Best Used Cars for Women

Roman Danaev

Best cars25 November 2022

Favouring certain types of cars has been a topic of heated discussions between men and women. And while different women prefer different vehicles, with more women purchasing cars, some models seem to work particularly well for them. We've rounded up our selection of women's favourite cars to ten. This list of women's favourite cars is a good one to start with. If you're looking for a vehicle that suits your lifestyle, these are the best cars for women in 2022.

Decide how much you should spend on a first car, choose a suitable vehicle for your lifestyle, and find incredible deals on Carplus. Here, you'll find the most attractive terms for car finance and get instant quotes from reputable dealers. Start your search for the best cars today!

1. Vauxhall Adam

ModelVauxhall Adam
PriceFrom £12,115
Body typeHatchback
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Door3
Seats5
Fuel typePetrol

The Adam caters to style-focused audiences with its distinctive looks and a wide variety of customisation options. That said, the good looks bring little benefit to the driving itself, except that a compact car contributes to comfortable town driving for women. So, let's talk about what the Vauxhall Adam packs on the inside.

The 1.0-litre petrol engine blends an adequate performance with low running costs and a nice sound. What's more, the car's weight makes driving nimble and steering manoeuvrable. In 2014, Vauxhall released a turbocharged engine version as part of the Adam Rocks refresh. The Rocks also featured an elevated ride height, bigger wheels, and off-roader-like looks.

Front-seat passengers enjoy decent head- and legroom. However, the back-seat passengers will feel cramped; the same goes for cargo in the tiny boot (even by the standards of a minicar).

2. Hyundai Tucson

ModelHyundai Tucson
PriceFrom £28,710
Body typeSUV
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Door5
Seats5
Fuel typePetrol, hybrid

Earlier Tucson models were known for their practicality, modest pricing, and usability, making them the preferred car options for women with big families. While they don't quite reach the status of a huge truck, they have impressive overall load space and off-road capabilities.

Toyota Prius is a spacious crossover with excellent fuel economy. It's a safe bet for families who drive long distances every day.

These cars combine urban practicality with a modern and adventurous spirit. You'll have a pleasant ride whether you're going to the store or to the backwoods for a camping trip. As for the engine, you can choose between a range of 1.6-litre and 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol. But there are no diesel engines.

You may also want to read - Crossover vs SUV

3. Honda Civic

ModelHonda Civic
PriceFrom £4,500
Body typeSaloon, Coupe, and Hatchback
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Door3-5
Seats5
Fuel typePetrol, hybrid

The eleventh-generation Honda Civic can give many SUVs a run for their money with its "open-feeling glassy cabin" and "sleek, light body".

The Honda Civic is not the first choice for women when it comes to the family-car market. But over the 50 years of the car's run, it has morphed from a small city car into a larger, more family-focused model.

Base models come standard with a 2.0-litre, and the upgraded engine also offers a turbocharged 1.5-litre. It's worth saying that newer Civics are built better and sharper overall. They are made quieter and more efficient, and, truth be said - you'll also enjoy standing out from the crowd. Considering all that, it's an incredibly well-priced car.

4. Toyota Corolla

ModelToyota Corolla
PriceFrom £14,400
Body typeSaloon
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Door4
Seats5
Fuel typePetrol, hybrid

The Toyota Corolla has been around for various generations, and its success proves that the automaker can deliver the right product to meet customer needs. The car offers great refinement, a smooth ride, and handling that's precise and controlled.

The overall design of the cabin, even in basic models, is impressive. The higher up the model range you go, the better the interior and infotainment get. Bear in mind that it isn't among the best cars in terms of spaciousness, but there's enough room for five and a reasonable amount of cargo.

The engines offered are a 1.2-litre turbo and a 1.6-litre unit. If you want something more frugal than a petrol car, but an electric car won't fit your lifestyle, Corolla's self-charging hybrid version could be the answer.

5. Toyota Camry

ModelToyota Camry
PriceFrom £26,260
Body typeSaloon
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Door4
Seats5
Fuel typePetrol, hybrid

Toyota Camry's big saloon majors in comfort and rides very nicely. The standard equipment is impressive, so you don't need to venture beyond the entry-level model. That said, female luxury drivers can inject more capabilities into the mid-size segment. This makes the Camry Excel a suitable car for women who are looking for some fun, aggressive driving.

Its hybrid power consists of a 2.5-litre engine and an electric motor, which can compete with other self-charging engines in other car models.

In the back, the car gives plenty of room for adults and is truly spacious for children. As for the boot, there's enough space for several shopping bags or a weekend trip's worth of luggage.

