For parents of teenagers, ensuring their newly licensed drivers are safe behind the wheel is paramount. The combination of inexperience and developing judgment makes choosing the right vehicle a critical decision. Safety, reliability, and affordability rise to the top of the list when selecting a car for a teen. Recognizing these priorities, organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports have collaborated to identify vehicles that excel in these key areas. Among the standout choices, particularly for those seeking a blend of safety and sophistication, is the Lexus NX. This compact SUV consistently earns high marks for safety and reliability, making it a compelling option for families prioritizing peace of mind.
To simplify the process of finding a safe vehicle for young drivers, IIHS and Consumer Reports have joined forces, publishing recommendations that consider rigorous safety evaluations, proven reliability, and practical affordability. Their lists are categorized into “Best Choices” and “Good Choices” for used vehicles, alongside a selection of “Recommended New Vehicles” that offer the latest safety technologies. These recommendations aim to guide parents and teens towards vehicles that provide optimal protection and minimize risks on the road.
Young driver safety An IIHS-HLDI guide for parents of teens
It’s essential to remember that regardless of the chosen vehicle, checking for safety recalls is a crucial step before purchasing any used car. Utilizing the vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate on websites like checktoprotect.org allows buyers to identify any outstanding recalls. Furthermore, registering the vehicle with the manufacturer after purchase ensures that owners receive future recall notifications, contributing to ongoing vehicle safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also advises regular checks of their database for new recalls every six months to stay informed about potential safety issues.
Best Choices — Used Vehicles for Teen Drivers
Updated May 22, 2024
The “Best Choices” list for used vehicles represents models that offer a superior level of safety and reliability for teen drivers. Every vehicle on this list weighs over 2,750 pounds and has achieved “good” ratings from the IIHS in critical crash tests, including the original moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint evaluations. They also earned at least an “acceptable” rating in the driver-side small overlap test. For models rated by NHTSA, a 4 or 5-star overall safety rating is a prerequisite for inclusion. A significant safety feature for “Best Choices” vehicles is the standard automatic emergency braking (AEB) system, which must earn an “advanced” or “superior” rating from IIHS in vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention tests.
Reliability is another cornerstone of the “Best Choices” designation. All recommended vehicles have secured above-average reliability scores from Consumer Reports (4 or 5 out of 5) for most of their listed model years. Additionally, they have demonstrated solid emergency handling, achieving Consumer Reports emergency handling scores of 3 out of 5 or higher. Braking performance is also assessed, with “Best Choices” vehicles exhibiting dry braking distances from 60 mph to zero of 145 feet or less.
Pricing information, sourced from Kelley Blue Book and rounded to the nearest $100, reflects average U.S. values as of April 19, 2024. These prices represent the lowest trim level and earliest applicable model year for vehicles in good condition with typical mileage, 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 |
Good Choices — Used Vehicles Offering Safety and Value
Updated May 22, 2024
The “Good Choices” list presents used vehicles that still meet high safety standards, while often being more budget-friendly than the “Best Choices.” These vehicles also have a curb weight exceeding 2,750 pounds and achieve “good” ratings from the IIHS in the original moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint tests. They also secure at least an “acceptable” rating in the driver-side small overlap test, and if evaluated by NHTSA, they must earn a 4 or 5-star overall safety rating.
Similar to the “Best Choices,” reliability is a key consideration for “Good Choices” vehicles. They all have above-average reliability scores from Consumer Reports (4 or 5 out of 5) for the majority of the listed model years, and Consumer Reports emergency handling scores of 3 out of 5 or better. Braking performance remains important, with these vehicles also achieving dry braking distances (from 60 mph to zero) of 145 feet or less.
Prices for “Good Choices,” also from Kelley Blue Book and rounded to the nearest $100, are average U.S. values from April 19, 2024. These figures are for the lowest trim level and earliest applicable model year, assuming the vehicle is in good condition, has typical mileage, and is a private party purchase.
It’s important to note that some models on the “Good Choices” list include a “built after” date. This specification is crucial when a manufacturer implements safety improvements during a model year. The manufacturing date for a specific vehicle can be found on the certification label, typically located on the driver’s side door or doorjamb.
| 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 |
Recommended New Vehicles for Enhanced Teen Driver Safety
Updated May 22, 2024
For those prioritizing the highest levels of safety and the latest technology, the “Recommended New Vehicles” list offers vehicles that are at the forefront of safety. Every vehicle listed is a recipient of the 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award and comes equipped with standard vehicle-to-vehicle automatic emergency braking.
Beyond top-tier safety ratings, these new vehicles also demonstrate solid reliability, scoring at least average in Consumer Reports member surveys. They achieve average or better scores in Consumer Reports emergency handling tests and have dry braking distances of less than 140 feet from 60 mph in Consumer Reports brake tests. User-friendliness is also considered, with each vehicle receiving a “good” or better rating from Consumer Reports for ease of use of their controls.
Prices listed, rounded to the nearest $100, are based on Kelley Blue Book New Car Fair Purchase Prices as of April 19, 2024, for the most affordable trim level. Notably, the Lexus NX stands out in the midsize SUV category of recommended new vehicles, further solidifying its position as a safe and reliable choice for families. Car and Driver reviews often highlight the Lexus NX for its comfortable ride, comprehensive safety features, and user-friendly technology, aligning with the criteria for safe teen vehicles.
| 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 |
