For parents of teenagers, ensuring their young drivers are behind the wheel of a safe vehicle is paramount. Teenage drivers, due to their limited experience, are statistically at a higher risk on the road. Therefore, selecting a vehicle that prioritizes safety, alongside reliability and affordability, becomes a critical decision. Organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) play a vital role in guiding families towards making informed choices.
IIHS and Consumer Reports have collaborated to simplify the process of identifying vehicles that meet these crucial criteria for young drivers. Their joint recommendations highlight vehicles that excel in safety evaluations, reliability ratings, and offer reasonable pricing, making them ideal choices for teenagers and their families.
This guide presents two tiers of used vehicle recommendations: “Best Choices” and “Good Choices,” categorized by price range, starting from under $6,000 to nearly $20,000. For those prioritizing the highest level of safety, a separate list of new vehicles for teens is also provided. Among the recommended vehicles, the Lexus NX stands out as a compelling option, frequently praised in reviews by publications like Car and Driver for its safety and sophisticated features.
Crucial Reminder: Always Check for Vehicle Recalls
Before purchasing any used vehicle, it is essential to use the vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate to check for any outstanding recalls at https://checktoprotect.org/. To ensure you receive future recall notifications, remember to inform the manufacturer of your purchase. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also advises vehicle owners to regularly check their database for new recalls approximately every six months.
Best Choices — Used Vehicles for Teen Drivers
Updated May 22, 2024
The “Best Choices” list comprises used vehicles that meet stringent safety standards. Each vehicle listed has a curb weight exceeding 2,750 pounds and has earned “good” ratings from IIHS in critical crash tests, including the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraint tests. Furthermore, they achieve an “acceptable” or “good” rating in the driver-side small overlap test. If evaluated by NHTSA, these vehicles have secured a 4 or 5-star overall safety rating. A key safety feature for “Best Choices” vehicles is the inclusion of standard automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems, which have earned an “advanced” or “superior” rating from IIHS in vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention assessments.
Beyond safety ratings, reliability is a crucial factor. All “Best Choice” vehicles have demonstrated above-average reliability scores from Consumer Reports (4 or 5 out of 5) for the majority of listed model years. They also achieve Consumer Reports emergency handling scores of 3 out of 5 or higher and possess dry braking distances (from 60 mph to zero) of 145 feet or less.
Pricing information, sourced from Kelley Blue Book (https://www.kbb.com/) and rounded to the nearest $100, reflects average U.S. values as of April 19, 2024. These prices are for the lowest trim level and earliest applicable model year, based on a vehicle in good condition, with typical mileage, and 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 |
Within the “Best Choices” category, the Lexus NX, specifically model years 2018-2021, is listed as a midsize SUV option. Priced around $17,100, the Lexus NX offers a blend of luxury and safety, making it an attractive choice for families seeking a secure vehicle for their teen drivers. Car and Driver reviews often highlight the Lexus NX for its comfortable ride, upscale interior, and comprehensive suite of safety features, aligning with the criteria for a safe and reliable vehicle for young drivers.
Good Choices — Used Vehicles Offering Excellent Safety
Updated May 22, 2024
The “Good Choices” list presents a selection of slightly more affordable used vehicles that still prioritize safety. These vehicles meet the same minimum weight requirement of 2,750 pounds and have achieved “good” ratings from 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. Similar to the “Best Choices,” vehicles in this category also have a 4 or 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, if rated.
Reliability and braking performance remain key considerations for “Good Choices” vehicles. They maintain above-average reliability scores from Consumer Reports (4 or 5 out of 5) for most model years and have CR emergency handling scores of 3 out of 5 or greater, along with dry braking distances of 145 feet or less (60 mph to zero).
Pricing, again from Kelley Blue Book (https://www.kbb.com/) and rounded to the nearest $100, reflects average U.S. values from April 19, 2024, for the lowest trim level and earliest applicable model year, based on similar criteria as the “Best Choices” pricing.
It is important to note that some models in the “Good Choices” list include a “built after” date. This designation indicates that the manufacturer implemented safety improvements during the middle of a model year. The vehicle’s certification label, typically located on the driver’s door or nearby, provides information on the specific manufacturing date.
| 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 |
The “Good Choices” list also includes the Lexus NX, model years 2015-2017, as a midsize SUV option. With a slightly lower price point around $12,100, these earlier Lexus NX models still provide a strong emphasis on safety and reliability. While they may not have the exact features of the “Best Choices” vehicles, they represent a solid and more budget-friendly option for safety-conscious parents. Car and Driver’s reviews for these model years of Lexus NX continue to praise its safety and build quality, reinforcing its suitability as a teen vehicle.
Recommended New Vehicles for Teen Safety
Updated May 22, 2024
For families prioritizing the latest safety technology and features, the list of recommended new vehicles offers the highest level of protection. All vehicles in this category are recipients of the 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award (/ratings/top-safety-picks/2023) and come equipped with standard vehicle-to-vehicle automatic emergency braking.
In addition to top-tier safety ratings, these new vehicles also meet stringent criteria for reliability, handling, braking, and ease of use. They have average or better reliability ratings from Consumer Reports member surveys, average or better scores in CR’s emergency handling tests, and short dry braking distances of less than 140 feet from 60 mph in CR’s brake tests. Furthermore, they receive a “good” or better rating from CR for the user-friendliness of their controls, an important factor for new drivers.
Prices, rounded to the nearest $100, are based on Kelley Blue Book (http://www.kbb.com/) New Car Fair Purchase Prices as of April 19, 2024, for 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 |
For those considering a new vehicle, the Lexus NX (2024 model) continues to be a recommended midsize SUV, priced at $39,600. As a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, the latest Lexus NX model offers cutting-edge safety technology and earns high praise from Car and Driver and other automotive publications for its safety, reliability, and luxurious features. Choosing a new Lexus NX ensures your teen driver benefits from the most advanced safety systems available, providing peace of mind for parents and optimal protection for young drivers.
Selecting the right vehicle for a teenager is a crucial step in ensuring their safety on the road. By considering the recommendations from IIHS and Consumer Reports, and exploring options like the Lexus NX highlighted by Car and Driver for its safety and reliability, parents can make informed decisions that prioritize their teen’s well-being without compromising on dependability or budget. Remember to always prioritize safety features and conduct thorough checks before making a vehicle purchase for your young driver.
