Choosing the first car for a young driver is a significant decision for any family. Safety is paramount, but for parents and young drivers alike, insurance costs are a major consideration. Teenagers are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents, which leads to higher insurance premiums. Finding a vehicle that balances safety, reliability, and affordability, while also being insurance-friendly, can seem like a daunting task.
Fortunately, organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports have been rigorously testing vehicles for safety and reliability for years. By combining their expertise, we can identify vehicles that are not only safe and dependable but also more likely to be favorably viewed by insurance companies, potentially leading to lower premiums for young drivers.
This guide, drawing on the collaborative recommendations of IIHS and Consumer Reports, highlights the best used and new cars that are excellent choices for young drivers, keeping both safety and insurance costs in mind.
Alt text: IIHS and Consumer Reports collaboration logo, highlighting joint effort for vehicle safety ratings and recommendations.
Top Used Cars for Young Drivers: Balancing Safety and Insurance Costs
For many families, a used car is the most practical option for a young driver. Used vehicles are generally more affordable to purchase and, importantly, often less expensive to insure than brand-new models. The following “Best Choices” from IIHS and Consumer Reports represent used vehicles that excel in safety evaluations and reliability, making them smart choices for young drivers seeking manageable insurance rates. These vehicles all have a curb weight over 2,750 pounds and achieve “Good” ratings in key IIHS safety tests, and have earned 4 or 5 stars overall from NHTSA if rated. Critically, these “Best Choices” include standard automatic emergency braking systems, a feature that can significantly reduce accident risk and potentially lower insurance premiums.
These recommended used vehicles also boast above-average reliability scores from Consumer Reports and solid emergency handling, ensuring dependability for new drivers. Prices listed are approximate and reflect average U.S. values from April 2024, but keep in mind that insurance costs can vary based on location, specific vehicle condition, and individual driver profiles.
| 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 |
These “Best Choices” offer a compelling combination of safety, reliability, and features that are often favored by insurance companies. Choosing from this list could translate to more affordable insurance rates for young drivers compared to sportier or less safe vehicles.
For families seeking even more budget-friendly options, the “Good Choices” list provides slightly older models that still meet high safety standards and offer good reliability. These vehicles, while perhaps lacking the latest technology, are still significantly safer than many older cars on the road and can be very insurance-friendly due to their affordability and safety records.
| 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 |
Before purchasing any used vehicle, always remember to check for recalls using the vehicle identification number at https://checktoprotect.org/. Addressing any outstanding recalls is crucial for safety and can also impact insurance considerations.
Alt text: Teenager and parent in car, symbolizing guidance and safe vehicle choices for young drivers.
Recommended New Vehicles for Teen Drivers: Prioritizing Cutting-Edge Safety and Insurance Benefits
For families considering a new car, the latest models offer the highest levels of safety technology and often come with features that can help reduce insurance costs. The vehicles listed below are 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award winners and include standard vehicle-to-vehicle automatic emergency braking. These accolades are highly regarded by insurance providers and can positively influence premiums.
In addition to top safety ratings, these new vehicles also have average or better reliability ratings from Consumer Reports, good emergency handling, and effective braking performance. They also score well for ease of use of controls, an important factor for new drivers. While new cars come with a higher purchase price, the advanced safety features and potential for lower insurance rates over time can make them a financially sound choice for families prioritizing long-term safety and cost-effectiveness.
| 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 right car is just the first step in managing insurance costs. Many insurance companies offer discounts for young drivers who:
- Drive safe vehicles: Selecting a car from the IIHS Top Safety Pick lists often qualifies for discounts.
- Complete driver education courses: Formal driving instruction can significantly reduce premiums.
- Maintain good grades: Many insurers offer “good student” discounts.
- Bundle insurance policies: Combining car insurance with homeowners or renters insurance can lead to savings.
By carefully considering both the safety features of a vehicle and the potential for insurance savings, families can make informed decisions that protect their young drivers and manage expenses effectively. The vehicles listed here provide an excellent starting point for finding the best car to insure for young drivers, ensuring peace of mind and financial prudence.
