The teen driver wants something cool, their parents want something safe and efficient—this Gen Z writer finds the happy medium
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If you’re a young, new driver and anything like me when I first got my license, you might want something cool and fast. And if your parents are anything like mine, they probably don’t want you driving a gas-guzzler. And I mean, understandably so; lots of parents prefer their kids drive a safe and reliable car, with some favouring buying new. As someone who understands both sides, I’ve created a list of compromisable options to please both worried parents and their eager young drivers.
First up, an ol’ classic. I probably wouldn’t have added this one to the list at first, but after driving one for a week, it really grew on me. For an economy car, it feels more refined than you’d expect, with a comfortable cabin, solid tech, and an overall smooth driving experience. Personally, I know I love some good-quality speakers that have the bass boosted all the way. Feel free to crank it up: the system in the 3 gives music fans an incredible listening experience. Just don’t get distracted! Having earned a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) the model also brings a strong safety profile that isn’t just stylish.
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That’s why it checks so many boxes for new drivers: it’s safe, practical, efficient, fun enough to enjoy, and backed by strong reliability and warranty coverage, even if it’s not the most powerful car out there.
3.70
out of 5
MSRP $52,250 to $76,900
3.80
out of 5
MSRP $36,475 to $42,875
editor’s pick
3.60
out of 5
MSRP $27,840 to $37,100
3.60
out of 5
MSRP $32,550 to $45,550
3.50
out of 5
MSRP $29,695 to $38,695
Okay, yes, I know, and I’m sorry. I’ve added the Civic to the list. I know, I know, it’s already on almost every list out there, but it’s for a reason. When it comes down to a Honda Civic, you really can’t go wrong. With all the trim levels, there’s something for everyone, and the starting MSRP sits comfortably under $30,000. If it really tickles your fancy, grab the sporty manual Si (just don’t stall it at left turns like I do).
Beyond that, the Civic is dependable, fuel-efficient, and roomy enough to handle daily life without fuss. It’s also one of the safest small cars on the road, consistently earning top crash-test scores.
Bottom line: it stays right in line with the pattern of this list. It’s safe, practical, efficient, fun enough to enjoy, and backed by strong warranty coverage and resale value. Sure, it may not be the flashiest pick, but for a first car, it’s a rock-solid choice.
Although I’ve never driven this one, it might be my second favourite on the list. Just by looking at it, the styling’s rather nice and futuristic, from the exterior to the interior. And that Morning Haze colour? Oh, so beautiful. Beyond the looks, the K4 offers solid tech, strong safety ratings, and brings Kia’s excellent extended warranty option to the table, which makes it especially appealing for new drivers and parents who want peace of mind without breaking the bank.
And hey, if the 30-colour ambient lighting doesn’t add a vibe to your night drives, I don’t know what will. I ended up getting third-party strip lights for my car, so I am for sure jealous about that.
At the end of the day, it checks the same key boxes as the other cars I mention: it’s dependable, efficient, safe, fun without being over the top, and backed by Kia’s top-notch warranty.
I’m really not much of an SUV person, but if I had to add one here, the Crosstrek’s my pick. It’s cost-efficient, fuel-efficient, safe, and even manages to look a little sporty—need I say more? Every trim comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist tech, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane centring, lane-keeping, and pre-collision braking. Basically, it’s like having a co-pilot that doesn’t complain about your music choices.
Plus, thanks to Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system, it handles rain, snow, or gravel like a pro—perfect for Canadian winters. So really you could call it a co-pilot that doesn’t complain about your music choicesand also doubles as a mini off-road guide.
If you ever feel like pretending you’re on a weekend adventure, it’ll keep up without breaking a sweat while still remaining practical, cool, reliable, and just stylish enough to make daily drives more fun.
Ah, my favourite! And, yes, guilty as charged—I actually drive one. Maybe that makes me a little biased, but there’s a reason I picked it. Sure, you could call it a little overpriced, but I can’t help feeling cooler than I should behind the wheel. As a first car, it’s pretty standard, but with just enough flair. It’s powered by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder that gives a nice kick while still keeping fuel consumption reasonable. And then there’s Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system, which I find to be worth every penny. I don’t call winter “Quattro season” for nothing. Driving in the snow feels effortless.
What’s not to love? It’s safe, practical, efficient, and has a lot of fun while keeping your parents’ minds at ease. Plus, if you squint hard enough at the badge, you can almost convince yourself you’re in an S3.
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