You may also want to read - Saloon vs Coupe

6. Abarth 595

ModelAbarth 595
PriceFrom £6,500
Body typeHatchback
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Door3
Seats5
Fuel typePetrol

The Abarth comes from the very elegant European line and maintains its roots in specialist sports cars. The Abarth 595 is a sporty version of its main rival - the compact Fiat 500 city car. The cute looks and diminutive proportions come in huge contrast to the aggressive noise it makes. For an ultra-compact car, it boasts decent agile cornering and road holding.

The entry-level 595 features a 1.4-litre petrol engine, but a turbocharged powerplant is also available. Unsurprisingly, head and legroom are limited at best, especially in the back. Also, be prepared for rigid seats with minimal cushioning.

7. Skoda Octavia

ModelSkoda Octavia
PriceFrom £3,900
Body typeHatchback
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Door5
Seats5
Fuel typePetrol, diesel, hybrid

Once again, you're dealing with an elegant European line - Czech auto designs that are also timeless and robust. Octavia has long been the brand's biggest-selling car and one of the best cars for women, thanks to its appeal in terms of practicality and value.

You may also want to read - Hatchback vs Saloon

The Octavia fits the category of a premium family car - it offers a smooth ride and excellent fuel consumption for budget-conscious or busy drivers. There are four petrol and diesel engines available, as well as a couple of mild hybrids. One of the only downsides is that the car is anonymous in an image-conscious market.

Of the standard models, there are generous equipment levels, including sat-nav, front and rear parking sensors, and the Columbus infotainment system. It is also easy to manoeuvre and park in town despite a roomy passenger compartment and a massive boot.

8. Ford Fiesta

ModelFord Fiesta
PriceFrom £3,400
Body typeSaloon, hatchback
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Door4, 5
Seats5
Fuel typePetrol, hybrid

If you're looking for a medium-sized car across the Ford range, the Ford Fiesta is perfect. It's smaller compared to the Ford Focus and comes with a smaller price tag. And just like other cars in the brand's line-up, the Fiesta has been successful in gaining a reputation for guarantees and security measures.

The Ford Fiesta's standard engine is a 1.6-litre unit, but there are two other versions available. The two versions of a 1.0 Ecoboost turbo petrol have also been staples of the range - this one uses mild-hybrid technology for better fuel economy and lower emissions.

Entry-level Fiestas are good on their own. But if you go higher up the model range, things get more interesting. Combining its predecessor's style and driving performance, the Vignale Edition has a focus on luxury.

9. VW Polo GTI

ModelVW Polo GTI
PriceFrom £7,800
Body typeHatchback
Gearbox typeManual, automatic
Door5
Seats5
Fuel typePetrol

Within the current range of mini hatchbacks, the Polo can't match the competition in terms of a thrilling driving experience. It's not the most suitable car for keen drivers. But it's still a great all-arounder, perfectly adequate for daily use. Also, the Polo remains the most grown-up hatchback to drive on the motorway, even fast enough to keep up with some sports cars.

There's only one engine option available for the current Polo GTI range - 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol. If you want different specifications, look for older models.

Family-oriented women will be glad to hear that the Polo offers safe and reassuring handling. The Normal mode will absorb bumps and lumps very well, and the Sport mode will make the ride firmer.

10. Renault Zoe

ModelRenault Zoe
PriceFrom £8,400
Body typeHatchback
Gearbox typeAutomatic
Door3, 5
Seats5
Fuel typeElectric

Renault Zoe has been around for almost a decade, with regular tweaks over the years. Now, it comes with plenty of standard equipment and is packaged into a compact but elegant design. The 5-door version is similar to the Ford Fiesta, both in look and feel.

The car may look normal and ordinary on the outside. But it actually contains the latest technology on the inside. The Zoe is available in 108- and 135-horsepower versions, with an impressive next-generation for both motorway and urban driving. The rapid charging kit brings the battery from 0% to 80% in just over an hour.

It is a completely urban car and appeals to small families or larger families with two or three cars. The Zoe is perfect for women who use cars for shorter commutes and daily errands in large and busy cities. The car is practical and, most importantly, will cost you mere pennies to run.

Takeaway About the Best Cars for Women

That concludes our list of the best cars for women. If you prioritise safety, comfort, and reliability and agree that you deserve the best behind the wheel, these are for you. To learn more about these cars and how they perform in real-life conditions, check out reviews from drivers, too.

Have you found what you were looking for? If so, it's time to find finance deals for you. Contact Carplus for more information about cars and car finance!

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