20 of the best cars of 2023 and low-cost SUVs for the general public and also for college and university students:
Many factors have combined to lower both new and secondhand automobile inventories. Microchip shortages and supply chain difficulties continue to be significant contributors. New and secondhand automobile inventories are at an all-time low. As a result, prices remain persistently high, and options are restricted.
Your vehicle-buying budget may not go as far, and you may have to make some concessions on car colour and content to get the automobile you desire. While looking for a new automobile, you could find a better value among your dealer’s certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles or on the used car lot. In other words, be adaptable.
1- Toyota Corolla 2022
The starting price is $20,425
The Toyota Corolla is one of the numerous automobiles on this list that has received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ designation. It also has a minimal cost of ownership and a track record of dependability. The beginning price of the Corolla represents the entry-level L model. For $450, you may upgrade to the LE trim level. It has many more standard features, such as automatic temperature control, remote keyless entry, and a rear-seat centre armrest.
Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 is included in all Corolla models. This collection of driver assistance features includes forward collision warning, automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane centring, traffic-sign recognition, and high-beam assist.
Upgrading to the LE adds a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic warning as part of a $1,150 option package. Bluetooth, voice recognition, one USB port, Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Wi-Fi connectivity are all available. The government assesses the combined fuel efficiency to be 33 mpg.
2- Honda Civic 2022
The starting price is $22,550.
We chose the Civic for various reasons, not the least because it has consistently received the Kelley Blue Book Best Purchase Award. Furthermore, the all-new 2022 model reclaimed the Small Vehicle Best Purchase title. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+, while the NHTSA gave it a 5-Star rating. It also achieves 35 mpg in combined driving, according to the government.
Every Civic comes standard with Honda Sensing, which includes frontal collision warning, auto emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection, two USB outlets, and Bluetooth connectivity are all available. Honda does not often provide option packages. It would be best to advance up the trim-level ladder to acquire additional material. For extra luggage room, consider the hatchback type.
3- Hyundai Elantra 2023
The starting price is $20,500.
Hyundai substantially revamped the Elantra two years ago. For the low Price of the SE, you receive an expected 37 mpg combined efficiency and Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of driver-assist safety features. The following features are included: front collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, lane centring, driver-attention warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
A high-beam assist, an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, and two USB ports are all included. These are some reasons why it was previously named a KBB Small Vehicle Best Purchase.
The government has not crash-tested the 2023 Elantra as of this writing, but the 2022 model received a 5-Star rating, and we expect 2023 to perform similarly. The 2022 model was examined by the IIHS and rated a Top Safety Pick. We predict this automobile to perform similarly in 2023 because there are no modifications.
4- Honda HR-V 2023
The starting price is $23,650.
The updated Honda HR-V is an excellent pick for 2023, being more significant, influential, and tuned. With its spacious cabin, the Honda HR-V achieves a decent 28 mpg in combined city-highway driving. Although neither the government nor the IIHS has released crash test data, the HR-V is based on the Honda Civic, which received a 5-Star rating and is a Top Safety Pick+. As a result, we anticipate that the all-new HR-V will fare admirably in safety testing.
The Price listed above is for the base LX grade, which includes the Honda Sensing Suite of driver assistance features such as front collision warning, auto emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Nevertheless, upgrading to the EX for the blind-spot system with cross-traffic monitoring would be best.
A 7-inch touch screen, Bluetooth connection, two USB charging ports, and one USB interface connector are also included in the basic HR-V. The LX also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features.
5-Mazda3 2022
Starting Price: $21,150
The Mazda3 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. According to the government, it also scores 31 mpg in combined city-highway driving. The Mazda3 has outstanding handling and may be equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD). Its optional AWD is also one of the reasons we rated it one of the Best Vehicles for Snow.
On the interior, the Mazda3 seems to be more expensive than it is. Although blind-spot monitoring is only available on the Select trim level, the Mazda3 comes standard with frontal collision warning, emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, driver attention alert, and high-beam assist. Bluetooth with speech recognition, an 8.8-inch touchscreen, and two USB ports are all standard features. A Mazda3 hatchback can hold up to 47 cubic feet of stuff.
