January 20, 2025
Best 7 Cars for New Drivers or Teens: A Parent's Guide
Choosing the right car for a teen or new driver can be a daunting task. Parents want a vehicle that prioritizes safety, reliability, and affordability, while teens often look for style and tech features. Striking the perfect balance ensures your young driver has a safe and enjoyable experience on the road. Below are seven of the best cars for teen drivers, along with tips on what parents should consider when selecting a vehicle.
What Parents Should Look for in a Car for New Drivers:
Safety Ratings: Look for cars with high crash-test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, and blind-spot monitoring are crucial.
Affordability: Both the initial purchase price and long-term ownership costs (insurance, fuel, and maintenance) should fit your budget.
Reliability: Teens need dependable vehicles that minimize the risk of breakdowns.
Moderate Power: Avoid cars with overly powerful engines, which can encourage risky driving behavior.
Fuel Efficiency: A fuel-efficient car saves money and is eco-friendly.
1. Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is a perennial favorite for new drivers thanks to its stellar reliability, high safety ratings, and affordable price point.
Safety Features: Toyota Safety Sense, which includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.
Fuel Economy: 32-34 MPG combined.
Price Range: Starting at $22,000 for newer models.
Why Parents Love It: The Corolla is virtually maintenance-free and comes with excellent resale value.
2. Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is another excellent choice, offering a mix of sporty design, reliability, and top-notch safety.
Safety Features: Collision Mitigation Braking System, road departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control.
Fuel Economy: 32-36 MPG combined.
Price Range: Starting at $24,000.
Why Parents Love It: Its reliability and lower cost of ownership make it a smart investment for families.
3. Mazda CX-30
For parents looking for a crossover option, the Mazda CX-30 offers safety, style, and practicality.
Safety Features: Standard adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pedestrian detection.
Fuel Economy: 28-31 MPG combined.
Price Range: Starting at $24,500.
Why Parents Love It: Its higher seating position provides better visibility, and it’s compact enough for young drivers to maneuver easily.
4. Subaru Impreza
Subaru’s legendary all-wheel-drive system makes the Impreza a great choice for families in areas with snow or rain.
Safety Features: Standard EyeSight driver assist, which includes pre-collision braking and lane departure prevention.
Fuel Economy: 30 MPG combined.
Price Range: Starting at $21,500.
Why Parents Love It: Subaru's excellent reputation for safety and all-weather performance is hard to beat.
5. Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona is a compact SUV with a stylish design and solid safety features.
Safety Features: Lane-following assist, driver attention warning, and forward collision avoidance.
Fuel Economy: 30-35 MPG combined.
Price Range: Starting at $22,000.
Why Parents Love It: The Kona’s five-year warranty and advanced safety tech provide peace of mind.
6. Ford Escape
If you need a slightly larger vehicle, the Ford Escape offers plenty of room without being overwhelming for new drivers.
Safety Features: Co-Pilot360 technology, including blind-spot monitoring and pre-collision assist.
Fuel Economy: 28-30 MPG combined.
Price Range: Starting at $27,500.
Why Parents Love It: Its roomy interior and advanced tech make it a versatile choice for young drivers.
7. Kia Forte
The Kia Forte is a budget-friendly compact sedan with a sleek design and excellent standard safety features.
Safety Features: Lane-keeping assist, driver attention warning, and forward collision-avoidance assist.
Fuel Economy: 31-35 MPG combined.
Price Range: Starting at $20,500.
Why Parents Love It: The Forte’s affordable price tag and fuel efficiency make it a top pick for families on a budget.
Additional Tips for Parents:
Test Drive Together: Go on test drives with your teen to ensure they feel comfortable behind the wheel.
Insurance Costs: Research insurance rates for the vehicle before purchasing, as they can vary widely depending on the model.
Emergency Kit: Equip the car with an emergency kit that includes a tire repair kit, jumper cables, and a first-aid kit.
Set Rules: Establish clear rules for driving, such as no texting, limiting the number of passengers, and observing curfews.
By prioritizing safety, reliability, and affordability, you can help your teen driver stay safe and confident on the road while enjoying their first car.
