The children may have already returned to school, but there may still be a youngster using the family car for transportation. Alternatively, you may be a student considering buying a new car. Fortunately, we have curated a list of the top back-to-school cars for students that are all priced below $25,000.
Acknowledging that every student is unique, we have infused our list with personality. Therefore, whether you crave attention, commute regularly, or enjoy outdoor activities, our list caters to your needs. Additionally, we have included the cost of transportation to each destination, ensuring complete transparency in your decision-making.
The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid is the perfect car for commuters. With a combined fuel economy of up to 58 miles per gallon, it is ideal for those who have to travel long distances for work or school. Unlike other hybrids, it doesn’t require a plug-in powertrain, so there’s no need to wait around for a charge. Under the rear seats, you will find a 1.6kWh lithium-ion battery that works together with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a 32kW electric motor. The car has a total output of 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, which is delivered through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
While it may not be the most thrilling car to operate, the hatchback design offers students ample practicality and the ability to modify the strength of regenerative braking using the paddles mounted on the steering wheel. Essential features such as forward-collision warning, a driver attention monitor, lane-keeping assist, and high-beam assist come standard, although blind-spot monitoring requires an upgrade to the SE and adaptive cruise control is an add-on to the SEL. Furthermore, the advanced Highway Drive Assist system is solely offered on the highest Limited model. –Emme Hall
Check out the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid on TrueCar: Efficient and pragmatic.
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Hyundai
The 2022 Hyundai Venue
Best Car for Fashion Students
The Hyundai Venue is an ideal vehicle for students, particularly those who appreciate design. Its appealing and friendly style, well-appointed interior, and lively and efficient four-cylinder engine make it a standout car. The Denim Edition, with a charming exterior in blue and white two-tone and denim-like seat fabric inside, looks impressive, especially with blue accents throughout the cabin. Moreover, with Hyundai’s outstanding warranty and a price below $25,000, it’s an unbeatable choice. –Kyle Hyatt
Check out TrueCar for the 2020 Hyundai Venue Denim, a prime example of what more small cars should strive to be like.
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Emme Hall/Roadshow
2022 Mazda CX-30 S AWD
The Ideal Car for University Students in Cold Weather
When dealing with unpredictable weather conditions, a compact crossover is a versatile option. It becomes even more fitting when the model has all-wheel-drive. Although the 2022 Mazda CX-30 may not be the most proficient in severe weather, its efficient, intelligent design and enjoyable driving experience more than compensate for any inadequacies.
You can purchase a base S model for $24,625 (including a $1,175 destination fee) that consists of various active safety features such as adaptive cruise control and LED lights. Despite the fact that the Mazda Connect infotainment system is still unsatisfactory, the integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is adequate for most young individuals at present. –Chris Paukert
Check out the 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo on TrueCar: Gorgeous and high-end.
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Honda
2022 Honda Civic
Best car option for budget-conscious students
The Honda Civic is a popular choice for a reason, and for students looking for a dependable car to get to class, it’s an excellent option. The latest Civic boasts a sleek design, particularly on the interior, as well as sought-after tech features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 7-inch touchscreen. The Civic’s fuel economy is also a major selling point, and for just under $23,000, students can get a well-equipped car that feels anything but cheap. In a world where the average new car costs a whopping $40,000, the Civic provides a budget-friendly alternative that doesn’t skimp on quality. –Sean Szymkowski
Check out TrueCar for the 2020 Honda Civic Si sedan, which offers budget-friendly sharp performance.
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Craig Cole/Roadshow
2022 Subaru Crosstrek
The ultimate car for adventurous college students
Although I don’t encourage skipping classes, if you ever need a break from the routine of being cooped up indoors or attending online lectures, the Subaru Crosstrek can take you off the beaten path without breaking the bank. Boasting 8.7 inches of ground clearance, all-wheel drive, and a spacious hatchback to accommodate all your adventure gear, the Crosstrek is perfect for exploring any trail you come across. What’s more, it also comes with a host of standard safety features, making it an ideal car for everyday use. –Steven Ewing.
