28) 2018 Kia Niro
$23,340 | USN Overall Score: 8.1/10 | Reliability Score: 4.0/5
Despite its small size, the hybrid Kia Niro offers an impressive amount of space for passengers and cargo. It provides respectable power while returning outstanding fuel economy. In addition, the Niro’s seamless regenerative braking system and smooth-shifting dual-clutch automatic transmission make it enjoyable to drive.
The Niro features a high-quality cabin with an intuitive 7-inch touch-screen interface, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. You can also get the Niro in a new plug-in hybrid configuration, which qualifies for a $4,543 U.S. federal tax rebate. Check with a tax professional to find out if you’re eligible.
27) 2019 Ford Fusion
$22,840 | USN Overall Score: 8.5/10 | Reliability Score: 4.0/5 (2018)
The Ford Fusion secures a spot near the top of our competitive midsize car rankings. It has liberal room for cargo and comfortable seating for five in its upscale cabin. The Fusion offers a coddling ride and it’s relatively athletic. However, it’s short on standard equipment and has a lackluster base engine. If you can afford to spend extra, two stronger engines are available, as well as some desirable options.
The base Fusion comes with a rearview camera, MyKey, and the basic SYNC system with voice controls. Upgrades include the SYNC 3 infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, HD Radio, voice-activated navigation, and a long list of driver assistance features.
26) 2018 Toyota Prius c
$20,630 | USN Overall Score: 7.5/10 | Reliability Score: 3.0/5
The refreshed Toyota Prius c doesn’t fare well in our subcompact car rankings, but it may be appealing to a first-time car buyer looking for a practical city car with class-leading fuel economy and sufficient cargo space. It’s reasonably affordable for a hybrid, seats four adults comfortably, and comes with more standard equipment than competitors. The Prius c also has user-friendly infotainment features. However, its powertrain is weak and its interior is nothing to write home about.
The Prius c comes standard with Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, a rearview camera, and a 6.1-inch touch screen that’s easy to learn. It also includes the Toyota Safety Sense suite, with lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
25) 2018 Toyota C-HR
$22,500 | USN Overall Score: 6.9/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5
Toyota’s all-new C-HR (coupe-high rider) entered the market to create healthy competition in our subcompact SUV rankings, but it hasn’t been able to outclass most rivals. With that being said, there are still reasons it could be a positive choice for new car buyers. Aside from its impeccable predicted reliability score, it comes equipped with a generous list of standard features, handles well, and offers more cargo space than some rivals.
The C-HR includes a rearview camera, hill-start assist, a 7-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, voice recognition, HD Radio, and a USB port. It also features the Toyota Safety Sense suite, which includes automatic high beams, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning with pedestrian detection.
24) 2018 Hyundai Tucson
$22,550 | USN Overall Score: 8.4/10 | Reliability Score: 4.0/5
The Hyundai Tucson provides composed handling, competitive cargo space, and adequate room for five passengers. Because it earns first-rate safety scores, has numerous advanced safety features, and comes with an industry-leading warranty, we named the Tucson one of the Best New Cars for Teens.
The base Tucson comes standard with a small touch screen, a rearview camera, and Bluetooth. Stepping up a trim adds a 7-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a few active safety features, including rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and lane keep assist.
23) 2018 Honda Accord
$23,570 | USN Overall Score: 9.1/10 | Reliability Score: 4.0/5
The completely redesigned Honda Accord boasts an attractive cabin, top-notch crash test ratings, and a long list of standard driver assistance features. It also provides a coddling ride, captivating handling, and great gas mileage.
The Accord includes a 7-inch display screen, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and Siri Eyes Free as standard. You can opt for niceties like an 8-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and wireless device charging.
22) 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
$27,235 | USN Overall Score: 8.3/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5
Toyota’s RAV4 Hybrid is highly fuel-efficient and has an abundance of cargo capacity, as well as roomy, comfortable seats. It’s more expensive than many rivals’ models, but it includes all-wheel drive and a full suite of active safety equipment as standard.
Standard features in the RAV4 Hybrid include a 6.1-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, voice recognition, and a USB port. A 7-inch touch screen with smartphone app integration and Siri Eyes Free is available. However, Toyota doesn’t offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity.
