Graduation season is here, and that means it’s time for a fresh start. And if you are or know a recent college graduate, getting them the right new car can help you take the next step. These cars are safe, affordable and make a great first impression. And even better, they’re reliable, so graduates won’t have to worry about high maintenance costs as they get established.
Toyota Corolla Hatchback: Safe and Sensible for New College Graduates
Starting at just a shade over $24,000, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback is a very affordable car for a new college graduate. With the Toyota Safety Sense suite of advanced features, it’s one of the safest small cars on the market today. And thanks to Toyota’s most evocative design language, it has a visual impact that far exceeds its price.
Other perks: The Corolla Hatch comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while automatic climate control makes for easy convenience. Efficiency of up to 41mpg means it’s easy to fill up the tank on a tight budget. And with two years of free maintenance, your graduate won’t have to pay out-of-pocket for maintenance while they settle into their new life.
In addition, the Corolla Hatchback offers 18 cubic feet of cargo space. And when it’s time to move, this compact hatch offers folding rear seats. This expands the total cargo area to 24 cubes, which isn’t great, but at least allows for a few extra suitcases when needed. But for getting around town, to job interviews, to your new commute, the Corolla Hatch offers a well-rounded experience that doesn’t cost much to keep up.
Hyundai Elantra N-Line: Substance meets style
While the base Elantra is certainly more affordable, the spec Elantra N-Line. So why not recommend the base Elantra for seven grand less? As a new college graduate, first impressions are important, and the small wheels on the base Elantra drastically reduce the car’s visual appeal.
On the N-Line, 18-inch alloy wheels match the aggressive lines and bold design accents of the new Elantra. Inside, features like Hyundai Digital Key, a digital instrument cluster and Hyundai driver assistance features provide easy connectivity and safety for everyday driving.
The turbocharged 1.8-liter engine is also good for an EPA-estimated 36 mpg highway and 28 mpg city. Even better, the upgraded N-Line sports seats provide extra comfort for those long days on the road.
Cargo space is good for the segment at 14 cubic feet, and the rear seats offer an additional 45 cubic feet when no passengers are being carried.
Honda Civic: An Inexpensive Choice for New College Graduates
The new-generation Civic has a much more grown-up look than its predecessor. As such, it is much better for a young professional who wants to make a good first impression. And as a recent college graduate, this car is also economical and reliable, so running costs are relatively low.
The base Civic comes in around the same tag as the Corolla Hatchback, though the Honda doesn’t include any standard maintenance plans like the Toyota.
However, the new Civic blows the hatch out of the Corolla in fuel economy, delivering 33 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway. And with a suite called Honda Sensing, the new Civic offers plenty of advanced safety technology to keep your college graduate safe in his new car.
With the Civic Hatchback, 25 cubic feet of cargo space means plenty of room for stuff. Meanwhile, the slightly cheaper sedan still checks in at 14 cubic feet in the trunk. Either way, it’s efficient, safe and versatile for a young graduate taking the next step.
Your college graduate may want something bigger than a new car
If you’d rather put your college grad in an SUV than a new car, check out this list of affordable SUVs under $25,000! And keep in mind that maintenance costs and reliability are just as important as price when it comes to buying a new vehicle on a budget!
