For parents of teenagers, the thought of their child getting behind the wheel can be nerve-wracking. Teen drivers, due to their limited experience and still-developing judgment, are statistically at a higher risk of accidents. Therefore, choosing the right vehicle for a teen driver is paramount. Safety is the absolute top priority, but reliability and affordability are also crucial factors for families. To simplify this important decision, leading safety organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports have collaborated to identify vehicles that excel in these key areas.
Image alt text: IIHS and Consumer Reports logo collaboration highlighting vehicle safety ratings for teen drivers.
This guide, drawing on the expertise of IIHS and Consumer Reports, provides recommendations for used and new vehicles that are ideal for teen drivers. We’ve categorized our suggestions into “Best Choices” and “Good Choices” among used cars, offering a range of price points to suit different budgets. For those prioritizing the highest levels of safety and the latest technology, we also present a list of recommended new vehicles.
Important Safety Check: Don’t Forget Recalls
Before purchasing any used vehicle, it is absolutely essential to check for open recalls. Utilize the vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate at CheckToProtect.org to ensure the car isn’t subject to any outstanding safety recalls. After purchasing, notify the manufacturer of the ownership change to receive future recall notices. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends checking their recall database every six months to stay informed about any new safety issues.
Image alt text: A concerned parent and teenage driver daughter in a car, emphasizing the importance of young driver safety and vehicle selection.
Best Used Car Choices for Teen Drivers
Updated for 2024
The “Best Choices” list represents used vehicles that offer an exceptional combination of safety and reliability. To qualify as a “Best Choice,” vehicles must meet stringent safety criteria. All models listed have a curb weight exceeding 2,750 pounds, providing better crash protection. They have earned “Good” ratings in the IIHS’s original moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint tests. Furthermore, they achieve at least an “Acceptable” rating in the driver-side small overlap test, a particularly challenging crash scenario. If rated by NHTSA, these vehicles have earned a 4- or 5-star overall safety rating. A critical safety feature for “Best Choices” is standard automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems that have earned an “Advanced” or “Superior” rating from IIHS in vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention tests.
Beyond safety, reliability is key. All “Best Choice” vehicles have demonstrated above-average reliability, receiving a score of 4 or 5 out of 5 from Consumer Reports for most of the listed model years. They also achieve a Consumer Reports emergency handling score of 3 out of 5 or higher and exhibit dry braking distances of 145 feet or less when stopping from 60 mph.
The prices listed, sourced from Kelley Blue Book (KBB.com) as of April 19, 2024, are average U.S. values for the base trim level of the earliest applicable model year. These prices are rounded to the nearest $100 and reflect a private party purchase of a vehicle in good condition with typical mileage.
| Small Cars | Model Years | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Corolla (Sedan/Hatchback) | Sedan – 2017+ / Hatchback – 2019+ | $10,600 |
| Toyota Prius | 2017+ | $13,800 |
| Mazda 3 (Sedan/Hatchback) | 2021-22 | $16,400 |
| Toyota Prius Prime | 2017+ | $17,000 |
| Honda Civic (Sedan/Hatchback) | 2021+ | $17,600 |
| Midsize Cars | Model Years | Price |
| Toyota Camry | 2018+ | $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 Cars | Model Years | Price |
| Toyota Avalon | 2017+ | $14,400 |
| Small SUVs | Model Years | Price |
| Chevrolet Equinox | 2020, 2023 | $13,800 |
| Kia Sportage | 2020+ | $14,400 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 2017+ | $14,700 |
| Hyundai Tucson | 2020+ | $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+ | $18,700 |
| Nissan Rogue | 2021 | $19,000 |
| Subaru Forester | 2021+ | $19,000 |
| Mazda CX-30 | 2022+ | $19,900 |
| Midsize SUVs | Model Years | Price |
| Volvo XC60 | 2017 | $12,100 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | 2019, 2020, 2023 | $15,200 |
| Toyota Highlander | 2017+ | $15,700 |
| Nissan Murano | 2019, 2020 | $15,900 |
| Ford Edge | 2020+ | $16,700 |
| Lexus NX | 2018-21 | $17,100 |
| Infiniti QX60 | 2019 | $17,800 |
| Mazda CX-9 | 2020, 2022 | $18,800 |
| Minivans | Model Years | Price |
| Toyota Sienna | 2018-20 | $19,100 |
Good Used Car Choices for Teen Drivers
Updated for 2024
The “Good Choices” list offers more budget-friendly used vehicle options that still prioritize safety. These vehicles meet the same fundamental safety standards as the “Best Choices,” including a curb weight over 2,750 pounds and “Good” ratings in the IIHS’s original moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint tests, with at least an “Acceptable” rating in the driver-side small overlap test. They also achieve 4- or 5-star overall ratings from NHTSA, if rated.
Like the “Best Choices,” “Good Choices” vehicles also have above-average reliability scores from Consumer Reports (4 or 5 out of 5 for most model years listed), CR emergency handling scores of 3 out of 5 or better, and 60-0 mph dry braking distances of 145 feet or less.
Prices are also sourced from Kelley Blue Book (KBB.com) as of April 19, 2024, rounded to the nearest $100, and represent average U.S. private party purchase values for the base trim level of the earliest model year listed, assuming good condition and typical mileage.
Some models in this list include a “built after” date. This designation is crucial because manufacturers sometimes make mid-year safety improvements. The production date can be found on the certification label, usually located on the driver’s side doorjamb.
| Small Cars | Model Years | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda 3 (Sedan/Hatchback) | 2014-17 (built after Oct 2013) | $5,800 |
| Ford C-Max Hybrid | 2015-16 | $7,100 |
| Honda Civic Sedan | 2014 | $7,900 |
| Toyota Prius | 2014-16 (built after Nov 2013) | $9,400 |
| Subaru Impreza (Sedan/Wagon) | 2019-20 | $13,200 |
| Midsize Cars | Model Years | Price |
| Mazda 6 | 2015-17 | $8,400 |
| Toyota Camry | 2014-17 (built after Dec 2013) | $9,000 |
| Toyota Prius v | 2015-17 | $10,200 |
| Honda Accord (Coupe/Sedan) | 2015-17 | $10,500 |
| Subaru Legacy | 2017-18 | $11,600 |
| BMW 3 Series | 2018 | $13,800 |
| Large Cars | 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 Mar 2017) | $11,600 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 2015-16 (built after Nov 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 |
Top Recommended New Cars for Teenagers
Updated for 2024
For families seeking the highest level of safety and the latest features, new vehicles are an excellent option. All vehicles listed here are 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award winners, signifying the highest standards of crash protection. They all come standard with vehicle-to-vehicle automatic emergency braking, a critical technology for preventing accidents.
In addition to superior safety, these new vehicles also meet high standards for reliability and usability. They have average or better reliability ratings based on Consumer Reports member surveys, average or better scores in CR’s emergency handling tests, and short dry braking distances of under 140 feet from 60 mph in CR’s brake tests. Furthermore, they receive a “Good” or better rating from Consumer Reports for ease of use of their controls, an important factor for new drivers.
Prices listed are Kelley Blue Book New Car Fair Purchase Prices as of April 19, 2024 (KBB.com), rounded to the nearest $100, for the least expensive trim level.
| Small Cars | Price |
|---|---|
| Subaru Impreza | $23,400 |
| Mazda 3 (Sedan/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 Aug 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 |
| Minivans | Price |
| Honda Odyssey | $38,200 |
| Pickup Trucks | Price |
| Hyundai Santa Cruz | $27,500 |
