For teenagers and new drivers, the initial years on the road present unique challenges due to a combination of inexperience and developing judgment. Selecting the right vehicle is paramount to ensuring their safety and building confidence behind the wheel. Beyond safety, factors like reliability and affordability are crucial for families navigating the car buying process for a young driver. To simplify this important decision, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) have partnered to identify vehicles that excel in safety, dependability, and value, making it easier to choose the best car for new drivers.
This guide presents two tiers of used vehicles – “Best Choices” and “Good Choices” – offering a range of price points from under $6,000 to around $20,000. For those considering a new car, a separate list highlights new vehicles that provide the highest levels of safety for novice drivers.
Crucial Recall Check: Before purchasing any used vehicle, it is essential to check for open recalls. Utilize the vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate at checktoprotect.org to ensure the vehicle is free of safety recalls. Upon purchase, remember to notify the manufacturer to receive future recall notifications. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also recommends checking their database for new recalls every six months to stay informed.
Best Used Car Choices for New Drivers
Updated May 22, 2024
Vehicles designated as “Best Choices” meet stringent criteria to maximize safety for new drivers. Each model boasts a curb weight exceeding 2,750 pounds, and has earned “good” ratings in IIHS’s original moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint tests. Furthermore, they achieve an “acceptable” or “good” rating in the driver-side small overlap test, enhancing protection in challenging crash scenarios. For models rated by NHTSA, they have secured a 4 or 5-star overall safety rating. A key safety feature for “Best Choices” is the inclusion of standard automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems, which have earned an “advanced” or “superior” rating from IIHS in vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention assessments.
Beyond safety, reliability is paramount. All “Best Choice” vehicles have demonstrated above-average reliability, receiving scores of 4 or 5 out of 5 from Consumer Reports for the majority of listed model years. They also achieve Consumer Reports emergency handling scores of 3 out of 5 or higher and maintain dry braking distances from 60 mph to zero within 145 feet, indicating responsive braking performance.
Pricing information, sourced from Kelley Blue Book (KBB) and rounded to the nearest $100, reflects average U.S. values as of April 19, 2024. Prices represent the lowest trim level and earliest applicable model year, based on a vehicle in good condition with typical mileage, purchased from a private party.
| Small cars | Model years | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Corolla sedan or hatchback | Sedan — 2017 or newer; hatchback — 2019 | $10,600 |
| Toyota Prius | 2017 or newer | $13,800 |
| Mazda 3 sedan or hatchback | 2021-22 | $16,400 |
| Toyota Prius Prime | 2017 or newer | $17,000 |
| Honda Civic sedan or hatchback | 2021 or newer | $17,600 |
| Midsize cars | Model years | Price |
| Toyota Camry | 2018 or newer | $9,600 |
| Volvo S60 | 2017, 2021 | $10,200 |
| Volvo V60 | 2017,2021 | $12,300 |
| Subaru Legacy | 2019 | $14,700 |
| Hyundai Sonata | 2021 | $17,200 |
| Honda Accord sedan | 2020 | $19,200 |
| Large car | Model years | Price |
| Toyota Avalon | 2017 or newer | $14,400 |
| Small SUVs | Model years | Price |
| Chevrolet Equinox | 2020, 2023 | $13,800 |
| Kia Sportage | 2020 or newer | $14,400 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 2017 or newer | $14,700 |
| Hyundai Tucson | 2020 or newer | $14,900 |
| GMC Terrain | 2020, 2023 | $16,100 |
| Mazda CX-5 | 2021-23 | $17,600 |
| Lexus UX | 2019-21 | $18,100 |
| Honda CR-V | 2020 or newer | $18,700 |
| Nissan Rogue | 2021 | $19,000 |
| Subaru Forester | 2021 or newer | $19,000 |
| Mazda CX-30 | 2022 or newer | $19,900 |
| Midsize SUVs | Model years | Price |
| Volvo XC60 | 2017 | $12,100 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | 2019, 2020, 2023 | $15,200 |
| Toyota Highlander | 2017 or newer | $15,700 |
| Nissan Murano | 2019, 2020 | $15,900 |
| Ford Edge | 2020 or newer | $16,700 |
| Lexus NX | 2018-21 | $17,100 |
| Infiniti QX60 | 2019 | $17,800 |
| Mazda CX-9 | 2020, 2022 | $18,800 |
| Minivan | Model years | Price |
| Toyota Sienna | 2018-20 | $19,100 |
Good Used Car Choices for New Drivers
Updated May 22, 2024
“Good Choices” represent a balance of safety and affordability in the used car market for new drivers. These vehicles also have a curb weight exceeding 2,750 pounds and achieve “good” ratings from IIHS in the original moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint tests. They further secure an “acceptable” or “good” rating in the driver-side small overlap test, maintaining a strong safety profile. If evaluated by NHTSA, these models also earn 4 or 5 stars overall.
Reliability remains a key consideration, with all “Good Choice” vehicles achieving above-average reliability scores from Consumer Reports (4 or 5 out of 5) for most of the listed model years. Their Consumer Reports emergency handling scores are 3 out of 5 or better, and they maintain dry braking distances (60 mph to zero) of 145 feet or less.
