Ford Bronco Sport Named One of the Best First Cars for Teen Drivers

The Ford Bronco Sport has once again landed on the list of safest used vehicles for teenage drivers. The updated 2026 rankings were compiled by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Consumer Reports to help parents find a reliable first vehicle without stepping into luxury-car pricing territory.

Bronco Sport models from 2021 through 2025 were included in the “Best Choices” category. The average price for one in the U.S. market sits around $18,100. That’s a strong showing for a crossover originally positioned as one of Ford’s more affordable SUVs while still offering standard practicality, available all-wheel drive, and the rugged styling associated with the Bronco nameplate. The rankings are based on safety performance rather than popularity.

To qualify, a vehicle must weigh more than 2,750 pounds and earn solid scores in the IIHS driver-side small overlap front crash test. Consumer Reports also evaluates braking performance, emergency handling, and overall driving behavior, with only vehicles receiving average or better ratings making the cut. Even the usability of controls and infotainment systems matters, with a minimum usability score required.

Advanced crash-avoidance technology is another key factor in the Best Choices category. Vehicles must come equipped with automatic emergency braking systems that earn high IIHS ratings in pedestrian detection testing, while headlights need to score either “Good” or “Acceptable.”

A more affordable category called “Good Choices” uses similar standards but generally includes older and less expensive vehicles. According to IIHS, the separate teen-driver rankings exist because inexperienced drivers are statistically more likely to take risks on the road and benefit from vehicles that are more forgiving in emergency situations.

Consumer Reports added that buying a teenager’s first vehicle is a major decision for families, and rankings like these help parents shop with more confidence while keeping safety front and center. In the case of the Bronco Sport, the appeal goes beyond its small SUV image — it offers a reassuring level of driver protection at a price point many American families can still realistically afford.