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Written byAnna Baluch
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4+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
MBA from Roosevelt University
Anna leverages her personal finance and insurance knowledge to create educational content that helps people make smart financial decisions.
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Edited byKatie Powers
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Licensed auto and home insurance agent
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
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Table of contents
Getting a license and a car can be pivotal milestones in a teen’s life. But the experience might be daunting for parents. Teens are three times as likely to get into accidents as drivers 20 and older.[1] For teen drivers, it’s essential to choose a car that’s affordable and safe.
To help you choose the best option, Insurify compiled this list of affordable cars that can keep your teen safe on the road.
Here’s what you should know about safe vehicle options from Mazda, Honda, Subaru, Toyota, and more.
What are the best cars for teen drivers?
Safety is a top priority when choosing the best car for teen drivers. Ideally, a vehicle should have a high crash-test rating.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conduct crash tests to evaluate a vehicle’s safety performance in various scenarios. The NHTSA uses a 5-star rating system, while the IIHS assigns grades of “good,” “acceptable,” “marginal,” and “poor.”
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*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on October 9, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 500+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from October 9, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on October 9, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 500+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from October 9, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Best small cars for teens
Small cars can be a good option for families on a budget, as they typically offer good fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs.[2] Although they don’t provide as much crash protection as larger vehicles, many earn high safety ratings from the IIHS.[3]
Below, you’ll find five of the best small cars for teens, based on the 2025 Top Safety Picks from the IIHS.
Starting price: $25,550
Safety rating: Good
Earning a spot as a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick, the Mazda3 Hatchback has blind-spot monitoring and i-ACTIVSENSE technology to improve visibility, monitor traffic conditions, alert you to hazards, and help you avoid collisions. It also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it popular among young drivers.
Starting price: $24,150
Safety rating: Good
The 2025 Mazda3 Sedan has i-ACTIVSENSE safety features, including Traffic Jam Assist, front and rear parking sensors, 360-degree monitors, and smart brake support. Teens will enjoy the Bose sound system, heated front seats, moonroof, and additional cup holders.
Starting price: $27,450
Safety rating: Good
Another Top Safety Pick for teens is the 2025 Honda Civic Hatchback. The IIHS scored it highly for safety in driver head and neck injuries and rear passenger head protection. The car features a blind-spot information system, cross-traffic monitoring, and a wide-angle rearview camera for better visibility when in reverse.
Starting price: $22,125
Safety rating: Good
The Hyundai Elantra is a budget-friendly car for teens who prioritize style and comfort. The base SEL Sport trim has a sporty exterior and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The top-of-the-line Limited trim version adds luxuries such as Bose Premium Audio and leatherette seats. Additionally, the 2025 Elantra is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
Starting price: $33,375
Safety rating: Good
The Toyota Prius is a small yet spacious vehicle with a 44-mile EPA-estimated driving range, which is a huge plus for teens who are particularly concerned about fuel economy. Plus, the 2025 model is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
Best midsize cars for teens
Smaller cars are generally cheaper, but midsize vehicles can be a better option for inexperienced teen drivers. These vehicles offer a balance between safety, fuel efficiency, and affordability.
Here’s a look at five of the best midsize cars for teens, based on the 2025 Top Safety Picks from the IIHS.[4]
Starting price: $28,295
Safety rating: Good
The IIHS rated the 2025 Honda Accord as “good,” but an updated side crash test earned an “acceptable” rating for pelvis injuries sustained by the driver. The sedan also got a marginal rating for headlights, indicating poor visibility or excessive glare from oncoming drivers. That said, the hybrid option can boost fuel efficiency and reduce gas costs.
Starting price: $26,900
Safety rating: Good
Another IIHS Top Safety Pick is the 2025 Hyundai Sonata. Features like automatic emergency braking and highway driving assist let you rest easy knowing your teen driver is in good hands. The Sonata’s fuel-efficient engine and comfortable ride make it perfect for long road trips for college visits.
Starting price: $29,795
Safety rating: Good
Another IIHS Top Safety Pick+ midsize car is the Toyota Camry. The 2025 model year earned “good” ratings for front and side crash tests and vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention. If you’re on a budget, look at the 2021 Toyota Camry — Kelley Blue Book ranked it best for resale value.
