10 Best Cars For College Students, Subaru Crosstrek Is Trekking-Fun

There are so many models to choose from; where do you start? 

There are many good cars and SUVs for college students, how do you find the best? Kelly Blue Book (KBB), a respected auto resource, gives its ten best new and the ten best used model picks. 

I'll explain why the Subaru Crosstrek is on both lists and why it's the best choice for many college students. First here and are KBB's top picks this year. 

KBB says, "There are many variables to weigh when picking any car, let alone one for a college student. The process can be overwhelming. We started with a price ceiling of $30,000. That may seem high, but we wanted to include some new models. You can find several picks among our used cars that cost much less than that ceiling."

The Subaru Crosstrek's unique position on both the best new and used vehicle lists makes it a top choice for college students. 

KBB's 10 Best New Cars and SUVs for College Students

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

What does KBB say about the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek?

Starting Price: $26,540 | Rating: 4.6

KBB says, "Redesigned for 2024, Subaru's go-anywhere Crosstrek comes standard with all-wheel drive backed by a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Fuel economy is a respectable 29 mpg combined, or 27 with the Wilderness trim. We like the Crosstrek for its Symmetrical all-wheel drive, better-than-average resale value, and solid fuel economy."

"Every Crosstrek includes Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. It also comes with forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert is optional or standard on upper trim levels. Connectivity includes dual 7-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto (wireless is an option), Bluetooth connectivity, and hands-free phone integration."

KBB's 10 Best Used Cars and SUVs for College Students Under $20,000

• 2015-2018 Toyota Camry
• 2016-2017 Honda Accord
• 2017-2019 Toyota Corolla
• 2015-2018 Mazda CX-5
• 2012-2017 Toyota Prius
• 2014-2016 Toyota RAV4
• 2015-2016 Honda CR-V
• 2016-2018 Subaru Crosstrek
• 2016-2018 Mazda3
• 2016-2018 Honda Civic

What does KBB say about the 2016-2018 Subaru Crosstrek?

Price: $12,000-$17,000 | Rating: 4.4-4.7

KBB says, "In 2016, the Subaru Crosstrek dropped the "XV" from its name and received updated styling. This subcompact SUV has impressive ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive, a combination that's tailor-made for weekend adventure as well as all-season safety. Adding to the safety quotient is the Crosstrek's Top Safety Pick+ rating for the 2016 model year, along with a Top Safety Pick rating for 2017." 

"These years provided blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and EyeSight safety tech. Its diminutive size makes parking on campus or in the city easy. The Crosstrek was all-new for 2018. While this model year costs more, it has standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, more safety features, and refinement."

Crosstrek offers something for everyone. 

KBB says, "Chances are a young adult heading to college will still rely on family to some degree, at least for financial support. Though not always the case, more often than not, it is. So, car buying will be somewhat of a balancing act between what your student wants and what the family, maybe already stretched thin by college expenses, can afford. Everyone involved should be ready for some compromise."

New or used, here are three reasons why your parents will love the Crosstrek. 

1. Low maintenance costs.

The Crosstrek's low maintenance costs mean that when your vehicle needs regular maintenance or if it breaks down, the financial burden on your parents will be significantly reduced, making it a cost-effective choice. 

According to the Vincentric Best Fleet Value In America 2018 awards, Subaru scores big. The 2018 Subaru Outback wins in the Mid-Size SUV/Crossover category, the Crosstrek scores the best Compact SUV/Crossover, and the Impreza Compact takes home the best Compact Hatchback. Read my complete report here. 

2. Top safety scores

The Subaru Crosstrek has consistently earned the top safety scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Crosstrek gets the Top Safety Pick award and five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 

You can find out more about Subaru Crosstrek's EyeSight safety tech in my report here. 

3. The best resale value

In  KBB's 2024 Best Resale Value Awards: Top Cars, Trucks, and SUVs, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is KBB's best Subcompact SUV. Check out my report here for more information.

What does it mean for you?

If you plan on keeping your new car for 3-5 years, depreciation (loss of value) is typically your primary expense during ownership. It shows shoppers which vehicle will be the best in terms of resale value.

KBB's Best Resale Value Awards recognize 2024 model-year vehicles for their projected retained value through the initial five-year ownership period. These latest KBB accolades for the Subaru Crosstrek let consumers know it will keep its value better than the other subcompact SUVs. 

KBB says, "When picking a car, remember that it may also need to continue as the primary mode of transportation after college and into the first few years of building a career. Put a little time into thinking about what that may look like regarding the cost of ownership, commuting needs, and lifestyle."

Speaking of lifestyle, Is yours active?

New or used, here are three reasons why you will love the Crosstrek.

1. Crosstrek is for trekking fun.

The Crosstrek sits 8.7 inches off the ground for clearing rocks on the trail and snow on the street. You won't be sitting in your dorm room on weekends. You'll be out having fun with your friends.  

2. Standard all-wheel-drive

All Crosstrek trims come standard with Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive tech. It will get you back to the campus safely when encountering severe weather. 

3. Hatchback and SUV utility

You can load all your cargo in the back or on top of the Crosstrek. The small SUV has extra cargo room when you fold the rear seats flat. You can also carry a cargo carrier, mountain bike, kayak, or snowboard on the standard roof racks. 

Whether you buy a new or a used Subaru Crosstrek, it is the best choice for college students with active lifestyles. Your parents will like the low maintenance, safety, and resale value. You'll love it because it's a trekking-fun small SUV. 

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Tucson Subaru