Best Cars For Teens | How To Find The Right Car For Your Teen in 2025

Choosing the best car for your teen driver may feel like an impossible mission. Before we dive into talking about all things cars and teens, I first want to take a second to acknowledge that this is a tricky topic. The idea of your teen behind the wheel (regardless of the vehicle) can be an equally scary and exciting venture for your family.

On top of that, every family has access to different cars. You may have a car for your teen that was gifted by a family member or handed down from someone else, and in those situations, you’re tasked with making sure the car your teen has access to is safe and set up for success. The fact that you’re reading this blog and wanting you and your teen to feel confident behind the wheel is a great step. I want you to know that I’m proud of you—and they’re going to do great!

Today on the blog, I’ll walk you through the most important considerations when shopping around, plus give my recommendations on the best cars for teens.

How Much Should You Spend On A Car For Your Teen?

There are plenty of great cars out there — it’s more about finding the right deal at the right time that makes sense for your family’s budget and priorities.

Every family’s situation is different, and that’s okay. The good news? The list of safe, reliable vehicles for teens is long, which means you have options!

My son George just turned six, which means in ten short years he’ll be driving. It’s wild to think that a car we purchase soon could actually end up being his first car! That realization brings a whole new perspective to car shopping.

When it comes to cars for teens, there are a few baseline criteria you should always look for (and I’ll share those below). But beyond that, there really isn’t one single “best” car or a specific budget that guarantees more safety.

The Ultimate List of Best Cars For Teens

Here is a list of the best cars for teens I’ve reviewed to compare in your search. All of the cars below are rated for a specific year which you can find right here from IIHS.

Best Small Cars For Teens (according to IIHS Safety Ratings)

• Toyota Corolla sedan

• Toyota Prius*

• Honda Insight

• Honda Civic hatchback

• Honda Civic sedan

• Mazda 3 hatchback

• Mazda 3 sedan

• Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid*

Best Midsize Cars For Teens (according to IIHS Safety Ratings)

• Toyota Camry*

• Mazda 6

• Subaru Legacy

• Nissan Maxima

• Kia K5

• Lexus IS

• Subaru Outback

• Volvo S60

• Hyundai Sonata*

• Mercedes-Benz C-Class

• Honda Accord*

Best Large Cars For Teens (according to IIHS Safety Ratings)

• Genesis G80

• Genesis G90

• Acura RLX

Best Small SUVs For Teens (according to IIHS Safety Ratings)

• BMW X2

• Mazda CX-3

• Subaru Forester*

• Mazda CX-5*

• Chevrolet Trailblazer

• Ford Bronco Sport

• Nissan Rogue*

• Hyundai Tucson

• Mazda CX-30

• Kia EV6

• Mitsubishi Outlander

• Toyota Corolla Cross

Best Midsize SUVs For Teens (according to IIHS Safety Ratings)

• Acura MDX

• Volvo XC90

• Lexus NX

• Honda Pilot

• Ford Explorer*

• Volkswagen Tiguan*

• Toyota Highlander

• Honda Passport

• Nissan Murano*

• Mazda CX-9

• Audi Q4 e-tron

• Acura RDX*

• Subaru Ascent

Are Teens Actually More Likely To Get In Accidents?….Unfortunately, Yes.

The first few months after a teen gets their license are the riskiest. In fact, teen drivers have crash rates nearly four times higher than drivers aged 20 and older (per mile driven), according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). That’s a sobering number, but it’s also a reminder of how much influence we have as parents to guide them.

Here are a few of the top reasons teens are more likely to be in accidents and what you can do about it:

It’s often driver-error.
Teens simply don’t have the same experience behind the wheel, which means mistakes happen more often. Make sure your teen has plenty of supervised practice, not just enough to “pass the test.”

And of course, distracted driving due to phone use, navigation, or notifications definitely doesn’t help. It’s not something most of us had to deal with when we were learning to drive, but it’s a very real challenge that all parents know too well today.

The best way to approach it is through honest conversations about smartphones behind the wheel, setting clear expectations for safe habits, and encouraging your teen to use iPhone Driving Mode to block notifications while they’re on the road.

