Best Vehicles for Teen Drivers: Ensuring Safety and Peace of Mind

Discover the best new and used cars for teen drivers recommended by experts, balancing safety, reliability, and budget.

When it comes to preparing a teenager for the road, parents are often confronted with a multitude of decisions. Central to these is the choice of vehicle. A car that balances safety, reliability, and affordability can significantly impact a young driver’s overall road experience. Therefore, selecting the right car is crucial for ensuring their safety and responsibility behind the wheel.

The Challenge of Choosing the Right Car

Selecting a suitable car for a teenager can be a daunting task due to the numerous factors involved. Recognizing this challenge, Consumer Reports (CR) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have collaborated to provide recommendations for both new and used cars that are well-suited for inexperienced drivers. These recommendations are based on rigorous testing and analysis.

Jennifer Stockburger, director of operations at CR’s Auto Test Center, emphasizes the importance of vehicle choice in teen driver safety. «As parents, we can’t control what happens on the road once our teen driver pulls out of the driveway,» Stockburger notes. «But we do have some say in the type of vehicle they drive, and that can make a huge difference. This list can help parents to easily find vehicles that check all the boxes.»

Budget Considerations

For many families, budget constraints are a significant consideration when purchasing a car for their teen. This is particularly true given the potential for minor accidents and the subsequent costs. However, the focus should remain on selecting vehicles that minimize the risk of collisions and limit injuries should an accident occur. CR and IIHS provide guidance on finding the best used cars for teens under $20,000, with many options available for even less than $15,000.

The High Risk of Teen Driving

Data from the IIHS highlights the heightened risk for drivers aged 16 and 17. The fatal crash rate per mile driven for these teens is approximately three times higher than for drivers aged 20 and older. This stark statistic underscores the necessity of prioritizing safety during the initial years of driving when teens are still gaining maturity and experience.

Buying Used vs. New Cars

While purchasing a used car or passing down a family vehicle is a common and practical choice, there are benefits to considering a new car for a teen driver. New cars come with comprehensive warranties and are generally more reliable, reducing the likelihood of roadside emergencies and costly repairs. They also feature the latest in safety technology, such as active safety features and integrated services like e911, which can automatically call for help in an emergency and provide the vehicle’s precise location.

Stockburger points out that although buying a new car for a young driver is less common, it offers significant advantages in terms of the latest crash avoidance and protection technologies. «If you’re putting out the additional money to buy new, why not choose the safest models and configurations available?» she asks.

Recommended New Cars for Teens

To assist families in making an informed decision, CR and IIHS have curated a list of new cars that balance accident avoidance, crash protection, performance, and reliability. These cars are ideal for teens but also serve as excellent choices for any safety-conscious buyer. The selected vehicles range in price from $23,400 to $39,600, which is notably less than the average new car price of $47,218, according to Kelley Blue Book. Notably, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the only electric vehicle on the list, reflecting current limitations in EV reliability and cost, though more EVs are expected to be included in future lists as prices decrease.

Examples of Recommended Models

Small Cars

— Subaru Impreza: $23,400

— Mazda3 sedan and hatchback: $24,300

— Toyota Prius: $28,300

— Toyota Prius Prime: $33,600.

Midsized Cars

— Toyota Camry: $26,900

— Toyota Camry Hybrid: $29,300

— Honda Accord: $28,200

— Honda Accord Hybrid: $33,100

— Hyundai Ioniq 6: $37,700.

Small SUVs

— Mazda CX-30: $25,700

— Kia Sportage: $27,300

— Hyundai Tucson: $27,800

— Kia Sportage Hybrid: $28,800

— Honda CR-V: $29,700

— Mazda CX-50: $31,200

— Hyundai Tucson Hybrid: $32,500

— Honda CR-V Hybrid: $34,300

— Lexus UX: $35,300.

Midsized SUVs

— Subaru Ascent: $35,000

— Kia Telluride: $36,300

— Hyundai Palisade: $37,000

— Honda Pilot: $37,200

— Mazda CX-90: $38,800

— Lexus NX: $39,600.

Minivan

— Honda Odyssey: $38,200.

Pickup Truck

— Hyundai Santa Cruz: $27,500.

Criteria for Selection

The vehicles that made the list meet several stringent criteria:

— A Consumer Reports recommendation, indicating high standards for reliability, safety, and performance.

— Good ratings in IIHS crashworthiness tests.

— Standard automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems.

— Good or Acceptable ratings for pedestrian front crash prevention by the IIHS.

— Good or Acceptable ratings for headlights by the IIHS.

— Average or better scores from CR’s emergency handling tests.

— Dry braking distances of less than 140 feet from 60 mph in CR’s brake tests.

— A curb weight over 2,750 pounds for adequate protection in crashes.

— A 2024 Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick Plus designation by the IIHS.

— Good or better ratings for ease of use of controls.

— Four or five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (if rated).

Selecting the right car for a teenage driver involves careful consideration of various factors, with safety being paramount. By following recommendations from CR and IIHS, parents can make informed choices that help ensure their teen’s safety on the road. Whether opting for a budget-friendly used car or investing in a new vehicle with the latest safety features, the goal remains the same: to empower young drivers to be safe and responsible behind the wheel.