How can parents make sure their teen drivers are safe on the road? The key is to pick the right car. It should be safe, reliable, and not too expensive. Here’s how to choose the best cars for teens.
Key Takeaways
- Prices for recommended used models range from under $6,000 to nearly $20,000.
- Best Choices vehicles have standard automatic emergency braking systems that earn an advanced or superior rating from IIHS.
- Recommended vehicles have above-average reliability scores from Consumer Reports (4 or 5 out of 5).
- Recommended used small cars have prices ranging from $10,600 to $19,200.
- Recommended used midsize cars have prices ranging from $9,600 to $19,200.
Introduction to Safe Teen Driving
Why Safety Matters for Teen Drivers
Teenage drivers face many challenges on the road. They are more likely to be in fatal crashes because of their immaturity and lack of experience. Choosing the right vehicle is crucial for their safety.
Teen drivers are at high risk of engaging in dangerous behaviours. They are more likely to speed and text while driving with friends. In fact, texting while driving makes them 23 times more likely to crash.
Impaired driving is another big concern. In 2022, 22% of teen drivers in fatal crashes had been drinking. The risks include jail time, losing their license, and affecting their school life.
But, there are ways to make driving safer for teens. Graduated driver licensing (GDL) systems can cut crash risks by up to 50%. Features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure prevention also help prevent accidents.
By understanding the challenges teen drivers face, parents can make better choices. This helps keep their young drivers safe on the road.
Criteria for Selecting Recommended Cars
Choosing the right car for teen drivers is all about safety and cost. Cars must meet strict standards set by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR).
Used cars must get good crash test ratings from the IIHS. They also need to have high reliability and emergency handling scores from CR. New cars must win the IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ awards. They also need to be reliable, handle well in emergencies, and stop quickly.
Car size, weight, and power are also important. Cars can’t be too small, too big, or too powerful for teens. This ensures safety, performance, and affordability.
Currently, 15 cars for teens cost less than $40,000. Most cost under $50,000. This is good news, as new cars average around $47,000. This makes these cars more affordable for teens and their families.
| Safety Features | Reliability and Performance | Affordability |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
The IIHS and CR recommendations guide parents and teens. They help find the safest and most practical cars. These cars meet the unique needs and challenges of young drivers.
Good cars for teens: Best Used Car Choices
Finding the best-used cars for teens means looking for safety and affordability. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) have picked out reliable and feature-rich used vehicles. These “Best Choices” come with extra safety tech to help teen drivers avoid common mistakes.
Features of Best Used Car Choices
The IIHS and CR recommend used vehicles for teens priced between $9,600 and $19,900. All these models have advanced automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems. They earn an advanced or superior rating from the IIHS.
These “Best Choices” meet the same safety, reliability, and braking standards as the “Good Choices.” They also offer teen drivers advanced safety features. These features help them stay in control and avoid potential collisions.
The recommended “Best Choices” include a variety of makes and models. This range includes small cars to midsize SUVs, offering families affordable options. These vehicles prioritize safety and are reliable and cost-effective for teen drivers.
| Vehicle | Price Range | Safety Features |
|---|---|---|
| Honda Accord (2015-2017) | $10,500 – $14,200 | Advanced AEB, Good IIHS ratings, standard ESC |
| Subaru Forester (2021 and newer) | $19,000 – $19,900 | Advanced AEB, Good IIHS ratings, standard ESC |
| Mazda3 (2014-2017, built after Oct 2013) | $5,800 – $13,200 | Advanced AEB, Good IIHS ratings, standard ESC |
| Toyota Camry (2018 and newer) | $9,600 – $17,600 | Advanced AEB, Good IIHS ratings, standard ESC |
| Nissan Murano (2016) | $9,900 – $14,200 | Advanced AEB, Good IIHS ratings, standard ESC |
| Toyota Sienna (2018-2020) | $19,100 – $19,100 | Advanced AEB, Good IIHS ratings, standard ESC |
| Honda CR-V (2020 and newer) | $18,700 – $18,700 | Advanced AEB, Good IIHS ratings, standard ESC |
These “Best Choices” for used vehicles meet essential safety and reliability standards. They also offer advanced crash avoidance technologies. This makes them perfect for keeping teen drivers safe on the road.
