Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by consumers.
Get involved
Issues we work on
Suggested Searches
Recent Searches
Suggested Searches
Product Ratings
Resources
CHAT WITH AskCR
Resources
The payment for your account couldn’t be processed or you’ve canceled your account with us.
Sign In
We don’t recognize that sign in.
Your username maybe be your email address. Passwords are 6-20 characters with at least one number and letter.
We still don’t recognize that sign in.
Retrieve your username.
Reset your password.
*Required
*Required
Forgot your username or password?
Don’t have an account?
My account
Save products you love, products you own and much more!
Other Membership Benefits:
Cars
Car Research
CARS
2025 Top Picks
Car Buying & Pricing
Which Car Brands Make the Best Vehicles?
Tires, Maintenance & Repair
Car Reliability Guide
Key Topics & News
CAR NEWS
Listen to the Talking Cars Podcast
Home & Garden
Bed & Bath
Top Picks From CR
Best Mattresses
Lawn & Garden
TOP PICKS FROM CR
Best Leaf Blowers
Home Improvement
Rated and Reviewed
Best Whole-House Generators
Home Safety & Security
Survey Results
Best Homeowners Insurance Companies
Appliances
Kitchen
SURVEY RESULTS
Most and Least Reliable Refrigerators
Small Appliances
TOP PICKS FROM CR
Best Coffee Makers
Laundry & Cleaning
Top Picks From CR
Best Washing Machines
Heating, Cooling & Air
TOP PICKS FROM CR
Best Air Purifiers
Electronics
Home Entertainment
FIND YOUR NEW TV
Best TVs
Home Office
Rated and Reviewed
Best Printers From CR's Tests
Smartphones & Wearables
Top Picks From CR
Best Workout Earbuds for Your Fitness Routine
Digital Security
Digital Security & Privacy
CR PERMISSION SLIP APP
One app to take back control of your data
More
Take Action
These safe used cars and SUVs are well suited for young drivers
Choosing the right car for a teen driver means finding the right balance of cost and safety. This can be challenging, with so many options available with confusing trim and feature lists. To make finding a safe, affordable car easier, Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety analyzed makes and models to find the best options. In our research, we found that safety is available for reasonable prices.
The used cars selected for our list span from $4,800 to $19,900, based on pricing from Kelley Blue Book.
“Given consumers’ economic anxiety and the uncertainty around future vehicle prices, the availability of a wide range of safe, affordable used options is welcome news,” said Jessica Jermakian, IIHS senior vice president for vehicle research. “Helping your kid achieve a milestone of independence shouldn’t require compromising on safety.”
CR and IIHS continue to pressure the auto industry to make ongoing improvements to new cars, allowing the organizations to raise the standards for their used-car selections, guiding families toward ever-safer models.
All recommended used vehicles here have a Good or Acceptable rating in the IIHS driver-side small-overlap test, in addition to Good ratings in four other IIHS crash tests and average or higher marks for braking and handling.
Consumer Reports members also have access to see the recommended models that are both safe and reliable, based on our exclusive surveys.
Standard electronic stability control (ESC) is not factored in the latest lists because the oldest vehicle featured here is a 2011 model. This vital, proven safety feature has been standard equipment on all new vehicles since the 2012 model year, and it should be on any vehicle that a teen drives.
“Our collaboration with IIHS is meant to empower families to make smart choices for their youngest drivers,” says Jennifer Stockburger, director of operations at Consumer Reports Auto Test Center. “Although the same criteria that make these the best cars for teens also make them great cars for any safety-minded driver.”
The temptation—often born of necessity—is to buy a less-expensive, bare-bones model or to pass down an older family car.
However, we argue that parents should set a budget, and choose the safest car within that price range.
The extra cost is worth it. Teenagers are among the riskiest drivers because of a combination of immaturity, inexperience, social pressures, and potential distractions. Statistics back this up: Teenagers have crash rates that are almost four times those of drivers ages 20 and older.
Choosing the right car can help teens stay safe, by both helping them avoid crashes and preventing injuries if a collision happens.