21) 2018 Ford Fiesta
$14,205 | USN Overall Score: 8.4/10 | Reliability Score: 3.5/5
The Ford Fiesta features agile handling and its base engine delivers reasonable acceleration. It comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission, though an automatic is available. If you can afford to splurge, the performance-oriented ST trim comes with a much more powerful engine. For 2018, Ford added a rearview camera and a larger infotainment screen as standard.
The Fiesta comes equipped with a 4.2-inch display, Bluetooth, and Ford’s MyKey. If you move up a trim from the base model, you can add a 6.5-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
20) 2018 Hyundai Accent
$14,995 | USN Overall Score: 8.0/10 | Reliability Score: 3.5/5
The fully redesigned Hyundai Accent is well-priced, gets good fuel economy, and comes with a long warranty. It provides a smooth ride and handles well. The Accent also features a stylish interior with roomy seats and competitive trunk space. It only comes with one engine option, but it’s more powerful than some competitors’ base engines.
The base Accent includes a 5-inch touch screen, a rearview camera, and Bluetooth. Moving up one step from the base model gets you a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.
19) 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid
$27,950 | USN Overall Score: 9.0/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5
The completely redesigned Toyota Camry Hybrid returns the best fuel economy in our midsize car rankings. It’s also a sporty performer, with ample acceleration and agile handling. The Camry Hybrid provides a pleasant ride in its attractive cabin and has spacious seats and a large trunk. We named the Camry Hybrid one of the Best New Cars for Teens because of its perfect ten U.S. News safety score, full suite of advanced safety tech, and high predicted reliability rating
Standard features include Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, and a user-friendly 7-inch touch-screen interface. You can add a Wi-Fi hot spot and an 8-inch touch screen, but Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are unavailable.
18) 2019 Honda Fit
$16,190 | USN Overall Score: 8.9/10 | Reliability Score: 3.5/5 (2018)
Honda’s Fit tops our subcompact car rankings and is a winner of U.S. News’ 2018 Best New Cars for Teens award. It receives high marks for safety, returns exceptional gas mileage, and has a classy, upscale cabin with versatile cargo options. The Fit also provides nimble handling, but its engine is not very powerful.
The Fit comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, a multiview rearview camera, Bluetooth, a 5-inch display screen, and Honda’s Magic Seat, which can be configured in several positions to give you more flexibility in hauling cargo. You can opt for an automatic transmission. The Sport trim, which is a step above the base, includes a 7-inch touch screen, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.
17) 2018 Ford Focus
$17,950 | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10 | Reliability Score: 4.0/5
The Ford Focus offers a smooth ride and it’s agile and fun to drive. It also earns good ratings in crash tests and has a durable cabin. The Focus offers a wide array of engines ranging from fuel-sipping to potent. Its front seats provide adequate comfort, but the rear seats are cramped. If you opt for the sedan, cargo space is minimal. However, the hatchback variant provides competitive capacity.
The Focus comes standard with Bluetooth, voice recognition, two USB ports, and a rearview camera. You have to step up to at least the SEL trim to get an 8-inch touch-screen interface, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Several other safety and convenience features are available.
16) 2018 Toyota Prius Prime
$27,300 | USN Overall Score: 8.3/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5
The Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid returns exceptional fuel economy and travels about 25 miles on electric power alone. Its transition from gas to electric power is seamless. The Prius Prime earns a top-notch predicted reliability rating, an almost perfect safety score, and comes packed with standard safety equipment, so we named it one of the Best New Cars for Teens. It also seats four adult passengers comfortably and offers above-average cargo space. It’s more expensive than gas-powered rivals, but you can take advantage of an electric-vehicle tax credit of up to $4,502 if you qualify.
The Prius Prime includes a 7-inch touch screen, HD Radio, navigation, hands-free phone capability, and the Entune app suite as standard. You can opt for a huge 11.6-inch touch screen, but you can’t get Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. The Prius Prime also features Toyota Safety Sense, with its long list of standard driver assistance technologies.
15) 2018 Toyota Yaris
$15,635 | USN Overall Score: 7.4/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5
The Toyota Yaris struggles to compete in our subcompact car rankings due to its uninspiring driving dynamics. However, first-time car shoppers may find it attractive for a variety of reasons. Aside from its top-notch predicted reliability rating, the Yaris is loaded with standard features and it’s easy to drive and maneuver. It also has a pleasant cabin and a large trunk for the class.
