Diploma in hand, education in your back pocket, and the world ahead of you. Yeah, we’re envious of your recent achievement — and we agree that it might be time to reward yourself with a new ride.
Whether you’re just leaving college without a car, want a new and reliable model to get you to and from your new job, or plan to use a modest loan to build credit, it can be a great time to go car shopping.
Here’s a look at 10 of the best new cars for recent college graduates. Each is inexpensive (less than $30,000) and offers terrific fuel economy, a fantastic residual, and impressive reliability records. When it comes to fuel economy, every car except one on our list gets 40 mpg combined or better. That exception is the Ford Maverick, but at 37 mpg, it’s close.
1. 2022 Ford Maverick: $19,995
The Ford Maverick
Ford
The reborn Ford Maverick does it all — if you can find one, that is. This small pickup has space for four or even five passengers, an open, hose-out bed for gear, and a standard hybrid powertrain that nets an impressive 37 mpg combined (nearly double other versions of the Ford F, +2.64% Maverick). Your only challenge might be finding a dealer with one in stock for anywhere near the manufacturer’s suggested retail price.
2. 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid: $27,720
The 2022 Honda Accord
Honda
Its 47-mpg rating may not be tops on this list, but there’s something to be said about the sophisticated way the Honda HMC, +0.96% Accord goes about its business. This fuel-sipping sedan has impressive road manners, many standard features, and a solid, upscale feel that belies its sub-$28,000 price tag.
3. 2022 Honda Insight: $25,760
The 2022 Honda Insight
Honda
The Honda Insight exists at the intersection of excellent fuel economy and classy cabin design. This small sedan looks a lot like Honda’s own Civic, but its hybrid powertrain delivers fuel consumption as low as 52 mpg combined. This model is being dropped after the 2022 model year as Honda plans to reintroduce a Civic Hybrid, so it may be an excellent time to get a great deal on an Insight.
Also see: The best affordable places to live in the U.S.
4. 2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid: $24,100
The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
Hyundai
Delivering as high as 54 mpg combined, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, the Hyundai HYMTF, +2.07% Elantra Hybrid is a stylish, full-featured small car that will make you a stranger at gas stations. To get the best fuel economy, you’ll need to seek out the ultra-frugal Elantra Blue trim level.
5. 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid: $23,600
The Hyundai Ioniq
Hyundai
If you’re serious about saving cash, the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid has your number — all of your numbers. This right-priced small hybrid offers as high as 59 mpg combined while touting a price tag of well under $25,000. Add in a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and there’s a lot to love about the Ioniq.
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6. 2022 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: $27,350
The 2022 Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai
Looking for a little more space for your friends — and their stuff? The Hyundai Sonata is a stylish, fuel-efficient way to haul everyone around in comfort. Ths midsize 4-door has standout looks, and in Blue trim, it’s rated as high as 52 mpg. According to the EPA, that means an annual fuel cost of just $1,200. That bests just about any other midsize sedan out there.
7. 2022 Kia Niro: $24,690
The 2023 Kia Niro lineup
Kia
The Kia 000270, -1.07% Niro looks more like a small SUV than a hybrid. It’s a great choice that delivers fuel economy as high as 50 mpg combined. If your budget can stretch a little, plug-in hybrid and fully electric versions of the Niro may qualify for federal, state, and local incentives.
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8. 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid: $27,980
Forget about boring Camry models of yore. The latest version of the midsize Toyota TM, +1.70% sedan wears attention-grabbing styling and features a vast interior with plenty of space, plus a good infotainment system. The most affordable Camry Hybrid — the LE trim — gets an EPA rating of 52 mpg combined.
More: 10 top hybrids for less than $30,000
9. 2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid: $24,050
The Toyota Corolla hybrid
Toyota
Long a favorite for its impressive reputation for reliability, the Toyota Corolla was recast a few years ago with a more expressive personality and the promise of even better fuel economy. The Corolla Hybrid‘s EPA rating is 52 mpg combined, but its sleek styling gives few hints about its eco-friendly credentials.
Also see: 12 hybrids and gas cars that get the best mileage
10. 2022 Toyota Prius: $25,075
The Toyota Prius
Toyota
This long-time fuel saver may be within reach thanks to its reasonable $26,000-or-so price tag. The Toyota Prius will be the envy of your workplace’s parking lot, and with the Eco trim level, you’ll see fuel economy as high as 56 mpg combined.
10 best cars for recent college graduates
- 2022 Ford Maverick
- 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid
- 2022 Honda Insight
- 2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
- 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
- 2022 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
- 2022 Kia Niro
- 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid
- 2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
- 2022 Toyota Prius
This story originally ran on Autotrader.com.