15 Best Vehicles for Young Professionals

2021 Honda Civic
The 2021 Honda Civic is one of the affordable and fuel-efficient cars on the list. American Honda Motor Co., Inc

Whether you are buying your first new car or the first car you've ever bought with your own money, the purchase process is a big undertaking and probably the most expensive decisions you have ever made.

Newsweek has compiled a list of the best cars, trucks, and SUVs for young professionals that takes into account price, fuel efficiency, passenger space, technology and appearance.

Each vehicle on this list comes with standard or available Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Acura ILX

2022 Acura ILX
The 2022 Acura ILX, the least expensive vehicle in Honda's premium lineup starting at $26,500. American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

For those looking for a premium car on a budget the Acura ILX may be what you are searching for. The ILX offers a blend of luxury and sportiness, with standard heated seats, a sunroof along with driver safety features such as lane trace assist, forward collision warning and driver alertness monitoring.

Hyundai Tucson

2021 Hyundai Tucson
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson $23,700. Hyundai Motor America

This compact SUV has enough space to pack in a few friends or your four-legged companion comfortably. The recently redesigned Hyundai Tucson is fuel-efficient and a delivers smooth ride for commuters. A hybrid model is available that doesn't just offer a better fuel efficiency, but also peppier take off. Additionally, the Tucson has an array of desirable standard and available safety features including lane trace assist, forward collision warning, and driver alertness monitoring.

Subaru Outback

2021 Subaru Outback
The 2021 Subaru Outback starts at $26,795. Subaru of America, Inc.

The Subaru Outback appeals to the outdoorsy young professional with its adventure-ready appearance, standard all-wheel drive and cargo-friendly cabin. Its roomy interior makes the Outback perfect for a weekend getaway with friends and its fuel efficiency makes it appropriate for the transition to your daily commute. Starting with the 2021 model year, the Subaru Outback now comes standard with adaptive headlamps and a rear seat reminder system.

Ford Escape

2021 Ford Escape
The 2021 Ford Escape starts at $25,555. Ford Motor Company

The Ford Escape is great option for weekend adventurers with a regular commuting schedule. Available in hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains along with a traditional internal combustion engine variant, this fuel-efficient compact SUV offers a good amount of passenger and cargo space. The Escape comes standard with two USB ports, a 12-volt outlet, six cup holders and Ford Co-Pilot360 safety and driver assist technology.

Tesla Model 3

Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is the most popular electric car in the world starting at $43,990. Tesla, Inc.

If you're looking for budget-friendly electric vehicle, the 2021 Tesla Model 3's base model may fit the bill. The least expensive version of the Model 3 has rear-wheel drive and an estimated all-electric range of up to 267 miles. Long Range and Performance versions are available for a higher price.

Honda Civic

2021 Honda Civic
The 2021 Honda Civic starts at 21,250. American Honda Motor Co., Inc

The Honda Civic is a low frills car whose price point makes it ideal for someone who is still paying off student loans. This small car comes standard with a 7-inch infotainment touch screen, satellite radio and speed-sensitive volume compensation. Opting for a higher grade will get you heated seats, a fully digital driver information screen and navigation. The Civic also offers plenty of standard driver assist features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

Kia Forte

2021 Kia Forte
The Kia Forte is the automaker's best-selling car starting at $19,090. Kia America

The 2021 Kia Forte is a value-focused, budget-friendly option. Not only is the Forte fuel efficient, it offers a long list of standard features, including an 8-inch infotainment touch screen. The 2021 Forte also comes standard with lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, driver monitoring, and forward collision warning safety and driver assist features.

Genesis G70

2022 Genesis G70
Starting at $37,525, the luxury sedan is the cheapest in the Genesis lineup. Genesis Motor North America

The 2021 Genesis G70 offers the luxury of a sports sedan for an affordable price. The cabin comes with a standard heated steering wheel and front seats. The G70 also comes standard with several safety and driver assist features including lane trace assist, forward collision warning, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic assist.

Nissan Sentra

2021 Nissan Sentra
The 2021 Nissan Sentra starts at $19,510. Nissan North America

The 2022 Nissan Sentra is a predictably reliable, fuel-efficient small car that is an excellent option for someone looking for a blend of safety features, comfort and convenience at an affordable price. The Sentra comes standard with remote keyless access, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, and rear automatic braking.

Toyota Prius Prime

2021 Toyota Prius Prime
The 2021 Toyota Prius Prime starts at $28,220. Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.

The 2021 Toyota Prius Prime is the only member of the Prius family you can get with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, meaning that it has the capability to run on all-electric power as well as a traditional hybrid that uses gasoline.

The Prius Prime boasts solid fuel efficiency and comes standard with heated front seats, automatic climate control and remote keyless entry. The models also comes with several standard active safety features including road sign recognition and pedestrian and bicycle detection.

Volkswagen Passat

2021 Volkswagen Passat
The 2021 Volkswagen Passat has a starting MSRP of $23,995. Volkswagen AG

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat boasts a comfortable ride and spacious back seat for some passengers or a four-legged companion. Every model comes with a solid roster of driver assists and infotainment features that includes automated emergency braking and blind spot monitoring.

Jeep Wrangler

2021 Jeep Wrangler
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler starts at $28,870. Stellantis

The Jeep Wrangler is a popular vehicle for off-road adventuring. The Wrangler comes standard with automatic air conditioning and power-operated windows but also features a removable roof and doors. Opting for a higher grade will land buyers with a infotainment touch screen with navigation and a Wi-Fi hot spot.

Subaru Forester

2021 Subaru Forester
The 2021 Subaru Forester starts at $24,795. Subaru of America, Inc.

Like much of the Subaru lineup, this standard all-wheel drive Forester compact SUV fits the description for an adventurer's ideal ride. The Subaru Forester has several standard safety driver assist technologies via its EyeSight safety system. Subaru made adaptive LED headlamps and automatic high beams standard across the Forester lineup starting in 2021.

Kia K5

2021 Kia K5
The Kia K5 starts at $23,590. Kia America

The spacious and sporty Kia K5 is a great car to pack a group into comfortably. The cabin flaunts plenty of legroom and generous trunk space making it a useful alternative to the increasingly popular crossover SUVs. This large sedan has standard wireless connectivity for your smart devices and satellite radio. Kia offers standard lane trace assist, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic assist and driver alertness monitoring for the K5.

Hyundai Elantra

2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid starts at 23,550 Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai completely redesigned the Elantra for 2021 so the four-door car now comes complete with modern exterior and interior styling, and more advanced technology features than before including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind spot warning and rear automatic braking. The Elantra is also offered as a hybrid and in a performance-focused N variant.

Ford Maverick

2022 Ford Maverick
The Ford Maverick name received a new model for 2022 after the classic 1970-77 Ford Maverick two-door sedan and starts at just $19,995. Ford Motor Company

The Ford Maverick is the brand's first standard hybrid pickup truck. It is highly customizable, comes equipped with a modern cabin with desirable technology and boasts excellent fuel economy. The pickup also comes with a suite of standard safety features including pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking and automatic high beams.

Subaru Crosstrek

2021 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek starts at $22,245. Subaru of America, Inc.

The Subaru Crosstrek can comfortably fit four adults in its spacious cabin thanks to plenty of rear leg- and headroom. The compact SUV has several standard safety features such as automatic pre-collision braking, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control.

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