Best Back-to-School Cars for 2021

As the 2021–2022 school year launches nationwide in a much different fashion than last year’s at-home pandemic-induced virtual learning, student drivers once again will need the right vehicle to get them to and from school and activities. Whether parents are shopping for their newly minted teen driver or getting ready to send their student off to college, the experts at Kelley Blue Book recently created helpful lists of their top recommendations for new and used vehicles with the Best Cars for Teens and the Best Cars for College Students.

“Parents everywhere are breathing a sigh of relief at the return to some normalcy at the start of this new school year, and those with teens and college students are considering their options to ensure their young driver is behind the wheel of the right vehicle before they head off to campus,” said Matt DeLorenzo, senior managing editor for Kelley Blue Book. “Rest assured there are a variety of great cars available at various price points, from affordable brand-new models to used cars for those on a tight budget.”

Back-to-School 2021: Kelley Blue Book’s Best Used Cars for Teens

Best Used Cars for Teens Under $20,000

• 2017 Toyota RAV4
• 2018 Mazda CX-5
• 2017 Honda CR-V
• 2020 Toyota Corolla
• 2019 Mazda Mazda3
• 2017 Honda Accord
• 2019 Subaru Crosstrek
• 2019 Toyota Prius
• 2018 Kia Sportage
• 2018 Honda Civic
• 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT

Best Used Cars for Teens Under $15,000

• 2018 Kia Soul
• 2018 Toyota Corolla
• 2018 Mazda Mazda3
• 2013 Honda CR0V
• 2016 Mazda CX-5
• 2015 Toyota Prius

Best Used Cars for Teens Under $10,000

• 2014 Honda Accord
• 2015 Toyota Camry
• 2014 Mazda Mazda3
• 2014 Toyota Corolla
• 2015 Honda Civic
• 2009 Toyota RAV4
• 2011 Honda Element
• 2009 Toyota Avalon

Best Used Cars for Teens Under $5,000

• 2006 Honda Civic
• 2007 Toyota Corolla
• 2005 Toyota Avalon
• 2005 Honda Pilot
• 2004 Toyota Prius
• 2001 Toyota Highlander

Back-to-School 2021: Kelley Blue Book’s Best Cars for College Students

Best New Cars and SUVs for College Students

• 2021 Toyota Corolla
• 2021 Hyundai Elantra
• 2021 Honda Civic
• 2021 Mazda Mazda3
• 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
• 2021 Kia Seltos
• 2021 Hyundai Kona
• 2021 Honda HR-V
• 2021 Nissan Sentra
• 2021 Kia Soul

Best Used Cars and SUVs for College Students Under $20,000

• 2015 – 2017 Toyota Camry
• 2015 – 2017 Honda Accord
• 2017 – 2018 Toyota Corolla
• 2015 – 2018 Mazda CX-5
• 2016 – 2017 Toyota Prius
• 2014 – 2016 Toyota RAV4
• 2015 – 2016 Honda CR-V
• 2016 – 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
• 2016 – 2018 Mazda Mazda3
• 2017 – 2019 Honda Civic
• 2017 – 2019 Kia Soul
• 2015 – 2019 Honda Fit

Best Used Cars and SUVs for College Students Under $15,000

• 2012 – 2014 Toyota Camry
• 2007 – 2013 Honda CR-V
• 2011 – 2014 Honda Accord
• 2011 – 2014 Toyota Corolla
• 2013 – 2015 Honda Civic
• 2009 – 2012 Toyota RAV4

Edited by Maryssa Gordon, Senior Editor, Price of Business Digital Network