The Yaris comes standard with a touch-screen infotainment system, Bluetooth, a USB port, a rearview camera, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not available.
14) 2019 Kia Sportage
$23,750 | USN Overall Score: 8.6/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5 (2018)
The Kia Sportage boasts a handsome cabin with two rows of roomy, supportive seats. Tall passengers should have no trouble stretching out in the rear seats. It earns good safety scores and includes one of the best warranties in the industry. The Sportage also offers a coddling ride and agile handling. However, its engines aren’t as powerful as some competitors and fuel economy could be better. We named the 2018 Sportage one of the Best New Cars for Teens.
Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a 5-inch touch-screen infotainment system come standard. You can add a package or move up a trim to get a 7-inch interface with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
13) 2018 Ford Escape
$23,940 | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5
The Ford Escape has an appealing cabin with easy-to-use tech features. Its base engine is sufficient, but you can also choose between two energetic turbo-fours. The Escape receives good safety scores, provides above-average cargo space, and delivers athletic handling and sharp steering. It lands narrowly behind the Honda CR-V and ties with the Mazda CX-5 in the second-place position in our competitive compact SUV rankings.
The base Escape comes with a voice recognition system, Bluetooth, and MyKey. The SYNC 3 touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is available.
12) 2018 Toyota Corolla iM
$18,850 | USN Overall Score: 7.8/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5
Like many of Toyota’s other small car offerings, the compact Toyota Corolla iM doesn’t place high in our rankings, but it offers some qualities that may appeal to first car buyers. Its predicted reliability score is first-rate, it provides lots of cargo space, and it’s teeming with standard features. It also has spacious, supportive front seats.
Standard features in the Corolla iM include a 7-inch touch-screen display, a USB port, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, automatic high beams, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning. Toyota doesn’t support Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
11) 2018 Kia Forte
$16,800 | USN Overall Score: 8.5/10 | Reliability Score: 4.0/5
Kia’s compact Forte is a 2018 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ and offers good cargo capacity and pleasing seats with ample room in both rows. It has one of the nicest cabins in its class due to its high-quality build and noticeable sound insulation. Its standard four-cylinder engine isn’t powerful, but it returns good fuel economy, especially if you add the available automatic transmission.
The Forte is priced lower than many cars in its class, though it’s slim on standard features. Buying one step up from the base trim gets you a rearview camera and a user-friendly 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
10) 2018 Hyundai Elantra
$16,950 | USN Overall Score: 8.3/10 | Reliability Score: 4.0/5
The Hyundai Elantra’s strengths include above-average cargo space, good fuel economy, and a comfortable cabin with a wealth of available features. Its front seats provide impressive room and support, while the rear seats should suffice for most passengers. The Elantra is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick +. It offers four engine choices and is available in a GT hatchback trim.
The only notable standard features in the Elantra are a USB port and Bluetooth. Available features include two additional USB ports, satellite radio, a 7- or 8-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a rearview camera, and a long list of active safety systems.
9) 2018 Toyota Tacoma
$25,400 | USN Overall Score: 8.9/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5
How about a new compact pickup truck for your first car? For the 2018 model year, Toyota added an entire suite of advanced driver assistance features to the Tacoma as standard. This includes technologies like forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. In addition, the Tacoma earns high safety scores, has a high payload capacity, and is a capable off-roader.
The Tacoma comes with a GoPro mount on the windshield so you can record and share your time away from the pavement. It also includes Bluetooth, a USB port, an easy-to-operate 6.1-inch touch screen, and Siri Eyes Free as standard.
8) 2018 Toyota Camry
$23,645 | USN Overall Score: 9.3/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5
The fully redesigned Toyota Camry is the winner of U.S. News’ 2018 Best Midsize Car for Families, Best Midsize Car for the Money, and Best New Cars for Teens awards. It comes as no surprise that it leads our midsize car rankings. In addition, it’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. The Camry provides enjoyable driving dynamics and features a peppy, fuel-efficient engine. It also has a stylish interior with cushioned seats and a wealth of standard equipment.
