For parents navigating the crucial decision of a first car for their teenager, safety, reliability, and affordability are paramount. The combination of inexperience and youthful exuberance makes teen drivers particularly vulnerable on the road. Choosing the right vehicle is a vital step in ensuring their safety and fostering responsible driving habits.
Recognizing these concerns, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) have partnered to provide invaluable guidance. Their joint recommendations simplify the process of finding vehicles that excel in safety, reliability, and value, offering peace of mind for both teens and parents. This guide highlights top picks, with a special focus on small SUVs, a vehicle class increasingly popular for its blend of practicality and safety features.
Our recommendations are categorized into two tiers of used vehicles – “Best Choices” and “Good Choices” – offering a range of price points from under $6,000 to nearly $20,000. For those prioritizing the highest level of safety, a separate list of recommended new vehicles is also provided. Within these categories, we will particularly emphasize the “Car And Driver Small Suv” segment, showcasing models that stand out for their safety ratings and driving experience.
Important Reminder: Don’t Forget Recalls! Before purchasing any used vehicle, it’s crucial to check for open recalls. Utilize the vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate at checktoprotect.org to ensure the vehicle is safe. After purchasing, remember to notify the manufacturer to receive future recall notices. NHTSA also advises regular checks for new recalls every six months.
Best Choices in Used Small SUVs for Teen Drivers
Updated May 22, 2024
The “Best Choices” designation for used vehicles signifies exceptional safety and reliability. All vehicles in this category, especially within the small SUV segment, boast a curb weight exceeding 2,750 pounds. They have earned “good” ratings from IIHS in key crash tests: original moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint. Furthermore, they achieve an “acceptable” or “good” rating in the driver-side small overlap test, a particularly challenging evaluation. If assessed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these vehicles achieve a 4 or 5-star overall safety rating. Crucially, “Best Choice” vehicles are equipped with standard automatic emergency braking systems, earning an “advanced” or “superior” rating from IIHS for front crash prevention in vehicle-to-vehicle scenarios.
For “car and driver” considerations, these recommended vehicles also excel in reliability, achieving above-average scores from Consumer Reports (4 or 5 out of 5) for most listed model years. Their emergency handling scores from CR are 3 out of 5 or higher, and they demonstrate strong braking performance with dry braking distances from 60 mph to zero at 145 feet or less.
Pricing data is sourced from Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com), reflecting average U.S. values from April 19, 2024, rounded to the nearest $100. These prices represent the lowest trim level and earliest applicable model year, assuming a vehicle in good condition with typical mileage, purchased from a private party.
| 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 |
This table specifically highlights the “Best Choices” in used small SUVs. Models like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-5 are consistently praised by car and driver enthusiasts for their balanced performance, safety features, and enjoyable driving dynamics, alongside their top safety and reliability scores. These small SUVs offer a compelling combination for teen drivers seeking a safe and engaging vehicle.
Good Choices in Used Small SUVs: Balancing Safety and Affordability
Updated May 22, 2024
The “Good Choices” list expands the options for safety-conscious families, providing more affordable used vehicles that still meet rigorous safety standards. Similar to the “Best Choices,” these vehicles, including small SUVs, have a curb weight over 2,750 pounds and achieve “good” ratings in the IIHS 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.
Reliability remains a key factor for “Good Choices,” with all recommended vehicles achieving above-average reliability scores from Consumer Reports (4 or 5 out of 5) for most model years and CR emergency handling scores of 3 out of 5 or better. Braking performance is also consistent, with dry braking distances of 145 feet or less from 60 mph to zero.
Prices are also from Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com), using the same criteria as the “Best Choices” list (April 19, 2024, lowest trim, earliest model year, good condition, typical mileage, private party purchase).
Some models in this category include a “built after” date. This specification is crucial when manufacturers implement safety improvements mid-model year. The vehicle’s certification label, usually found on the driver’s door or nearby, indicates the manufacturing date.
| 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 |
Within the “Good Choices” for small SUVs, models like the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V reappear, highlighting their consistent safety and reliability across multiple model years. The Hyundai Kona and Chevrolet Equinox also offer compelling options in this more affordable tier, providing a balance of safety, features, and value for budget-conscious families seeking a suitable “car and driver small SUV” for their teen.
Young driver safety An IIHS-HLDI guide for parents of teens
Top Recommended New Small SUVs for Teen Safety in 2024
Updated May 22, 2024
For those prioritizing the latest safety technology and features, the list of recommended new vehicles represents the pinnacle of safety. All vehicles listed are 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award winners, equipped with standard vehicle-to-vehicle automatic emergency braking.
These new models also maintain high standards in reliability and driving performance. They achieve average or better reliability based on Consumer Reports member surveys, average or better scores in CR’s emergency handling tests, and dry braking distances under 140 feet from 60 mph in CR’s brake tests. Furthermore, they receive a “good” or better rating from CR for 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.com) 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 built after August 2023 | $31,200 |
| Lexus UX | $35,300 |
The 2024 list of recommended new small SUVs includes standouts like the Mazda CX-30 and CX-50, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, and Hyundai Tucson. These models represent the cutting edge in automotive safety and technology, offering advanced driver-assistance systems and robust crash protection. For parents seeking the safest possible “car and driver small SUV” for their teen, these new vehicles are excellent choices, combining top safety ratings with modern driving features and designs.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety in Your Teen’s First Car
Choosing a vehicle for a teen driver is a significant decision where safety should be the top priority. By leveraging the combined expertise of IIHS and Consumer Reports, parents can make informed choices, selecting vehicles that offer excellent crash protection, reliability, and essential safety features. Whether opting for a “Best Choice” used small SUV, a budget-friendly “Good Choice,” or a state-of-the-art new model, prioritizing safety ensures a safer driving experience for your teen and greater peace of mind for you. Remember to always check for recalls and encourage responsible driving habits to further enhance your teen’s safety on the road.
