As the school year gears up, a lot of new drivers are trading driver's ed for the real thing — solo drives to school, runs to the store, the whole deal. That means a vehicle of their own, and buying like-new is the smart move. 

The next smart move? Making sure it’s the right like-new vehicle. 

A good first vehicle checks four boxes: it's affordable, it's easy to maneuver, it has solid safety features without a dashboard's worth of complicated settings, and it can handle whatever the seasons throw at it. Parents, this list is for you too — because what makes a vehicle great for a new driver makes it a smart pick for just about any driver.

1. Nissan Rogue

The Rogue is a small SUV built for easy driving. It features solid safety scores, and enough space for backpacks, sports gear, and friends.

✅ Affordable
Prices for the Nissan Rogue vary by year, so there's an option for nearly every budget. Check out our financing options to find what works for you.

✅ Easy to handle
It's not too big and not too small. That makes for good visibility and enough nimbleness for everyday driving.

✅ Simple & effective safety features
Newer models come with driver-assist basics standard, minus the overwhelming controls.

✅ Reliable
The Rogue holds up well with routine care. Book a service appointment before the semester starts.

2. Subaru Forester

The Forester is a small SUV designed to deliver confident driving in any weather. It features some of the best safety ratings in its class, plus great all-around visibility.

✅ Affordable
The Forester is reasonably priced for the safety and space it delivers.

✅ Easy to handle
Great visibility and straightforward controls make it feel manageable from the first drive.

✅ Simple & effective safety features
Standard all-wheel drive pairs with top-tier crash protection, with no manual required to understand it.

✅ Reliable
The Forester is known to go the distance with basic upkeep. Stay ahead of it with a service appointment.

3. Toyota Camry

The Camry is a midsize sedan built for no-fuss driving. It carries some of the highest safety marks on this list, all in a smooth, predictable ride.

✅ Affordable
It costs a bit more upfront, but strong resale value and low repair costs even it out over time. Check out our financing options to find what works for you.

✅ Easy to handle
Smooth and predictable at any speed, with nothing unexpected from the driver's seat.

✅ Simple & effective safety features
Meets top safety benchmarks, with driver-assist features standard.

✅ Reliable
The Camry has a road-trip-ready reputation, rain or shine.

4. Honda Civic

The Civic is a compact sedan that's been a trusted first vehicle for decades. It's light, easy to park, and famously cheap to keep running.

✅ Affordable
Inexpensive to buy, insure, and maintain.

✅ Easy to handle
Light steering and a tight turning radius make parking lots (and parallel parking tests) way less stressful.

✅ Simple & effective safety features
Solid crash protection without extra complexity.

✅ Reliable
The Civic is built to rack up the miles. See what's currently in stock.

5. Hyundai Elantra

The Elantra is a compact sedan that keeps the budget in check without skimping on safety. It's simple, efficient, and easy for new drivers to handle.

✅ Affordable
One of the most wallet-friendly options on this list.

✅ Easy to handle
Compact size and simple layout mean there's nothing to overthink.

✅ Simple & effective safety features
Strong crash test scores for the price point.

✅ Reliable
Backed by a solid track record for long-term durability.

Whichever vehicle your new driver ends up in, the formula for what they need is the same: affordable, easy to maneuver, safe without being complicated, and reliable throughout every season. That's not really a "new driver" formula…it's the makings of a great vehicle for any and every driver.

P.S. If your new driver's about to inherit your vehicle, now's a good excuse to pick out something new-to-you. We’ll help you find your match. Higher-end, specific makes and models, even convertibles, are available here. Basically, we’re just giving you a not-so-subtle reminder that we've got way more than what’s on this list. See our full lineup.