Best Back to School Cars 2025: Family-Friendly Options

As the school year approaches, parents and students alike are searching for the perfect vehicle to handle daily commutes, carpools, and after-school activities. This article will highlight top rankings for the best back-to-school cars in 2025, helping you make an informed choice. Many of these vehicles are especially suitable for teens heading off to college, with a focus on safety and affordability.

Crossovers have become a popular choice for families and students due to their practicality, versatility, and ample passenger and cargo space. The model year 2025 brings updated features and safety improvements, making these vehicles even more appealing for a variety of lifestyles.

Today’s families need more than just a ride—they need safe cars for students, ample cargo space, and features that make the daily grind easier. Advanced safety technology in modern family vehicles plays a crucial role in protecting all passengers and preventing accidents. From minivans for back-to-school to compact SUVs for families, the right vehicle can help streamline your busy schedule. Families should prioritize the safest vehicles for students and new drivers to ensure maximum protection on the road.

Here are some of the top picks for family-friendly vehicles this school year, including winners of recent safety and performance awards.

These vehicles were selected based on high scoring in safety, reliability, and value.

Models like the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and Jeep Compass offer the perfect mix of fuel efficiency, compact size, and advanced safety tech—great for students or families with tight parking spots.

Options like the Dodge Journey and Hyundai Santa Fe give you the space you need without stretching the budget (prices are rounded to the nearest $100 for clarity). These SUVs are ideal for carpooling or sports gear hauling.

Many of these SUVs are currently on sale or have special promotions available today, making them even more affordable for families.

For families who need a bit more room without moving up to a full-size SUV, midsize SUVs are a smart choice. These vehicles strike a balance between generous cargo space, advanced safety tech, and a comfortable, upscale cabin—making them ideal for parents with growing kids and busy schedules. When shopping for midsize SUVs, it’s important to look for models that offer a strong combination of efficiency, performance, and the latest safety features.

The Honda Accord and Mazda CX-5 are standout options, praised for their good ratings, refined interiors, and efficient engines. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports, these midsize SUVs consistently score well in highway safety and reliability, giving parents peace of mind on every drive. Other top picks include the Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, and Subaru Ascent, all of which deliver a winning mix of space, tech, and family-friendly features. With so many great choices, shopping for a midsize SUV means you don’t have to compromise on safety, comfort, or style.

The Chrysler Pacifica and Toyota Sienna remain popular for a reason. With third-row seating, entertainment systems, and sliding doors, these minivans are perfect for larger families managing multiple schedules.

For high schoolers or college freshmen, compact cars like the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, or Ford Focus are known for their reliability, affordability, and excellent safety ratings. These cars offer balanced acceleration and power, making them manageable for new drivers. They are designed to limit excessive speed, which is especially important for teenagers and new drivers. These models have strong safety ratings for the driver, including good results in the driver side small overlap and original moderate overlap front crash tests. They have also been evaluated in original side impact and roof strength tests, ensuring comprehensive protection. NHTSA and IIHS safety ratings are important resources for parents of teenagers when choosing a vehicle. The emphasis on these safety features and crash test results is crucial for teenagers starting to drive.

When it comes to college life, students need a vehicle that’s as versatile as their schedule. Compact SUVs and small cars are among the best choices, offering a blend of efficiency, safety tech, and affordability that fits both campus life and weekend adventures. Models like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Mazda3 are favorites for their fun-to-drive nature, low cost of ownership, and impressive safety features.

Parents and students should consider not just the purchase price, but also ongoing costs like maintenance and insurance. Resources like IIHS and Consumer Reports are invaluable for comparing cars and SUVs on safety, reliability, and value. Other great options for college students include the Subaru Impreza, Hyundai Elantra, and Kia Forte, all of which offer a smart combination of safety, features, and efficiency. With the right vehicle, students can enjoy peace of mind and freedom on the road—without breaking the bank.

When shopping for a family or student car, look for:

• Top safety features: Automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring
• Fuel-efficient performance: Save money on daily commutes and on gas with hybrid or eco-friendly engines
• Cargo flexibility: Look for vehicles with large cargo space for backpacks, sports equipment, and weekend trips
• Third-row seating: Ideal for growing families or those with multiple drop-offs

These vehicles are often half the size or cost of large SUVs, making them more practical and affordable for students and families.

When deciding which vehicle to buy for the school year, consider your budget, safety needs, and how much space you really need.

SUVs like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Hyundai Palisade, and Honda Pilot stand out as some of the best SUVs for families in 2025, offering spacious cabins, modern tech, and robust safety scores. Large SUVs are generally not recommended for new drivers due to their size and handling challenges. The SUV segment is tough, with many strong contenders vying for the top spot.

Reliability and low maintenance costs are top priorities for new drivers and their families. Choosing a vehicle with a strong track record for dependability can help prevent unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports are excellent resources for researching which vehicles offer the best combination of safety tech, efficiency, and long-term performance.

Models like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are well-known for their reliability and affordable upkeep, making them smart picks for new drivers. Regular maintenance—such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake checks—not only extends the life of your vehicle but also helps keep drivers safe on the road. By prioritizing vehicles with good ratings for reliability and safety, parents and new drivers can enjoy worry-free driving and avoid accidents caused by mechanical issues.

Navigating vehicle insurance is an important step for families, especially when adding new drivers to the policy. Insurance costs can vary widely based on the driver’s age, experience, and the type of vehicle chosen. Parents should compare different insurance options to find the best coverage at the right cost, taking advantage of discounts for safe driving, good grades, or completion of driver’s education courses.

Choosing vehicles with strong safety records, as highlighted by IIHS and Consumer Reports, can also help lower insurance premiums. By selecting safe, reliable vehicles and understanding available insurance options, families can protect themselves financially while keeping costs manageable for new drivers.

Finding the perfect back-to-school vehicle means balancing safety, reliability, and affordability. Parents and students should start by researching vehicles that offer advanced safety tech, strong efficiency, and a reputation for performance. Compact SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are excellent choices, providing ample space, modern features, and top safety scores.

For those who prefer small cars, models like the Mazda3 and Subaru Impreza stand out for their fun-to-drive feel, fuel efficiency, and advanced tech. Using trusted resources like IIHS and Consumer Reports can help shoppers compare vehicles and make informed decisions. By focusing on the right combination of features, safety, and value, families can confidently choose a vehicle that will make the school year smoother and safer.

At Kunes, we know how important it is to keep your family safe and on schedule. That's why we offer a wide selection of reliable vehicles for school drop-off, best cars for college students, and family cars with third-row seating—all backed by great financing options and Kunes back-to-school vehicle deals.

Browse our inventory, schedule a test drive, or talk to our team about finding the perfect family vehicle for your needs.