Consumer Reports and the IIHS collaborated to create a list of cars that teens should purchase.
Safety is a key consideration when shopping for a car to transport a teenager. Consumer Reports (CR), the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and Consumer Reports (IIHS) strongly agree that this is a crucial consideration. They have compiled a list of the best cars for teens.
As you can see, safety is the most important factor between these cars. Reliability and affordability are also top concerns.
The IIHS and CR have three categories in their lists: Good Choices – Used, Best Choices – Used and New Vehicle Choices. The ranking is heavily influenced by the price of the vehicle.
The Ford C-Max Hybrid (2014-2015), which has a starting price of $8,400, is one of the most popular small cars for teens. Next is the Mazda3 (2014 and newer; both sedans and hatchbacks), which starts at $8,700. Third is the Chevrolet Volt (2014) at $10,500
The Subaru Legacy (2013 or later; built after August 2012), is the best choice for midsize cars. The Toyota Avalon (2015 and newer) is the best for large cars. The Mazda CX-5 (2014 and newer; made after October 2013), is the recommended small SUV for teens. The Ford Edge (2015 to 2020; made after May 2015) is also recommended. If your teenager wants to drive a minivan, the Toyota Sienna (2015-2018), is the best choice.
These are the top options for teens looking for a great choice of used cars: Mazda3 (2011-13), Toyota Prius V (2012), Ford Taurus (2011), Nissan Rogue (2014)-2020.
All of the new vehicles recommended by IIHS received the Top Safety Pick award or Top Safety Pick+ award. They also come standard with vehicle-to-vehicle automatic emergency braking. These vehicles also scored average or higher in reliability, emergency handling tests, dry braking distances less than 140 feet, and speeds of 60 mph (as ranked by CR). They also received a good rating from CR for their ease of use.
Top picks for teens: The Mazda3, Subaru Legacy and Chevrolet Trailblazer are top choices.