Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have compiled a list of the best vehicles for young drivers, focusing on safety features. This year’s list includes 58 used models ranging from $5,800 to $19,900, all of which have good or acceptable ratings in the IIHS driver-side small overlap test. The list also includes 2024 new vehicles, all priced under $40,000 and rated as top safety picks by the IIHS. Consumer Reports evaluated the cars based on crash ratings, advanced driving assistance technology, reliability, and price.
Among the best used vehicles for teen drivers are small cars such as the Toyota Corolla, Prius, and Honda Civic, ranging in price from $10,600 to $17,600. Midsize cars like the Toyota Camry and Volvo S60 are also recommended, with prices starting at $9,600. Small SUVs like the Chevrolet Equinox and Toyota RAV4 are included in the list, priced between $13,800 and $19,000. Midsize SUVs like the Volvo XC60 and Hyundai Santa Fe are also recommended options for teen drivers, priced from $12,100 to $17,800.
For parents looking for good choices for used vehicles, options include small cars like the Mazda 3 and Ford C-Max Hybrid, priced from $5,800 to $9,400. Midsize cars like the Mazda 6 and Toyota Camry are also recommended, with prices ranging from $8,400 to $13,800. Small SUVs like the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V are included on the list, priced between $10,100 and $12,000. Midsize SUVs like the Nissan Murano and Lexus NX are also recommended options, with prices ranging from $9,900 to $14,200.
Consumer Reports also identified recommended 2024 new models for teen drivers, including small cars like the Subaru Impreza and Mazda 3, priced from $23,400 to $33,600. Midsize cars like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are also recommended, with prices starting at $26,900. Small SUVs like the Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Tucson are included in the list, priced between $25,700 and $31,200. Midsize SUVs like the Subaru Ascent and Kia Telluride are also recommended options, with prices starting at $35,000.
In conclusion, when choosing a vehicle for a young driver, safety should be a top priority. Consumer Reports’ list of the best vehicles for teen drivers includes both used and new models that meet high safety standards, reliability, and price considerations. By selecting a car from this list, parents can provide their teens with a safe and reliable vehicle to drive.
