The safest vehicles for teen drivers and how much they cost
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Consumer Reports recently released their annual list of the safest cars for teenage drivers. This list includes 96 vehicles, both new and used, that have been ranked based on various safety features such as crash protection, brakes, headlights, display systems, and emergency handling.
The organizations specifically curated this list for teen drivers, as they are considered to be at higher risk on the road. The top-ranked cars include 29 used vehicles priced under $20,000 with highly rated headlights and automatic emergency braking. There is also a selection of 45 used cars priced under $10,000 that offer good crash protection for teen drivers. The model years for these used vehicles range from 2012 to 2025.
For those looking to purchase a new vehicle, the list also includes two dozen 2026 models that have undergone the latest crash tests and have earned safety recognition from IIHS and CR. The organizations excluded vehicles with excessive horsepower relative to their weight, as well as minicars, large SUVs, and large pickups, which are considered more challenging to handle and pose greater risks on the road.
Some of the top choices for teen drivers starting under $20,000 include the Mazda 3, Subaru Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid, Nissan Maxima, Toyota Camry, and Hyundai Ioniq 6. For those looking for options under $10,000, good choices include the Mini Countryman, Nissan Sentra, Chevrolet Sonic, Kia Soul, and Subaru Impreza.
The list also includes new vehicles for teens, such as the Mazda 3, Toyota Prius, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Hyundai Kona, and Ford Explorer, among others. These vehicles are recommended for their safety features and crash protection.
Overall, the list provides a comprehensive guide for parents and teen drivers looking for a safe and reliable vehicle. It highlights the importance of considering safety features when choosing a car for a young driver. With these recommendations, parents can feel more confident handing over the car keys to their teenage drivers.
