What are the best cars for teens and new drivers?

The best cars for teens and new drivers deliver strong safety ratings and include features that help new drivers stay focused on the road. Newer models of the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Toyota Camry, Hyundai Kona, and Kia Telluride earn high marks for crash protection, offer standard driver-assistance technology, and are easy to handle. Whether you choose a new or used version of these vehicles, prioritizing proven safety features can make a teen or new driver's first car a safer, more reliable choice.

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What are the safest cars for teens and new drivers?

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), these are the five best choices for safe used and new models for teens in 2025:

Used cars for teen drivers

  • Toyota Corolla: 2017-19, 2023 or newer
  • Honda Insight: 2019-2022
  • Mazda 3 hatchback: 2019 or newer
  • Toyota Camry: 2018 or newer
  • Mazda CX-5: 2020 or newer

New cars for teen drivers

  • Honda Civic
  • Mazda 3 sedan
  • Hyundai Kona
  • Toyota Camry
  • Kia Telluride

The safest cars for teens and new drivers combine crash protection, driver-assistance features, and easy-to-use controls that help drivers stay focused on the road. These features reduce the risk of serious injury in a crash and may even prevent one altogether.

The cars in the IIHS 2025 list of safe vehicles for teens must:

  • Perform well in crash tests

    Each model earns good ratings in key IIHS crashworthiness tests, including front impact, side impact, roof strength, and head restraint evaluations.

  • Include important safety technology

    Recommended vehicles have automatic emergency braking, good seat belt reminders, and strong headline performance.

  • Handle predictably

    As part of the IIHS evaluation, Consumer Reports evaluates braking, emergency handling, and driving performance.

  • Be large enough for crash protection

    Used vehicles must weigh more than 2,750 pounds, as lighter cars generally offer less protection in a crash.

  • Avoid excessive power

    Sports cars or high-horsepower models are excluded because they may encourage risky driving.

Should you buy a new or used car for a teen or new driver?

The decision to buy a new or used car depends on your budget and comfort with risk. Buying a new car means higher upfront costs but gives a teen or new driver the most up-to-date safety features, better crash-test ratings, and fewer expected repairs. If you can afford a new model with strong safety technology, it may be the best choice for you.

Buying a used car means a lower purchase price and may reduce insurance costs, but it also may require more regular maintenance and repairs. Choosing a newer used model with low mileage and modern safety features without the new-car price tag is also a popular option. Choose the option that delivers the safety features you want at a price within your budget.

How does car insurance work for teens and new drivers?

Insurance for teens and new drivers works the same way as it does for adults, but rates are typically higher. Insurers consider inexperienced drivers a greater risk. Teens are often added to a parent or guardian's existing policy, which makes it more affordable than buying an individual policy. Coverage requirements remain the same. Your policy must meet the state's minimum limits, and you'll likely need comprehensive and collision if the vehicle is financed or leased.

How to get the cheapest car insurance for teens and new drivers

A teen or new driver's rate depends on factors like make and model, where they live, and the type of coverage you choose. Here are a few ways you may be able to lower insurance costs for a teen:

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