Best Small First Cars for Teens & New Drivers (13 Models)

ByWinston Davis

Compact vehicles are ideal for teenagers and new drivers because they are nimble, economical, and easy to drive.

These small first cars are some of the best in their respective segments.

small first cars

Small First Cars (Compact Sedan)

#1 Hyundai Accent

The extra-compact Hyundai Accent is unpretentious; it does what a great small first car should do, although it’s surprisingly more fun to drive than its price tag suggests.

While the vague steering is typical of its class, the Accent is agile and stable when negotiating turns, making it the perfect small first car for city driving.

The Hyundai Accent has many first-car traits for budget-minded young drivers:

  • Excellent fuel economy – leads the extra-small class with 32 to 36 mpg combined in the latest-generation Accent.
  • Solid build quality.
  • Sizable interior.
  • Comfortable and relatively quiet cabin for its size – road and engine noise only become elevated at highway speeds.
  • Pretty lively handling despite its lack of power.
  • Generous warranty coverage – a Hyundai hallmark.

A brand-new model starts below $17k, a remarkably affordable price for those shopping for a new first car – but it’s also a sure sign that you can get a used Hyundai Accent inexpensively; an eight-year-old model in good condition costs under $9k.

#2 Subaru Impreza

Mainstream cars under $20,000 typically have the less expensive front-wheel-drive as standard.

However, Subaru sets itself apart from other automakers by offering standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) across its lineup, bar the rear-wheel-power Subaru BRZ sports coupe.

If you want the AWD’s enhanced wet-weather grip and winter-driving capability in your small first car, the compact Subaru Impreza should top your list.

While AWD is the Impreza’s most notable draw, it has other strong traits:

  • Roomy cabin for the segment.
  • Relatively quiet and comfortable ride.
  • Reasonable fuel efficiency – unsurprising due to AWD.
  • Good all-around visibility – ideal for less experienced drivers.
  • An extensive list of available safety features.

It is available in the sedan and hatchback body styles – both Imprezas are solid first cars with impressive safety ratings.

#3 Kia Forte

Hyundai’s corporate cousin, Kia, is less recognizable than Honda and Toyota, but its vehicles are big on value.

Although earlier models were less refined, the latest-generation Kia Forte has risen through the ranks to become one of the better compact sedans.

It has a sharp-looking design, relatively engaging performance, and is feature-packed with many technology and safety aids for the money.

Its strong value proposition includes above-average fuel economy in the low to mid-30s-mpg for the latest Forte models and industry-best warranty coverage (like Hyundai) for less than the competition.

It’s one of the more popular first cars among budget-conscious youngsters.

Kia Forte hatchbacks were available up to 2018 before the third generation commenced production, a strong alternative for increased versatility.

Small First Cars (Hatchback)

#4 Honda Civic Hatchback

While the Honda Civic sedan is an excellent all-rounder and one of the best sedans for new drivers, the Civic Hatchback is one of the best, if not the best, hatchbacks.

Like the sedan body, the Civic Hatchback boasts impressive first-car qualities but with added versatility:

  • Outstanding fuel economy – up to 34 mpg overall, depending on the model year, a notch below the Honda Fit (later in this post).
  • Strong power from the turbocharged engine.
  • Sporty handling – super-fun to drive.
  • Spacious yet comfortable interior – top of the class at over 120 cubic ft.
  • Massive cargo capacity – the largest among hatchbacks; between 24.5 and 25.7 cubic ft., depending on the model year.
  • Extensive features list.
  • Rock-solid reliability.
  • Top-notch crash safety – multiple-time safety award winner.

A performance-focused Civic Type R – also a hatchback – is available for young drivers who desire something livelier yet friendly and practical.

#5 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

Like its famous arch-rival, the Honda Civic, Toyota also debuted a Corolla Hatchback in 2019.

However, while the Corolla sedan’s steering feels somewhat muted, the hatchback is perceptibly more engaging to drive with precise steering that allows the car to hold its line through the fast turns.

