Your recent graduate doesn’t want a Dr. Seuss book, they want a car. Since high school grads are thinking of college expenses, and college grads are paying down student loans, the ideal vehicle needs to be affordable. But whether it’s climbing the corporate ladder, or grinding it out in grad school, the daily commute doesn’t have to suck. Here’s proof of affordability and fun, and yes, you can get Apple CarPlay too.
Ford Fiesta
Economy cars are rather obvious: they are designed to save you money. From a low asking price to gas sipping mileage, sub-compacts are the friend of those with a tight budget. While the Ford Fiesta is very affordable, it’s also loaded with fun. The standard 1.6L four-cylinder engine is small, but EcoBoost helps provide 120 horsepower. That doesn’t sound like a lot, but the Fiesta weighs hundreds of pounds less than Toyota’s flyweight 86 sports car, so the horses don’t have a lot of weight to lug around. That power-to-weight ratio makes the Fiesta the most fun to drive in this class. Plus it helps the fuel efficiency, which can reach as high as 41 mpg if you go with the 1.0L/manual transmission combo.
Inside the cabin, there’s seating for four real-sized adults, or five if your friends are small. You have your standard Bluetooth, USB, AUX, MP3, and all the rest of the important acronyms. Wheels range from 15 to 17 inches, which does matter on a car with a stylish Aston Martin-inspired front end. The steering wheel and center console look modern and sleek, and it’s even loaded with safety features like stability control, seven airbags, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
The Fiesta is a little riot on wheels, but the Honda Fit is the sales leader. You can’t go wrong with either.
Chevrolet Camaro
Of course a “Bumblebee” Camaro can be fun, but it can also be economical. If you are young and single, a low sporty coupe can be the perfect daily driver. The 2016 Camaro also offers economy, with the first four-cylinder engine offered in over 30 years. Don’t think it’s all about the mileage though, as the 2.0L Ecotec is paired to a turbocharger to generate 275 horsepower. It’s economical too, with up to 31 mpg on the highway.
Camaro isn’t all about the performance though, as it’s a great all-around car. It can be optioned with 4G LTE Wi-Fi, so you and your friends can Instagram the heck out of that road trip adventure. Other useful options include wireless smartphone chargers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 7 or 8-inch touch screen infotainment system with all the apps you could need.
Of course, we can’t talk about the Camaro without its main rival, the Ford Mustang. For a different flavor of sports car, take a look at what this pony offers.
Honda Accord
The mid-size sedan is probably the most sensible vehicle on this list. That doesn’t mean it has to be boring though. The Honda Accord has been a smart go-to choice for probably longer than your grad has been alive. High quality and reliability are the Accord’s claim to fame, and you do get a lot of car for the money here. The interior is surprisingly roomy, and the seats are extremely comfy. The base four-cylinder offers 184 horsepower and up to 34 mpg. Step up to the sporty V6, and there’s an impressive 278 horsepower and 32 mpg. Either engine choice is quiet, with a refined driving experience, making this one commuter you won’t mind driving every day.
Inside, the interior shows a thoughtful eye for comfort and ergonomics. All Accord trim levels since 2013 have an 8-inch touch screen in the dash. If safety is your main concern, the Accord has a 5-star rating across the board from the NHTSA. If you need a bit more style, the Accord Coupe removes the two rear doors but adds tons of sportiness. It’s the same reliable and efficient drivetrain underneath, but wrapped in a more attractive body. For the environmentalists, the Accord hybrid delivers up to 50 mpg.
Need a sedan, but can’t let go of your sports car past? Get the engaging and fun to drive Mazda 6.
Jeep Renegade
The hugely successful Jeep Renegade is a compact crossover designed for the everyday commute, or the light off-road adventure. Yup, this little guy can tackle some of the same trails the Jeep Wrangler travels. While all Renegade trim levels have four-cylinder engines, you can spec it up with everything from all-wheel-drive and roof racks, to dual zone climate control and an 8-way power driver’s seat. The 1.4L turbo four-cylinder has 160 horsepower and achieves 31 mpg, while the 2.4L makes 180 horsepower and 29 mpg.
Inside the stylish interior, Uconnect 5.0 delivers the infotainment you need in an intuitive and responsive dashboard screen. The seating position has that “just right” SUV feel, but the interior controls and driving experience are more like a modern sport sedan. While it is a fun little crossover, the Renegade’s main attraction is its character. If you want a charming and affordable ride that looks like nothing else on the road, get one of these.
However, if the Renegade is a little too “man bun and hipster beard” for you, the same capability and size exist in the Toyota Rav4.
Toyota Tacoma
Sometimes, young people need a truck for work. Sometimes, they’re just truck people. Either way, Toyota has you covered with the legendary “Taco.” The Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size truck, offering most of the capability of a full-size truck with the benefits of better gas mileage and easiness of parking. The 2.7L four cylinder has 159 horsepower and respectable 23 mpg. The new 4.0L V6 is the best bet here, with 236 horsepower, 21 mpg, and a 3,500-pound tow rating. The bed has smart cargo management options, and the heavy-duty suspension is excellent for off-road work.
Just because the Tacoma is a true work truck, that doesn’t mean it’s lacking modern convenience features. Inside you will notice a simple yet attractive interior. There’s an optional back-up camera, Bluetooth, keyless entry, and more cup holders than you’ll use. The Tacoma also offers one of the most ridiculously high resale values, meaning you’ll be a happy camper when it’s finally time to sell.
If the “Taco” just isn’t your flavor, the Chevrolet Colorado is a massively award winning mid-size that should satisfy.
