For parents of teenagers, ensuring their newly licensed drivers are safe on the road is a paramount concern. Teenage drivers, due to their limited experience and still-developing decision-making skills, are statistically at a higher risk of accidents. Choosing the right vehicle is a crucial step in mitigating this risk. Priorities for families often include not only top-notch safety features but also vehicle reliability and affordability. Fortunately, finding a vehicle that balances these essential factors is achievable, especially when considering New Small Vehicles.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) have partnered to simplify the process of identifying vehicles that meet these critical needs for young drivers. This collaboration offers data-driven recommendations to guide parents and teens towards safer vehicle choices.
Considering a new car for your teen? Explore our top picks for new small vehicles that provide enhanced safety.
Our recommendations feature a curated list of new small vehicles that excel in safety evaluations and reliability ratings. These vehicles represent the pinnacle of safety in the small vehicle category, providing an added layer of protection for young, inexperienced drivers.
Don’t forget to check for recalls on any vehicle you consider. Prior to purchasing any vehicle, always utilize the vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate to check for any open recalls at https://checktoprotect.org/. Register your purchase with the manufacturer to receive future recall notifications. NHTSA also recommends checking their recall database every six months to stay informed.
Top Recommended New Small Cars
Updated May 22, 2024
The following new small vehicles have been designated as top safety picks, offering the highest level of protection available in the current market. Each vehicle listed is a recipient of the 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award, ensuring they meet stringent safety standards. Standard vehicle-to-vehicle automatic emergency braking is a critical safety feature included in all these models.
Beyond safety ratings, reliability is a key consideration. These new small vehicles also achieve average or better reliability scores based on Consumer Reports’ member surveys, ensuring peace of mind and reduced maintenance concerns. They also meet or exceed Consumer Reports’ standards for emergency handling and braking performance, with dry braking distances from 60 mph at less than 140 feet. Ease of use for vehicle controls is also rated as good or better by Consumer Reports, important for minimizing driver distraction.
Prices listed are Kelley Blue Book New Car Fair Purchase Prices as of April 19, 2024, rounded to the nearest $100, for the base 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 |
Why Choose New Small Vehicles for Teen Drivers?
New small vehicles offer numerous advantages for teenage drivers and their families:
- Advanced Safety Technology: Newer vehicles are equipped with the latest safety technologies, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. These features are invaluable for new drivers who are still developing their driving skills and hazard perception.
- Improved Crash Protection: Vehicle safety standards continually improve. New small vehicles are designed with advanced structural engineering and crumple zones to better protect occupants in the event of a crash.
- Enhanced Reliability: New cars generally come with manufacturer warranties and are less likely to require immediate repairs compared to older used vehicles, reducing potential unexpected costs and breakdowns.
- Fuel Efficiency: Many new small vehicles are designed for fuel efficiency, helping to reduce running costs, which can be a significant factor for families on a budget.
- Easier Handling and Maneuverability: Smaller vehicles are often easier to handle and maneuver, particularly in city driving and parking situations, which can be beneficial for less experienced drivers.
Spotlight on Recommended New Small Vehicle Models:
- Subaru Impreza: The Subaru Impreza is a compact car known for its standard all-wheel drive, a significant safety advantage in various weather conditions. It consistently earns top safety ratings and offers excellent reliability.
- Mazda 3: Available in both sedan and hatchback versions, the Mazda 3 is praised for its sporty handling, upscale interior, and comprehensive suite of safety features. It balances driving enjoyment with top safety scores.
- Toyota Prius and Prius Prime: For teens and families prioritizing fuel economy, the Toyota Prius and Prius Prime (plug-in hybrid) are excellent choices. They offer exceptional fuel efficiency, strong safety ratings, and a reputation for Toyota reliability.
Choosing a new small vehicle for your teen driver is an investment in their safety and peace of mind. By prioritizing vehicles with top safety ratings and proven reliability, you can help ensure they are driving a vehicle that offers the best possible protection as they gain driving experience.
Other Recommended New Vehicle Categories
While this article highlights new small vehicles, the IIHS and Consumer Reports recommendations extend to other vehicle categories as well. For families who may need more space or prefer different vehicle styles, the following new vehicle categories also offer excellent safe and reliable choices:
- Midsize Cars: Offering more space than small cars, midsize cars provide a comfortable and safe option. Recommended models include the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
- Small SUVs: Small SUVs combine the practicality of an SUV with a smaller footprint. The Mazda CX-30 and Honda CR-V are excellent choices in this category.
- Midsize SUVs: For larger families or those needing more cargo space, midsize SUVs like the Subaru Ascent and Kia Telluride offer top safety and reliability.
- Minivans: Minivans remain a practical choice for large families. The Honda Odyssey is a top-rated minivan for safety and reliability.
- Pickups: For families needing a pickup truck, the Hyundai Santa Cruz offers a smaller, more manageable option with good safety ratings.
Refer to the full IIHS and Consumer Reports recommendations for a complete list of safe vehicle choices across all categories.
Conclusion:
Selecting a new small vehicle for a teen driver is a smart decision that prioritizes safety, reliability, and advanced features. By considering the recommendations from trusted sources like IIHS and Consumer Reports, parents can confidently choose a vehicle that provides a safe and supportive driving experience for their teenagers as they embark on their journey as new drivers. Remember to always prioritize safety ratings, reliability, and features like automatic emergency braking when making your vehicle choice.
