Recommended SUV Cars for Teen Drivers: Prioritizing Safety and Reliability

Driving is a significant milestone for teenagers, offering freedom and independence. However, inexperience and immaturity make teen drivers particularly vulnerable on the road. For parents, ensuring their teen is driving the safest vehicle possible is paramount. Beyond safety, reliability and affordability are also key considerations. This guide focuses on Recommended Suv Cars that strike the right balance of these crucial factors, drawing upon the expertise of leading safety organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR).

Alt text: IIHS and Consumer Reports collaboration logo, highlighting their partnership in vehicle safety recommendations.

Choosing the right SUV for your teen can feel overwhelming. This article simplifies the process by presenting top recommendations for both used and new SUVs, categorized for easy browsing. These recommendations are based on rigorous safety evaluations, proven reliability, and practical considerations for teen drivers and their families.

Best Used SUV Choices for Teen Drivers

For many families, a used vehicle represents a more budget-friendly option without compromising on safety. The following SUVs are designated as “Best Choices” in the used car market, offering a strong combination of safety features and affordability. To qualify as a “Best Choice,” these used SUVs meet stringent criteria:

Weight: A curb weight exceeding 2,750 pounds, providing better crash protection.
IIHS Safety Ratings: Good ratings in the original moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint tests, and at least an acceptable rating in the driver-side small overlap test.
NHTSA Safety Ratings: If rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a 4 or 5-star overall safety rating.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Standard automatic emergency braking systems with an advanced or superior rating from IIHS in vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention tests.
Consumer Reports Reliability: Above-average reliability scores from CR (4 or 5 out of 5) for most listed model years.
Consumer Reports Handling & Braking: CR emergency handling scores of 3 out of 5 or higher and dry braking distances (60 mph to zero) of 145 feet or less.

These criteria ensure that “Best Choice” used SUVs offer a high level of protection and dependability for young drivers. Here are some standout recommended SUV cars within this category:

Small Used SUVs – Best Choices

Small SUVs are often ideal for teens due to their manageable size, fuel efficiency, and ease of parking. They still offer the higher driving position and some of the cargo space benefits of larger SUVs, making them practical for everyday use.

Chevrolet Equinox (2020, 2023): Starting around $13,800, the Equinox provides a comfortable ride and good safety scores. Its standard AEB is a crucial safety feature for teen drivers.
Kia Sportage (2020 or newer): Priced from approximately $14,400, the Sportage is known for its value and comprehensive warranty when new, translating to potentially longer-lasting reliability in the used market.
Toyota RAV4 (2017 or newer): Starting at about $14,700, the RAV4 is a perennial favorite for its exceptional reliability and strong resale value. Its reputation for longevity makes it a smart used SUV choice.
Hyundai Tucson (2020 or newer): Around $14,900 and up, the Tucson offers a stylish design and a comfortable interior, along with the sought-after safety and reliability ratings.
Mazda CX-5 (2021-23): Starting at $17,600, the CX-5 is often praised for its engaging driving dynamics, making it a more enjoyable option for teens who appreciate a sporty feel. It also excels in safety.
Honda CR-V (2020 or newer): Priced from $18,700, the CR-V is another top contender in the small SUV segment, known for its practicality, fuel efficiency, and strong safety record.

Midsize Used SUVs – Best Choices

Midsize SUVs offer more space for passengers and cargo, which can be beneficial for families or teens who frequently transport friends or equipment. They generally provide a more substantial feel on the road.

Volvo XC60 (2017): Starting around $12,100, the XC60 reflects Volvo’s long-standing commitment to safety. It offers a luxurious feel and a strong suite of safety features.
Hyundai Santa Fe (2019, 2020, 2023): Priced from $15,200, the Santa Fe provides a good balance of size, features, and value, making it a practical choice for families.
Toyota Highlander (2017 or newer): Starting at approximately $15,700, the Highlander is renowned for its reliability and spaciousness, often with three-row seating in some models, offering extra versatility.
Nissan Murano (2019, 2020): Around $15,900 and up, the Murano offers a comfortable and stylish option with a more premium feel than some competitors in its class.
Ford Edge (2020 or newer): Starting at $16,700, the Edge provides a sporty driving experience and a spacious interior, appealing to those who want a bit more performance.
Mazda CX-9 (2020, 2022): Priced from $18,800, the CX-9 is the larger sibling to the CX-5, offering three-row seating and Mazda’s signature driving enjoyment, while maintaining strong safety ratings.

Good Used SUV Choices: Balancing Safety and Affordability

For families seeking even more budget-friendly options, the “Good Choices” list provides SUVs that still prioritize safety and reliability, albeit with slightly less stringent criteria than the “Best Choices.” These vehicles meet the same weight and IIHS/NHTSA crash test rating standards as “Best Choices” but may not have standard AEB systems and could be older models, reflecting their increased affordability.