The Camry includes a newly upgraded, intuitive infotainment system and a full suite of active safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning with steering assist. The new interface includes smartphone integration, but you can’t get Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
7) 2019 Buick Encore
$23,200 | USN Overall Score: 8.2/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5 (2018)
Buick’s Encore has one of the fanciest interiors in our subcompact SUV rankings, with comfortable seats and decent space for cargo. Four adults should fit just fine, even for longer trips. It’s easy to maneuver, provides lithe handling, and has a capable base engine, though it may feel strained when carrying a full load. The Encore also receives great safety ratings and returns good gas mileage.
Standard features include a Wi-Fi hot spot, satellite radio, an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system, two USB ports, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
6) 2018 Toyota Corolla
$18,600 | USN Overall Score: 8.3/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5
While the Toyota Corolla sits near the bottom of our compact car rankings, it’s a U.S. best-seller that has a lot to offer a new first car shopper. It’s reasonably priced, fuel-efficient, and comes with a standard suite of advanced driver assistance features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. It also has a wide trunk, adequate legroom for adults in both rows, and a functional interior with a user-friendly infotainment system.
The Corolla comes standard with a rearview camera, a 6.1-inch touch screen, voice recognition, Siri Eyes Free, Bluetooth, and a USB port.
5) 2018 Chevrolet Cruze
$16,975 | USN Overall Score: 8.3/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5
Chevy’s Cruze is a wonderful commuter car due to its coddling ride, spacious seats, and excellent fuel economy. It also has a low price and comes packed with standard features. Moreover, the Cruze sedan provides enough room for adult passengers in both rows and a sizable trunk. You can also choose a hatchback model, which provides one of the largest cargo holds among compact cars.
The Cruze comes equipped with a manual transmission, though an automatic is available. Other standard features include Teen Driver, a rearview camera, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and an impressive 7-inch touch-screen interface with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
4) 2018 Chevrolet Sonic
$15,295 | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5
The Chevrolet Sonic is loaded with value because of its low price, roomy accommodations, and desirable standard feature list, which includes an easy-to-use touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. While it’s a very small car, it offers decent cargo capacity and spacious seats. In fact, the Sonic’s front seats are some of the most comfortable in our subcompact car rankings. Additionally, it’s easy to drive, provides nimble handling, and offers two ample engine options.
Aside from the aforementioned features, the base Sonic comes with a manual transmission, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, and a USB port. Many extras are available.
3) 2018 Toyota Yaris iA
$15,950 | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5
Toyota’s Yaris iA boasts superb fuel economy, excellent safety scores, and a sophisticated, feature-filled interior. It also provides athletic handling and a coddling ride quality. Moreover, all of this comes at a reasonable price. Its cabin is attractive and there’s sufficient room and comfort in the front seats. However, the rear seats are best suited for children. Cargo space is average, but the iA’s low liftover height makes packing the trunk easy.
Standard equipment includes an easy-to-operate 7-inch touch screen, hands-free Bluetooth, two USB ports, HD Radio, voice recognition, a rearview camera, and low-speed forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The Yaris iA doesn’t offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
2) 2018 Kia Rio
$13,900 | USN Overall Score: 8.8/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5
The completely redesigned Kia Rio’s user-friendly cabin tech, tiny price tag, nimble handling, and long warranty make it a wise choice for first-time car buyers. It provides a firm, sporty ride, though it’s still comfortable on the freeway. The Rio has competitive space for cargo, room in the rear seats for taller occupants, and a widely adjustable and supportive driver’s seat. A hatchback is available if you need to carry more cargo.
A 5-inch touch screen, satellite radio, a USB port, and a manual transmission come standard. You can upgrade to a more advanced system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as a handful of active safety features.
1) 2018 Kia Soul
$16,200 | USN Overall Score: 9.1/10 | Reliability Score: 5.0/5
The Kia Soul is our best new car for first-time buyers. It also tops our compact car rankings, is the only car on this list to have a perfect predicted reliability score, and it’s our 2018 U.S. News Best Compact Car for the Money. Throw in its coveted IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, industry-leading warranty, and inexpensive starting price, and there’s no surprise here. The Soul also features composed driving dynamics and an expansive, high-grade cabin.
The Soul Base includes a manual transmission, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a USB port. Available features include a responsive infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a peppy, turbocharged engine.
