If you’re a first-time driver, it’s difficult to find the right car for you. You’ll probably want a car with plenty of tech and features and something that isn’t too expensive to run. At the same time, most new drivers will have a lower budget, so cost is everything.
With the rise of smaller SUV models and crossovers, there are plenty of great choices if you’re a first-time driver. We’ve put together our favorite models below, covering their features, their costs, and some of their shortcomings.
Let’s get started!
Mazda CX-30 S: From $22,950
- 191 bhp
- 33 Combined MPG
- Best Feature: an 8.8-inch central display
First up is the latest Mazda CX-30. The compact SUV starts at $22,950, and for that, you get a surprisingly punchy engine and plenty of tech features. Let’s start by talking about the performance…
The CX-30 S trim (the entry-level) is powered by a 2.5-liter engine, producing 191 bhp. For a first-time driver, that’s more than enough power, and you should still get over 30 mpg combined, so it’s economical too. All-wheel drive is standard too, so you can be sure the CX-30 can handle trickier road conditions.
The CX-30 is one of the best-looking crossovers on sale today, but it sacrifices some visibility as a result. If you’re worried about safety though, you’ll be pleased to know the CX-30 scored 5/5 on the Euro NCAP safety test. In fact, with 99/100 scored on adult occupant safety, it’s a great pick for new drivers.
The S-trim may be the entry-level model, but you still get a host of features here. Apple CarPlay & Android Auto are included as standard, along with an 8.8-inch central display. As this is the entry model, you are missing some features, such as wireless charging, which is a $295 option here. At $25,250, the S Select trim adds upgraded climate control and larger alloy wheels.
Overall, with more than enough power and a great design, the CX-30 will be a popular choice for new drivers looking for an SUV. Cost-wise, this isn’t the cheapest car on our list, and the insurance is on the high side, but the CX-30 is definitely worth a look.
Hyundai Kona SE: From $22,140
- 147 bhp
- 30 Combined MPG
- Best Feature: Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
Next up, we have the Hyundai Kona. Starting in SE trim at just over $22,000, the Kona isn’t as exciting as other cars in the current Hyundai lineup, but it’s a solid choice for newer drivers.
Performance in the Kona SE comes from a 4-cylinder, 2.0L naturally aspirated engine with 147 bhp. This makes the Kona feel underpowered, but if we are honest, it’s probably ideal for drivers with less experience. Combined fuel economy should be comfortably above 30 mpg too, so owning one of these won’t break the bank.
If the power doesn’t impress you, the Kona’s design should. On the outside, you have a wide range of colors to choose from, and although there’s slightly too much plastic on show, this is still a good-looking SUV. Inside the Kona, it’s a bit underwhelming, but there is plenty of space in the front and rear, which is surprising considering the Kona’s size.
As the base model you don’t get everything on the SE trim, but there are enough standard features to justify the price tag. You have an 8-inch central touchscreen here and wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto. Hyundai has included some impressive safety features too, with a reversing camera as standard and forward collision avoidance assist tech. All-wheel drive is an extra though, at $1,500.
Overall the Kona is an exciting presence on the road but underwhelming to drive. There’s more than enough technology here, and the Hyundai extended warranty definitely helps, which are all advantages for a first-time driver. This is also the least expensive car to insure on this list, although the difference is minimal.
Kia Seltos LX: From $23,340
- 146 BHP
- 34 Combined MPG
- Best Feature: 17-inch Alloys
Our next SUV for first-time drivers is the Kia Seltos. In the base LX spec, this car starts at $23,340, making it the most expensive SUV we’ve seen so far. For that money, you get an impressive range of safety features and technology but underwhelming power and design choices.
Starting with the engine, you have 146 bhp available in the LX model. As part of the Hyundai motor group, it’s no surprise that the Seltos shares an engine with the Kona, and mpg figures are roughly the same, at around 34 combined.
Design-wise, we were disappointed to see a lack of exterior colors available on the Seltos LX. More options are available at higher specs, but if you’re a new driver you’ll want to keep costs down here. The styling on the Seltos is more aggressive than the CX-30 or the Kona, which will appeal to some drivers.
Like its Hyundai sibling, you get plenty of tech in the Seltos LX. Apple & Android connectivity is standard, along with a variety of driver assistance tech. Upgrading to the S trim gets you a few extra features, such as heated seats and remote start.
Overall, the Kia is a solid choice for new drivers, but its higher price might put some off. Insurance costs for the Seltos are the second cheapest on this list (behind the Kona), which will help to offset the higher price tag.
Hyundai Venue SE: From $19,500
- 121 bhp
- 31 Combined MPG
- Best Feature: Great choice of colors
Next up we have another Hyundai, the Venue. Starting at just under $20,000, this is the least expensive SUV on this list, so already we’re on to a great start for new drivers. So with this price saving, what are you missing out on if you choose a Venue?