Here are some recommended SUV cars from the “Good Choices” used category:

Small Used SUVs – Good Choices

Mazda CX-5 (2016): Starting around $10,100, a slightly older CX-5 model still offers Mazda’s engaging driving dynamics and solid safety ratings at a lower price point.
Hyundai Kona (2018-19): Priced from approximately $11,000, the Kona is a subcompact SUV that is surprisingly fun to drive and offers good safety for its size.
Honda CR-V (2015-19): Around $11,400 and up, older CR-V models remain reliable and safe choices, continuing the CR-V’s legacy of practicality.
Chevrolet Equinox (2018-19): Starting at $11,600, slightly older Equinox models provide a more affordable entry point while maintaining good safety scores.
Honda HR-V (2017-22, built after March 2017): Priced from $11,600, the HR-V is a subcompact SUV known for its clever use of space and Honda reliability.
Toyota RAV4 (2015-16, built after November 2014): Starting at $12,000, even older RAV4 models continue to be dependable and safe, benefiting from Toyota’s reputation for longevity.
GMC Terrain (2018-19): Around $12,700 and up, the Terrain shares many similarities with the Chevrolet Equinox and offers a slightly more upscale styling.

Midsize Used SUVs – Good Choices

Nissan Murano (2016): Starting around $9,900, an older Murano model offers the same comfortable and stylish experience at a more accessible price.
Toyota Highlander (2014-16): Priced from $11,700, older Highlander models remain a reliable and spacious choice for families needing three-row capability.
Lexus NX (2015-17): Around $12,100 and up, the Lexus NX provides a touch of luxury and Lexus’s renowned reliability in a compact SUV format.
Acura RDX (2016): Starting at $13,500, the Acura RDX offers a sportier driving experience and premium features compared to mainstream brands, while still prioritizing safety.
Mazda CX-9 (2018): Around $14,200 and up, an older CX-9 model delivers Mazda’s driving dynamics and three-row seating at a reduced cost.

Recommended New SUVs for Teen Drivers: Top-Tier Safety

For families prioritizing the highest level of safety and the latest features, new vehicles are the way to go. The following recommended SUV cars are 2024 models that have earned the prestigious IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, representing the highest safety designations. They also include standard vehicle-to-vehicle automatic emergency braking and meet Consumer Reports’ criteria for reliability, handling, braking, and ease of use.

Mazda CX-30: Starting at $25,700, the CX-30 is a stylish and sporty subcompact SUV that is fun to drive and packed with safety features.
Kia Sportage: Priced from $27,300, the new Sportage offers a bold design, a comfortable interior, and a long list of standard and available technology and safety features.
Hyundai Tucson: Around $27,800 and up, the Tucson boasts a striking design, a spacious cabin, and a smooth ride, along with top safety scores.
Honda CR-V: Starting at $29,700, the latest CR-V continues its reputation for practicality, fuel efficiency, and now, top-tier safety ratings.
Mazda CX-50 (built after August 2023): Priced from $31,200, the CX-50 is a more rugged and adventurous alternative to the CX-5, offering all-wheel drive and a focus on outdoor activities, while maintaining excellent safety.
Lexus UX: Around $35,300 and up, the Lexus UX provides a luxurious entry into the SUV market with a focus on fuel efficiency and urban maneuverability, alongside Lexus’s renowned safety and quality.
Subaru Ascent: Starting at $35,000, the Ascent is Subaru’s largest SUV, offering three-row seating and standard all-wheel drive, ideal for families needing extra space and all-weather capability, with excellent safety.
Kia Telluride: Priced from $36,300, the Telluride is a highly sought-after three-row SUV known for its stylish design, spacious interior, and long list of features, combined with top safety scores.
Hyundai Palisade: Around $37,000 and up, the Palisade shares its platform with the Telluride and offers a similarly spacious and luxurious experience with a slightly different styling approach, also with top safety ratings.
Honda Pilot: Starting at $37,200, the Pilot is a well-rounded three-row SUV known for its practicality, comfortable ride, and now, top-tier safety performance.
Mazda CX-90: Priced from $38,800, the CX-90 is Mazda’s new flagship SUV, offering a premium driving experience, sophisticated styling, and three-row seating, with a focus on safety and performance.
Lexus NX: Around $39,600 and up, the new Lexus NX elevates the compact luxury SUV segment with advanced technology, luxurious appointments, and top safety ratings.

Alt text: A teenager and parent looking at each other inside a car, emphasizing the importance of vehicle choice for young driver safety.

Don’t Forget to Check for Recalls!

Regardless of whether you choose a used or new SUV, it is crucial to check for any outstanding recalls before making a purchase. Use the vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate at https://checktoprotect.org/ to ensure the vehicle is safe and up-to-date on any necessary repairs. For used vehicles, also notify the manufacturer of your purchase to receive future recall notices. NHTSA recommends checking for new recalls every six months to stay informed about potential safety issues.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety for Teen Drivers with Recommended SUVs

Choosing an SUV for a teen driver requires careful consideration of safety, reliability, and affordability. By leveraging the expert recommendations from IIHS and Consumer Reports, parents can make informed decisions that prioritize their teen’s well-being on the road. Whether opting for a “Best Choice” or “Good Choice” used SUV, or investing in a top-rated new model, selecting from these recommended SUV cars provides a significant step towards ensuring a safer driving experience for young drivers. Remember to always verify for recalls and encourage safe driving habits to further protect your teen driver.