The Corolla Hatchback performs exceptionally well in most first-car aspects, except for some mediocrities:

  • Impressive fuel efficiency – 35 or 36 mpg overall, depending on the model year.
  • Good visibility – the low hood and generously-sized windows make seeing out easy.
  • Compliant ride – quiet interior and comfortable over long journeys.
  • Small cabin – the smallest among current hatchbacks.
  • Below-average cargo capacity – slightly smaller than the already-tiny Mazda 3.

But if you can live with a slightly tighter interior, the Corolla Hatchback will capably meet your first car needs with the famed Toyota durability and inexpensive upkeep.

#6 Mazda 3 Hatchback

Topping the list of fun-to-drive hatchbacks alongside the Civic Hatchback, the Mazda 3 is an exciting small first car for those who appreciate an engaging drive.

Sure, you pay slightly more than the average compact car, but the fun behind the wheel and upscale interior are worth the investment if you can afford the price tag.

The Mazda 3 Hatchback has the ingredients to offer an enjoyable time in a classy small first car:

  • Balanced yet precise handling – engaging to drive.
  • All-wheel-drive – optional but adds wet-weather capability for those living in snowy climes.
  • Powerful engine – above-average horsepower.
  • Small turning radius – one of the tightest-turning hatchbacks; ideal for zipping around town and maneuvering in tight parking spaces.
  • Premium-quality interior.

Besides the sporty driving dynamics, it has a sleek styling that appeals to the young crowd, with smooth, flowing lines in a little frame.

Notably, the Mazda 3 – both sedan and hatchback – is an attractive first car for female drivers.

Parents buying their teenager’s first car will appreciate the Mazda 3’s impeccable crash safety record; this small car won a string of Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) safety awards.

Although its fuel economy is mediocre for the segment, it is a worthy sacrifice of a few mpg in exchange for a lively yet remarkably safe small vehicle.

#7 Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen discontinued the regular Golf in the US market after 2021 (although the higher-performance versions live on), but it remains a compelling first car for college students and new drivers.

The design may feel a little dated, but its German-like interior quality and overall refinement will please many small first car shoppers.

The VW Golf brings many positives that include:

  • Supple ride – excellent comfort in a quiet cabin.
  • Torquey engine – more torque at lower rpm than other hatchbacks; only the Civic Hatchback can match this performance metric.
  • Reasonable fuel economy – 32 mpg average with the automatic and slightly higher with the manual.
  • Segment-average cabin and cargo space.

Young drivers exploring alternatives to the Honda Civic Type R hot hatch will find that Golf’s version of the Golf GTI and Golf R are worthy rivals.

Still, the standard VW Golf will satisfy most first car seekers.

#8 Honda Fit

Although Honda discontinued the Fit hatchback after 2020, it remains a solid option for new drivers after a used first car.

It’s an underrated model that garners less attention than the Civic hatchback and the best-selling CR-V SUV. However, the Honda Fit is versatile and offers arguably more first-car values than many newer hatchbacks still in production.

The compact Honda Fit has:

  • Superior fuel economy – its 36 mpg combined achievement matches other segment-leading gas-powered hatchbacks.
  • Voluminous cabin – only the Civic hatchback has a larger interior.
  • Exceptional cargo capacity – with the Magic Seats folded, you get a cavernous 52 cubic ft. of storage.
  • Extensive safety features – airbags, traction control, stability control, emergency brake system, and anti-lock brake system.
  • Reasonable ride comfort – not the most refined hatchback, but it will do for an economical city runabout.
  • Excellent visibility – thanks to the tall, squarish shape and slim pillars, seeing out of the Honda Fit is a breeze.

You can buy a 2007 pioneer model (in the US market) for under $6,000, a worthy purchase for a teenage driver considering it still returns close to 30 mpg overall.

Small First Cars (Extra-Small Crossover)

#9 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 crossover is a relatively new extra-small SUV that debuted in 2020, but it’s already among the best.

The CX-30 is about half-size larger than the older subcompact CX-3 (ideal for those who desire an even smaller crossover with slightly higher fuel efficiency).

