ATLANTA, June 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Graduation season officially began in May, with a new crop of college graduates accepting their diplomas and heading out into the world in search of a new vehicle to carry them down their chosen path. To help new graduates sort through their vehicle choices as they embark on the journey called “real life,” Autotrader, a Cox Automotive company, has named the 10 best cars for recent college graduates.
“Today’s graduates have it better than ever when it comes to the wide variety of affordable, attractive, green and technology-laden new vehicles available on the market today,” he said. Brian Moody, executive editor of Autotrader. “The Class of 2023 also has the advantage that dealer inventories are recovering and prices are recovering after the downturn the auto industry has experienced in recent years, so your chances of finding the vehicle they want at a fair price have gotten a lot better.Although Autotrader’s Top 10 Cars for Recent College Graduates list consists of new vehicles from the 2023 model year, we definitely recommend that graduates also consider adding used vehicles, especially certified pre-owned (CPO) models on their consideration lists.”
In recognition of the likelihood that graduates’ finances can take a while to catch up with their ambition, Autotrader’s list of the best cars for recent college graduates recommends new vehicles with a suggested retail price ( MSRP) by a base manufacturer below. $30,000which is substantially below the average cost of a new car the united states. The list includes a wide variety of options, including a mix of gas, hybrid, and battery-powered vehicles, along with SUVs, sedans, hatchbacks, and even a pickup truck. Here are Autotrader’s picks for the 10 best cars for recent college graduates in 2023, listed alphabetically by brand:
Autotrader’s Top 10 Cars for Recent College Graduates in 2023*
1. Chevrolet Bolt EUV 2023
Starting MSRP: $27,800
This electric vehicle (EV) is in its final year of production, but the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV represents solid value for graduates looking to start their post-education life driving an example of advanced technology. This spacious compact SUV has an all-electric range of up to 247 miles on a full charge and qualifies for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500.
2. Ford Maverick 2023
Starting MSRP: $22,595
Graduates often find themselves on the move, and a compact pickup truck like the 2023 Ford Maverick can be a game changer. The base truck comes with a 2.5-liter gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain good for 37 mpg, a double-cab configuration, and plenty of convenience features.
3. Honda Civic 2023
Starting MSRP: $23,750
The 2023 Honda Civic is an excellent choice for graduates for several reasons. Not only is it great value for money, but it also comes with Honda’s legendary build quality and reliability. Below ours $30,000 limit, graduates can choose from the Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback and Civic Si Sedan; only the Civic Type R is out of range a $43,795.
4. Honda CR-V 2023
Starting MSRP: $28,410
As one of the pioneers of the compact crossover SUV segment, the CR-V has a longstanding reputation for quality and value. The 2023 Honda CR-V is a mature and stylish iteration and arguably the best version of the CR-V yet, and a willing companion for adventures that only a fresh graduate can imagine.
5. 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Starting MSRP: $28,250
As long as sedans like the 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid keep rolling off the line, graduates who want to make a smart, grown-up choice will keep buying them. With Hyundai’s traditional feature set, a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and EPA-reported fuel economy estimates of up to 54 mpg on the highway, the Sonata Hybrid earns the consideration of well-educated graduates.
6. 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid
Starting MSRP: $26,590
Kia offers the Niro as a hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and pure electric (BEV). New graduates can grab the 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid from $26,590 with an EPA-estimated 53 mpg and up to 588 miles of range on a full tank of regular gas. The Niro’s compact footprint and hatchback/crossover form make it a great companion for city dwellers and road trippers alike.
7. Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback 2023
Starting MSRP: $23,550
The Mazda3 consistently ranks among compact cars as a responsive and fun-to-drive hatchback. In recent years, Mazda has upgraded its interiors to near-luxury levels, even in base models. The 2023 Mazda3 is a hatchback that a graduate can live with for years, just as suitable for a young professional as it is for an up-and-coming executive.
8. 2023 Subaru Forester
Starting MSRP: $26,495
While many graduates are clamoring for the new subcompact Crosstrek or pulling for the wagon-like Outback, the smart money is considering Subaru’s middle child, the Forester. With its tall cabin and plenty of available off-road options, the 2023 Subaru Forester is ideal for active graduates who want a competent off-roader at a bargain price.
9. 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Starting MSRP: $23,050
The Toyota Corolla is the world’s best-selling automobile of all time, and the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid continues the tradition and ups the ante with an efficient hybrid powertrain capable of delivering up to 53 mpg. This budget machine is attractive, fun to drive and has Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard equipment, just the ticket for new graduates.
10. Toyota Prius 2023
Starting MSRP: $27,450
Toyota has been selling the Prius the united states since 2001, perhaps as long as many graduates have been alive. As the hybrid car that started it all, the Prius has slipped out of the spotlight as BEVs have become the media stars of the moment. But a sexy new design and some improved technology make the 2023 Toyota Prius an excellent choice for graduates, as the reasonable hybrid packs capability, reliability, value and style into one attractive package.
*Vehicles are listed alphabetically by brand.
For more information on Autotrader’s 2023 Top 10 Cars for Recent College Graduates list, including pricing details, photos, additional vehicle information and available inventory, visit https://www.autotrader. com/best-cars/10-best-cars-recent-college-graduates-281474980013135.
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about Automated merchant
Autotrader is the most recognized third-party car listing brand, with the most engaged car buyer audience on the market. As the leading authority on automotive consumer insights and an expert in online and mobile marketing, Autotrader makes the car buying experience easy and fun for today’s car buyers looking to find or sell their new car , used or second hand certified perfect. Using technology, shopper insights and local market guidance, Autotrader’s comprehensive retail and marketing solutions enable consumers to build their online offering and guide dealers to customized digital marketing strategies that grow the brand , drive traffic and connect the online and in-store shopping experience. Autotrader is a brand of Cox Automotive™. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. For more information, visit http://press.autotrader.com.
About Cox Automotive
Cox Automotive Inc. makes it easy for everyone to buy, sell, own and use vehicles. The company’s more than 27,000 team members and brand families, including Autotrader®, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime ®, are passionate about helping. millions of car buyers, 40,000 car dealer customers on five continents and many others in the car industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately held company, Atlantaheadquartered company with annual revenue of nearly $20 billion. www.coxautoinc.com.
SOURCE Autotrader
