The Subaru Impreza is a Great First Car
Despite the temptation, new drivers shouldn’t run out and buy the most expensive Tesla. When shopping for a car for new drivers, it's essential to consider certain key aspects, including safety features and handling. You might not look cool behind the wheel of some sedans, but many are a great entry point to driving and car ownership. Here are 20 cars that are perfect for new drivers.
1. Honda Civic
Every year, the Honda Civic proves to be a top pick for new drivers. It offers strong safety scores, reliability, fuel efficiency, and is easy to handle. It’s loaded with advanced driver-assist technology, such as lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. It’s also affordable.
2. Toyota Corolla
The Corolla has a legendary reputation for reliability, making it a smart choice for new drivers. The 2025 model has Toyota Safety Sense with features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Corollas are easy to maneuver and inexpensive to repair.
3. Mazda3
This compact car is fun to drive and has outstanding safety ratings. It offers nimble handling that will inspire confidence in new drivers. The safety tech package has lane-departure warning, and the interior is upscale, especially when you consider the price point.
4. Hyundai Elantra
The Elantra is an affordable sedan that offers technology and safety features that are considered above its class. The Elantra is well-equipped from the base trim and has impressive fuel economy and an intuitive infotainment system.
5. Subaru Impreza
The Impreza offers all-wheel drive and is a smart option for first-time drivers thanks to its extra traction. This makes it safer to drive in dangerous weather conditions. The Impreze offers great visibility and straightforward controls. These aspects will help new drivers build their confidence as they get more comfortable behind the wheel.
6. Toyota Prius
The Prius is the original hybrid, and it offers class-leading fuel economy and a pristine reputation for low maintenance costs. It’s packed with advanced driver aids, like pre-collision warning and lane tracing assist.
7. Mazda CX-30
This compact SUV is ideal for new drivers who want a bit more height in poor road conditions. It comes standard with a long list of safety features, like blind-spot monitoring, and its size makes parking and city driving easy.
8. Kia K4
The K4 is a compact sedan with sleek styling and value-driven tech. It has a large infotainment touchscreen and advanced safety features that will make new drivers comfortable in different conditions.
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9. Honda HR-V
The HR-V is a small SUV with comfort, roominess, and exceptional crash-test results. It comes with the Honda Sensing Suite with automatic braking. Its compact dimensions make it easy to park even in tight spaces.
10. Hyundai Kona
The Kona is a subcompact SUV with the safety features that every new driver craves. It’s reliable and offers good handling even in urban environments. It comes standard with vital driver assists like forward-collision avoidance.
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11. Chevrolet Trax
New drivers will love the latest edition of the Trax as it’s affordable and has upright seating and excellent outward visibility. Its infotainment system is user-friendly, and this vehicle typically has lower insurance costs and ample cargo space.
12. Honda Accord
The Accord brings a lot to the table. It offers passenger comfort, a good amount of trunk space, and top-tier safety ratings. It’s a reliable, smooth ride for new drivers.
13. Ford Maverick
The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck that’s perfect for entry-level drivers. It doesn’t have the cumbersome handling of most pickup trucks, and delivers great fuel economy, modern safety features, and high drivability. Another appealing feature of the Maverick is its roomy interior.
14. Subaru Crosstrek
The Crosstrek combines the drive-anywhere confidence of all-wheel drive with a rugged style. It’s safe and easy enough for new drivers to handle. Its crash-test scores are stellar, and its standard tech is impressive compared to its competitors.
15. Nissan Kicks
The Kicks offers plenty of value in addition to modern features and strong efficiency. Its small size and agile handling make it a great choice for new or less experienced drivers. The advanced safety features make drivers feel safe and secure on every ride.
16. Toyota Camry
The Camry isn’t the flashiest car, but it’s durable and offers strong resale value. It’s a decent investment that also boasts a roomy cabin and a full suite of driver-assist technologies. The Camry is efficient and safe, and offers inexperienced drivers peace of mind.
17. Chevrolet Trailblazer
The Trailblazer might not look like the ideal ride for new drivers, but it belongs in every conversation. If you’re looking for an SUV feel with a more compact footprint, the Trailblazer checks most boxes. Owners enjoy tons of safety features, a comfortable interior, and driver assists like lane-keeping, available rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning. Its size is manageable, so you don’t have to worry about parking a hulking beast of a vehicle.
18. Kia Soul
The Soul is a standout choice for new drivers. It’s got a quirky style, upright seating, and strong safety ratings. There’s even a good amount of cargo space, and the infotainment options are easy to master, even for non-tech people. Best of all, it’s a smooth ride and a practical choice for commuters and daily drivers.
19. Mazda CX-5
This sleek, stylish compact SUV has received heaps of praise for its safety features, excellent handling, and high-quality interiors. The infotainment system is intuitive, so new drivers won’t be distracted trying to access directions or music. First-time car owners should consider the CX-5 for its safety, security, and comfort.
20. Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 is another compact SUV that’s built for new drivers but offers enough appeal to experienced ones. Drivers love its high driving position and robust safety suite. It’s a practical ride for new drivers, especially those who will be driving every day. Its reputation for reliability, good fuel efficiency, and overall comfort make it ideal for most drivers.