6- 2023 Subaru Crosstrek
Starting Price: $23,645
All-wheel drive is standard on Subaru’s go-anywhere Crosstrek (AWD). While the Crosstrek comes familiar with a 6-speed manual gearbox, upgrading to the continuously variable transmission (CVT) adds essential safety measures. The CVT-equipped Crosstrek also boasts a technology that allows you to optimize fuel economy or power. Fuel economy improves when fitted with the CVT. The combined mileage is 30 miles per gallon, compared to 25 miles per gallon with the manual.
The basic Crosstrek, an IIHS Top Safety Pick, has Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Aid Technology when equipped with the CVT. The CVT also has a front collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic warning is optional or standard on higher model levels. One USB connector, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and hands-free phone integration round out the connectivity.
7- 2023 Kia Seltos
Starting Price: $22,840
The Kia Seltos offers a surprising amount of space for a subcompact SUV. Every version of the Seltos, an IIHS Top Safety Pick, includes a comprehensive suite of safety systems, including front collision warning with emergency braking, driver attention warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane centring, and high-beam assist. To get blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning, you must upgrade to the S grade, which costs an extra $50.
Bluetooth with voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and one USB connection are among the connectivity choices. Seltos has class-leading cargo capacity and a second-row seat spacious enough to accommodate people.
8- Hyundai Kona 2023
Starting Price: $21,990
The Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV that provides excellent value. Its tiny size makes it simple to park on campus, and the rear luggage compartment is ideal for carrying equipment. Moreover, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard. The gas engine achieves up to 35 mpg in terms of fuel economy. (An electric vehicle is also available.)
The Kona has been on the market for some years and has shown to be dependable. It’s also an IIHS Top Safety Pick. Even the entry-level SE model has blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, front collision-avoidance aid, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic collision warning.
9- 2022 Nissan Sentra
Starting Price: $19,950
The Nissan Sentra combines utility with an upmarket appearance and a dash of sportiness. This little automobile includes “zero gravity” seats that are supposed to be comfy on the way to school or work. The Sentra gets up to 39 mpg on the interstate (33 mpg combined), so excursions to the petrol station aren’t too expensive. All models come equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The basic model has the entire suite of SafetyShield 360 driving aids, including auto emergency braking with pedestrian recognition, rear cross-traffic alert, automated rear braking, blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and high-beam assist. The Nissan Sentra 2022 is a Top Safety Pick with a 5-Star NHTSA certification.
10- Kia Soul 2023
The starting price is $19,790.
We like that the spacious Kia Soul has the lowest starting price on our list. But it’s not the only one on this list because of the cost. It’s also really affordable. Standard features include forward collision warning, lane keep assist and driver attention alert. Upgrade to the S level ($2,500 cost increase). Optional features include lane departure warning, blind spot collision avoidance, automatic high beams, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance. The Soul was named IIHS’ Top Safety Pick for 2022, and we expect the 2023 model to do similarly.
Bluetooth (without speech recognition), Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and one USB port are included on the base model. The Soul may get up to 31 mpg in combined driving when equipped with an automatic CVT gearbox.
The10 most affordable cars to buy in 2023
The best-used cars and SUVs for college and university students. Less than $20,000
11- 2015-2017 Toyota Camry
Price: $14,600 – $18,000
This model-year Toyota Camry has been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Regarding fuel efficiency, the government has assessed combined mileage to be 24-28 mpg, depending on the engine. That wasn’t perfect, but it was adequate.
Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and the 6.1-inch Entune touchscreen infotainment system are standard features. The 2015 model had a rearview camera as standard equipment for the first time on a Camry. A blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, and high-beam assist are available. Another plus is the excellent Camry Hybrid. You should be able to find a premium Camry Hybrid in this price range.
