Driving is a significant milestone for teenagers, offering freedom and independence. However, inexperience and immaturity can make driving particularly risky for young drivers. Choosing the right vehicle is paramount for ensuring their safety on the road. For families navigating this important decision, safety, reliability, and affordability are often the most critical factors.
Recognizing these needs, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) have collaborated to provide a comprehensive guide to help parents and young drivers select vehicles that prioritize safety without breaking the bank. This guide focuses on Recommended Small Cars, highlighting models that excel in safety ratings, reliability, and overall value.
Image alt text: IIHS and Consumer Reports logos displayed side-by-side, representing their partnership in vehicle safety recommendations.
This article will delve into the recommended small cars featured in the joint IIHS and CR reports, covering both used and new options. We’ll explore the “Best Choices” and “Good Choices” in used vehicles, as well as the top-rated new small cars, providing a detailed look at why these vehicles stand out as safe options for teen drivers.
It’s crucial to remember that vehicle safety extends beyond just choosing the right model. Always check for recalls before purchasing any used vehicle. Utilize the vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate at checktoprotect.org to ensure there are no outstanding safety recalls. Furthermore, upon purchase, notify the manufacturer to receive future recall notices. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also recommends checking their database for new recalls every six months.
Best Used Small Cars for Teens: Top Safety Choices
The “Best Choices” list for used vehicles represents the highest tier of safety and reliability for teen drivers. These recommended small cars meet stringent criteria set by both IIHS and Consumer Reports.
To qualify as a “Best Choice,” used vehicles must have a curb weight exceeding 2,750 pounds and achieve “good” ratings in IIHS’s original moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint tests. They also need an “acceptable” or “good” rating in the driver-side small overlap test. If evaluated by NHTSA, these vehicles must earn a 4 or 5-star overall safety rating. Crucially, “Best Choice” vehicles include standard automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems that earn an “advanced” or “superior” rating from IIHS in vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention tests.
Beyond safety, reliability is paramount. All recommended small cars on the “Best Choices” list have above-average reliability scores (4 or 5 out of 5) from Consumer Reports for most listed model years and emergency handling scores of 3 out of 5 or higher. They also exhibit strong braking performance, with dry braking distances from 60 mph to zero at 145 feet or less.
Prices listed are average U.S. values from Kelley Blue Book (KBB) as of April 19, 2024, for the lowest trim level and earliest applicable model year, reflecting good condition, typical mileage, and private party purchase.
Here are the recommended small cars in the “Best Choices” category:
| 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 |
- Toyota Corolla (Sedan or Hatchback): The Toyota Corolla is a perennial favorite for its reliability and fuel efficiency, and the newer models offer enhanced safety features. Both the sedan and hatchback versions from the specified model years provide excellent crash protection and come standard with advanced safety technologies.
- Toyota Prius: The Toyota Prius is synonymous with fuel economy and longevity. Choosing a 2017 or newer model ensures access to improved safety features while maintaining the Prius’s renowned reliability and fuel efficiency.
- Mazda 3 (Sedan or Hatchback): The Mazda 3 stands out for its engaging driving dynamics and stylish design, combined with impressive safety ratings. The 2021-2022 models offer a compelling blend of safety, performance, and aesthetics, making them a great choice for teens who appreciate a more spirited driving experience.
- Toyota Prius Prime: The Toyota Prius Prime, a plug-in hybrid version of the Prius, offers similar safety and reliability to the standard Prius, with the added benefit of electric driving range for shorter commutes.
- Honda Civic (Sedan or Hatchback): The Honda Civic is another long-standing leader in the compact car segment, known for its reliability, practicality, and safety. The 2021 or newer models boast updated safety technology and continue the Civic’s reputation for dependability.
Good Used Small Cars for Teens: More Affordable Safety
The “Good Choices” list offers more budget-friendly recommended small cars that still prioritize safety and reliability. These vehicles meet slightly less stringent criteria than the “Best Choices,” making them accessible options for families with tighter budgets.
“Good Choices” used vehicles maintain the minimum curb weight of 2,750 pounds and “good” ratings in the IIHS’s original moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint tests, along with an “acceptable” or “good” rating in the driver-side small overlap test. NHTSA ratings, if available, are 4 or 5 stars overall. Reliability and braking performance standards from Consumer Reports remain the same as the “Best Choices” category.
