For parents of teenagers, the prospect of their child getting behind the wheel is often filled with mixed emotions. While driving represents newfound freedom and independence for teens, their immaturity and limited experience on the road significantly elevate driving risks. Ensuring your teen driver is in a safe vehicle is paramount. Beyond safety, reliability and affordability are crucial factors for families when choosing a car for a young driver.
Recognizing these key concerns, organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports have collaborated to simplify the process of finding vehicles that meet these vital criteria. This guide focuses on helping parents and young drivers identify the Best Compact Automobiles and other vehicle types that prioritize safety, dependability, and value.
Alt text: IIHS and Consumer Reports collaboration logo signifying joint effort to provide safety and reliability ratings for vehicles.
Our recommendations feature two categories of used vehicles: “Best Choices” and “Good Choices,” offering a range of price points from under $6,000 to nearly $20,000. For those considering a new car, we also present a list of “Recommended New Vehicles” that offer the highest levels of safety and advanced features.
Important Reminder: Always Check for Vehicle Recalls! Before purchasing any used vehicle, it is essential to check for outstanding recalls. Utilize the vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate to access the recall database. To stay informed about future recalls, be sure to notify the manufacturer of your purchase. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also recommends that vehicle owners regularly check their database for new recalls approximately every six months.
Alt text: A parent and teen in a car, representing the guide for parents on young driver safety and vehicle selection.
Top Used Compact Automobiles for Teens: Best Choices
Updated May 22, 2024
The “Best Choices” list highlights used vehicles that offer an exceptional combination of safety and reliability. All vehicles in this category meet stringent safety standards. They possess a curb weight exceeding 2,750 pounds and have earned “good” ratings from the IIHS in critical crash tests, including the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraint evaluations. Furthermore, they achieve an “acceptable” or “good” rating in the driver-side small overlap test. When rated by NHTSA, these vehicles attain an overall score of 4 or 5 stars. A significant safety feature of “Best Choice” vehicles is the inclusion of standard automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems, which have earned an “advanced” or “superior” rating from IIHS in vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention assessments.
Reliability is another cornerstone of the “Best Choices” category. Every recommended vehicle has secured above-average reliability scores from Consumer Reports (4 or 5 out of 5) for the majority of listed model years. They also achieve Consumer Reports emergency handling scores of 3 out of 5 or higher and maintain dry braking distances (from 60 mph to zero) of 145 feet or less.
The prices listed are average U.S. values from Kelley Blue Book, rounded to the nearest $100, as of April 19, 2024. These figures represent the lowest trim level and earliest applicable model year, based on a vehicle in good condition, with typical mileage, and purchased from a private party.
| 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 |
Reliable Used Compact Automobiles: Good Choices
Updated May 22, 2024
The “Good Choices” list offers a selection of used vehicles that are slightly more budget-friendly while still maintaining strong safety and reliability. Similar to the “Best Choices,” all vehicles listed as “Good Choices” have a curb weight exceeding 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, achieve 4 or 5 stars overall.
Furthermore, “Good Choices” vehicles have above-average reliability scores from Consumer Reports (4 or 5 out of 5) for the majority of the listed model years, along with Consumer Reports emergency handling scores of 3 out of 5 or higher, and braking distances of 145 feet or less when stopping from 60 mph.
Prices are sourced from Kelley Blue Book as of April 19, 2024, rounded to the nearest $100, representing average U.S. values for the lowest trim level and earliest applicable model year, based on good condition, typical mileage, and private party purchase.
It is important to note that some models in this category include a “built after” date. This designation is crucial when a manufacturer implements 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.
| 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 |
Safest New Compact Automobiles: Recommended Choices
Updated May 22, 2024
For families prioritizing the latest safety technology and features, the “Recommended New Vehicles” list presents top-tier choices. All vehicles in this selection are recipients of the 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award, the highest safety designations from this institute. They all come equipped with standard vehicle-to-vehicle automatic emergency braking systems.
Beyond safety ratings, these new vehicles also demonstrate strong reliability. They achieve average or better reliability ratings based on Consumer Reports member surveys, as well as average or better scores in Consumer Reports emergency handling tests. Furthermore, they maintain dry braking distances of less than 140 feet from 60 mph in Consumer Reports brake tests and receive a “good” rating or better from Consumer Reports for ease of use of their controls.
Prices listed are Kelley Blue Book New Car Fair Purchase Prices as of April 19, 2024, rounded to the nearest $100, for the least expensive trim level.
| 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 |
Choosing the right vehicle for a teen driver is a critical decision. By prioritizing safety, reliability, and affordability, parents can equip their young drivers with cars that not only provide independence but also offer crucial protection on the road. Whether you opt for a used compact automobile from the “Best Choices” or “Good Choices” lists, or invest in a new vehicle from the “Recommended New Vehicles” category, this guide provides a strong starting point for making an informed and safe vehicle selection for your teen driver.
