Best Cars for College Students

College students need reliable, affordable, and efficient cars to suit their lifestyles. Whether it’s getting to campus, commuting to work, or heading home for the holidays, having a dependable vehicle makes life significantly easier. At Ontario Auto Center, you’ll find a diverse selection of cars perfect for college students. Below, we’ll explore six standout models, each available from a dealership in the Inland Empire, and break down their performance, MPG, technology, and safety features.

Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius is a hybrid favorite for college students who are looking for fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness. Available at Crown Toyota, this hybrid icon is renowned for its MPG and modern features.

• Performance and MPG: The 2024 Prius is powered by a hybrid system that delivers up to an estimated 57 MPG.
• Technology: The Prius features an intuitive 8-inch touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility for seamless smartphone integration. Higher trims offer a larger display, premium sound system, and a head-up display for added convenience.
• Safety: Equipped with Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0, the Prius includes features like Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control, ensuring peace of mind for every journey.
• Why It’s Ideal for Students: The Prius combines excellent fuel economy with a spacious cabin

Subaru Forester

For students who need a practical car with utility, the Subaru Forester is an outstanding option. It’s available at Subaru of Ontario and known for its practicality and rugged reliability.

• Performance and MPG: Equipped with Subaru’s famous Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the Forester provides excellent traction in various weather conditions. The 2.5L engine offers 182 horsepower and an impressive 33 MPG highway.
• Technology: A standard 11.6-inch touchscreen with intuitive navigation simplifies driving. Subaru’s STARLINK® system provides smartphone integration and hands-free capability.
• Safety: Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology includes features like Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist, earning the Forester high marks in safety tests.
• Why It’s Ideal for Students: The spacious cargo area and comfortable interior make it perfect for hauling supplies or gear, whether for school projects or weekend adventures.

Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson offers a sleek design, advanced technology, and reliability that appeal to many students. You can find this versatile SUV at Ontario Hyundai.

• Performance and MPG: The 2024 Tucson comes with a 2.5L engine producing 187 horsepower, providing a balance of power and efficiency. It offers up to 32 MPG highway.
• Technology: Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Premium trims offer a 10.25-inch display and surround-view monitor for added convenience.
• Safety: Hyundai SmartSense includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning.
• Why It’s Ideal for Students: Its modern aesthetics and spacious interior make the Tucson an appealing choice for students juggling academics, part-time jobs, and social activities.

Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is a perennial favorite among compact SUVs, combining reliability with a spacious interior. It’s available at Penske Honda and remains a top choice for students.

• Performance and MPG: The CR-V’s turbocharged 1.5L engine delivers 190 horsepower and up to 34 MPG highway
• Technology: The cabin includes a standard 7-inch touchscreen with available upgrades for a 9-inch display. HondaLink® connectivity ensures seamless smartphone integration.
• Safety: Honda Sensing® is standard, providing advanced safety features such as Collision Mitigation Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control.
• Why It’s Ideal for Students: Its comfortable seating, ample cargo space, and excellent fuel economy make it ideal for long drives or quick campus commutes.

Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang is an iconic option for students looking for performance at a more affordable cost. Available at Citrus Ford, this model offers exhilarating driving dynamics paired with modern features.

• Performance and MPG: The 2024 Mustang features a 2.3L EcoBoost® engine that delivers 315 horsepower, while still achieving a respectable 33 MPG highway.
• Technology: A customizable 12.4-inch digital cluster and SYNC® 4 infotainment system provide a high-tech cockpit experience.
• Safety: Features such as Blind Spot Information System and Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking add to the Mustang’s appeal for students prioritizing safety.
• Why It’s Ideal for Students: It’s the perfect mix of sporty and practical, offering an exhilarating ride while remaining suitable for daily use.

Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf is an affordable option for students looking for an electric car.  You can this find this practical EV at Empire Nissan.

• Performance and MPG: The Leaf offers an EPA-estimated range of up to 212 miles on a full charge, making it ideal for daily commutes and weekend trips without frequent charging.
• Technology: A user-friendly 8-inch touchscreen with navigation comes standard, along with NissanConnect® for seamless integration with your smartphone.
• Safety: The Nissan Leaf includes Safety Shield® 360, which offers features such as Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection and Rear Automatic Braking.
• Why It’s Ideal for Students: With its low cost of ownership, impressive range, and cutting-edge technology, the Leaf is a practical and forward-thinking choice for college students.

Conclusion

Choosing the right car as a college student is about finding the perfect balance between reliability, affordability, and practicality. Whether you’re drawn to the fuel efficiency of the Toyota Prius Prime, the versatility of the Subaru Forester, or the electric power of the Nissan Leaf, Ontario Auto Center has you covered. Be sure to contact us for more details, schedule a test drive, and let us help you find the vehicle that’s best suited for you.