Choosing the safest vehicles for your teen is essential to ensuring that they have the safest time on the road. One of the most stressful life stages for a parent is when their teenager starts driving. The CDC reports that drivers aged 16-19 are three times more likely to experience a fatal accident than older drivers.
The Safest Vehicles for Teenagers
Parents can ensure their child’s safety on the road by teaching them the essential road rules. Additionally, they can provide adequate learning time behind the wheel while procuring sufficient auto insurance.
Vehicles to Consider For Your Teen
Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety created a list of 70 safe cars for teenagers. With the current cost of new vehicles soaring, this report included used and new cars with a price range of $6,000-$39,000.
A safe car is reliable, excels in performance on crash tests, and has safety features like electronic stability control and automatic braking.
Best Used Cars
There is a shortage of available new vehicles. Thus, used cars are an affordable alternative. The best used, safe cars for teenagers are listed below.
Best Small Cars
The 2011-13 Mazda hatchback or sedan is a top safety pick and the most affordable at $6,000. The 2012-15 Honda Civic, the 2011 or newer Toyota Prius, the 2013 Chevy Volt, the 2014 or newer Toyota Corolla, and the 2012-13 Lexus CT200h all made the list of best small used cars.
Best Midsize Used Cars
The 2012-14 Toyota Prius v is the most affordable midsize car, costing $8,500. Other midsize vehicles that made the cut include the 2012 or newer Toyota Camry, the 2012 or newer Honda Accord, the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta, the 2015 or 2018 Ford Fusion, the 2016 BMW 3 series, and the Nissan Altima.
Best Large Used Cars and Small SUVs
In the large car and small SUV category, the least expensive vehicle is the 2011 Ford Taurus, at an estimated list price of $6,300. The 2011 Hyundai Genesis, 2011-14 Toyota Avalon, and 2014-20 Nissan Rogue SUV.
Best New Vehicles
New vehicles usually carry a higher price tag and require more expensive auto insurance but generally have the bonus of manufacturer warranties and the latest safety features.
Small and Midsize Cars
Small and midsize cars are typically good options for a first car, particularly with gas prices soaring. The Mazda 3 sedan is the least expensive vehicle, costing $21,200. Other notable options include the Subaru Legacy, Kia K5, Honda Insight, Subaru Outback, and Lexus IS.
Small SUVs
Small SUVs are a safe and rugged option for new drivers. Also, the least expensive is the Chevy Trailblazer, at $21,900. Other options include the Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5, Ford Bronco Sport, Buick Encore GX, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Lexus UX.
Midsize SUVs and Minivans
While some teens may find a midsize SUV or minivan more challenging to handle, parents find comfort in the safety aspects of having their child drive a larger vehicle. The least expensive option in this category is the Hyundai Santa Fe at $27,800. Other options include the Hyundai Palisade, Nissan Murano, Mazda CX-9, Toyota Highlander, and Honda Odyssey.
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