When determining the best car for a new driver, there are many factors, one being living in New Jersey. Our state is great for so many reasons, however, ease of driving is not one of them.
From less than smooth roadways to excessive traffic, to aggressive drivers, New Jersey is not new driver-friendly, so the car you choose needs to be.
We’ve outlined several cars that are ideal for new drivers in NJ. These cars have preferable safety ratings, core safety features, offer a smooth ride, have been proven to be reliable and offer good ride comfort, and they look cool too.
#1 The Kia Soul
Well appointed and well-priced. The Kia Soul is a joy to drive, has cargo room for days, incredible interior space, standard safety features, and is one of the most affordable SUVs on this list of Nielsen's best vehicles for a new driver!
Kia has outdone themselves; they may have created the best car for a new driver in the history of drivers. This spunky crossover does not disappoint.
From the Driver’s Point of View
A huge 10-plus-inch touchscreen display showcases everything you need at a glance. Simple controls allow a new driver to keep their eyes on the road, but with the available Harman Kardon® Premium Audio System w/ subwoofer, they can enjoy the drive with their favorite mix.
Interior that’s Built for Comfort
Available options on the Kia Soul include an enhanced and stylized GT-Line interior, power sunroof, 10-way power driver’s seat, dual climate control, and more. On the topic of the interior, this crossover has an SUV-like cargo room, so fitting in almost anything is a breeze, even with multiple passengers.
New Drivers Need Safety Features
We get better the more we drive, but you can rest a little easier knowing that the Kia Soul is looking out for your new driver on New Jersey’s hectic roads. Standard auto emergency braking, blind-spot collision warning and avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic assist, lane keeping assist, and lane following are all available to help New Jersey’s new drivers and their passengers get where they’re going safe and sound.
Confidence in Purchasing
The Kia Soul is backed by Kia’s industry-leading 10-year, 100,000-mile limited warranty so you can buy and drive with confidence. Visit our Kia dealership in New Jersey to experience the excellence of the Kia Soul for your self, and even take a test drive!
#2 The Nissan Sentra
Is there a car in the best car for new drivers that is more iconic or rich in history in NJ than the Nissan Sentra? – No, there is not. What’s the most popular thing you’ll hear when you buy a Nissan Sentra? “My first car was a Sentra too!” #SENTRAPRIDE
The Nissan Sentra has been a go-to vehicle for new drivers for decades. New drivers in NJ have always loved the Sentra. From styling to reliability, the Nissan Sentra is, hands down, a must-drive for any new driver in NJ.
But rest assured, this is not your parents' Nissan Sentra by any stretch. Nissan has stepped up year-over-year and improved the iconic Sentra’s styling, giving it a sports car feel while maintaining comfort and safety.
Speaking of Safety
Full of all the features that are a must-have for a car for a new driver, the Nissan Sentra includes emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert (great for backing out of tight parking spots at NJ malls), blind spot warning, lane departure warning, and high-beam assist, all standard.
Safety and Information in the Palm of your Hand
The MyNISSAN App provides easy access to emergency response services, remote connectivity features, customizable alerts, and more, help can be as close as your compatible smartphone.
A Premium Feel Without a Premium Price
With available features like a heated steering wheel and a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, maybe you’ll miss the exit on your way home to extend your ride a little longer. Luxurious interior options are available to enhance comfort and style.
To get a better feel for the Sentra, vistit or Nissan dealership in Stanhope, NJ or our Nissan dealership in Denville, NJ. Browse our inventory, take a test drive, and fall in love with what will surely be your first new car!
#3 The Mitsubishi Mirage and Mitsubishi Mirage G4
A reliable and affordable car
The Mitsubishi Mirage comes in two models, a hatchback and a sedan. Both Mirage models offer amazing reliability, features, and comfort, as well as must-have safety features and a long list of options.
The Mirage is one of the smaller vehicles in the list of best cars for new drivers in NJ. It comes with some benefits like best-in-class gas mileage that lets your new driver save for the future rather than stopping at the pump. The smaller footprint allows for increased maneuverability with a very competitive turning radius.
Inside the Car
The interior space is surprisingly large, with plenty of headroom and seating for five. The cargo area on the hatchback or sedan is very versatile, with fold-down seats that allow the Mirage to haul a lot of stuff to and from anywhere.
Confidence for the Long Haul
The Mitsubishi Mirage has a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, a 2-year/30,000-mile limited maintenance program, and a 5-year roadside, that’s worth considering when choosing a car.
Let’s Talk Safety
For a compact car, the Mitsubishi Mirage is big on safety, with options for a plethora of features. From a reinforced impact safety evolution (RISE) body to 7 (yes 7) airbags, a rear-view camera system, and active stability control that helps keep the car stable when the road is slippery. Forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection is available, as well as lane departure warning and automatic high beams.
The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 has some exclusive styling features only available on the G4, such as alloy wheels, special colors and finishes, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and some other trim options. However, both The Mirage and the Mirage G4 are excellent choices and worthy of being named the best car for any new driver in NJ (and beyond).
#4 Chevy Malibu
The Chevy Malibu is the largest overall vehicle on the list and dips a toe into the mid-sized category, which, for a new driver, more metal equals more protection. The Chevy Malibu also comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist, a world-class safety system.
LED headlamps are a nice feature to light up the road on dark nights, especially on those NJ side roads that don’t have streetlights. We also like the fact that it comes with 19-inch wheels which makes the ride smoother and allows the car to better handle the inevitable bumps of the roads of New Jersey.
The Cool Factors
The Malibu isn’t short of tech, with multiple USB ports for charging, standard remote start for cold and hot days, available Google built-in for maps, and even Google Assistant. The myChevrolet app gives you access to features and even location. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are on the list of must-haves for new drivers.
Affordable
The Malibu is budget friendly as well, from 28/36 MPG city/highway to an attractive starting price. The Malibu is a solid choice to be the first vehicle for any new NJ driver.
Quick Links for your Search for the Best Cars for a New Drivers in NJ
​Nielsen Editorial is a division of Nielsen Automotive Group. All content is for editorial purposes only. Any reference to pricing, vehicle features, availability, programs, specials, etc., are for editorial purposes only and are non-binding. Dealerships (Nielsen and others) are not bound by or obligated to any claims, monetary or otherwise, within these articles. Articles are for reference purposes only. For specific questions about new cars in New Jersey, used cars in New Jersey, or other automotive, vehicle, or financial-related questions, contact the Nielsen Automotive Group directly.
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