As consumers gear up for the back-to-school season, Kelley Blue Book U.S. has released their list of the best cars for teens and college students. For teens they recommend the 2017 Toyota RAV4, 2018 Kia Soul, 2014 Honda Accord and 2006 Honda Civic, depending on budget.
The 2021 Toyota Corolla topped Kelley Blue Book’s list of best new cars or SUVs for college students. When it comes to used vehicles, they recommend the Toyota Camry model years 2015-2017 or 2012 – 2014 for college students, depending on budget.
According to Matt DeLorenzo, senior managing editor for Kelley Blue Book, the company “sorted through the hundreds of different models out there to come up with lists of the best vehicles for student drivers, keeping things like safety, fuel economy, value and more at the top of their minds.”
As part of the back-to-school kick-off, Kelley Blue Book and CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services) are once again collaborating with Cox Communications to support nonprofit organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs. Now through August 31st, consumers with a vehicle they no longer need can choose to donate it. Almost any type of vehicle is accepted. During the month of August, Kelley Blue Book will donate $100 for every vehicle donated to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, up to 100 vehicles, which will raise an additional $10,000.
Since 2003, Cox Communications has contributed over $33 million in cash and in-kind support to Boys & Girls Club of America, and since 2017 Kelley Blue Book and CARS have raised $3.91 million for 1,000 different nonprofits.
Back-to-School 2021:
Kelley Blue Book’s Best Used Cars for Teens
Best Used Cars for Teens Under $20,000 |
2017 Toyota RAV4 |
2018 Mazda CX-5 |
2017 Honda CR-V |
2020 Toyota Corolla |
2019 Mazda Mazda3 |
2017 Honda Accord |
2019 Subaru Crosstrek |
2019 Toyota Prius |
2018 Kia Sportage |
2018 Honda Civic |
2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT |
Best Used Cars for Teens Under $15,000 |
2018 Kia Soul |
2018 Toyota Corolla |
2018 Mazda Mazda3 |
2013 Honda CR-V |
2016 Mazda CX-5 |
2015 Toyota Prius |
Best Used Cars for Teens Under $10,000 |
2014 Honda Accord |
2015 Toyota Camry |
2014 Mazda Mazda3 |
2014 Toyota Corolla |
2015 Honda Civic |
2009 Toyota RAV4 |
2011 Honda Element |
2009 Toyota Avalon |
Best Used Cars for Teens Under $5,000 |
2006 Honda Civic |
2007 Toyota Corolla |
2005 Toyota Avalon |
2005 Honda Pilot |
2004 Toyota Prius |
2001 Toyota Highlander |
Back-to-School 2021:
Kelley Blue Book’s Best Cars for College Students
Best New Cars and SUVs for College Students |
2021 Toyota Corolla |
2021 Hyundai Elantra |
2021 Honda Civic |
2021 Mazda Mazda3 |
2021 Subaru Crosstrek |
2021 Kia Seltos |
2021 Hyundai Kona |
2021 Honda HR-V |
2021 Nissan Sentra |
2021 Kia Soul |
Best Used Cars and SUVs for College Students Under $20,000 |
2015 – 2017 Toyota Camry |
2015 – 2017 Honda Accord |
2017 – 2018 Toyota Corolla |
2015 – 2018 Mazda CX-5 |
2016 – 2017 Toyota Prius |
2014 – 2016 Toyota RAV4 |
2015 – 2016 Honda CR-V |
2016 – 2018 Subaru Crosstrek |
2016 – 2018 Mazda Mazda3 |
2017 – 2019 Honda Civic |
2017 – 2019 Kia Soul |
2015 – 2019 Honda Fit |
Best Used Cars and SUVs for College Students Under $15,000 |
2012 – 2014 Toyota Camry |
2007 – 2013 Honda CR-V |
2011 – 2014 Honda Accord |
2011 – 2014 Toyota Corolla |
2013 – 2015 Honda Civic |
2009 – 2012 Toyota RAV4 |
Courtesy of Kelley Blue Book