Some “Good Choices” models include “built after” dates, indicating mid-year manufacturing changes to enhance safety. Check the certification label on the driver’s door or nearby for specific manufacturing dates.
Here are the recommended small cars classified as “Good Choices”:
| 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 |
- Mazda 3 (Sedan or Hatchback): Earlier models of the Mazda 3 (2014-2017 built after October 2013) still provide a good level of safety and the same engaging driving experience as newer models, but at a more accessible price point.
- Ford C-Max Hybrid: The Ford C-Max Hybrid offers a blend of fuel efficiency and hatchback practicality. These model years provide a safe and economical option in the used market.
- Honda Civic Sedan: The 2014 Honda Civic sedan remains a reliable and safe choice, upholding the Civic’s reputation for dependability and fuel efficiency.
- Toyota Prius: Similar to the Mazda 3, slightly older Toyota Prius models (2014-2016 built after November 2013) still offer excellent safety and fuel economy, making them a smart value proposition for budget-conscious buyers.
- Subaru Impreza (Sedan and Wagon): The Subaru Impreza, available in both sedan and wagon (hatchback) forms, provides standard all-wheel drive, a valuable safety feature, especially in regions with challenging weather conditions. The 2019-2020 models offer a combination of safety, all-weather capability, and practicality.
Image alt text: A teenager and parent are pictured inside a car, symbolizing the importance of choosing safe vehicles for young drivers.
Recommended New Small Cars for Teens: Highest Safety Standards
For families prioritizing the highest level of safety and the latest features, the list of recommended new small cars offers top-tier choices. These vehicles are all 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award winners and include standard vehicle-to-vehicle automatic emergency braking.
In addition to top safety ratings, these new recommended small cars also meet Consumer Reports’ criteria for average or better reliability (based on member surveys), average or better emergency handling scores, and dry braking distances less than 140 feet from 60 mph. They also receive a “good” or better rating from CR for ease of use of their controls, an important factor for new drivers.
Prices reflect Kelley Blue Book New Car Fair Purchase Prices as of April 19, 2024, for the least expensive trim level.
Here are the recommended new small cars:
| Small Cars | Price |
|---|---|
| Subaru Impreza | $23,400 |
| Mazda 3 (sedan or hatchback) | $24,300 |
| Toyota Prius | $28,300 |
| Toyota Prius Prime | $33,600 |
- Subaru Impreza: The new Subaru Impreza continues to offer standard all-wheel drive and now boasts even higher safety ratings as a Top Safety Pick winner. It’s a reliable and safe choice, especially for drivers in areas with snow or rain.
- Mazda 3 (Sedan or Hatchback): The latest Mazda 3 models remain a top pick for their blend of safety, engaging driving dynamics, and refined interiors. Their Top Safety Pick status further solidifies their position as a leading recommended small car.
- Toyota Prius: The redesigned Toyota Prius continues its legacy of fuel efficiency and reliability, now with enhanced safety features that earn it a Top Safety Pick award.
- Toyota Prius Prime: The plug-in hybrid Toyota Prius Prime offers the same exceptional safety as the standard Prius, with the added benefit of electric driving and significant fuel savings for daily commutes.
Don’t Forget to Check for Recalls!
Regardless of whether you choose a used or new vehicle, and especially when purchasing used, always prioritize safety by checking for open recalls. Utilize the NHTSA recall website and checktoprotect.org to enter the VIN and identify any outstanding recalls that need addressing.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety in Small Cars for Teens
Choosing a vehicle for a teenager is a decision that should prioritize safety above all else. This guide, based on the expert evaluations of IIHS and Consumer Reports, highlights recommended small cars that offer excellent safety ratings, proven reliability, and reasonable affordability. Whether you opt for a “Best Choice” used model, a budget-friendly “Good Choice,” or a brand-new, top-rated small car, selecting from these lists provides peace of mind knowing you’ve chosen a vehicle designed to protect your young driver. By focusing on safety and reliability, you can help ensure your teen’s driving experience is as safe as possible as they gain experience on the road.
