Every new driver isn’t a teenager, but the experience level of new drivers is all about the same. The best cars for beginners to drive should make it easier.
For many, the first car is a status symbol that you drive to high school. Usually, this car is either provided by your parents or something cheap that you had to work for to earn. For older new drivers, the first car isn’t as much a status symbol as a simple form of transportation. When looking for the right car when you have little to no driving experience, these are some of the best options.
Chevrolet Cruze
Chevy doesn’t make the Cruze any longer, but that can be a good thing for you. It should be fairly easy to find a low-mileage, late-model Cruze to drive. This small Chevy has an efficient powertrain, it’s comfortable, and it’s easy to drive. Whether you’ve got a long commute or just need to cross town, this is a great little car to drive. Find the right Chevy Cruze model and let it be the first car that you love to drive and enjoy.
Honda Civic
Most Honda Civics are affordable, easy to drive, and spacious. These cars offer strong reliability scores, are well made, and can offer the modern safety features you’re looking for in a great car. Typically, you can find this car for less than $15,000 as a pre-owned model, which makes it affordable. The Honda Civic is one of the best cars for beginners to get used to driving a small car, but it looks great and can be a car that your new driver is proud to take to school or work.
Nissan Sentra
The modern generation of the Nissan Sentra comes with a generous list of safety features to help a young driver learn how to stay out of trouble on the road. This car is great for driving around town and has plenty of power for easy acceleration at a stop light. You’ll find a few different trim packages offered and several models on the used car market. If you’re looking for a small car with a sporty side to it, you can’t go wrong with the Sentra.
Mazda3
Another small car with good style and an admirable cabin is the Mazda3. This is one of the top cars for beginners because of its small size, excellent outward visibility, and impressive feeling on the road. If you want your new driver to know how to drive a stick, the Mazda3 can be had with a six-speed manual transmission to offer this skill. Of course, there’s also an automatic transmission for those who would rather let the car do the shifting. Overall, this is an easy car to fall in love with as your first car.
Kia Optima
If you want to offer more space for passengers and still have an excellent car to drive, the Kia Optima can be a great choice. This is one of the top cars for beginners. Although the Optima has been replaced by the K5, you can find Optima models up to the 2020 model year, which ensures you have modern technology and connectivity features in this midsize sedan. Some new owners will keep the Optima for several years, making it a great first car to enjoy.
Toyota Corolla
One of the most popular first cars is the Toyota Corolla. This compact sedan is one of the most reliable and useful cars in the world. Modern examples offer excellent safety packages, and pre-owned versions can be had for a song. If you’re looking for one of the best cars for beginners, the Toyota Corolla is an easy choice. Look for late-model versions with modern features and let your new driver experience the benefits of the Toyota Safety Sense package of features.
Toyota RAV4
When you’re a new driver looking for some versatility on the road, the Toyota RAV4 brings that for you. This compact crossover SUV is easy to drive, and it delivers the large cargo area you need to take everything with you when it’s time for a great drive. The small size of this SUV makes it easy to fit on every road, which means it’s a good SUV to start with because it’s not too big and overwhelming for inexperienced drivers. If you want a great SUV to drive, the Toyota RAV4 is an excellent option.
Hyundai Elantra
One of the best cars for beginners is the Hyundai Elantra. This brand is well known for including more standard features at base trim levels than any other brand in the market. You’ll love the efficient powertrain, an excellent package of safety features, and the small size that makes it easier for your new driver to get comfortable on the road. Choose the Hyundai Elantra and enjoy everything this small sedan delivers to make your driving experience better.
Honda Accord
Another great midsize sedan for inexperienced drivers is the Honda Accord. This is a great choice when you know you’ll drive some of your friends or coworkers to your destination. This car comes with either an efficient 4-cylinder engine or a strong V6 to give you the power you desire. Pre-owned versions of the Accord can be had for an affordable price, making it easy to own and enjoy this great car. Choose a late-model version and enjoy the added benefits of the Honda Sensing Suite of safety features.
Volkswagen Jetta
When you want one of the top cars for beginners, but you also want to drive something that’s different from everyone else, choose the Volkswagen Jetta. Yes, there are several Jettas on the road, but if you pull up to work or school with this car, it will probably be one of the rarest of the common cars. the Jetta brings an efficient powertrain, some excellent safety features, and a reasonable price to make it a great car for you. Just because you’re a new driver doesn’t mean you can’t appreciate the European driving manners of the Volkswagen Jetta.
Which one of these top cars for beginners is right for you or your new driver? Will you look for a late-model version with modern safety features or reach back a few years?
