Car and Driver's rankings are arrived at from the results of our extensive instrumented testing of several hundred vehicles each year and from our expert editors' subjective impressions gained in real-world driving. We've ranked the Best Cars for Teens based on roughly 200 data points encompassing acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value, and how enjoyable they are to drive.

October 20, 2025 - Here is a list of the 30 best cars for teenagers and tips for parents on safety features and options to consider for your new driver in 2024.

The Hyundai Elantra has quickly gained a reputation for offering modern tech, sharp styling, and impressive safety. The 2021 redesign introduced standard safety features that rival luxury vehicles. Elantra is frequently featured on lists of top 10 cars for 16 year olds because of its combination ...

Prices, provided by Kelley Blue Book and rounded to the nearest $100, are average U.S. values from April 19, 2024, for the lowest trim level and earliest applicable model year. The estimates are based on the following criteria: vehicle in good condition, typical mileage and private party purchase. ... All listed vehicles are winners of the 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award and come with standard vehicle-to-vehicle automatic emergency braking and good-rated seat belt reminders.

September 8, 2025 - 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

May 30, 2023 - The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Consumer Reports each year suggest the best cars for teens · For 2023, they’ve narrowed it down to 16 new vehicles; and 46 used ones

May 1, 2025 - IIHS made it a Top Safety Pick+, and as a midsize vehicle, it offers more protection than a small car. It holds its value well and earns an 85 out of 100 from J.D. Power for reliability. With a sporty-looking front grill, this four-door still has enough cool factor for your teen. And because it’s five years old, it’s already taken its biggest hit in depreciation.

Answer (1 of 108): Personally, I would want a 16 yr old to know the ‘value’ of a car. What it takes to buy a car, the cost, the finance, sales/buying experience, insurance etc. Most teenagers have a list of ‘Needs’ which is actually a list of ‘wants’. Nothing wrong with it as long as they unders...

April 24, 2024 - The Toyota Highlander, model 2014 or newer, is our top teen vehicle recommendation for cars between $15,000 and $20,000. The vehicle earned its spot for its 5-star safety rating and lower insurance premium.

October 19, 2023 - Mazda 3 is a good choice for learning experience and it can be counted as top 10 cars for 16 year-olds even in 2022 because it is highly affordable. Despite having less cargo space, its overall rating is not that bad as compared to its price.

View the best cars for teens in 2023. Ranked on affordability, maintenance costs, safety, and tech features. Find cheap cars for teens with EchoPark Automotive.

June 30, 2025 - What is the safest car for a 16 year old? While there’s no single safest vehicle, the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla get consistently high marks as being extraordinarily safe for teens. What's the best first car for boys?

December 11, 2023 - Then there is the peace of mind you’ll enjoy thanks to its industry-standard warranty and five-year roadside assistance program. Your teenager will like the Limited trim level’s upscale look and feel, as well as the wireless smartphone charger and premium sound system. Fact that might surprise you: Thanks to its standard LED headlights, the Elantra Limited gets a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS. It is one of two vehicles on our list to earn this distinction. ... Why it makes the list: A midsize car with lots of interior and trunk room, an industry-standard warranty and roadside assistance program, free connected services, and attractive design, the Kia Optima S is a well-equipped vehicle that should last a long time.

But it’s also the only car of these 10 to score the highest possible IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation. And as with several of the other cars here, we think its relatively modest 228 hp is a safer choice for many teens than an enormous engine. ... We’ll close our list of the 10 best sports cars for teens with a classic: the 2023 Volkswagen GTI. This “hot hatch” has been delighting U.S. drivers for more than 40 years, and its history internationally goes back even further.

Learn about things you should consider when picking a car for your teen driver and see our recommended models.

September 8, 2025 - Must Check: 10 Affordable Cars with 360 Degree Camera for Easy Parking and Safety ... The 2023 Honda Civic would also be perfect for a 16-year-old’s first car. It is rated five stars overall for crash protection by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and it is a IIHS Top Safety Pick, highlighting robust crash protection and comprehensive safety equipment.

14 hours ago - For style-conscious teenagers, the Mini Hatch is probably top of the shortlist for a first car, especially as it still exudes a retro cool and there are so many personalisation options for a young driver to make their mark on the car.

March 17, 2023 - Teens are three times as likely to get into accidents as drivers 20 and older.[1] For teen drivers, it’s essential to choose a car that’s affordable and safe. To help you choose the best option, Insurify compiled this list of affordable cars that can keep your teen safe on the road. Here’s what you should know about safe vehicle options from Mazda, Honda, Subaru, Toyota, and more. Safety is a top priority when choosing the best car for teen drivers.

March 13, 2024 - Given that parents are concerned about safety and reliability, it’s a good idea to stock cars with high IIHS safety ratings.6 The models on our list of top ten best cars for teens all meet these requirements and would make great additions to your inventory. With an MSRP of around $27,510 for a 2017 base model, The Prius V can be a more expensive proposition. Yet, its superior fuel economy and safety features have allowed it to gain a cult following among parents of new drivers. The later model years continue to up the ante.