Starting price: $37,850
Safety rating: Good
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is another 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+. This fully electric vehicle has various noteworthy safety features that can provide your teen with extra protection on the road, including Safe Exit Assist, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist 2.
Starting price: $26,810
Safety rating: Good
The Subaru Legacy comes with standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes automatic emergency steering to avoid collisions. Optional safety features like blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert are available on higher-level trims for teens who prefer some additional security and don’t mind paying a bit more for it.
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Best small SUVs for teens
The raised heights of SUVs offer teens better visibility on the road. Additionally, larger vehicles offer more protection in frontal accidents, and their heavier weight reduces the force of impact on the car’s passengers during a crash.
Here’s a closer look at five of the best small SUVs for teens, based on the 2025 Top Safety Picks from the IIHS.[5]
Starting price: $25,195
Safety rating: Good
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 earned a spot as an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Standard all-wheel drive plus 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space make this SUV a solid choice for teens who want comfort for a relatively affordable price.
Starting price: $30,500
Safety rating: Good
Also a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, the Mazda CX-50 is available in a hybrid version. The hybrid version might be worthwhile for teens who want an EPA-estimated 38 combined mpg. Regardless of which model your teen chooses, they’ll enjoy advanced tech, such as Alexa Built-in and the MyMazda App.
Starting price: $38,495
Safety rating: Good
For a versatile electric SUV, the Subaru Solterra, which was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ in 2025, is a top contender. Teens with a busy schedule will appreciate its fast charging and 277-mile range. It’s an ideal car for drivers who are away at school and need a reliable vehicle to get them home.
Starting price: $37,070
Safety rating: Good
Available in three trims, the Toyota bZ4X is an all-electric vehicle with a sophisticated look and no shortage of advanced tech. Teens who commute often in urban areas may benefit from the available Traffic Jam Assist feature and Advanced Park, both of which can help alleviate stress while behind the wheel. The 2025 bZ4X is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
Starting price: $52,525
Safety rating: Good
For teens seeking a luxurious, all-electric ride, the Genesis GV60 can meet their needs. It has all the bells and whistles, including eight-way power front seats, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, a 27-inch display with navigation, and premium audio with eight speakers. Plus, the 2025 model is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
Should you buy a new or used car for your teen?
When buying a car for your teen driver, consider the pros and cons of buying new and used vehicles.
If safety and the latest technology are your top concerns, a new car may be the best option — 82% of teen driver fatalities involved vehicles that were at least 6 years old, according to a 2014 IIHS study.[6] But a well-maintained used car may be a more practical choice if you’re on a tight budget.
New car pros and cons
Buying a new car for your teen has some benefits and drawbacks, including the following:
Pros
Access to the latest safety features
Increased reliability
Comes with a warranty
Cons
High up-front cost
Higher insurance premiums
Quickly depreciate and lose value
Used car pros and cons
Here’s a quick overview of the advantages and downsides of buying a used car for teens:
Pros
More affordable than new cars
Good value retention
Scratches and dents may not matter much
Cons
Limited options based on budget and availability
Older, less advanced safety features
Possibly uncertain maintenance history
Tips for buying a teen’s first car
Follow these strategies to find the best car for your teen driver:
Set a total budget
Figure out how much you want to spend on your teen’s car. Include purchase price, taxes, insurance costs, and maintenance costs. This will help you narrow down your search.
Check IIHS and NHTSA ratings
As you research, visit the IIHS and NHTSA websites to learn how these organizations rate various cars. If possible, prioritize vehicles with 5-star safety scores from the NHTSA or that the IIHS rated as Top Safety Picks.
Complete a pre-purchase inspection
If you decide on a used car, be sure it passes an inspection before you sign on the dotted line. Otherwise, your teen may face expensive repairs in the near future.
Get insurance quotes
It’s a good idea to shop around for car insurance as you look for a car for your teen. Car insurance quotes for teens are usually higher, so it’s important to get an accurate idea of what you might pay from each company.[7]
What safety features are important for teen drivers?
When choosing the best car for a teen driver, it’s important to consider safety features that can help provide extra protection when they’re on the road.
Here are some safety features to look for when making your decision.
Anti-lock brakes
An anti-lock braking system (ABS) can help when you need to make a sudden stop. To keep you from losing steering control, ABS rapidly pumps the brakes to prevent your wheels from locking up. This is especially important for teen drivers who are still mastering the art of emergency maneuvers.
