Best Cars for Teen Drivers: Affordable and Safe Picks

Choosing a first car for a young driver is an important decision. Limited experience behind the wheel can increase the risk of crashes, making safety a key consideration for parents and teens.

To help families make an informed choice, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) partnered with Consumer Reports to develop recommendations for vehicles that combine strong safety performance with reasonable ownership costs.

The organizations divided their recommendations into several categories, ranging from inexpensive used cars to newer vehicles available at dealerships. That makes it easier for families to find an option that fits their budget without overlooking important safety features.

Important Safety Criteria and Pre-Purchase Checks

The recommended vehicles weigh at least 2,750 pounds, giving them a size and weight advantage in a crash. They have also performed well in crash testing and demonstrated strong results in braking and emergency handling evaluations.

Before buying any used vehicle, shoppers should check its VIN or license plate for open safety recalls. Buyers should also inspect the certification label on the driver's door. Some safety-related updates can be introduced during a model year, meaning vehicles from the same model year may not always have identical equipment.

Reliable Used Cars on a Budget

This group includes proven models that meet the recommended standards for handling and occupant protection while remaining among the most affordable options. Prices start at around $4,600.

Cars and Small SUVs
MINI Countryman (2012–2024)
Nissan Sentra (2015–2025)
Chevrolet Sonic (2015–2025)
Kia Soul (2015–2025)
Chevrolet Malibu (2014–2025)
Hyundai Elantra (2017–2025)
Volvo S60 (2012–2025)
Mazda3 (2014–2018)
Hyundai Sonata (2016–2025)
Subaru Impreza (2014–2025)
Honda Civic (2014–2025)
Honda Accord (2013–2025)
Audi A3, Alfa Romeo Giulia

SUVs and Crossovers

Chevrolet Equinox and Fiat 500X — from $5,700
Nissan Rogue (2014–2020) — from $5,900
Volvo XC90 (2013–2024) — from $6,000
GMC Terrain and Volvo XC60 — from $6,400
Hyundai Tucson (2016–2021) — from $7,100
Jeep Compass (2017–2022) — from $7,600
Kia Sportage and BMW X1 — from $8,600
Audi Q5 (2015–2025) — from $9,800

Recommended New Vehicles

Families looking for a new vehicle can also choose from models that have earned IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ awards. According to the recommendations, the starting prices for these vehicles remain below $45,000.

Among new passenger cars, the recommended models include the Mazda3, Toyota Prius, Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry.

The recommended new SUVs and crossovers include the Hyundai Kona, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-30, Mazda CX-50, Ford Explorer, Honda Passport, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Sorento, Subaru Ascent and Volkswagen Atlas.

For families shopping for a first vehicle, the goal is not simply to find the cheapest car available. A combination of crash protection, predictable handling, reliability and affordability can make a significant difference when putting an inexperienced driver behind the wheel.