Good Used Car Choices for Teens
Finding the right used car for teen drivers is all about safety and cost. The “Best Choices” cars have the latest safety tech. But, the “Good Choices” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) are safer and more affordable.
The Good Choices range from $5,800 to $14,400. They include small cars, midsize cars, large cars, small SUVs, and midsize SUVs. These cars are safe, reliable, and handle well, making them great for teens.
| Model | Price Range | Insurance Premium | Safety Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda3 | $5,800 – $13,200 | $814 | 5/5 stars |
| Honda Civic | $7,100 – $18,700 | $814 | 5/5 stars |
| Toyota Prius | $8,100 – $18,700 | $884 | 5/5 stars |
| Subaru Legacy | $8,300 – $19,900 | $923 | 5/5 stars |
| Mazda CX-5 | $10,100 – $19,900 | $955 | 5/5 stars |
| Toyota Highlander | $17,800 – $19,900 | $965 | 5/5 stars |
| Subaru Crosstrek | $19,900 – $19,900 | $954 | 5/5 stars |
These good used cars for teen drivers, affordable used vehicles for teens, and reliable used cars for new drivers offer safety and value. They are perfect for families looking for a safe and reliable car without breaking the bank.
Recommended New Vehicles for Teen Drivers
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) have picked the safest new cars for teens. They chose 2024 models that got the Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ awards. These new cars for teens and the safest new vehicles for teen drivers have top crash protection and safety features.
These top safety pick and top safety pick+ winners for teens also have great reliability and safety features. They handle well in emergencies, stop quickly, and are easy to use. This makes them perfect for young drivers.
Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ Winners
- Hyundai Elantra (2024 Best Car for Teens in the $20k to $25k price range)
- Kia Soul (2024 Best SUV for Teens in the $20k to $25k price range)
- Subaru Outback (2024 Best SUV for Teens in the $35k to $40k price range)
- Hyundai Ioniq 6 (2024 all-electric model recommended)
These cars were chosen for their safety, reliability, and ease of use. They help keep young drivers safe on the road.
Additional Considerations for Teen Drivers
When picking a car for their teen, families should think beyond safety and reliability. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) offer good advice. But, there are other important things to consider.
Insurance costs can change a lot based on the car’s make and model. Things like safety features, size, and engine power matter. Parents should get quotes from different insurers to find a car that’s safe, affordable, and right for their teen.
It’s also important to avoid cars with too much horsepower or are too big. Bigger cars might be safer, but they can be harder for new drivers to handle. This might lead to risky driving, like speeding.
Studies show that teens with their cars are more likely to text and drive fast. They’re also more likely to be in a crash than teens who share a car. This is a big concern for parents.
Parents should look for cars with advanced safety features. Systems like Electronic Stability Control (ESC) can help prevent accidents. This is especially helpful for young drivers who might get distracted or make mistakes.
By looking at all the factors, like safety, cost, insurance, and size, families can choose the best car for their teen. This car should be safe, affordable, and suitable for their needs. It should also encourage good driving habits.
| Vehicle | Crash Test Performance | Potential Injuries |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 Toyota Avalon | Demonstrated better protection than smaller vehicles | Lower likelihood of injuries |
| 2016 Kia Sorento | Demonstrated better protection than smaller vehicles | Lower likelihood of injuries |
| 2018 Kia Forte | Showed significantly higher forces on driver dummies | Possible right leg injuries |
| 2018 Toyota Yaris iA | Showed significantly higher forces on driver dummies | Possible left leg, neck, and chest injuries |
The IIHS says safety should be the main thing to think about when buying a car for a teen. They have lists of safe cars under $20,000 and $10,000. These are all midsize cars or bigger.
“Advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) technologies, such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), reduce the risk on a level comparable to seat belts.”
Conclusion
Choosing the right car for a teen driver is very important. It can greatly affect their safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) offer lists of safe, reliable, and affordable cars. These are key for keeping young drivers safe.
When picking a car, consider all important factors. Look for the best car for teen drivers, safety and affordability for new drivers, and recommendations for used and new teen vehicles. This way, parents and teens can find a car that fits their needs. It will help new drivers stay safe on the road.
Families have a lot of information to help them make good choices. They can choose a car that prioritizes safety and well-being. This ensures a safe start for teen drivers.
