with safety and technology features, the Outback comes standard with all-wheel drive, which helps reduce some cost burdens as many of its competitors require additional fees for this feature. For the 2024 model year, Subaru has added more standard features to the Outback’s higher trim levels.
The Mazda 3 is an intelligent, stylish, safe, and spacious car, available as a sedan or hatchback (with more cargo capacity), making it one of the best car choices for college students.
The Ford Maverick, with a starting price of $26,420 and a total score of 8.2/10, is a compact pickup truck that offers updated engine options and impressive cargo and passenger space.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a compact pickup truck that can accommodate five passengers, providing ample versatile cargo space inside the cabin. It has good performance, comfortable and practical interior, excellent safety ratings, and features.
In summary, the Subaru Forester is an excellent compact crossover SUV suitable for traveling to and from campus and around campus. Despite featuring standard all-wheel drive, the Forester’s fuel economy remains competitive, and it offers ample passenger and cargo space.
The compact Bronco Sport may not match Ford’s larger, more rugged Bronco in performance, but it offers better off-road capability than most competitors in the same price range, with a rugged and durable exterior. For adventurous college students, it is a practical and fun choice, with excellent safety ratings and abundant features.