Driving is a significant milestone for teenagers, offering freedom and independence. However, inexperience and immaturity make teen driving particularly risky. For families prioritizing safety, reliability, and affordability, selecting the right vehicle is paramount. Fortunately, resources like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) have collaborated to simplify this process, offering guidance in choosing vehicles that excel in these critical areas. This guide highlights the Best Rated Inexpensive Cars, ensuring your teen is driving a vehicle that’s both safe and budget-friendly.
Understanding Safety and Affordability in Teen Vehicles
When considering the best rated inexpensive cars, it’s crucial to understand the criteria that define both “best rated” and “inexpensive”. Safety ratings from organizations like IIHS and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) provide objective assessments of crashworthiness. Reliability, as evaluated by Consumer Reports, indicates how dependable a vehicle is, minimizing unexpected repairs and costs. Affordability encompasses not just the purchase price, but also factors like fuel economy, insurance costs, and maintenance.
The recommendations below are categorized into “Best Choices” and “Good Choices” for used vehicles, along with a list of recommended new vehicles for teens. Used car prices generally range from under $6,000 to around $20,000, while new car options offer the highest safety standards at a higher price point. These lists are compiled based on rigorous safety testing, reliability data, and emergency handling scores, ensuring that you’re choosing from the best rated inexpensive cars available.
Top Used Car Choices for Teens: Best Rated for Safety and Value
The “Best Choices” list represents used vehicles that offer an excellent combination of safety, reliability, and affordability. These vehicles meet stringent safety criteria, including good ratings in IIHS crash tests (moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, head restraints, and acceptable/good in driver-side small overlap) and 4 or 5-star overall ratings from NHTSA, if rated. They also feature standard automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems with advanced or superior IIHS ratings. Furthermore, these best rated inexpensive cars boast above-average reliability from Consumer Reports and solid emergency handling scores.
Here are some of the top “Best Choices” used vehicles, categorized by size, representing some of the best rated inexpensive cars on the market:
Small Cars: Safe and Economical
| 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 |
These small cars are fuel-efficient and easy to handle, making them ideal for new drivers. The Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic are renowned for their reliability and safety features. The Toyota Prius and Prius Prime offer hybrid technology, providing excellent fuel economy, further reducing running costs, making them truly best rated inexpensive cars in the long run. The Mazda 3 stands out with its sporty handling and stylish design while maintaining high safety standards.
Midsize Cars: More Space, Same Safety
| 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 |
Midsize cars provide more interior space and often a smoother ride. The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are consistently praised for their reliability and safety, making them excellent choices as best rated inexpensive cars. Volvo’s S60 and V60 models bring a touch of luxury and robust safety features at an accessible price point. The Subaru Legacy, with standard all-wheel drive, offers enhanced stability in various weather conditions. The Hyundai Sonata is a stylish option with a strong value proposition, packed with features and safety technology.
Large Car: Added Size and Safety
| Large car | Model years | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Avalon | 2017 or newer | $14,400 |
For those seeking even more space, the Toyota Avalon offers a comfortable and safe ride. Large cars can provide an added sense of security due to their size and weight, contributing to their status as best rated inexpensive cars within their category.
Small SUVs: Versatile and Popular
| 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 |
Small SUVs are incredibly popular due to their blend of practicality, fuel efficiency, and slightly higher driving position. The Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V are perennial favorites known for their reliability and safety. The Mazda CX-5 and CX-30 offer a more engaging driving experience and upscale interiors. The Chevrolet Equinox, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, GMC Terrain, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, and Lexus UX also provide excellent safety and feature sets, solidifying their place among the best rated inexpensive cars in the SUV segment.
Midsize SUVs: More Room for Growing Families
| 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 |
Midsize SUVs offer even more passenger and cargo space, suitable for larger families. The Toyota Highlander is a long-standing leader in this category, known for its reliability and family-friendly features. The Volvo XC60 and Lexus NX bring luxury and advanced safety to the table. The Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan Murano, Ford Edge, Infiniti QX60, and Mazda CX-9 are also strong contenders, balancing space, safety, and value, making them best rated inexpensive cars for families.
Minivan: Ultimate Family Hauler
| Minivan | Model years | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Sienna | 2018-20 | $19,100 |
For maximum passenger and cargo capacity, minivans are unmatched. The Toyota Sienna, known for its reliability and available all-wheel drive, is a top pick for families needing the most space and practicality, while still considered among the best rated inexpensive cars in terms of value for size and features.
Good Used Car Choices for Teens: Still Safe, Even More Affordable
The “Good Choices” list includes used vehicles that are slightly more affordable than “Best Choices” while still providing good safety and reliability. These vehicles meet the same fundamental safety standards as “Best Choices” in terms of IIHS and NHTSA ratings. While they may not have standard AEB systems, they still represent safe options, especially for budget-conscious families looking for best rated inexpensive cars.
Here are some notable “Good Choices” used vehicles:
Small Cars: Budget-Friendly Safety
| 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 |
These “Good Choices” small cars offer even more budget-friendly options. Earlier models of the Mazda 3, Honda Civic, and Toyota Prius remain reliable and safe choices. The Ford C-Max Hybrid offers hybrid efficiency at a lower price point, and the Subaru Impreza provides standard all-wheel drive, adding to its appeal as a best rated inexpensive car for safety and all-weather capability.
Midsize Cars: Affordable Family Sedans
| 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 |
These midsize “Good Choices” continue to emphasize affordability. Older models of the Mazda 6, Toyota Camry, and Honda Accord remain excellent choices for safety and reliability. The Toyota Prius v offers a larger wagon body style for added cargo space. Even a BMW 3 Series makes the list, demonstrating that luxury and safety can be found among best rated inexpensive cars.
Large Car and SUVs: Larger Vehicles, Lower Prices
| 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 |
These larger vehicle categories within “Good Choices” provide more affordable access to SUVs and minivans. Older models of the Toyota Avalon, Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Sienna, and Honda Odyssey remain safe and reliable family vehicles, representing some of the best rated inexpensive cars for their size and features.
Recommended New Vehicles: Top Safety, Higher Investment
For those prioritizing the highest level of safety and the latest technology, new vehicles are the optimal choice. The recommended new vehicles listed below are all 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award winners and come standard with vehicle-to-vehicle automatic emergency braking. They also meet Consumer Reports’ criteria for reliability, emergency handling, braking performance, and ease of use. While representing a larger upfront investment, these new models offer unparalleled safety and peace of mind.
| 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 |
These new vehicles represent the pinnacle of safety and technology in their respective classes. The Subaru Impreza and Mazda 3 offer affordable entry points into the new car market with top safety ratings. The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord continue their legacy of safety and reliability in the midsize sedan segment. SUVs like the Mazda CX-30, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Ascent offer versatility and family-friendly features with top safety scores, solidifying their place as best rated inexpensive cars when considering long-term value and safety.
Remember to Check for Recalls and Maintain Your Vehicle
Whether you choose a used or new vehicle, it’s crucial to check for any outstanding recalls before purchase. Use the vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate at checktoprotect.org to ensure the vehicle is safe from known defects. For used vehicles, notifying the manufacturer of your purchase will ensure you receive future recall notices. NHTSA also recommends checking for new recalls every six months. Regular maintenance is also key to ensuring the long-term safety and reliability of any vehicle, especially for teen drivers.
Choosing a vehicle for a teenager is a significant decision. By focusing on safety ratings, reliability, and your budget, you can select a car that provides peace of mind without breaking the bank. These lists of best rated inexpensive cars from IIHS and Consumer Reports offer a valuable starting point in your search for the perfect vehicle for your teen driver.
