First-Time Buyer? These SUVs Are Madefor New Drivers

Shopping for your first SUV? Explore the safest, most affordable options for young drivers, from the Nissan Rogue to subcompact models, perfect for Texas roads.

Buying your first SUV should be an exciting experience, not an overwhelming one. Whether you’re a student headed to campus, a young adult starting a new job, or a parent helping your teen take the wheel for the first time, choosing the best SUV for a first car means finding something safe, affordable, and easy to drive.

At Hicks Family Nissan, we believe the best SUV for young adults blends technology, practicality, and peace of mind into one fun-to-drive package. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of our top picks for the best first SUV, all with the right mix of features, fuel economy, and advanced safety features designed for new or teen drivers alike.

Nissan Rogue: Smart Safety and Everyday Practicality

The Nissan Rogue checks every box for drivers shopping for their best first SUV. It’s easy to drive, full of driver-assist tech, and roomy enough to grow with any lifestyle, from commuting to loading up for a weekend road trip.

Why it ranks as one of the best SUVs for young drivers:

• Standard Safety Shield® 360 includes blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more.
• Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are included on most trim levels.
• Smooth ride quality, combined with available all-wheel drive, is ideal for a variety of driving conditions.
• Excellent cargo space for backpacks, groceries, or weekend bags (36.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up, and an impressive 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down).
• The roomy compact SUV design makes parking and maneuvering simple.

The Rogue’s safety features and reliability make it one of the smartest small SUVs you can put a young driver behind the wheel of.

Subaru Crosstrek: Small SUV With Big Confidence

The Subaru Crosstrek is a favorite among first-time buyers looking for a balance of all-weather confidence and sporty utility. Although technically a subcompact SUV, the Crosstrek delivers surprising versatility thanks to its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and raised ride height.

Why new drivers love it:

• Easy to handle with standard wheel drive capability.
• Solid fuel-efficient performance and high ground clearance.
• Good cargo capacity for gear or dorm room hauls (about 36.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up; about 74 cubic feet with the rear seats folded).
• Strong resale value and reputation for durability.

Whether you’re hauling camping gear or cruising to class, the Crosstrek proves that small cars can still make a big impact.

Nissan Kicks: Urban-Friendly, Budget-Smart

If you’re a young driver looking for something stylish, affordable, and easy to handle, the Nissan Kicks is built for you. Although it’s the smallest SUV in the Nissan lineup, looks can be deceiving. The Kicks is packed with smart features that make daily driving a breeze, especially around town.

• Ideal for city parking and navigating tight streets.
• Impressive fuel efficiency and lower insurance premiums.
• Available features include blind spot monitoring and rear automatic braking.
• Flexible cargo space for groceries, gym bags, or road trip essentials (for front-wheel drive models, nearly 30 cubic feet with the rear seats up and about 60 cubic feet with the rear seats folded; AWD models have slightly less space).

For car buyers shopping for their SUV but also considering options like the Toyota RAV4 or entry-level sports cars, the Kicks offers standout value without sacrificing technology or everyday usability.

What to Look for in the Best First SUV

When you’re narrowing down your options, focus on the priorities that matter most to young drivers and their families:

• Safety first: Look for vehicles with active safety suites and top marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
• Fuel efficiency: Lower total cost of ownership is especially important for students or new professionals.
• Space: Having good cargo space makes life easier, whether you’re moving, shopping, or adventuring.
• Technology: Integrated features such as Android Auto, a touchscreen interface, and multiple USB ports, add convenience.

If you’re unsure whether a small SUV or mid-size model fits your needs, check out our vehicle type guide to explore which body style makes the most sense for your daily life.

Regardless of your choice, don’t forget to take a test drive to see how the SUV handles, how comfortable the front seating feels, and whether it meets your everyday needs.

Visit Hicks Family Nissan for First-Time SUV Solutions

Whether you’re heading off to college, starting a new job, or helping your teen find their first ride, Hicks Family Nissan is the place to find SUVs that check all the boxes — secure, efficient, and fun to drive. Come visit us in Robstown to explore compact SUV options that fit your lifestyle. We’ll help you test out the space, explore car loan and auto financing options, to make sure you feel great about the SUV you choose, no matter who the new driver is.