Bristol area college students and graduates looking for a great starter car will benefit from Toyota’s build quality, reliability, safety, and affordable pricing. The best Toyota cars for graduates will vary depending on your taste and needs, but there’s something to suit every Tennessee driver in the diverse Toyota lineup.
In this guide, we explore the best cars for college students that offer sophisticated technology and convenience, affordable pricing, and world-class safety.
The 2025 Toyota Corolla
The 2025 Toyota Corolla is a favourite among Bristol-area drivers for its compact size, easy-to-drive nature, and affordable starting price. The stylish compact is cheap on gas too, with EPA ratings of up to 53/46/50 MPG city/highway/combined for the hybrid version.
The 1.8-liter 4-cylinder hybrid powertrain produces 138 HP and 105 lb-ft while achieving incredible fuel economy. With a slightly lower upfront price and a little more power, a peppy 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gas engine putting out 169 HP and 151 lb-ft of torque offers up to 32/41/35 MPG city/highway/combined.
The modern cabin is perfect for connected college students and graduates with features like a 10.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system complete with Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ connectivity.
The 2025 Toyota RAV4
College graduates who like to head out on weekend adventures or take a trip to the Pinnacle Mall will love the space and versatility of the capable 2025 Toyota RAV4. With ample seating for five passengers plus a roomy cargo area, the RAV4 is the original and arguably best compact SUV.
Available Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and a 203 HP 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine make the RAV4 a perfect companion for adventure during spring break.
The 2025 Toyota Prius
College graduates with a green streak will find the 2025 Toyota Prius a compelling option, thanks to its hybrid drivetrain and available Prius plug-in hybrid drivetrain that reduces emissions even further.
The 2025 Toyota Prius rewards drivers with up to 57 MPG in fuel efficiency and head-turning style, plus an agile and fun driving experience. You’ll also get a modern interior with premium materials and an available moonroof for that luxury feel.
Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0
The best starter cars are also the safest, and Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0 delivers new levels of peace of mind to the parents of college graduates. This sophisticated group of passive and active driver aids uses radar and cameras to offer helpful features like:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Blind-spot Detection
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Proactive Driving Assist (PDA)
Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) is just one of the groundbreaking ways Toyota offers the best cars for college students.
Toyota of Bristol Has the Best Cars for College Students

Ready to hit the road? Reward yourself for graduating by dropping into Toyota of Bristol to explore the lineup of used Toyota sedans, hatches, SUVs, and trucks.
Our experienced staff has a proud history of helping Kingsport area drivers find the perfect Toyota cars for their needs, and our expert finance department can help you find the best deals and rebates on new Toyota vehicles.
Test drive the best Toyota cars for graduates today at Toyota of Bristol.


