Three Great Cars For College Students

Three Great Cars For College Students


June 14, 2023 | Kaddy Gibson

Three Great Cars For College Students


College is an exciting time of life, especially when it comes with an opportunity to get a new car. Yet, with so many good options on the market, choosing the perfect ride can quickly get stressful. Luckily, we’ve got some options to help you narrow down the list of potential wheels. When it comes to cargo space, reliability, and overall safety, these are three of the best new cars for college students.


Subaru Outback

With base models sporting a $28,000 price tag, the 2023 Subaru Outback is one of the pricier options for college students, but the vehicle’s durability makes it well worth the cost. In addition to safety features like pedestrian detection and blind-spot monitoring, the Outback comes with AWD, which is a perk that you’d have to pay for in most other cars. This car has pretty good fuel efficiency and is equipped with a flat-four engine that generates 182 horsepower. If you want a little more pep, you can upgrade to a turbocharged flat-four with 260 horsepower. The Outback has good handling over a variety of terrain and enough cargo space to comfortably fit five friends and all their gear.

Subaru OutbackSubaru Press Room

Advertisement

Mazda Mazda3

Available as a sedan or hatchback, the 2023 Mazda3 is one of the best vehicles for a college student. It’s got a perfect mix of safety, style, and spaciousness, and is available in two drivetrains. Base models are equipped with a naturally aspirated I4 engine that produces 191 horsepower, but you can upgrade that to a turbocharged engine that cranks out 227 horsepower. Regardless of which model you get, the Mazda3 has strong acceleration, sporty handling, and good fuel efficiency. It can also be equipped with AWD, which is uncommon for sedans like this. The base model starts at around $23,500, which is a great value for all the perks of this car.

Mazda3Mazda Press Room

Advertisement

Ford Maverick

While its starting price of $22,000 is attractive in its own right, the 2023 Ford Maverick has a ton of cool features that make it a great option for college students. This compact pickup truck has lots of cargo space in the bed and the cabin can easily fit five passengers. Base models come equipped with useful tech and safety features, including a state-of-the-art infotainment system, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Maverick comes with a hybrid or EcoBoost drivetrain. The hybrid is equipped with an I4 engine and electric motor that generate 191 horsepower. The EcoBoost features a turbocharged I4 with 250 horsepower. The Maverick is available with FWD or AWD and has stellar handling over a variety of terrains. It also has better fuel economy than many other pickup trucks which, combined with its other features, make it an ideal ride for students.

There are a lot of options when it comes to getting a new car for a college student. For the best features and overall value, consider one of these three great vehicles.

Ford MaverickFord Press Room

Advertisement

Sources: 1, 2


READ MORE

Cadillac

10 Awesome Cadillac Concept Cars That Didn't Make It To Production

Cadillac designers dreamed big and made machines that pushed the boundaries of style and technology. However, corporate bean counters and practical manufacturing concerns stopped them from entering the street. Here’s a peek behind the curtain.
March 19, 2025 Peter Kinney
Lmthumb

The Most Incredible Moments From 101 Years Of Racing At Le Mans

A test of engineering, skill, and endurance unlike any other, let's look back at the most memorable moments from a century at Le Mans.
November 12, 2024 Jamie Hayes
Jaguar XJR-15

11 Of The Sleekest '90s Supercars

The '90s often remind us of iconic stuff like waffle crisps, boy bands, video game consoles, and blockbuster movies like Titanic. But that decade also brought supercars that broke speed records.
November 8, 2024 Peter Kinney
Internalfb Image

Massive Cars From The 1960s That Made Roads Feel Tiny

Chrome gleamed, engines thundered, and size ruled the road. These 1960s machines weren’t just cars—they were statements. Each one turned streets into narrow lanes and luxury into something unapologetically massive.
April 4, 2025 Alex Summers
F-22

The Chinese J-20 Vs. American F-22: Here's What We Know About The World's Most Hyped Fighter Jet Matchup

Initiated during the Cold War, the F-22 was designed to outperform Soviet jets. Then, China began its J-XX program, which led to the J-20, an aircraft built for long-range patrols. Here’s why their rivalry is hard to ignore.
June 30, 2025 Peter Kinney
Tim Allen

El Garaje De Tim Allen: Sus Autos Más Geniales

Tras las discretas paredes de un antiguo taller de pintura del sur de California, se esconde el paraíso automovilístico de Tim Allen. Este alberga una cuidada colección de muscle cars, superautos europeos y clásicos exclusivos. Aquí tienes unos cuantos.
January 14, 2025 Peter Kinney