Buying your first new car can make for an intimidating experience. After all, the market is rife with options. And some of those options? They’re pretty appealing. But as appealing as those options may be, are they really the best new cars for first-time buyers? Maybe, maybe not. The good news is that Edmunds recently revealed its picks for the best first new cars for first-time buyers. Read on to find out which new cars made the cut.

The 2021 Kia Soul is one of the best first new cars

For first-time car buyers in the market for a small SUV, the 2021 Kia Soul is one of the best first new cars you can buy, Edmunds reports. Sure, its boxy shape makes it stand out from the crowd, but according to Edmunds, its distinctive profile works. Not only that, but the Kia Soul is extremely easy to get in and out of and offers a wealth of both passenger and cargo space.

A stylish exterior and spacious interior aren’t all that 2021 Kia Soul has going for it either. This year’s model also comes stocked with safety features when you upgrade to the Kia Soul S. Safety features include forward collision avoidance, lane keep assist, lane change assist, driver attention warning, blindspot collision warning, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist. With so many safety features to its name, it’s no surprise the IIHS named the Kia Soul a 2021 Top Safety Pick.

As for how much the 2021 Kia Soul costs? This year’s model is among the most affordable new cars under $20,000. In fact, at its cheapest, the 2021 model costs $17,590. However, that is with a manual transmission. With an automatic transmission, the cheapest Kia Soul will run you approximately $19,090. At its most expensive, the 2021 Kia Soul costs $27,650.

The 2021 Hyundai Veloster is a stylish pick for first-time buyers

Edmunds also chose the 2021 Hyundai Veloster as one of the best first new cars. Much like the 2021 Kia Soul, the 2021 Hyundai Veloster boasts a distinctive look that’s hard to miss. Further, according to Edmunds, its three-door hatchback layout makes it ideal for those in the market for a vehicle that boasts a “sporty, coupe-like appearance.” 

Perhaps what’s most enticing about the 2021 Hyundai Veloster is its available turbocharged engine, Edmunds reports. While its standard 147-hp engine certainly gets the job done, its available turbocharged engine delivers a thrilling 201-hp and “quick acceleration.” 

The 2021 Hyundai Veloster is a safe car too. In fact, this year’s model comes standard with driver-assist safety features like forward collision-avoidance assist, a driver’s blind spot mirror, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warnings. Similar to the Kia Soul, the 2021 Hyundai Veloster is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick. 

The 2021 Honda Accord is a sensible choice for first-time car buyers

Perhaps you’re more interested in buying a new sedan as your first car. The good news is that Edmunds selected the 2021 Honda Accord as one of the best first new cars for first-time car buyers, and for good reasons too. The 2021 Honda Accord starts at $24,970 and, according to Edmunds, is “roomy, upscale and enjoyable to drive.”

Edmunds isn’t the only one singing the 2021 Honda Accord’s praises, either. In fact, Consumer Reports ranks this year’s model as one of the best new midsized cars. The organization gave it an 84 overall score. It also gave it an 89 in road tests, adding that “The Accord strikes a happy compromise between sporty driving and family-friendly ride comfort.”

The 2021 Honda Accord is one of the safest new cars on the market today too. It comes standard with Honda Sensing, which includes safety features like a collision mitigation braking system, a road departure mitigation system, a lane-keeping assist system, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition. It’s also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.

The 2021 Toyota Venza is the best fuel-efficient SUV for first-time buyers

The 2021 Toyota Venza also landed a spot on Edmunds’ list of the best first new cars for first-time buyers. Though, it’s no surprise as to why. The 2021 Toyota Venza starts at $32,570 and comes equipped with a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain that delivers an EPA-estimated 40 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. According to the EPA, those ratings will save you approximately $2,750 in fuel costs over five years compared to the average new car.

The 2021 Toyota Venza is comfortable, too, Edmunds reports. Its front seats are as comfortable as they are supportive. Meanwhile, rear-seat passengers are treated to pretty comfortable seats as well. Further, the new hybrid SUV’s dual-zone climate control system provides “more than adequate cooling.”

As for how much this new hybrid SUV will cost you? As mentioned previously, the 2021 Toyota Venza starts at $32,570. Upgrading to the XLE will have you spending $36,100. At its highest price, this year’s new Toyota Venza will cost you approximately $39,900.

Which is the best new car for you?

Shopping for your first new car can be overwhelming. Fortunately, Edmunds’ list of the best first new cars for first-time buyers makes for an excellent place to start. Try taking each of these models for a test drive, and, chances are, you’ll find yourself behind the wheel of the best new car for satisfying all of your daily driving needs.