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3 Vehicles for New College Grads

A recent college grad driving a black Jeep Wrangler on an off-road path near Wichita, KS

College is a uniquely exciting time in a person's life. Away from your parents and everything that represented your childhood, it's the first time you truly feel independent. But in order to really be free, you need to be able to freely travel wherever you want to. Any of these vehicles will help you achieve that and much more as you enter the working world and need safe, reliable transportation for both work and leisure activities.

1. Chevrolet Cruze

If you asked recent college graduates what they want in a vehicle, most would answer that it has to be affordable, fuel-efficient, and large enough to fit a few of their friends, and it needs to have the right technology for seamless smartphone connectivity. The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze ticks all these boxes and much more, proving to be one of the best choices for a new college grad.

Although it's classified as a compact car, the Cruze's interior has plenty of room for all passengers. Its turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine's 153 horsepower won't break any records, but it's more than enough for both city and highway traffic. It also provides the fuel efficiency a college grad with a tight budget definitely needs. Even the basic trim is well-equipped from a tech standpoint, with a 7-inch touch screen, four-speaker audio system, and plenty of smartphone connectivity options, such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB ports.

2. Fiat 500

The Fiat is an Italian beauty that's ideal for those college grads who just want a vehicle that's easy to maneuver and park in city traffic. This stylish two-door subcompact car was specially designed for cramped and crowded European cities, so you can be sure you'll never have any trouble squeezing through traffic or parking it. The tradeoff is that you won't be able to fit all your friends in there, but its size and design make it ideal for a romantic getaway.

Although the 500's interior has a classic feel, that doesn't mean it lacks any of the technology a college grad needs. The Uconnect infotainment system is easy to control with the help of a 5-inch touch screen, while the six-speaker Alpine audio system will deliver excellent sound.

3. Jeep Wrangler

College years are about exploring life and having fun, and there's no car out there that makes exploration as much fun as the Jeep Wrangler. This midsize SUV always had exceptional off-road qualities, but it has also immensely improved its on-road comfort over the years. The result is a car that can smoothly take you to class every day but can also join you on unforgettable adventures every weekend. Whether you take it to the beach or on a rocky mountain trail, any Wrangler trim has enough off-road capability to get you there and back safely.

Even the most basic Wrangler has an electric soft top, removable doors, and a fold-down windshield, further enhancing the off-road experience and helping you and your friends have adventures you'll always remember.

Your college years were a special period in in your life, with plenty of learning opportunities and fun experiences. Whether you'd like a small car that you can park everywhere, a brawny off-roader to take you on new adventures, or simply an affordable car that can fit all your friends, one of these three vehicles is perfect for you as you put college behind you.

Image via Jeep.com

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