Check out our review of the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek.
Available at TrueCar.
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is a highly capable vehicle.
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The Chevrolet Spark is the perfect car for financially-strapped students who require a set of wheels. With college expenses ranging from tuition fees to accommodation and food, the costs can be overwhelming. Therefore, if you’re a student in need of a new car but can’t spend too much, consider the 2022 Chevy Spark. Take a good look at it, appreciate it.
This lively compact car ought to be the least expensive brand-new auto in America at present, outpricing equally economical competitors such as the Hyundai Accent, Mitsubishi Mirage, and Nissan Versa. A basic LS trim outfitted with manual transmission, roll-up windows, 15-inch steel rims, and no frills is available for an extremely economical $14,595, which includes a $995 shipping fee. This undercuts the highest price limit for this range by a considerable $10,000. Imagine all the textbooks you can purchase with that kind of saving!
Certainly, the Spark may be inexpensive, but it’s not entirely negative. It comes in a variety of lively colors, such as orange, light blue, and dusty purple, and it’s compact and easy to handle. Though its 1.4-liter engine won’t achieve any outstanding performance, its 98 horsepower and 94 pound-feet of torque are suitable for a vehicle of this magnitude. –Craig Cole
Check out TrueCar to find the 2021 Chevrolet Spark, a spirited and reasonably priced vehicle.
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The 2022 Kia Soul is an ideal car for students who seek attention. Although the use of hamsters to endorse the Kia Soul has been discontinued, the car still stands out for its unique style, versatility, and affordability. The base model, priced at just over $20,000, is equipped with a reliable 2.0-liter I4 engine that produces 147 horsepower and is combined with a continuously variable transmission. It also boasts a spacious interior for passengers and cargo, as well as standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, the powertrain warranty extends to 10 years or 100,000 miles, making it an excellent option for young drivers. – Jon Wong
Check out TrueCar for the 2020 Kia Soul: An adorable and peculiar vehicle.
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Top Cars for Back-to-School in 2021 Comparison
Name Price (including destination) Best Car for Commuting 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid $24,404 Best Car for Fashion Students 2021 Hyundai Venue $23,235 Best Car for Cold-Weather Students 2021 Mazda CX-30 $24,625 Best Car for Budget-Minded Students 2021 Honda Civic $22,715 Best Car for Outdoorsy Students 2021 Subaru Crosstrek $23,295 Best Car for Desperate Students 2021 Chevrolet Spark $14,595 Best Car for Attention-Seeking Students 2022 Kia Soul $20,365
What’s the ideal car for going back to school?
The ideal car for going back to school is one that is affordable, reliable, and safe. It may be your child’s first vehicle, so there’s no need to invest in an expensive luxury convertible or a monster off-road machine. It’s best to let them work their way up to something like that. A suitable vehicle for going back to school should provide practical and reasonable transportation without any over-the-top performance. Avoid purchasing cars with excessive power, such as a Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye, as your child may struggle to handle it and potentially face hefty speeding fines or even worse, a crash.
The above statement to be rewritten is:
The aforementioned holds true for all types of large SUVs. Is it truly necessary for Emily to transport herself and seven close companions across the campus? More significantly, is she financially capable of affording the fuel required for such transportation? It would be wise to opt for a smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicle.
What are the benefits of purchasing a car for back-to-school season?
Acquiring a car for your child during high school or college years may seem like a luxurious privilege, especially if you were not able to receive one during your own youth. Some parents struggle to pay rent, making it impossible to spend $25,000 on a car for their teenager. Nevertheless, if you have the financial capability, it may be worth considering purchasing a new car. Newly manufactured cars are equipped with a range of safety features such as forward collision warning, emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist, making them considerably safer in comparison to older models found in the used car market. Additionally, they offer better fuel economy and are typically more dependable.
Your kid already has a lot on their plate, trying to get good grades and managing their part-time job. They shouldn’t also have the added stress of figuring out how to commute.
