For teenagers embarking on their driving journey, the excitement of newfound freedom comes with significant risks due to immaturity and inexperience. Choosing the right first car is paramount to ensuring their safety on the road. Beyond safety, families also prioritize reliability and affordability when making this important purchase.
To simplify the process of finding a vehicle that meets these crucial criteria, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) have combined their expertise to offer recommendations for young drivers and their parents. This collaboration provides a trusted resource to identify vehicles that excel in safety, reliability, and value, making the selection of the best first car a more informed and confident decision.
Our recommendations are categorized into two tiers of used vehicles: “Best Choices” and “Good Choices,” offering options at varying price points from under $6,000 to nearly $20,000. For those considering a new vehicle, we also present a separate list of “Recommended New Vehicles” that provide an even higher standard of safety for first-time drivers.
Crucial Reminder: Always Check for Recalls! Before purchasing any used vehicle, it is essential to use the vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate to check for outstanding recalls. Furthermore, to receive future recall notifications, ensure you notify the manufacturer of your purchase. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also advises vehicle owners to regularly check their database for any new recalls, ideally every six months.
Best Used Cars for Teen Drivers: “Best Choices”
Updated May 22, 2024
The “Best Choices” list represents used vehicles that offer the highest level of safety and reliability for teen drivers. To qualify as a “Best Choice,” vehicles must meet stringent criteria, ensuring they provide optimal protection in various crash scenarios.
All vehicles in this category have a curb weight exceeding 2,750 pounds, providing substantial size and structure for enhanced safety. They have earned “good” ratings from IIHS in critical crash tests, including the original moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint evaluations. Additionally, they achieve an “acceptable” or “good” rating in the driver-side small overlap test, which simulates crashes involving the front corner of the vehicle. For models rated by NHTSA, they must attain an overall score of 4 or 5 stars.
A distinguishing feature of “Best Choice” vehicles is the inclusion of standard automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems. These systems are rated “advanced” or “superior” by IIHS in the original vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention test, demonstrating their effectiveness in mitigating or preventing frontal collisions.
Beyond safety, reliability is a key consideration for first cars. All “Best Choice” recommendations have earned above-average reliability scores from Consumer Reports (4 or 5 out of 5) for the majority of listed model years. They also achieve CR emergency handling scores of 3 out of 5 or higher, indicating competent maneuverability in critical driving situations. Furthermore, these vehicles exhibit dry braking distances (from 60 mph to zero) of 145 feet or less, showcasing effective braking performance.
The prices listed, sourced from Kelley Blue Book (KBB) and rounded to the nearest $100, represent average U.S. values as of April 19, 2024, for the base trim level and earliest applicable model year. These estimates are based on a vehicle in good condition with typical mileage, purchased in a private party transaction.
| Small Cars | Model Years | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Corolla sedan or hatchback | Sedan — 2017 or newer; hatchback — 2019 | $10,600 |
| Toyota Prius | 2017 or newer | $13,800 |
| Mazda 3 sedan or hatchback | 2021-22 | $16,400 |
| Toyota Prius Prime | 2017 or newer | $17,000 |
| Honda Civic sedan or hatchback | 2021 or newer | $17,600 |
| Midsize Cars | Model Years | Price |
| Toyota Camry | 2018 or newer | $9,600 |
| Volvo S60 | 2017, 2021 | $10,200 |
| Volvo V60 | 2017,2021 | $12,300 |
| Subaru Legacy | 2019 | $14,700 |
| Hyundai Sonata | 2021 | $17,200 |
| Honda Accord sedan | 2020 | $19,200 |
| Large Car | Model Years | Price |
| Toyota Avalon | 2017 or newer | $14,400 |
| Small SUVs | Model Years | Price |
| Chevrolet Equinox | 2020, 2023 | $13,800 |
| Kia Sportage | 2020 or newer | $14,400 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 2017 or newer | $14,700 |
| Hyundai Tucson | 2020 or newer | $14,900 |
| GMC Terrain | 2020, 2023 | $16,100 |
| Mazda CX-5 | 2021-23 | $17,600 |
| Lexus UX | 2019-21 | $18,100 |
| Honda CR-V | 2020 or newer | $18,700 |
| Nissan Rogue | 2021 | $19,000 |
| Subaru Forester | 2021 or newer | $19,000 |
| Mazda CX-30 | 2022 or newer | $19,900 |
| Midsize SUVs | Model Years | Price |
| Volvo XC60 | 2017 | $12,100 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | 2019, 2020, 2023 | $15,200 |
| Toyota Highlander | 2017 or newer | $15,700 |
| Nissan Murano | 2019, 2020 | $15,900 |
| Ford Edge | 2020 or newer | $16,700 |
| Lexus NX | 2018-21 | $17,100 |
| Infiniti QX60 | 2019 | $17,800 |
| Mazda CX-9 | 2020, 2022 | $18,800 |
| Minivan | Model Years | Price |
| Toyota Sienna | 2018-20 | $19,100 |
Good Used Cars for Teen Drivers: “Good Choices”
Updated May 22, 2024
The “Good Choices” list offers a selection of used vehicles that are slightly more affordable while still providing a strong emphasis on safety and reliability, making them excellent candidates for Best First Cars. These vehicles meet robust safety standards and offer a balance of value and protection.
