Driving is a significant milestone for teenagers, offering them freedom and independence. However, inexperience and immaturity make teen driving particularly risky. Choosing the right vehicle is paramount to ensure their safety on the road. Beyond safety, reliability and affordability are crucial factors for families when selecting a car for their teen.
Recognizing these concerns, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) have collaborated to provide a comprehensive guide to help parents and young drivers identify vehicles that excel in safety, reliability, and value. This guide simplifies the process of finding a suitable car that meets the unique needs of teenage drivers.
Our recommendations are categorized into two tiers 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, we also present a list of “Recommended New Vehicles” that offer the highest level of safety and advanced features.
Before purchasing any used vehicle, it’s critical to check for recalls. Utilize the vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate at checktoprotect.org to identify any outstanding recalls. After purchasing, notify the manufacturer to ensure you receive future recall notifications. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also advises vehicle owners to regularly check their database for new recalls every six months.
Best Used Car Choices for Teens
Updated May 22, 2024
The “Best Choices” list comprises used vehicles that offer an exceptional combination of safety and reliability. To qualify as a “Best Choice,” vehicles must meet stringent criteria:
- Weight: A curb weight exceeding 2,750 pounds for enhanced crash protection.
- IIHS Safety Ratings: “Good” ratings in the IIHS original moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint tests. An “Acceptable” or “Good” rating in the driver-side small overlap test is also required.
- NHTSA Safety Ratings: If rated by NHTSA, the vehicle must achieve an overall rating of 4 or 5 stars.
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Standard automatic emergency braking systems with an “Advanced” or “Superior” rating from IIHS in the vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention test.
- Consumer Reports Reliability: “Above-average” reliability scores from Consumer Reports (4 or 5 out of 5) for the majority of listed model years.
- Consumer Reports Emergency Handling: Emergency handling scores from Consumer Reports greater than or equal to 3 out of 5.
- Braking Performance: Dry braking distances (60 mph to zero) of 145 feet or less.
Prices listed are average U.S. values from Kelley Blue Book (April 19, 2024), rounded to the nearest $100, for the lowest trim level and earliest applicable model year. These estimates are based on a vehicle in good condition, with typical mileage, and purchased from a private party.
Here are the “Best Choices” used cars for teens, categorized by size:
| 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 Cars | 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 |
| Minivans | Model Years | Price |
| Toyota Sienna | 2018-20 | $19,100 |
Good Used Car Choices for Teens
Updated May 22, 2024
“Good Choices” represent a slightly more affordable tier of used vehicles that still provide excellent safety. These vehicles meet the same baseline safety criteria as “Best Choices,” with a few key differences. They also have a curb weight greater than 2,750 pounds and earn good ratings from IIHS in the original moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength and head restraint tests, and an acceptable or good rating in the driver-side small overlap test. If rated by NHTSA, they earn 4 or 5 stars overall. They also maintain the same reliability and braking performance standards as the “Best Choices” list.
Prices are sourced from Kelley Blue Book (April 19, 2024) and reflect average U.S. values for the lowest trim level and earliest model year listed, based on a vehicle in good condition, typical mileage, and private party purchase.
Some models in this category include a “built after” date, indicating safety improvements made mid-model year. The vehicle’s manufacture date can be found on the certification label, usually located on the driver’s side door or doorjamb.
Here are the “Good Choices” used cars for teens:
| 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 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 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 |
Top Recommended New Cars for Teens
Updated May 22, 2024
For parents prioritizing the latest safety technology and features, new vehicles offer the highest level of protection. The “Recommended New Vehicles” list features models that have earned the prestigious 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award and come standard with vehicle-to-vehicle automatic emergency braking.
These new vehicles also meet stringent criteria for reliability, handling, braking, and ease of use, ensuring a well-rounded and safe driving experience for teens:
- IIHS Top Safety Pick: 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award winners.
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Standard vehicle-to-vehicle automatic emergency braking.
- Consumer Reports Reliability: “Average” or “Better” reliability based on Consumer Reports member surveys.
- Consumer Reports Emergency Handling: “Average” or “Better” scores in Consumer Reports emergency handling tests.
- Braking Performance: Dry braking distances of less than 140 feet from 60 mph in Consumer Reports brake tests.
- Ease of Use: A rating of “good” or better from Consumer Reports for ease of use of controls.
Prices are from Kelley Blue Book (April 19, 2024), rounded to the nearest $100, and represent the New Car Fair Purchase Price for the least expensive trim level.
Here are the top recommended new cars for teens:
| 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 |
| Minivans | Price |
| Honda Odyssey | $38,200 |
| Pickup | Price |
| Hyundai Santa Cruz | $27,500 |
Choosing a vehicle for a teenager involves balancing safety, reliability, and affordability. This guide, created through the collaboration of IIHS and Consumer Reports, offers a starting point for families seeking the best options. Whether you opt for a “Best Choice” used vehicle, a “Good Choice” used vehicle, or a recommended new model, prioritizing safety features and reliable performance is key to protecting young drivers. Always remember to check for recalls and ensure the chosen vehicle is well-maintained for optimal safety and peace of mind.
