10 Best Cars For College Grads - Autotrader Says Subaru Has The Smart Money Pick

If you just graduated from college, you need a new car that will last. With all the choices, which new model is the best? Autotrader says the 2023 Subaru Forester is a top-value pick for recent graduates, and the smart money considers the Forester compact SUV. Check out the complete list before you buy a new model.

Autotrader's ten best new cars for recent college graduates are "a wide variety of affordable, good-looking, eco-conscious and tech-laden new vehicles available in today's marketplace," said Brian Moody, executive editor for Autotrader."

photo credit: Schumacher Subaru

Autotrader's list of the Best Cars for Recent College Graduates recommends new vehicles with a base manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) under $30,000, which is substantially below the average cost of a new car in the U.S. Keep reading to see why Autotrader says the 2023 Subaru Forester is the smart money pick.

Autotrader's Best Cars for Recent College Graduates Vehicles are listed alphabetically by brand.

1. 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
Starting MSRP: $27,800

2. 2023 Ford Maverick
Starting MSRP: $22,595

3. 2023 Honda Civic
Starting MSRP: $23,750

4. 2023 Honda CR-V
Starting MSRP: $28,410

5. 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Starting MSRP: $28,250

6. 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid
Starting MSRP: $26,590

7. 2023 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback
Starting MSRP: $23,550

8. 2023 Subaru Forester
Starting MSRP: $26,495

9. 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Starting MSRP: $23,050

10. 2023 Toyota Prius
Starting MSRP: $27,450

What does Autotrader say about the 2023 Subaru Forester?

"While many grads clamor for the new subcompact Crosstrek or stretch for the wagon-like Outback, the smart money considers Subaru's middle child, the Forester. With its tall cabin and many available off-roading options, the 2023 Subaru Forester is great for active grads who crave a competent off-roader at a bargain price."

What is the price of all 2023 Forester trim levels?

The 2023 Forester comes in six trim levels; The Base Forester starts at $27,620, Premium ($30,620), Sport ($32,190), Limited ($34,300), Wilderness ($35,245), and Touring ($37,720). Pricing includes dealer fees ($1,225).

What sets the Forester apart from the other nine models?

Will you use your vehicle for off-pavement adventures? The 2023 Subaru Forester comes with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, standard all-wheel-drive, and dual-function X-Mode that sets it apart from the competition.

The Forester Sport and Wilderness and Crosstrek Sport and Limited trims feature a new dual-function X-Mode with deep mud and deep snow mode for added extreme weather performance.

An updated study from Consumer Reports (by subscription) says the 2023 Subaru Forester now ranks among the seven best compact SUVs for comfort and is roomy inside to carry your friends and gear.

Consumer Reports says the #1 scoring 2023 Subaru Forester "has the interior space and cargo room of a midsized SUV with compact SUV fuel economy. There are more than 36 cubic feet of space with the rear seat folded. It's easy to get into the comfortable front seats, and rear-seat room is particularly generous and easy to get into."

"Add in the excellent visibility, simple controls, comfortable ride, and responsive handling, and it's no surprise that the Forester is among our top-rated SUVs. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with a continuously variable transmission yields 28 mpg, among the best in the class."

What is the 2023 Forester fuel mileage?

The 2023 Subaru Forester compact SUV has standard all-wheel drive and an EPA-estimated 29 combined mpg and 26/33 city/highway mpg. The Forester comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine.

The EPA says the new Forester Wilderness gets an estimated 25/28 city/highway mpg and 26 combined mpg.

What are the best new cars for recent college graduates? Autotrader says the Subaru Forester compact SUV is among the ten best new models, and the Forester is the smart money pick under $30,000.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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