Similar to the “Best Choices,” all “Good Choices” vehicles have a curb weight greater than 2,750 pounds and achieve “good” ratings from IIHS in the original moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint tests. They also earn an “acceptable” or “good” rating in the driver-side small overlap test and, if rated by NHTSA, attain 4 or 5 stars overall.
Reliability remains a priority, with all recommended vehicles achieving above-average reliability scores from Consumer Reports (4 or 5 out of 5) for the majority of listed model years. They also have CR emergency handling scores of 3 out of 5 or higher and dry braking distances (from 60 mph to zero) of 145 feet or less.
It’s important to note that some “Good Choices” models include a “built after” date. This specification is relevant when a manufacturer implemented safety improvements during a model year. The manufacturing date of a specific vehicle can be found on the certification label, typically located on or near the driver’s side door.
Prices are also provided by Kelley Blue Book (KBB), rounded to the nearest $100, and reflect average U.S. values from April 19, 2024. These prices are for the lowest trim level and earliest applicable model year, based on a used vehicle in good condition, typical mileage, and purchased from a private party.
| Small Cars | Model Years | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda 3 sedan or hatchback | 2014-17; built after October 2013 | $5,800 |
| Ford C-Max Hybrid | 2015-16 | $7,100 |
| Honda Civic sedan | 2014 | $7,900 |
| Toyota Prius | 2014-16; built after November 2013 | $9,400 |
| Subaru Impreza sedan and wagon | 2019-20 | $13,200 |
| Midsize Cars | Model Years | Price |
| Mazda 6 | 2015-17 | $8,400 |
| Toyota Camry | 2014-17; built after December 2013 | $9,000 |
| Toyota Prius v | 2015-17 | $10,200 |
| Honda Accord coupe or sedan | 2015-17 | $10,500 |
| Subaru Legacy | 2017-18 | $11,600 |
| BMW 3 series | 2018 | $13,800 |
| Large Car | Model Years | Price |
| Toyota Avalon | 2015-16 | $12,600 |
| Small SUVs | Model Years | Price |
| Mazda CX-5 | 2016 | $10,100 |
| Hyundai Kona | 2018-19 | $11,000 |
| Honda CR-V | 2015-19 | $11,400 |
| Chevrolet Equinox | 2018-19 | $11,600 |
| Honda HR-V | 2017-22; built after March 2017 | $11,600 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 2015-16; built after November 2014 | $12,000 |
| GMC Terrain | 2018-19 | $12,700 |
| Midsize SUVs | Model Years | Price |
| Nissan Murano | 2016 | $9,900 |
| Toyota Highlander | 2014-16 | $11,700 |
| Lexus NX | 2015-17 | $12,100 |
| Acura RDX | 2016 | $13,500 |
| Mazda CX-9 | 2018 | $14,200 |
| Minivans | Model Years | Price |
| Toyota Sienna | 2016-17 | $12,600 |
| Honda Odyssey | 2017 | $14,400 |
Recommended New Vehicles for Teen Drivers
Updated May 22, 2024
For families prioritizing the highest level of safety and the latest features, new vehicles represent an excellent option as best first cars. The “Recommended New Vehicles” list features models that have achieved the prestigious 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award, signifying superior crash protection and advanced safety technology. All vehicles listed are equipped with standard vehicle-to-vehicle automatic emergency braking systems.
In addition to exceptional safety ratings, these new vehicles also demonstrate solid reliability, based on Consumer Reports member surveys, ensuring peace of mind for young drivers and their families. They achieve average or better scores in CR’s emergency handling tests and exhibit dry braking distances of less than 140 feet from 60 mph in CR’s brake tests. Furthermore, they receive a rating of “good” or better from CR for the ease of use of their controls, an important factor for new drivers.
Prices, rounded to the nearest $100, are based on Kelley Blue Book (KBB) New Car Fair Purchase Prices as of April 19, 2024, for the most affordable trim level, providing a clear picture of the starting investment for these top-rated new vehicles.
| Small Cars | Price |
|---|---|
| Subaru Impreza | $23,400 |
| Mazda 3 sedan or hatchback | $24,300 |
| Toyota Prius | $28,300 |
| Toyota Prius Prime | $33,600 |
| Midsize Cars | Price |
| Toyota Camry | $26,900 |
| Honda Accord | $28,200 |
| Subaru Outback | $29,300 |
| Hyundai Ioniq 6 except dual-motor | $37,700 |
| Small SUVs | Price |
| Mazda CX-30 | $25,700 |
| Kia Sportage | $27,300 |
| Hyundai Tucson | $27,800 |
| Honda CR-V | $29,700 |
| Mazda CX-50 built after August 2023 | $31,200 |
| Lexus UX | $35,300 |
| Midsize SUVs | Price |
| Subaru Ascent | $35,000 |
| Kia Telluride | $36,300 |
| Hyundai Palisade | $37,000 |
| Honda Pilot | $37,200 |
| Mazda CX-90 | $38,800 |
| Lexus NX | $39,600 |
| Minivan | Price |
| Honda Odyssey | $38,200 |
| Pickup | Price |
| Hyundai Santa Cruz | $27,500 |
