With May comes the flurry of graduation ceremonies, marking both endings and beginnings. Whether your graduate is bidding farewell to high school or university, it’s a moment steeped in nostalgia and anticipation. But as they embark on the next phase of their journey, a reliable vehicle becomes an essential companion.
If you’re in the market to gift your graduate with a new car or SUV, there are key considerations to keep in mind: fuel efficiency, storage capacity, technological advancements, and, of course, safety features. Whether they’re off to college or diving into post-graduation adventures, ensuring they’re equipped for the road ahead is paramount.
For utmost peace of mind, look no further than these two top picks approved by Kelley Blue Book, readily available at Toyota of Abilene: your go-to destination for new graduate wheels.
The 2024 Toyota Corolla
Whether your graduate will stay local at McMurry in town or is gearing up for their inaugural semester away, the steadfast Toyota Corolla promises to keep them seamlessly connected. Boasting Bluetooth with voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration, staying in touch has never been easier. Modern conveniences like automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, and a rear-seat center armrest add to its allure. With an EPA-rated combined fuel economy of 35 mpg, the Corolla ensures fewer stops at the pump, leaving more room for adventure.
Safety takes center stage with the Corolla, recognized as an IIHS Top Safety Pick. Every variant of the 2024 Toyota Corolla comes equipped with Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0, a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features including:
- Pedestrian detection
- Automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-departure warning
- Lane-keeping assist
- Traffic sign recognition
- Automatic high beams
The 2024 Toyota Prius
Much lauded as the recent recipient of MotorTrend Car of the Year, the 2024 Toyota Prius stands as a beacon of hybrid excellence. While it may come at a slightly higher price point than the Corolla, the Prius remains unrivaled in its hybrid capabilities, making it an ideal companion for campus life. Following a redesign in the 2023 model, it boasts a sleeker, more elongated profile without compromising its impressive combined driving fuel economy of 57 mpg. For those braving wintry terrains, an optional AWD variant ensures added traction and confidence.
Also honored as an IIHS Top Safety Pick, every trim level of the 2024 Prius includes an array of safety features such as automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, high-beam assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Send Them Off in Style
Toss your caps, turn your tassels, and bid farewell to the nostalgic strains of that ubiquitous Vitamin C song. As you step into the realm of post-graduate car ownership, begin your journey at Toyota of Abilene, where a world of automotive excellence awaits. If you’re looking for a new or used Toyota for your graduate, you’ve come to the right place. We won’t be satisfied until we pair them with a vehicle that exceeds your safety standards. Sleep easier knowing your son or daughter is driving a tried-and-true vehicle by visiting Toyota of Abilene.

