Choosing the right car for a teenager is a major decision for any family. New drivers, with their limited experience, are statistically at a higher risk on the road. Therefore, prioritizing safety features in their first vehicle isn’t just wise—it’s essential. Beyond safety, reliability and staying within a budget are also critical considerations. If you’re wondering how to balance these needs and find the Best Affordable Car for your teen, you’re in the right place.
Recognizing these challenges, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) have partnered to simplify the car selection process for families of young drivers. This collaboration combines IIHS’s rigorous safety evaluations with Consumer Reports’ extensive reliability data to provide clear recommendations. Their joint effort helps parents and teens identify vehicles that not only offer top-notch safety but also fit within a reasonable budget.
This guide presents two categories of used vehicles: “Best Choices” and “Good Choices,” offering a range of price points from under $6,000 to nearly $20,000. For those considering a new car, a separate list highlights new vehicles that provide the highest levels of safety currently available. By focusing on used options, we aim to pinpoint the best affordable car choices that don’t compromise on safety and dependability.
Crucial Recall Check: Before making any used car purchase, it’s absolutely vital to check for any outstanding recalls. Utilize the vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate at checktoprotect.org to ensure the vehicle is safe from known defects. Furthermore, to stay informed about future recalls, remember to notify the manufacturer of your purchase. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also advises owners to regularly check their database for new recalls every six months.
Best Choices — Used Vehicles
Updated May 22, 2024
The “Best Choices” list represents used vehicles that achieve a superior standard in safety and reliability. Every vehicle listed here weighs over 2,750 pounds, providing a solid structure for crash protection. They have earned “good” ratings from IIHS in critical crash tests, including the original moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint evaluations. Additionally, they must achieve at least an “acceptable” rating in the driver-side small overlap test, which simulates crashes involving the front corner of the vehicle. For models rated by NHTSA, a 4 or 5-star overall safety rating is a prerequisite.
A standout feature of the “Best Choices” vehicles is the inclusion of standard automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems. These systems must have earned an “advanced” or “superior” rating from IIHS in vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention tests, demonstrating their effectiveness in mitigating or preventing collisions.
Reliability is just as important as safety. All “Best Choices” vehicles have received above-average reliability scores (4 or 5 out of 5) from Consumer Reports for most of their listed model years. They also achieve a Consumer Reports emergency handling score of 3 out of 5 or higher, indicating competent handling in urgent driving situations. Furthermore, these vehicles are capable of dry braking from 60 mph to zero within 145 feet or less, showcasing effective braking performance.
The prices listed are average U.S. values from Kelley Blue Book as of April 19, 2024, rounded to the nearest $100. These figures represent the lowest trim level and earliest applicable model year, based on a vehicle in good condition with typical mileage and purchased from a private party. These “Best Choices” offer a strong combination of safety, reliability, and value, making them excellent candidates when searching for the best affordable car for teen drivers.
| 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 Choices — Used Vehicles
Updated May 22, 2024
The “Good Choices” list broadens the selection of best affordable cars, still prioritizing safety and reliability but at even more accessible price points. Like the “Best Choices,” all vehicles here have a curb weight exceeding 2,750 pounds and achieve “good” ratings in the IIHS original moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint tests. They also maintain at least an “acceptable” rating in the driver-side small overlap test and, if rated by NHTSA, earn 4 or 5 stars overall.
Reliability remains a key factor, with all “Good Choices” vehicles having above-average reliability scores from Consumer Reports for the majority of their listed model years. They also meet the same CR emergency handling score criteria (3 out of 5 or greater) and braking distance requirement (145 feet or less from 60 mph) as the “Best Choices”.
Prices are also sourced from Kelley Blue Book, reflecting average U.S. values from April 19, 2024, for the lowest trim level and earliest model year, based on similar conditions as the “Best Choices” pricing.
It’s important to note that some models in the “Good Choices” list include a “built after” date. This specification is crucial because manufacturers sometimes implement safety improvements during a model year. To determine the manufacturing date of a specific vehicle, check the certification label, typically located on the driver’s side door or doorjamb. Considering these “Good Choices” can help you find a best affordable car that balances cost and safety effectively.
| 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
Updated May 22, 2024
For families prioritizing the absolute highest level of safety, exploring new vehicles is the next step. This list features vehicles that are 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award winners, representing the pinnacle of current crash protection. Every vehicle here is equipped with standard vehicle-to-vehicle automatic emergency braking, offering the latest in crash avoidance technology.
Beyond safety accolades, these new vehicles also meet stringent reliability and performance criteria. They all achieve average or better reliability ratings from Consumer Reports’ member surveys, ensuring peace of mind regarding dependability. Additionally, they demonstrate average or better scores in Consumer Reports’ emergency handling tests and achieve dry braking distances of under 140 feet from 60 mph in CR’s brake tests. Ease of use is also considered, with each vehicle receiving a “good” or better rating from CR for the user-friendliness of their controls.
Prices listed are Kelley Blue Book New Car Fair Purchase Prices as of April 19, 2024, rounded to the nearest $100, for the least expensive trim level. While potentially a larger investment upfront, these recommended new vehicles represent the best affordable car options when considering long-term safety, reliability, and the latest automotive technology.
| 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 a vehicle for a teen driver involves careful consideration of safety, reliability, and budget. By leveraging the combined expertise of IIHS and Consumer Reports, this guide offers a clear path to finding the best affordable car that meets these critical needs. Whether you opt for a “Best Choice” used vehicle, a value-conscious “Good Choice,” or a top-of-the-line new model, prioritizing safety features is paramount for young drivers. Remember to always verify for recalls and consult the full lists and resources from IIHS and Consumer Reports for the most up-to-date information to make an informed and safe vehicle choice for your teen.