12- Accord 2016-2017 Honda
Price: $17,200 – $19,000
The midsize Honda Accord, an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, has enough space. This generation Accord has a rearview camera, stability control, and antilock brakes. Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are among the available driving aids. Bluetooth calling has become more and more popular in recent years. Pandora functionality and a single USB port are also cut out. Search for Accord EX or higher to receive Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
13- 2017-2018 Toyota Corolla
Price: $16,800 – $17,800
The Toyota Corolla has always been known for its reliability, low cost of ownership, and exceptional fuel efficiency. Its spacious and luxurious sedan is mainly known for its safety. The 2017 model was named a “Top Safety Pick,” while the 2018 model was named a “Top Safety Pick.” Toyota Safety Sense-P was standard on all Corolla models during these years, which includes automatic emergency braking, pedestrian recognition, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
14- Mazda CX-5 2015-2018
Price: $12,500 – $19,600
The Mazda CX-5 is a small five-passenger SUV that looks excellent and drives well. Perhaps, especially for college students, this car has exceptional fuel efficiency—up to 33 mpg highway—a slew of safety features and impressive reliability.
This period includes two distinct generations of the CX-5. The 2017 and 2018 models retain the muscular look of the current model. These years offer more exclusive features as well as better security. However, no matter which 2015-2018 Mazda CX-5 matches your budget, you’ll receive an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
15- 2012-2015 Toyota Prius
Price: $12,000-$17,000
The Toyota Prius achieved a combined economy of 46 and 50 mpg from 2012 to 2015. It performed well in safety tests, being named a top safety pick by the IIHS in 2012 and 2013 and TSP+ in 2014-2015. Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port are included as standard. From 2012 to 2014, the Prius Three had a rearview camera, while the Prius Two had a bar. We highly recommend purchasing the Prius Five with the Advanced Technology package, which includes lane-keeping assist, a pre-collision system, and adaptive cruise control. Fortunately, prices for the 2012-2015 Prius Five range from $14,000 to $19,000, putting it safely under the $20,000 budget.
16- Toyota RAV4, the model year 2014-2016
Price: $15,200 – $19,000
The 2014-2016 Toyota RAV4 model years were IIHS’ Top Safety Picks, with the government estimating 25-26 mpg in combined driving. Every RAV4 has a rearview camera. Options included blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and high beam assist. Bluetooth connectivity with speech recognition and a single USB port is included as standard.
17- Honda CR-V (2015) and 2016
Price: $16,000 – $18,100
The Honda CR-V saw a substantial revamp in 2015, with a more robust and fuel-efficient engine, styling tweaks, and more convenient features. These are also IIHS TSP+ years. With front-wheel drive cars, combined mileage was expected to be 29 mpg.
Honda Sensing’s suite of enhanced safety technologies debuted with the 2015 model year, including collision mitigation braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning. You’ll need to look around for a 2015 or 2016 Tour to get it, but it’ll be worth it. You will also get a fully equipped, reliable, and comfortable SUV.
18- Subaru Crosstrek 2016-2018
Price: $15,600 – $19,700
The Subaru Crosstrek dropped the “XV” from its name and picked up a new look for 2016. This compact SUV has a high ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive, making it ideal for weekend adventures and all-season safety. The Crosstrek’s Top Safety Pick+ rating, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic warning, and EyeSight safety technology contribute to the high safety rating. Its small size makes it easy to get parking on campus or in the city. The Crosstrek has been completely redesigned for 2018, so look for standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, additional safety features, and improvements this year.
19- 2016-2018 Mazda3
Price: $14,900 – $17,500
The Mazda3, like many of the company’s cars and SUVs, is sporty, elegant, and has an excellent interior. The Mazda3 is available as a sedan or hatchback, with engine options that let you choose between efficiency and power.
The hatchback has over 47 cubic feet of cargo space, giving you plenty of room to stow your belongings on a moving day. The Mazda3 was named Top Safety Pick+. Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control are available on higher trim levels. The hatchback has a higher fair purchase price than the sedan. However, the 2016-2018 hatchback should be available for under $20,000.
20- 2016-2018 Honda Civic
Price: $15,900 – $17,000
Honda has traditionally offered its Civic in various versions powered by multiple engines. These engines delivered 30 to 36 mpg in combined driving from 2016 to 2018. (This does not include the high-performance Type R.) Even in the entry-level class, these Civics had Bluetooth, one USB connector, Apple CarPlay, and Android is automatic to meet your communication needs. Honda Sensing was standard on top trims and an option on most others. Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control was offered. Furthermore, the Civic was named the IIHS Top Safety Award for these model years.
