Autotrader Names 10 Best Cars for Recent College Graduates in 2023

ATLANTA, June 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- May officially kicked off graduation season, with a fresh new crop of college graduates accepting their diplomas and heading off into the world in the market for a new vehicle to take them down their chosen path. To help new grads sort out their vehicle choices as they embark upon the journey called "real life," Autotrader, a Cox Automotive company, has named the 10 Best Cars for Recent College Graduates.

"Today's grads have it better than ever when it comes to the wide variety of affordable, good-looking, eco-conscious and tech-laden new vehicles available in today's marketplace," said Brian Moody, executive editor for Autotrader. "The Class of 2023 also has the benefit of dealer inventories bouncing back and prices evening out from the crisis the auto industry experienced over the last few years, so their chances of finding the vehicle they want at a fair price has greatly improved. While Autotrader's list of the 10 Best Cars for Recent College Graduates consists of new 2023-model-year vehicles, we definitely recommend graduates also consider adding used vehicles – particularly certified pre-owned (CPO) models – to their consideration lists."

In recognition of the likelihood that graduates' finances may 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 base manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) under $30,000, which is substantially below the average cost of a new car in the United States. The list features 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. Below are Autotrader's choices for the 10 Best Cars for Recent College Graduates in 2023, listed in alphabetical order by brand:

Autotrader's 10 Best Cars for Recent College Graduates in 2023*

1. 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
Starting MSRP: $27,800
This electric vehicle (EV) is in its last year of production, but the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV represents a solid value for grads who want to start their post-education lives driving an example of forward-looking technology. This roomy compact SUV has an all-electric range of up to 247 miles on a full charge and may qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500.

2. 2023 Ford Maverick
Starting MSRP: $22,595
Grads 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 hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain good for 37 mpg, crew-cab configuration, and a slew of convenience features.

3. 2023 Honda Civic
Starting MSRP: $23,750
The 2023 Honda Civic is an excellent choice for grads for several reasons. Not only is it a lot of car for the money, but it also comes with legendary Honda build quality and reliability. Below our $30,000 limit, grads can choose from the Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback and Civic Si Sedan – only the Civic Type R is beyond reach at $43,795.

4. 2023 Honda CR-V
Starting MSRP: $28,410
As one of the pioneering vehicles of the compact crossover SUV set, the CR-V has a long reputation for quality and value. The 2023 Honda CR-V is a mature, elegant iteration and undeniably the best version of the CR-V so far – and a willing companion for the adventures only a new 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 an intelligent, grown-up choice will keep buying them. With Hyundai's traditional value-packed 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 consideration from 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 grads can snatch up the 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid starting at $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. 2023 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback
Starting MSRP: $23,550
The Mazda3 consistently ranks well among compact cars as a responsive, fun-to-drive hatchback. In recent years, Mazda has upgraded its interiors to near-luxury levels, even on base models. The 2023 Mazda3 is a hatchback a graduate can live with for years, as appropriate for a young professional as it is for a rising executive.

8. 2023 Subaru Forester
Starting MSRP: $26,495
While many grads clamor for the new subcompact Crosstrek or stretch for the wagon-like Outback, the smart money considers Subaru's middle child, the Forester. With its tall cabin and many available off-roading options, the 2023 Subaru Forester is great for active grads who crave a competent off-roader at a bargain price.

9. 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Starting MSRP: $23,050
The Toyota Corolla is the world's all-time best-selling car, 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-friendly machine is good-looking, fun to drive, and has Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard equipment, just the ticket for new graduates. 

10. 2023 Toyota Prius
Starting MSRP: $27,450
Toyota has been selling the Prius in the United States since 2001 – maybe for as long as many graduates have been alive. As the hybrid car that started it all, the Prius has drifted out of the spotlight as BEVs have become the media stars of the moment. But a sexy new design and some upgraded technology make the 2023 Toyota Prius an excellent choice for grads, as the sensible hybrid boasts capability, dependability, value and style in one attractive package. 

*Vehicles are listed alphabetically by brand.

To learn more about the 2023 list of the 10 Best Cars for Recent College Graduates from Autotrader, including pricing details, photos, additional vehicle information and available inventory, visit https://www.autotrader.com/best-cars/10-best-cars-recent-college-graduates-281474980013135.

For more information and news from Autotrader, visit press.autotrader.com, follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Autotrader_com (or @Autotrader_com), Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/autotrader_com/ (or @autotrader_com), like our page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/autotrader/, and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/autotrader-com.

About Autotrader
Autotrader is the most recognized third-party car listings brand, with the most engaged audience of in-market car shoppers. As the foremost authority on automotive consumer insights and expert in online and mobile marketing, Autotrader makes the car shopping experience easy and fun for today's empowered car shopper looking to find or sell the perfect new, used or Certified Pre-Owned car. Using technology, shopper insights and local market guidance, Autotrader's comprehensive marketing and retailing solutions allow consumers to build their deal online, and guide dealers to personalized digital marketing strategies that grow brand, drive traffic and connect the online and in-store shopping experience. Autotrader is a Cox Automotive™ brand. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. For more information, please visit http://press.autotrader.com. 

About Cox Automotive
Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using vehicles easier for everyone. The global company's more than 27,000 team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with annual revenues of nearly $20 billion. www.coxautoinc.com.

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SOURCE Autotrader