Driving is a significant milestone for teenagers, offering freedom and independence. However, inexperience and immaturity can make driving particularly risky for young drivers. Choosing the right vehicle is paramount for teen safety, and for many families, affordability and reliability are also key considerations.
To simplify the process of finding a vehicle that balances safety, reliability, and affordability, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) have collaborated to offer recommendations. This guide highlights some of the best affordable SUV options, drawing from their joint research, to help parents and teens make informed decisions.
The recommendations are categorized into used vehicles, offering “Best Choices” and “Good Choices” at varying price points, and a list of “Recommended New Vehicles” for those seeking the highest safety standards in a new model. While the original article includes various vehicle types, this revised article will focus specifically on SUVs to align with the keyword “Best Affordable Suvs.”
It’s crucial to remember to check for recalls before purchasing any used vehicle. Utilize the vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate at checktoprotect.org to ensure there are no outstanding recalls. After purchasing a used vehicle, notify the manufacturer to receive future recall notices. NHTSA also recommends checking their database for new recalls every six months.
Best Choices — Used Affordable SUVs
These “Best Choice” used SUVs offer an excellent combination of safety features, reliability, and affordability. They all weigh over 2,750 pounds and have earned “good” ratings from IIHS in key crash tests, including moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint tests. They also received at least an “acceptable” rating in the driver-side small overlap test. If rated by NHTSA, these SUVs achieved 4 or 5 stars overall. A significant safety feature is the inclusion of standard automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems with an “advanced” or “superior” rating from IIHS for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.
Reliability is also a key factor. These SUVs have above-average reliability scores from Consumer Reports (4 or 5 out of 5) for most listed model years, and CR emergency handling scores of 3 out of 5 or higher. Their dry braking distance from 60 mph to zero is 145 feet or less.
Prices are based on Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com) average U.S. values from April 19, 2024, for the base trim level and earliest model year listed, assuming good condition, typical mileage, and a private party purchase.
| Small SUVs | Model Years | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Equinox | 2020, 2023 | $13,800 |
| Kia Sportage | 2020+ | $14,400 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 2017+ | $14,700 |
| Hyundai Tucson | 2020+ | $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+ | $18,700 |
| Nissan Rogue | 2021 | $19,000 |
| Subaru Forester | 2021+ | $19,000 |
| Mazda CX-30 | 2022+ | $19,900 |
| Midsize SUVs | Model Years | Price |
| Volvo XC60 | 2017 | $12,100 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | 2019, 2020, 2023 | $15,200 |
| Toyota Highlander | 2017+ | $15,700 |
| Nissan Murano | 2019, 2020 | $15,900 |
| Ford Edge | 2020+ | $16,700 |
| Lexus NX | 2018-21 | $17,100 |
| Infiniti QX60 | 2019 | $17,800 |
| Mazda CX-9 | 2020, 2022 | $18,800 |
Good Choices — Used Affordable SUVs
The “Good Choices” list presents slightly more budget-friendly used SUV options that still prioritize safety and reliability. These vehicles meet the same weight and crash test rating criteria as the “Best Choices,” earning “good” ratings from IIHS in moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint tests, and at least “acceptable” in the driver-side small overlap test. They also achieve 4 or 5 stars overall from NHTSA, if rated.
Like the “Best Choices,” these SUVs have above-average reliability from Consumer Reports and satisfactory emergency handling scores. Their braking distances are also within the 145-foot limit.
It’s important to note that some models in this category have a “built after” date, indicating safety improvements made mid-model year. Check the certification label on the driver’s side door or nearby to determine the manufacturing date of a specific vehicle.
| 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 Nov 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 |
Recommended New Affordable SUVs
For those prioritizing the latest safety technology and are considering a new vehicle, these recommended new SUVs are all 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award winners and include standard vehicle-to-vehicle automatic emergency braking.
These new SUVs also have average or better reliability ratings from Consumer Reports, along with good emergency handling scores and braking distances under 140 feet. Consumer Reports also rates them as “good” or better for ease of use of their controls.
New car prices are based on Kelley Blue Book New Car Fair Purchase Prices as of April 19, 2024, for the least expensive trim level.
| Small SUVs | Price |
|---|---|
| Mazda CX-30 | $25,700 |
| Kia Sportage | $27,300 |
| Hyundai Tucson | $27,800 |
| Honda CR-V | $29,700 |
| Mazda CX-50 | $31,200 (built after August 2023) |
| 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 |
Conclusion
Selecting a vehicle for a teenager involves balancing numerous factors, with safety, affordability, and reliability at the forefront. This guide, focusing on affordable SUVs, provides a starting point for parents and teens to identify vehicles that meet these crucial criteria. By considering both used and new options from the IIHS and Consumer Reports recommendations, families can make informed choices to ensure teen drivers are as safe as possible on the road. Remember to always verify current pricing and check for vehicle recalls before making a final purchase.
