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.
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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.
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.
