Choosing the right car for your teen driver is crucial for their safety on the road. According to the United States Department of Transportation, teen car crashes are the leading cause of death for 15- to 18-year-olds in the U.S. This guide provides insights into the best cars for teens, focusing on safety features and crash test ratings.
Safety Statistics
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that motor vehicle crashes are the third leading cause of teenage deaths, behind homicide and suicide. In 2021, an average of eight 16- to 19-year-olds were killed in car crashes every day in the United States. Moreover, 56% of deaths among passenger vehicle occupants aged 16 to 19 were drivers of the vehicle.
Key Safety Considerations
When selecting a car for your teen, several factors come into play:
- Avoid older cars lacking basic safety features like electronic stability control (ESC) or side airbags.
- Newer vehicles generally offer better crash protection due to more challenging safety tests.
- Tiny city cars may not provide enough protection in a crash.
- Sports cars can tempt teens to drive beyond their skill level.
- High-horsepower cars increase insurance premiums and potential for trouble.
Essential Safety Features
For a new car, look for:
- Antilock brakes (ABS)
- Traction control
- Stability control
- Forward collision warning with front automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
Advanced Safety Features to Consider
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning
- Lane-keeping assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- 360-degree cameras
Best New Cars for Teens Under $30,000
- 2024 Toyota Prius: Starting at $29,085, with features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning.
- 2025 Honda Civic: Starting at $25,345, equipped with Honda Sensing suite including forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control.
- 2024 Toyota Corolla: Starting at $23,185, featuring Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 with pre-collision system and lane departure warning.
Best Used Cars for Teens
For those on a budget, consider used cars with good safety records:
- 2017 Toyota RAV4: Offers advanced safety technology like lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.
- 2018 Mazda CX-5: Features LED headlights, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control in the Touring trim.
- 2020 Toyota Corolla: Comes with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including pre-collision system and lane departure warning.
Lowering Car Insurance Rates for Teens
- Some insurance companies offer discounts for good grades or driving safety courses.
- Consider enrolling your teen in a safety program like Ford’s Driving Skills for Life Academy or AAA’s online teen safety course.
By prioritizing safety and choosing the right vehicle, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with teen driving.
