Best Chevrolet Makes for College Students

College by Rusty Wallet is licensed with CC BY 2.0

Shopping for a new car can be a daunting situation for anyone, but it can be especially overwhelming for college students. Learning about the key features that students can benefit from and which vehicles offer these options can simplify the process and help you find a vehicle you want. Chevrolet has a big lineup of new and used cars of various makes and models that can equip you with what you need, whether you’re staying at the dorms or commuting to class. Let’s look at some of the best Chevrolet makes for college students.

What Do College Students Need in a Chevrolet?

College students need several things when shopping for a car. Money can get tight in college, so any ways to save money are worth exploring. For example, students can set themselves up to save at the pump with a fuel-efficient vehicle. Whether you’re commuting, visiting home on the weekends, or driving your car down for spring break, every cent matters.

Another key factor for college students looking for a Chevrolet could be safety. Many students are new to the road, and both traditional and modern safety features can help keep them safe on the road between classes or semesters. This can be important both for the student’s safety and to help parents feel more comfortable about their child’s well-being.

Finally, college students may be interested in seating and cargo space. A roomy interior can ensure that you have enough space for your roommates or all of the luggage you need to take to college.

Best Chevrolet Makes for College Students

With all of that in mind, here are some of the best Chevrolet makes for college students:

Equinox

The Chevy Equinox can be a great option for students who want a safe and comfortable mid-size SUV. Thanks to folding seats, the Equinox can provide up to 63.9 cubic feet of cargo space. There’s also hidden storage in the rear for sports equipment or cargo. Each Chevy also comes standard with the Safety Assist suite, which includes features like forward-collision alerts, lane-keep assistance, and parking assistance.

With the standard engine, you’ll get a fuel economy of 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on highway. You can get the most from each tank of gas with adaptive cruise control that automatically adjusts your speed depending on road conditions.

Cruze

The Chevy Cruz is a compact sedan that comes with a hatchback option. Although the Cruze has been discontinued as Chevy shifts its focus to its SUV and truck lineup, pre-owned models can still be a great option for college students. Fuel economy is key on this vehicle. With the gas engine, you can expect around 36 mpg, while the diesel-powered engine can keep you going with 52 mpg. Because the Cruze is a compact car, you might go with the hatchback to maximize storage space.

Traverse

The Chevy Traverse is a bigger SUV than the Equinox, with up to 98.2 cubic feet of cargo space and seating for up to eight passengers. You’ll also get hidden storage options and a power liftgate to help you easily load up. The Traverse has several driving modes, including a snow mode to keep you safe when driving in wintry conditions. If you’re looking for added style, the Traverse comes in a Midnight edition with a black metallic exterior and black grille for a sleek look.

Trax

The Trax is the smallest Chevy crossover and can be a more affordable option for college students. Still, you’ll find 48.4 cubic feet of storage space. For fuel economy, you’ll get a little less than the Equinox during city driving but up to 32 mpg when driving on highways. The Trax’s standard safety features include a high-strength steel safety cage and 10 airbags, but additional features, like blind-zone alerts and rear cross-traffic alerts, are available.

Malibu

The Malibu is a sedan that has a great combination of efficiency and features. You can load up to 15.7 cubic feet in the trunk and get up to 36 mpg on the highway. As a standard feature, the Malibu comes with teen driver technology that includes seatbelt warnings, speed alerts, and audio limits. You can also add on some higher-end features like lane-keep assist.

Spark

The Spark is a small hatchback that comes in several fun colors if you’re looking for a bright ride. For fuel economy, you’ll get 30 mpg in the city and up to 38 mpg on highways. Some models can even get up to 41 mpg on the highway. You’ll also find 27.2 cubic feet of storage space in this one. This basic and safe model has technology features that connect to your device and keep you plugged in while on the road.

What To Look for When Buying a Car

Buying a car, especially for college students, can be a new and challenging experience. It’s always important to shop around and know your options before jumping into the first car you like. Consider reviewing your budget to see what sort of monthly payments you may be able to afford and identify a few options that might work for you.

Thinking about what you want out of a car is equally as important. For example, you might want a car that can last you through your 20s. You might also have non-negotiable wishlist items, like excellent fuel economy or a sunroof, so exploring the dealership to see what matches your style and plans can help you find the car you want.

Now that you know a little more about the best Chevrolet makes for college students, you can stop by Eskridge Chevrolet to talk with our certified professionals. Before stopping in, you can check out our new inventory online and call us with any questions. Our Finance Center also has helpful resources that can assist you before you get into the store. For example, you might check out our payment calculator to see how much you can expect to pay with certain vehicles.