7 Top Car Picks for New Drivers in Crowded Cities
Driving in the city isn’t easy. Parking options are scarce and there’s often an insane amount of traffic. Certain cars are better for city life than others. With a compact size, city-friendly features, and enhanced maneuverability, our top car picks are good choices for urbanites. Whether you seek a compact car, hybrid, SUV or wagon, there’s something for you.
1. Jeep Wrangler
When people think of the Wrangler, they think of off-roading. But the Jeep Wrangler is well-suited for the city, too. Its heavy-duty suspension and tight turning radius more than qualify it. The Wrangler, which costs $28,295, has good visibility, and it can handle any weather conditions.
2. Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda Miata is peppy, with more than enough power to zip in and out of gaps in traffic. It’s easy to park and has a great infotainment system. At only 12.8 feet in length, there’s room for you and a friend even if it lacks cargo space. You can put down Miata’s top for skyline views. Did we mention it’s one of the most affordable sports cars at $25,730?
3. Volkswagen GTI
The Volkswagen GTI is designed for city life. Updated in 2018, the GTI is small and agile enough to navigate traffic. Its agile handling and lively acceleration make it fun. The interior makes for a comfy ride. At $27,595, it has one of the best warranties in its class and a solid safety score.
4. Honda Fit
At $16,190, the Honda Fit is fuel-efficient, with an upscale, roomy interior and a wealth of safety and tech features. Its fuel economy is great, too. Paired with a six-speed manual transmission, its 1.5-liter four-cylinder 130-hp engine gives you enough power to get around. It has 52.7 cubic feet of cargo space as well as Honda’s Magic Seats, which give you more storage space in a car that’s only 13.45 feet long.
5. Toyota Prius
If being green is important to you, you can’t go wrong with the Toyota Prius. It has the latest safety features and enough tech to keep you happy. There’s generous cargo space, too. With an above-average safety score, the Prius gets an impressive 54/50 MPG. On top of that, Toyota’s safety standards back it. You can get a Prius for $23,770.
6. Chevy Bolt EV
Yes, an all-electric vehicle made the list. The Chevy Bolt is pricey for its size, at $36,620. But its impressive features make it an ideal city car. An electric powertrain provides instant torque, so zipping through traffic is easier in the Bolt. Its electric range is impressive, at more than 200 miles on a full charge. Plus, it charges quickly. At only 13.7 feet long, it’s small but it has a spacious cabin.
7. Chevy Sonic
At $15,420, the Chevy Sonic is a versatile subcompact car. Available as a sedan or hatchback, the Sonic can navigate traffic easily but isn’t cramped. Although it has a basic interior, the car has a good infotainment system with a touchscreen and access to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.