Prices, provided by Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com) and rounded to the nearest $100, are based on average U.S. values as of April 19, 2024. These reflect the lowest trim level and earliest applicable model year, assuming a vehicle in good condition with typical mileage purchased in a private party transaction.
Some models within the “Good Choices” list include a “built after” date. This designation is important when manufacturers implement safety improvements during a model year. The manufacturing date of a specific vehicle can be found on the certification label, typically located on the driver’s side door or doorjamb.
| Small cars | Model years | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda 3 sedan or hatchback | 2014-17; built after October 2013 | $5,800 |
| Ford C-Max Hybrid | 2015-16 | $7,100 |
| Honda Civic sedan | 2014 | $7,900 |
| Toyota Prius | 2014-16; built after November 2013 | $9,400 |
| Subaru Impreza sedan and wagon | 2019-20 | $13,200 |
| Midsize cars | Model years | Price |
| Mazda 6 | 2015-17 | $8,400 |
| Toyota Camry | 2014-17; built after December 2013 | $9,000 |
| Toyota Prius v | 2015-17 | $10,200 |
| Honda Accord coupe or sedan | 2015-17 | $10,500 |
| Subaru Legacy | 2017-18 | $11,600 |
| BMW 3 series | 2018 | $13,800 |
| Large car | Model years | Price |
| Toyota Avalon | 2015-16 | $12,600 |
| Small SUVs | Model years | Price |
| Mazda CX-5 | 2016 | $10,100 |
| Hyundai Kona | 2018-19 | $11,000 |
| Honda CR-V | 2015-19 | $11,400 |
| Chevrolet Equinox | 2018-19 | $11,600 |
| Honda HR-V | 2017-22; built after March 2017 | $11,600 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 2015-16; built after November 2014 | $12,000 |
| GMC Terrain | 2018-19 | $12,700 |
| Midsize SUVs | Model years | Price |
| Nissan Murano | 2016 | $9,900 |
| Toyota Highlander | 2014-16 | $11,700 |
| Lexus NX | 2015-17 | $12,100 |
| Acura RDX | 2016 | $13,500 |
| Mazda CX-9 | 2018 | $14,200 |
| Minivans | Model years | Price |
| Toyota Sienna | 2016-17 | $12,600 |
| Honda Odyssey | 2017 | $14,400 |
Recommended New Vehicles for New Drivers
Updated May 22, 2024
For families prioritizing the latest safety technology, the following new vehicles are highly recommended. All vehicles listed are recipients of the 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award, representing the highest standards of crash protection and prevention. Furthermore, every model comes standard with vehicle-to-vehicle automatic emergency braking (AEB), a critical feature for mitigating front collisions.
In addition to superior safety ratings, these new vehicles also meet high standards for reliability and driving performance. Based on Consumer Reports member surveys, all recommended models achieve average or better reliability. They also attain average or better scores in Consumer Reports’ emergency handling tests and exhibit dry braking distances of less than 140 feet from 60 mph in Consumer Reports’ brake testing. Ease of use is also considered, with each vehicle receiving a “good” rating or better from Consumer Reports for the user-friendliness of their controls.
Prices, rounded to the nearest $100, are based on Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com) New Car Fair Purchase Prices as of April 19, 2024, for the least expensive trim level, offering an accessible entry point into the safest new car options.
| Small cars | Price |
|---|---|
| Subaru Impreza | $23,400 |
| Mazda 3 sedan or hatchback | $24,300 |
| Toyota Prius | $28,300 |
| Toyota Prius Prime | $33,600 |
| Midsize cars | Price |
| Toyota Camry | $26,900 |
| Honda Accord | $28,200 |
| Subaru Outback | $29,300 |
| Hyundai Ioniq 6 except dual-motor | $37,700 |
| Small SUVs | Price |
| Mazda CX-30 | $25,700 |
| Kia Sportage | $27,300 |
| Hyundai Tucson | $27,800 |
| Honda CR-V | $29,700 |
| Mazda CX-50 built after August 2023 | $31,200 |
| Lexus UX | $35,300 |
| Midsize SUVs | Price |
| 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 | Price |
| Honda Odyssey | $38,200 |
| Pickup | Price |
| Hyundai Santa Cruz | $27,500 |
Choosing the best car for new drivers is a critical step in ensuring their safety and responsible driving habits. This guide, developed in partnership between IIHS and Consumer Reports, offers data-driven recommendations for used and new vehicles that prioritize safety, reliability, and affordability. By considering these factors and utilizing the resources provided, parents and new drivers can make informed decisions and select a vehicle that supports a safe and confident start to their driving journey. Remember to always check for recalls and prioritize vehicle safety for peace of mind on the road.
Alt texts for images:
- First image alt: IIHS and Consumer Reports collaborate to provide ratings for the best and safest cars for new drivers.
- Second image alt: Parent and teenager reviewing information about young driver safety and the best vehicle choices.
