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The 2022 Kia Soul CUV in red driving down a highway

10 Best New Cars for New Drivers

There are many cars that new drivers can chose from, and they're probably looking at a wide variety of specs when car shopping. Safety and price are the two most important factors, but that still leaves many great options on the table. Here's a look at 10 of the best new cars for new drivers.

New drivers can choose many cars, and they’re probably looking at a wide variety of specs when car shopping. Safety and price are probably the two most important factors, but that still leaves many great options on the table. Here’s a look at 10 of the best new cars for new drivers in no particular order.

Kia Soul

The 2022 Kia Soul CUV in red driving down a highway
The 2022 Kia Soul CUV | Kia America

As Edmunds reports, the Kia Soul is a stylish and small SUV. Despite its size, however, there’s more than enough room for drivers and their passengers. The Soul is a pretty safe SUV, but customers will need to choose one of its trims to get advanced safety features. The standard Soul starts at about $19,000, but Edmunds recommends the Soul S, which starts at about $22,000.

Hyundai Veloster

The Hyundai Veloster can be a great option for new drivers looking to have a fun driving experience. Not only is it cheap and safe, but its engine options can make it an affordable sports car. It starts at about $19,000, but Edmunds recommends the R-Spec trim, which costs about $24,500. 

Honda Accord

The Honda Accord needs no introduction as its one of the most popular cars for new drivers. It’s cheap, safe, and very reliable. Edmunds recommends buying the regular Accord, which starts at about $26,000 brand-new. However, a used Accord is also a good pick if you’re on a tighter budget.

Toyota Venza

The Toyota Venza is a safe car, but it’s not going to be a cheap one. Edmunds recommends the standard Venza, which starts at about $34,000. However, it’s a very fuel-efficient SUV. The Venza is a standard hybrid model and has a combined fuel economy rating of 39 mpg. This makes it a good option for new drivers who can afford to spend a little extra to go green.

Honda Fit

On the other end of the spectrum, there’s the Honda Fit. As Car and Driver said, the Fit is the best option for new drivers on a tight budget. A standard Fit starts at about $16,000. That said, Honda decided to kill the Fit recently, so the 2020 model year was its last in the U.S., and it might be hard to find.

Subaru Impreza

According to Car and Driver, the Subaru Impreza is the best bet for new drivers looking for a car with all-wheel drive. Not only is it safe and affordable, but it comes with all-wheel drive as a standard feature. It starts at about $19,000 and comes with a lot of additional features.

Mazda 3

Another great option for new drivers who want a sporty car is the Mazda3. Like Car and Driver said, it has great “road manners,” and it also comes with many desirable features. It starts at about $19,000 as well, so the Mazda3 is quite affordable.

Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry, like the Honda Accord, is one of those cars that need no introduction. It’s safe, reliable, and at its starting price tag of about $25,000, it’s relatively affordable. It’s an overall great pick, and it’s why Car and Driver said that it’s the best midsize car for new drivers.

Volkswagen Golf

While the Camry was the best midsize car, Car and Driver named the Volkswagen Golf the best overall car. The Golf, a compact car/hatchback, is smaller than the Camry, but it’s more affordable with a starting price of about $23,000. Like the Camry, the Golf is a great blend of qualities that new drivers want.

Toyota Corolla

Last but not least is the Toyota Corolla. It’s similar to the Camry but smaller and more affordable. As such, like the Camry, it’s a great option for new drivers, as it starts at about $20,000.

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