The CX-30 is sporty, sophisticated, and has plenty of first-car qualities:

  • Many advanced driver aids and safety features are standard.
  • Sporty handling with excellent driving dynamics.
  • Sharp steering that provides a confidence-inspiring feel of the road.
  • Firm but comfortable ride – soaks up bumps and impacts well.
  • Quiet highway cruiser – admirable for its class.
  • Premium interior design and solid build quality.
  • Standard all-wheel drive – ideal for extra grip in slippery conditions; optional up to 2021, standard from 2022.
  • Commendable fuel economy – mid to high 20s mpg overall, depending on the model year and trim level.

Crucially, the Mazda CX-30 is one of the safest first cars despite its diminutive size.

It’s the total compact package with beautiful, modern styling that will appeal to many first-time drivers, particularly the fairer sex.

#10 Kia Soul

Besides wearing the least expensive price tag for an extra-small SUV, it is a value-for-money subcompact car and a cute SUV for teenagers.

The Soul is one of the attractive first cars for female drivers that drives as well as it looks.

It has several strong suits that attract budget-minded first-car shoppers:

  • Above-average handling abilities – economy doesn’t have to equal dull.
  • Boxy yet snazzy styling  – its unique look has broad appeal among the younger crowd.
  • Roomy interior – the squarish shape helps.
  • Excellent visibility – its crossover platform with elevated ride height and tall windows aid outward views, crucial for easy maneuverability and safety.
  • Good fuel economy – around 30-mpg overall, slightly less with the turbo engine.

It’s playful and affordable; a ten-year-old standard Kia Soul costs under $7,000 – an inexpensive small first car that’s fun to drive while being frugal.

#11 Hyundai Kona

The extra-small Hyundai Kona SUV is an excellent compact first car that delivers lots of value for its beginner-friendly price.

Its interior space is decently-sized – front, rear, and the trunk – but the Kona surpasses its diminutive rivals with:

  • Sporty and nimble handling – agile around town.
  • Strong fuel economy – class-leading 32 mpg combined with the base model; a couple of mpg less with the AWD.

For those who love the Kona’s design and desire an all-electric version, the Kona Electric’s 250-mile-plus range is an attractive option for an efficient first car.

Besides, it’s a cool-looking subcompact.

#12 Toyota C-HR

The Toyota C-HR is a half-hatchback half-subcompact-SUV with an innovative, attention-grabbing coupe styling.

Except for some flaws, the C-HR is a decent first car with eye-catching looks:

  • Sharp handling – fun to drive with a quick turn-in response and little body lean.
  • Segment-average gas mileage – around 30 mpg overall.
  • Many standard safety technology features.
  • Solid construction.
  • Stand-out design.
  • Firm but not unpleasant ride.
  • Subpar visibility – small windows and the swoopy styling hurt outward views; the elevated ride height reduces the disadvantage somewhat.

Overall, the C-HR is a modest choice and will suit teenagers who want an extra-small SUV that looks out of the ordinary.

#13 Honda HR-V

Less distinguished than its larger-but-still-compact sibling, the CR-V, the HR-V is a great SUV for college students who fancy the Honda badge on a smaller crossover body.

Like any SUV, the elevated seating position provides a better view of the road for a safer driver, significantly when changing lanes.

The Honda HR-V is a good choice for students and new drivers:

  • Plenty of cabin space – roomy front and back rows.
  • Excellent visibility – benefits less-experienced drivers for a safer driver.
  • Thrifty engine – 30 mpg average; slightly less in the all-wheel-drive model.
  • Impressive cargo capacity for the segment – 24 cubic ft. with the rear seats in place and close to 60 cubic ft. with them folded for big shopping trips.

The acceleration is lackluster, but its power will suffice for city driving and the occasional highway tour.

All-wheel-drive is optional, but the couple of thousand dollars upgrade is helpful for the mountain roads and the occasional wet weather.

References:

https://www.carsforsale.com/used-cars-for-sale

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/

https://www.carmax.com/