Driving is a significant milestone for teenagers, offering freedom and independence. However, inexperience behind the wheel makes safety a paramount concern. For parents and teens alike, choosing the right vehicle is crucial, and factors like safety, reliability, and affordability are top priorities. If you’re searching for the “Car And Drivers Best Suv” for your teen, you’re in the right place.
Recognizing these concerns, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) have partnered to guide families in selecting vehicles that excel in safety and dependability. This collaboration simplifies the process of finding a vehicle that meets the rigorous safety standards and reliability expectations essential for young drivers.
This guide leverages the expertise of both IIHS, renowned for its crash testing and safety ratings, and Consumer Reports, known for its unbiased vehicle reliability assessments. Together, they provide a comprehensive resource to help you choose wisely. Our recommendations feature two categories of used vehicles: “Best Choices” and “Good Choices,” differentiated primarily by price point, ensuring options for various budgets. For those considering new vehicles, we also present a list offering the highest level of safety currently available.
Before you buy any used vehicle, always check for recalls! Utilize the vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate at checktoprotect.org to identify any outstanding recalls. Upon purchase, inform the manufacturer to receive future recall notifications. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also recommends checking their database every six months for new recalls to stay informed and safe.
Best Choices — Used SUVs for Teen Drivers
Updated May 22, 2024
The “Best Choices” list represents used SUVs that offer an exceptional combination of safety and reliability. To qualify as a “Best Choice,” each SUV meets stringent criteria. All vehicles listed have a substantial curb weight exceeding 2,750 pounds, providing enhanced stability and protection in crashes. They have earned “good” ratings from IIHS in key crash tests, including the original moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint tests. Furthermore, they achieve an “acceptable” or “good” rating in the challenging driver-side small overlap test. For models rated by NHTSA, a 4- or 5-star overall safety rating is essential. A crucial safety feature for “Best Choices” is standard automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems, which must earn an “advanced” or “superior” rating from IIHS in vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention tests.
Beyond safety, reliability is paramount. “Best Choice” SUVs have demonstrated above-average reliability, scoring 4 or 5 out of 5 from Consumer Reports for most listed model years. Their emergency handling is also commendable, with CR scores of 3 out of 5 or higher. Braking performance is another critical factor; these SUVs achieve dry braking distances from 60 mph to zero of 145 feet or less.
Pricing information is sourced from Kelley Blue Book (KBB) as of April 19, 2024, reflecting average U.S. values for the lowest trim level and earliest applicable model year. Prices are rounded to the nearest $100 and are based on private party purchases of vehicles in good condition with typical mileage.
| 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 |
These “Best Choice” used SUVs provide a solid foundation of safety and dependability for teen drivers, giving parents peace of mind and teens a reliable vehicle to start their driving journey.
Good Choices — Used SUVs Offering Great Value
Updated May 22, 2024
The “Good Choices” list highlights used SUVs that are slightly more budget-friendly while still maintaining commendable safety and reliability standards. These SUVs meet nearly identical safety criteria as the “Best Choices.” They all have a curb weight over 2,750 pounds and achieve “good” ratings from IIHS in the original moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint tests, alongside an “acceptable” or “good” rating in the driver-side small overlap test. NHTSA ratings, where available, are also 4 or 5 stars overall.
Reliability and handling remain key considerations for “Good Choices.” These SUVs also boast above-average reliability scores from Consumer Reports (4 or 5 out of 5 for most model years) and maintain CR emergency handling scores of 3 out of 5 or better. Their dry braking distances from 60 mph are also within a safe range, at 145 feet or less.
Similar to the “Best Choices,” pricing is based on Kelley Blue Book data from April 19, 2024, reflecting average U.S. private party values for the base trim level and earliest model year listed, rounded to the nearest $100.
It’s important to note that some “Good Choices” models may include a “built after” date. This designation is crucial when manufacturers implemented safety improvements during a model year. The vehicle’s certification label, usually located on the driver’s side door or nearby, provides the specific manufacturing date.
| 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 |
The “Good Choices” list provides sensible and safe used SUV options, balancing affordability with the essential safety and reliability features needed for young drivers. These vehicles represent excellent value for families seeking to prioritize safety without exceeding budget constraints.
Top Recommended New SUVs for Teen Safety
Updated May 22, 2024
For families prioritizing the highest level of safety and considering a new vehicle, this list of recommended new SUVs is invaluable. Every vehicle listed is a recipient of the 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award, the institute’s highest safety designations. These accolades signify superior performance in crash tests and advanced safety features. Furthermore, all vehicles on this list come standard with vehicle-to-vehicle automatic emergency braking (AEB), a critical technology for preventing accidents.
Beyond top-tier safety ratings, these new SUVs also meet high standards for reliability and usability. They achieve average or better reliability ratings based on Consumer Reports member surveys, ensuring long-term dependability. CR’s emergency handling tests also resulted in average or better scores for these models, and their dry braking distances from 60 mph are less than 140 feet in CR’s evaluations. Ease of use is also considered; each SUV receives a “good” rating or better from CR for the intuitiveness and 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 most affordable trim level of each model.
| 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 |
Choosing a new SUV from this list ensures your teen driver is equipped with a vehicle that represents the pinnacle of current safety technology and design, coupled with excellent reliability and user-friendly features.
Conclusion
Selecting a vehicle for a teenager requires careful consideration of safety, reliability, and budget. Whether you opt for a “Best Choice” used SUV, a value-driven “Good Choice” used SUV, or a top-of-the-line new SUV, prioritizing these factors is essential. The collaboration between IIHS and Consumer Reports provides invaluable, data-backed recommendations to guide your decision. Remember to always verify for recalls before purchasing any used vehicle and utilize the resources provided by IIHS, Consumer Reports, and NHTSA to make an informed and safe choice for your young driver.