Our “Good for Safety” and “Best for Safety” lists don’t include subcompact cars and other vehicles under 2,750 pounds. Research shows that this class of car doesn’t provide adequate protection, specifically in multiple-vehicle crashes. We also did not include large SUVs and pickup trucks, which can be difficult to handle, especially in emergency situations. Large SUVs and pickup trucks also often have longer braking distances than smaller cars and SUVs. Finally, large vehicles pose a greater risk to other motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
For families or new drivers who can afford it, buying a new car can be the right move, particularly with lower loan interest rates and factory warranties. If you can afford a new car for a teen driver, we have a separate list for that.
Despite elevated car prices, we limited our budget to $20,000, though there are also many good choices for even less. Our updated list includes more than 70 vehicles priced under $10,000. Another 48 models from our list come with automatic emergency braking and highly rated headlights, all of which can be found for less than $20,000.
These recommendations focus on “Goldilocks” models—cars that provide the best all-around protection for inexperienced drivers by both helping prevent collisions and providing protection from a crash. Among the features to look for are active driver assistance systems (ADAS), which are becoming widespread and are now available in many late-model used cars. Systems like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind spot warning are proven features that can help avoid collisions, and are worth seeking out if your budget allows it.
We’ve organized our list into three groups, distinguished by level of safety. The third group (available to Consumer Reports members only) are the safest cars that are also CR Recommended. This means that these vehicles also meet our stringent requirements for road-test performance, reliability, and owner satisfaction.
• Good for Safety Under $10,000
• Best for Safety Under $20,000
• Recommended Used Cars for Teens
For complete road tests, reliability, owner satisfaction, pricing, and much more, click on the model names below.
Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports
To make the cut to be Good for Safety, the vehicles must have:
• Price under $10,000.
• Average or better scores in CR’s emergency handling tests.
• Dry-surface braking distances of less than 145 feet from 60 mph in CR’s brake tests.
• A Good or Acceptable rating in the IIHS driver’s-side small-overlap front crash test. Launched in 2012, this test replicates what happens when the front left corner of a vehicle collides with another vehicle or an object such as a tree or utility pole.
• Good ratings in four IIHS crashworthiness tests: moderate-overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints.
• Four or five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (if rated).
Small Cars
Acura ILX (2016-2022)
Chevrolet Bolt (2017-2021)
Chevrolet Volt (2016-2019)
Honda Civic coupe (2014-2021)
Honda Civic sedan (2014-2021)
Kia Niro Hybrid (2017-2022)
Kia Soul (2015 or newer)
Mazda3 sedan or hatchback (2014)
Mini Countryman (2011 or newer)
Nissan Sentra (2015 or newer)
Subaru Crosstrek (2014 or newer)
Subaru Impreza sedan and hatchback (2014 or newer)
Volkswagen Golf (2015-2021)
Volkswagen Golf Alltrack (2017-2019)
Volkswagen Golf SportWagen (2015-2019)
Midsized Cars
Acura TL (2012-2014, built after April 2012)
Audi A3 (2015 or newer)
BMW 2 Series (2014-2021)
Chrysler 200 (2015-2017)
Ford Fusion (2017-2019)
Honda Accord coupe (2015-2017)
Honda Accord sedan (2013-2020)
Hyundai Sonata, Sonata Hybrid (2016-2022)
Lincoln MKZ (2017-2019)
Mazda6 (2016-2018)
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2015-2018)
Nissan Maxima (2016-2019)
Subaru Legacy (2015-2019)
Subaru Outback (2015-2019)
Toyota Camry, Camry Hybrid (2015-2017)
Toyota Prius V (2015-2017)
Volkswagen Jetta (2015 or newer)
Volkswagen Passat (2016-2022)
Volvo S60 (2012-2020)
Volvo V60 (2015-2020)
Large Car
Audi A6 (2016 or newer)
Hyundai Genesis (2015-2016)
Kia Cadenza (2017-2020)
