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Consumer Reports and the IIHS name safe new cars and SUVs that are smart choices for teen drivers
Parents want to make sure their child is both safe and responsible behind the wheel. In most cases, that means starting with a good driver’s education program, good car insurance, and the right car.
Picking an appropriate car can be the hardest part, which is why Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have teamed up to recommend the best new and used cars for new drivers. Our testing and analysis have found these vehicles to be safe and well-suited to inexperienced drivers.
“As parents, we can’t control what happens on the road once our teen driver pulls out of the driveway,” says Jennifer Stockburger, director of operations at CR’s Auto Test Center. “But we do have some say in the type of vehicle they drive, and that can make a huge difference. This list can help parents easily find vehicles that check all the boxes.”
We understand that even when buying new, most families are budget-conscious in their car selection, especially when factoring in the likelihood of dings and dents. But we come at the teen driver challenge by looking for vehicles that can help avoid collisions and limit injuries should a crash happen, then direct families to choose what works best for their budget and needs. (See the best used cars for teens under $20,000.)
The reality is that driving risk is highest at ages 16 and 17, according to the IIHS. Its data shows that the fatal crash rate per mile driven for those teens is about three times the rate for drivers 20 and older.
This underscores the importance of keeping teens safe during those first driving years as they gain maturity and experience.
Buying a used car or giving a child a hand-me-down is a natural choice, especially if education costs and independent living may be on the horizon. For that, we have recommendations for the best used cars under $20,000, with many available for less than $10,000.
But there’s another path. Rather than give your teen an older model, buy or lease them a new car, even if that means driving an older model yourself. This strategy isn’t for everyone, but it has its merits, especially since prices remain elevated for many cars.
New cars come with a comprehensive warranty, which will cover the cost of most repairs outside of collisions. Not having to fear repair bills removes a significant amount of financial worry from the ownership experience. New cars are also likely to be dependable overall, through high school and well beyond, which can save drivers from worrying about roadside emergencies. Finally, new cars are more likely to have the very latest active safety features and integrated services. For example, there’s e911, which can automatically call for help in an emergency and give the precise location of the vehicle, even if drivers are unable to do so themselves.
“Buying a new car for a young driver is less common than buying used, but new cars provide the latest in both crash avoidance and crash protection technologies,” Stockburger says. “If you’re putting out the additional money to buy new, why not choose the safest models and configurations available?”
To help families considering a new car for a new driver, CR and the IIHS developed this list of cars that provide both accident avoidance and crash protection. Consumer Reports members can also see which vehicles are safe and reliable, according to our exclusive survey results. All of the selections below are ideal for teens, but they can serve any shopper looking for a vehicle that excels in those areas.
These best new cars for teens cost $24,600 to $42,200, slightly less than the price of the average new car ($47,577), according to Kelley Blue Book. There are two electric cars on the list.
All of the vehicles listed below are 2025 models.
Click on the model names for complete road tests, reliability and owner satisfaction ratings, pricing, and much more.
The models are ordered alphabetically within each car type group. All Best models are CR Recommended—meaning they meet a high standard in our road tests and reliability and owner satisfaction surveys—except four that are indicated with an asterisk.
If you’re a Consumer Reports member, this article is available to you. CR members have full access to our full road tests and exclusive ratings for each vehicle we buy. If you’re not a CR member, click below to join.
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