Larger vehicles such as SUVs and trucks offer more metal and weight to protect occupants in accidents, but that doesn't mean they're inherently safer. Some may be too large for new drivers to handle, as they're physically wider and longer than the average sedan or coupe. Taller vehicles also have higher centers of gravity which may make them more prone to rollover-type accidents.

The BMW 3-series, Subaru Crosstrek, and Toyota Corolla are among the most reliable cars on sale today, according to Consumer Reports.

Safety should be the number one priority when searching for a car for your teen, as the fatal crash rate per miles driven for teenagers is far higher than the national average, according to Kelley Blue Book. To that end, you should consider cars that feature modern safety systems.