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (2014-2019)
Volvo S80 (2012, 2015-2016)
Small SUVs
Audi Q3 (2015 or newer)
BMW X1 (2016 or newer)
Buick Encore (2015-2022)
Chevrolet Equinox (2014 or newer)
Fiat 500X (2016-2018)
GMC Terrain (2014 or newer)
Honda CR-V (2015 or newer)
Hyundai Kona (2018 or newer)
Hyundai Tucson (2016-2021)
Jeep Compass (2017 or newer)
Kia Sportage (2017 or newer)
Mazda CX-3 (2016-2019)
Mazda CX-5 (2014-2019)
Mitsubishi Outlander (2014-2021)
Nissan Rogue (2014-2020)
Subaru Forester (2014-2018)
Volkswagen Tiguan (2018-2021)
Midsized SUVs
Acura MDX (2014-2016)
Audi Q5 (2015 or newer)
Chevrolet Traverse (2018 or newer)
Hyundai Santa Fe (2017 or newer)
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (2017-2018)
Kia Sorento (2016 or newer)
Lincoln MKX (2016-2018)
Mazda CX-9 (2017-2020)
Mercedes-Benz M-Class (2014-2015)
Nissan Murano (2015-2020)
Volvo XC60 (2013-2021)
Volvo XC90 (2013-2017)
Minivans
Chrysler Pacifica (2017 or newer)
Honda Odyssey (2014 or newer)
Kia Sedona (2015-2021)
Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports
These picks meet the next level of our safety standards. To qualify, these cars require:
Standard automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems that earn an advanced or superior rating from IIHS in the original vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention test. AEB cuts police-reported front-to-rear crashes in half, IIHS research has shown, and rear-end crashes make up nearly a quarter of all crashes teens are involved in. This specific technology is consequential enough to be worth seeking out if your budget permits.
Small Cars
Honda Civic sedan or hatchback (2022 or newer)
Honda Insight (2019-2022)
Mazda3 hatchback (2019 or newer)
Mazda3 sedan (2020 or newer)
Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid (2019)
Toyota Corolla sedan (2017-2019, 2023 or newer)
Toyota Prius (2017 or newer)
Toyota Prius Prime (2017 or newer)
Midsized Cars
Honda Accord, Accord Hybrid (2021-2023)
Kia K5 (2021 or newer)
Hyundai Sonata (2023 or newer)
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (2023 or newer)
Lexus IS (2017 or newer)
Mazda6 (2019-2021)
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2019 or newer)
Nissan Maxima (2020 or newer)
Subaru Legacy (2020 or newer)
Subaru Outback (2020)
Toyota Camry (2018 or newer)
Toyota Camry Hybrid (2018 or newer)
Volvo S60 (2021-2022)
Large Cars
Acura RLX (2018-2020)
Genesis G80 (2017-2020)
Genesis G90 (2017 or newer)
Small SUVs
Acura RDX (2019 or newer)
BMW X2 (2019-2022)
Chevrolet Trailblazer (2021 or newer)
Ford Bronco Sport (2021 or newer)
Hyundai Tucson (2022 or newer)
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid (2022 or newer)
Kia EV6 (2022 or newer)
Lexus NX, NX Hybrid (2018 or newer)
Mazda CX-3 (2022 or newer)
Mazda CX-30 (2022-2023)
Mazda CX-5 (2020 or newer)
Mitsubishi Outlander (2022 or newer)
Nissan Rogue (2021 or newer)
Subaru Forester (2019 or newer)
Toyota Corolla Cross (2022 or newer)
Volkswagen Tiguan (2022 or newer)
Midsized SUVs
Acura MDX (2017-2020)
Audi Q4 E-Tron (2022 or newer)
Ford Explorer (2020 or newer)
Honda Passport (2019-2021)
Honda Pilot (2019 or newer)
Mazda CX-9 (2021 or newer)
Nissan Murano (2021 or newer)
Subaru Ascent (2021 or newer)
Toyota Highlander, Highlander Hybrid (2017 or newer)
Volvo XC90 (2018 or newer)
Photo: Honda Photo: Honda
These are the ideal choices for all-around performance and safety. These choices meet the safety criteria required to be among the best used cars for teens but also clear Consumer Reports’ high standards for a recommendation, which factors road test performance, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety.
Become a member to read the full article and get access to digital ratings.
We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.
We respect your privacy. All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story.
Trending in Teen Driving
Why Most Drivers Switch Car Insurance—and How Much They Save
Proven Ways to Save on Car Insurance Even If You’re a Safe Driver
How to Lower Your Car Insurance Rates
Best New Cars for Teens
