For parents of teenagers, the safety of their newly licensed drivers is paramount. Combining inexperience with the inherent risks of driving makes choosing the right vehicle a critical decision. Beyond safety, families also prioritize reliability and affordability when selecting a car for their teen. To simplify this important process, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) have collaborated to identify vehicles that excel in safety, dependability, and value for young drivers.
This guide presents recommendations in two categories of used vehicles: “Best Choices” and the more budget-friendly “Good Choices.” For those considering a new car, a separate list of “Recommended New Vehicles” offers the highest levels of safety available today. Whether you are looking for a best compact vehicle or a larger family car, understanding safety ratings and reliability is key to making an informed choice.
It’s crucial to remember to check for recalls before purchasing any used vehicle. Utilize the vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate at CheckToProtect.org to ensure there are no outstanding safety recalls. After purchasing, notify the manufacturer to receive future recall notifications directly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also advises vehicle owners to regularly check their database for new recalls every six months.
Best Choices — Used Vehicles for Teen Safety
Updated May 22, 2024
The “Best Choices” list comprises used vehicles that offer an excellent balance of safety and advanced features. All vehicles listed weigh over 2,750 pounds and have earned “good” ratings from the IIHS in crucial crash tests, including the original moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint evaluations. They also achieve an “acceptable” or “good” rating in the driver-side small overlap test. For models rated by NHTSA, a 4 or 5-star overall safety rating is expected. Importantly, “Best Choice” vehicles come standard with automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems that have earned an “advanced” or “superior” rating from IIHS in vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention tests.
Reliability is another cornerstone of these recommendations. All “Best Choice” vehicles have received above-average reliability scores (4 or 5 out of 5) from Consumer Reports for most of the listed model years. They also achieve a CR emergency handling score of 3 out of 5 or higher and demonstrate strong braking performance with a dry braking distance of 145 feet or less when stopping from 60 mph.
Prices are sourced from Kelley Blue Book (KBB.com) and reflect average U.S. values from April 19, 2024. Prices are rounded to the nearest $100 and represent the lowest trim level and earliest applicable model year, assuming 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 Choices — Used Vehicles Offering Great Value
Updated May 22, 2024
The “Good Choices” list provides more affordable used vehicle options that still meet stringent safety criteria. Like the “Best Choices,” these vehicles weigh over 2,750 pounds and achieve “good” ratings from the IIHS in the original moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint tests, along with an “acceptable” or “good” rating in the driver-side small overlap test. NHTSA ratings, where available, are 4 or 5 stars overall.
These “Good Choices” vehicles also maintain high standards for reliability and handling. They all have above-average reliability scores from Consumer Reports (4 or 5 out of 5) for the majority of listed model years, and CR emergency handling scores of 3 out of 5 or better. Braking performance remains a priority, with dry braking distances of 145 feet or less from 60 mph.
Pricing information is also provided by Kelley Blue Book (KBB.com), reflecting average U.S. values from April 19, 2024, rounded to the nearest $100. These prices are for the lowest trim level and earliest model year listed, based on a vehicle in good condition, with typical mileage, and purchased from a private party.
Some models in this category include a “built after” date. This specification is important as manufacturers sometimes implement safety improvements during a model year. The manufacturing date for a specific vehicle can be found on the certification label, usually 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 |
Young driver safety An IIHS-HLDI guide for parents of teens
Recommended New Vehicles for Optimal Teen Safety
Updated May 22, 2024
For families prioritizing the absolute highest level of safety, the “Recommended New Vehicles” list presents models that are current IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award winners for 2024. These vehicles all come standard with vehicle-to-vehicle automatic emergency braking systems.
Beyond top-tier safety ratings, these new vehicles also excel in reliability and user-friendliness. They achieve average or better reliability ratings based on Consumer Reports member surveys, along with average or better scores in CR’s emergency handling tests. Braking performance is excellent, with dry braking distances of less than 140 feet from 60 mph in Consumer Reports brake tests. Furthermore, these vehicles receive a rating of “good” or better from Consumer Reports for the ease of use of their controls, an important factor for new drivers.
Prices are based on Kelley Blue Book (KBB.com) New Car Fair Purchase Prices as of April 19, 2024, rounded to the nearest $100, and reflect the least expensive trim level.
| 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 is a significant decision. By prioritizing safety, reliability, and considering both used and new options, parents can make informed choices that help protect their young drivers. Remember to always verify for recalls and encourage safe driving habits.