The first area where we see that cost saving is performance. With only 121 bhp, this isn’t a quick vehicle by any standards, and the combined 31 MPG isn’t impressive compared to other cars here. For first-time drivers, you don’t need a lot of power, but you’ll feel the difference between this and models like the CX-30.
Moving onto the design, the Venue has an interesting exterior look, with plenty of colors available on the SE model. The standard 15-inch alloys look a little strange, even on a small SUV like this, but it means tires will be cheaper on the Venue. This is the smallest car on this list, so don’t expect to carry 5 occupants and a lot of storage.
Tech and features are surprisingly strong here. You get wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto and an 8-inch touchscreen, along with a reversing camera. The SE trim also includes most of the Hynudai driver assistance tools, including collision avoidance assist and lane keeping assist.
Overall, the $19,500 price tag is incredibly appealing for new drivers, but we’d look at upgrading to the SEL trim. At $21,500 you get 17-inch alloy wheels and a power sunroof, which are huge improvements to the Venue. If you’re after a budget option though, the Venue SE is still a great choice for first-time drivers.
Kia Niro Hybrid LX: From $26,950
- 139 bhp
- 48 Combined MPG
- Best Feature: The hybrid engine
Our most expensive SUV on this list is the Kia Niro Hybrid. We wanted to include at least one hybrid option, and the Niro is one of the best small SUVs out there, so it was a perfect fit. But at nearly $27,000, is this a better choice than the cars we’ve seen so far?
Performance in the Niro LX trim comes from a 1.6L engine and hybrid motor, putting out 139 bhp. We expected more from this setup, but you can’t argue with the combined 48 mpg, which was always going to be this car’s strength.
Design-wise the Niro feels like a Kia – it will split opinions, but for us, it’s a more interesting design than most small SUVs. Like some cars on this list, there’s too much black plastic on the body panels – great for protection, but it makes the Niro feel less expensive. The LX trim does come with 16-inch alloy wheels though, which feel right for a car this size. There are a few solid color choices, with more available at higher spec levels.
Inside the Niro, it’s spacious enough, with plenty of tech. The central infotainment screen on the LX model looks a bit out of place in a housing that’s clearly made for a larger screen, though. Upgrading to the EX model gets you an upgraded 10.25-inch touchscreen, which is a major change. As always though you get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all Niro models.
Overall, the extra price tag is only justified by that improved fuel economy – there isn’t a lot the Niro does that we haven’t seen from the other SUVs on this list. That doesn’t make the Niro a bad car for first-time drivers though. At just under $30,000 the EX trim is going to be the popular choice, but new drivers will be happy with the tech and performance of the LX model.
Nissan Kicks S: From $20,440
- 122 bhp
- 34 Combined MPG
- Best Feature: Plenty of driver assistance tech
Our final SUV for first-time drivers is the Nissan Kicks. In S trim this crossover starts at just over $20,000, and although it falls short in some areas, there’s a lot to like here.
Starting with the performance, you get a 1.6L engine with 122 bhp. The Kicks is only front-wheel drive, so you’ll have to look elsewhere if you want that extra practicality, but you will be pleased with the fuel economy numbers. At a combined 34 mpg it won’t win any awards, but the Kicks is able to compete with the best ICE cars on this list.
Design-wise, the S trim model suffers from the same issues as other models we’ve covered. There’s a lack of color options (electric blue is our pick), and the 16-inch alloy wheels look too small on this SUV. Interior choices are even more limited, with just one color for the cloth seats. It’s easy to argue you should expect this on a $20,000 car, but some optional colors would be a welcome sight.
The Kicks continues Nissan’s reputation for generosity when it comes to features and tech. The 7-inch touchscreen is underwhelming, but the selection of driver assistance tech is excellent. Apple CarPlay & Android Auto are included as standard, although S trims miss out on the impressive Bose Speaker System.
Overall, the Kicks S represents excellent value for money if you’re on a budget, but you’ll need to pay for higher trim levels to get the very best out of this car. Still, for just over $20,000, this is a capable SUV for new drivers, even if it struggles to stand out from the competition.
Summary
Overall, each of these SUV models is a great choice for first-time drivers. We can’t pick one overall winner here, but if you’re looking for the best SUV in each category:
- Best Value: Hyundai Venue
- Best MPG: Kia Niro Hybrid
- Lowest Insurance: Hyundai Kona
- Most Power: Mazda CX-30
- Best Interior: Hyundai Kona
- Best Exterior: Kia Seltos
Thanks for reading – if you want to find out more about some of the SUVs on this list, check out our other articles below:
Which Hyundai Models Have Ventilated Seats?
