Congratulations, college graduates! Receiving your diploma represents the culmination of a lifetime of work. Soon, you’ll realize you have another lifetime of work ahead and must learn to navigate the real-world challenges your professors never taught you about. But there’s a fleeting period in between that’s worthy of celebration—what better way to spend it than with an exciting drive?
Turo is a car-sharing marketplace where you can book other people’s cars. Focused less on basic transportation and more on enthusiast enjoyment, Turo has more than 350,000 vehicle listings divided among 850 makes and models that (almost) anyone over the age of 21 and with a valid driver’s license can book. Recent college grads seeking an unforgettable way to celebrate their accomplishment should check out Turo. Prices may vary depending on location or demand, but these examples give an idea of the awesome cars you can drive.
Audi RS 5
The Audi RS 5 combines the R8’s engine with a slinky 2+2 coupe body. That 4.2-liter V-8 channels 450 hp through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, while Quattro all-wheel drive provides traction and grip. The RS 5 has rear seats, so you can even squeeze friends in the back. This one on Turo is painted special-order Solar Orange, so it looks as quick as it goes.
Ford F-150 Raptor
Physics majors should avoid the Ford F-150 Raptor—its performance will defy everything you thought you knew. The Raptor has 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque on tap from its twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6, enough to get the 5,500-plus-pound truck from 0 to 60 in just over 5 seconds. When the going gets rough, electronically controlled Fox shocks eat up any terrain. One Turo host calls his Raptor “Simply the king of trucks,” and we’re inclined to agree.
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
Some say a degree is the key to unlocking a successful career. Dodge says the red key will unlock the Challenger Hellcat’s full horsepower. That’s 707 to be exact, whereas the black key the car also comes with only allows a mere 500. This Hellcat—equipped with a six-speed manual transmission—offers the red key so you can experience the full effect of its now-legendary supercharged V-8.
Porsche 911 Cabriolet
You graduated from a prestigious institution—now step into another one. The Porsche 911 is an icon; the superlative sports car that’s been around longer than the mattress in your freshman dorm room. There’s a huge range of options available for the 911, exemplified by this Carrera Cabriolet—check out its captivating full red leather interior.
BMW M2
Didn’t party enough in college? Book yourself a BMW M2. Its short wheelbase and turbocharged inline-six engine make a car that’s ready to get rowdy. We’ve measured 0-60 times in the mid-4-second range, and the car’s configurable drive modes let the driver dial in the feeling they like the most. With bulging fenders and aerodynamic bumpers, the M2 looks ready for fun, too, especially when finished in Long Beach Blue.
Toyota 4Runner
The final weeks leading up to graduation are a grind, and after it all, you might just want to get out there and chill. Wherever out there may be, the Toyota 4Runner will get you there. It’s a legitimate adventure mobile, with body-on-frame construction, four-wheel drive, and big tires. Adding a pop-up tent to the roof provides a place to stay while on your vision quest.
Porsche Cayman S
A challenge of higher education is learning to balance focus and fun. When it comes to cars, a mid-engine layout provides that balance every time you drive. Mid-engine cars have an optimized weight distribution and center of mass, resulting in excellent handling and control. The Porsche Cayman is one of the best ways to experience that balance, and S models provide it with extra power.
Lotus Elise
Sparse and lean might be the best lifestyle to stretch a college budget, but applying those adjectives to sports cars increases enjoyment. History majors may recall Lotus founder Colin Chapman’s adage “simplify, then add lightness,” which aren’t necessarily words to live by, but are represented beautifully in the Elise. It weighs just over 2,000 pounds, and provides a visceral driving experience that cars more powerful or high-tech can’t match.
Jaguar F-Type S
The “things that will look good forever” list received another addition: the Jaguar F-Type. Its styling verges on simplistic, but in a way that exudes elegance and performance. Speaking of performance, the F-Type’s supercharged V-6 or V-8 provide plenty of it. Rolling up in an F-Type says you’ve made it—or in this case, you’ve made it through college.
Jeep Wrangler
A sad truth of graduating is that you and your best friends will go your separate ways. You’ll keep in touch, but the duties of work and life inevitably pull you in different directions. With four doors, four-wheel drive, and a big cargo area, the Jeep Wrangler is perfect for celebrating the good times together before reality kicks in. Take the roof off, pile in, and hit the open road.
Ford Focus RS
Maybe you’ve already got a job lined up post-graduation, and you need to get settled somewhere new—fast. The Ford Focus RS can help make that happen, with a spacious hatchback cargo area that can fit a bunch of your stuff inside. Plus, there’s the 350-hp turbocharged I-4 under the hood to hastily dispatch trips to the store for the things you inevitably forgot at home.
Mercedes-AMG C 63 S
We all knew that one guy in college who spent all his free time in the gym. He began freshman year as a skinny kid but by graduation had built himself into a beast. That’s much like the evolution from the regular C 300 to the C 63 S. It starts as soft and restrained and transforms into brawny and hard-edged. What better way to show off that power than by letting the top down?
Alfa Romeo 4C
Alfa Romeo is still finding its footing in the U.S. market, but the brand proudly displays its Italian heritage. That’s fully evident in the 4C, a miniature supercar with a carbon-fiber chassis, mid-mounted engine, and passionate styling. Driving it is certain to generate smiles, for those inside and outside the car.
BMW M3
The M3 seems to be built for those torn between two life stages: on one side a responsible adult who must tend to work or family, on the other a bright-eyed kid with verve and spirit for the future. In other words, it’s the perfect car for a recent college graduate. This one on Turo has 20-inch wheels and an upgraded cold-air intake.
Tesla Model 3
Today’s college graduates are entering an era of automotive electrification. Those soon-to-be professionals will continue to shape the car industry and may well guide us toward a fully electrified future. What better way to experience tomorrow, now, than in a Tesla Model 3?
Photos courtesy of Turo
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