More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report
Are you interested in any of the cars on our list? Visit our new car rankings to research further and see how these new vehicles compare to the competition. Once you’ve made some choices, check out our new car financing deals and lease deals pages to find manufacturers’ current offers.
When it’s time to buy, use our U.S. News Best Price Program to secure the lowest price on your new car. Shoppers who use the program save an average of $3,106 off MSRP.
28 Best Choices for a New First Car
- 2018 Kia Niro - $23,340 | USN Overall Score: 8.1/10 | Reliability Score: 4.0/5
- 2019 Ford Fusion - $22,840 | USN Overall Score: 8.5/10 | Reliability Score: 4.0/5 (2018)
- 2018 Toyota Prius c - $20,630 | USN Overall Score: 7.5/10 | Reliability Score: 3.0/5
- 2018 Toyota C-HR - $22,500 | U.S. News Overall Score: 6.9/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5
- 2018 Hyundai Tucson - $22,550 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.4/10 | Reliability Score: 4.0/5
- 2018 Honda Accord - $23,570 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.1/10 | Reliability Score: 4.0/5
- 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid - $27,235 | USN Overall Score: 8.3/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5
- 2018 Ford Fiesta - $14,205 | USN Overall Score: 8.4/10 | Reliability Score: 3.5/5
- 2018 Hyundai Accent - $14,995 | USN Overall Score: 8.0/10 | Reliability Score: 3.5/5
- 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid - $27,950 | USN Overall Score: 9.0/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5
- 2019 Honda Fit - $16,190 | USN Overall Score: 8.9/10 | Reliability Score: 3.5/5 (2018)
- 2018 Ford Focus - $17,950 | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10 | Reliability Score: 4.0/5
- 2018 Toyota Prius Prime - $27,300 | USN Overall Score: 8.3/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5
- 2018 Toyota Yaris - $15,635 | USN Overall Score: 7.4/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5
- 2019 Kia Sportage - $23,750 | USN Overall Score: 8.6/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5 (2018)
- 2018 Ford Escape - $23,940 | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5
- 2018 Toyota Corolla iM - $18,850 | USN Overall Score: 7.8/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5
- 2018 Kia Forte - $16,800 | USN Overall Score: 8.5/10 | Reliability Score: 4.0/5
- 2018 Hyundai Elantra - $16,950 | USN Overall Score: 8.3/10 | Reliability Score: 4.0/5
- 2018 Toyota Tacoma - $25,400 | USN Overall Score: 8.9/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5
- 2018 Toyota Camry - $23,645 | USN Overall Score: 9.3/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5
- 2019 Buick Encore - $23,200 | USN Overall Score: 8.2/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5 (2018)
- 2018 Toyota Corolla - $18,600 | USN Overall Score: 8.3/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5
- 2018 Chevrolet Cruze - $16,975 | USN Overall Score: 8.3/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5
- 2018 Chevrolet Sonic - $15,295 | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5
- 2018 Toyota Yaris iA - $15,950 | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5
- 2018 Kia Rio - $13,900 | USN Overall Score: 8.8/10 | Reliability Score: 4.5/5
- 2018 Kia Soul - $16,200 | USN Overall Score: 9.1/10 | Reliability Score: 5.0/5
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What Makes for an Ideal New First Car?
There’s not one perfect first car for everyone. Many variables make this a subjective topic. If you’re a teenager and your parents are buying your first car, the choice may be different than if you’re a college student investing in your own vehicle or even a college graduate venturing out into the world.
Your vehicle choice also depends on where you live, your financial situation, and your lifestyle. Perhaps fuel efficiency, state-of-the-art tech features, or eye-catching good looks top your list of must-haves? No matter which car you choose, a vehicle’s safety, reliability, and quality-to-value ratio are key ingredients in making a wise choice.
There are plenty of exceptional vehicles out there. However, finding the time to sift through all the reviews and data can prove difficult. We’ve ranked our best new first car choices based on a combination of each car’s overall U.S. News score, J.D. Power predicted reliability rating, base price, and costs of ownership. Whether you’re 16 or 23, there should be a car on this list that will suit your needs and priorities.
Remember that U.S. News scores are updated on a regular basis as new expert reviews and data come in. For this reason, the scores in this article may not match the scores in our new car rankings.
Continue reading to learn more about today’s best choices for a new first car.