Traction and stability control
Your teen can keep their car under control while driving by using traction control on slick surfaces and stability control on sudden turns or maneuvers. These safety features can be a lifesaver for novice drivers still honing their skills.
Forward-collision warning
Using cameras, radar, or lasers, forward-collision warning (FCW) can alert drivers when they’re in danger of colliding with another vehicle or object in front of them — it displays a visual or audio warning if the car gets too close. FCW is helpful for teen drivers who are still developing situational awareness behind the wheel.
Blind-spot monitoring
Blind-spot monitoring detects other vehicles in areas that you can’t always see with just mirrors. Blind-spot monitoring adds an extra layer of safety, especially for teen drivers still learning the ropes.
Adaptive cruise control
Cruise control is a great feature until you get too close to the car in front of you. That said, adaptive cruise control can save the day by adjusting the car’s speed to maintain a safe distance. It’s helpful for teen drivers, who may be more prone to tailgating or not leaving enough space between vehicles.
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Check Out: Why Is My Car Insurance So High?
Additional safety features to consider
Here are other car safety features to consider when you buy a new or used car for a teenage driver:
Airbags
Seat belt reminder
Pedestrian detection
Rear cross-traffic alert
Lane-departure warning
Lane-keeping assist
Backup camera
Parking assist
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How to reduce your teen’s insurance premium
These tips can help you save on car insurance rates for your teen:
Shop around. Car insurance premiums for teens can vary by insurer. Do your research and get at least three car insurance quotes to find the best deal.
Utilize discounts. Many car insurance companies offer specific discounts for teen drivers. A good student discount and student-away-at-school discount, for example, may lead to a cheaper auto policy.
Complete a defensive driving course. Some insurance companies reward young drivers with a discount once they complete a defensive driving course. This can also help your teen sharpen their driving skills.
Add your teen to your policy. In most cases, it’s cheaper to add your teen to your car insurance than to buy stand-alone coverage. Fortunately, insurance companies usually make this process quick and straightforward.
Best cars for teens FAQs
The following information can help answer your remaining questions about the best vehicle options for teens.
What is the best car for a first-time driver?
If you’re a first-time driver, you need a car that’s easy to handle. Look for a vehicle with top-notch safety features and a proven track record of reliability. You may also want to consider a vehicle with excellent fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs as a budget-friendly choice for a new driver.
What is the best car for a high school student?
One of the best options for a high school student is a large car with high safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA. These cars typically offer more stability and enhanced protection in an accident, which can help put both the student and their parents at ease.
What is the best SUV for a teenager to drive?
SUVs aren’t one-size-fits-all, so it’s tough to pinpoint the best one for a teenager to drive. But the Mazda CX-30, Mazda CX-50, Subaru Solterra, Toyota bZ4X, and Genesis GV60 have advanced safety features and rank highly in IIHS safety tests. You should also take into account factors like fuel economy, reliability, and cost.
What are the best used cars for teens?
Used vehicles might be the best cheap cars for teens if you’re looking for safe, reliable, and affordable options. The Honda Civic and Mazda3, for example, are reliable vehicles with high safety ratings. Another choice is the 2021 Toyota Camry, which Kelley Blue Book ranked best for resale value.
Is it expensive to add a teenager to your car insurance?
Auto insurance rates increase significantly when adding a teenager to your policy. On average, the cost of car insurance for a teenager is $193 per month for liability coverage and $343 for full coverage.
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Sources
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "Fatality Facts 2023 Teenagers."
- AAA. "Your Driving Costs 2022."
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "Vehicle size and weight."
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "Midsize cars."
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "Small SUVs."
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "Vehicle choice can exacerbate teen drivers' risk."
- Ohio Department of Insurance. "Auto Insurance for Young Drivers."
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Anna BaluchInsurance Writer
Anna Baluch is a Cleveland-based personal finance and insurance expert. With an MBA from Roosevelt University, she enjoys writing educational content that helps people make smart financial decisions. Her work can be seen across the internet on many publications, including Freedom Debt Relief, Credit Karma, RateGenius, and the Balance. Connect with Anna on LinkedIn.
Anna has been a contributor at Insurify since December 2022.
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
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