Speeding is a factor in nearly one-third of fatal crashes involving teen drivers (according to Governors Highway Safety Association)
Talk often about the importance of speed limits, and consider using tech tools (like speed alerts in your car) to reinforce safe habits.

Many teen crashes involve only their own car, often at high speeds (according to IIHS).
Encourage defensive driving and help your teen understand how quickly control can be lost at higher speeds.

Just over half of teen passenger deaths occur in cars driven by other teens (according to IIHS).
Set clear rules about how many (if any) friends are allowed in the car, especially in the first year of driving.

Ease into night driving
The fatal crash rate for teens is four times higher at night than during the day according to the IIHS. Give your teen plenty of practice driving in different conditions—at night, in the rain, on highways—while you’re in the car.

Car Safety Features for Teens

When it comes to teenage drivers, safety is the number one priority. Fortunately, every modern car on the market comes with advanced safety features that provide peace of mind while your child is on the road. You’ll find that after about 2017, most of these features come standard or are at least easy to find.

Here is a list of top safety features I recommend for your teens car:

• Backup camera

• Anti-lock brakes

• Traction control

• Stability control

• Forward collision monitoring

• Automatic emergency braking

• Blind-spot monitoring

Affordability and Value

If you’re in the market to buy a car specifically for your teen, affordability is usually at the top of the list. Typically, the smaller the car, the less expensive it will be both upfront and at the gas pump.

I’m a big fan of looking at the pre-owned market, specifically for cars made after 2017. By then, most vehicles started coming standard with key safety and tech features we still look for today, like backup cameras and advanced airbag systems. You can often get a safe, reliable car without paying a premium for brand new—and if you’re considering an older model, aim for a higher trim level since those usually include more of the important safety upgrades.

Also, keep in mind that most teens do not need the family-focused features I usually prioritize, such as ceiling vents, car seat tilt, and extra trunk space for strollers. Instead, you’ll want to focus on safety ratings, reliability, and ease of use for your teen driver.

I recommend choosing a car with a simple, easy-to-use infotainment system so your teen isn’t fumbling with settings while driving.

By narrowing your search with those priorities in mind, you will find a car that balances value, safety, and budget without overbuying on features your teen will not use.

Teaching Your Teen Beyond Driving

Driving skills aren’t just about staying between the lines on the road. Helping your teen feel confident with the other parts of car ownership is just as important for their safety and independence.

These real-life situations often catch new drivers off guard, so practicing them now saves stress later:

• Pumping gas: Walk your teen through how to safely fill the tank—choosing the right fuel, handling the pump, paying at the pump or inside, and what to do if something goes wrong.

• Paying at parking meters: Practice different kinds of meters, pay stations, and apps in your town so they’re not fumbling during a busy outing or first date.

• Car washes: Show them how to prep for a car wash, rolling up windows, folding mirrors, removing antennas, and why regular washes keep visibility clear and protect the paint.

• Inflating tires: Demonstrate how to check tire pressure, read the PSI on the door jamb, and use an air pump. Even better, let them do it while you supervise.

• What to do when pulled over: This one is crucial. Explain how to safely pull to the side, keep their hands visible, remain calm and respectful, and provide documents. Role-playing this scenario can help them react confidently under pressure.

Taking time to go over these “beyond driving” basics helps your teen feel prepared, lowers their anxiety, and builds habits that will stick for life.

If you’re getting ready for your teen’s first drives, check out The Carpool Podcast episode, Preparing Your Teen to Drive, with Jessica Jermakian from the IIHS. She shares essential tips on teen driver safety and everything you need to help your teen feel confident and prepared behind the wheel.

Hopefully this list will help you get started on your search, as they are all great balances between affordability, reliability, safety, and are insurance-friendly. Although my kids are all still young, eventually their future cars will likely be influenced from this list.

Now that we’ve covered all the bases in finding the best car for your teen, the next step is to find a sales person that understands what you value.

I understand the research to shopping jump can feel a bit daunting, so I teach you exactly how to find an amazing sales person in The Car Buying Course!

Do you have a pick for the best cars for teens? Please let us know in the comments!