The best new cars for teenagers.

Consumer Reports and IIHS name safe, reliable new cars and SUVs are great choices for teenagers.

By Jeff S. Bartlett

This is an exciting, and disturbing time for a teenager to get his or her driver's license for the first time. Parents want to empower their child to be safe and responsible behind the wheel, starting with a good driver education program, car insurance, and a suitable car.

Choosing the right car can be the hardest part, as there are many factors to consider. That's why Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have jointly recommended new and used cars that have been tested and analyzed to be best for inexperienced drivers.

We think most families are budget conscious, considering the possibility of ding and dent in their car choices. But we have a problem finding vehicles that can help avoid collisions and limit injuries in the event of an accident, then instruct families to choose the one that best suits their budget and needs. (See Best Used Cars for teens under 20,000.)

In fact, according to the IIHS, 16-year-olds are most at risk of driving. Its statistics show that the fatal accident rate per mile for teenagers is four times higher than the rate for drivers aged 20 and over. This underscores the importance of keeping young people safe during the first years of driving as they gain maturity and experience.

Buying a used car or handing it over to a child is a natural choice, especially if college expenses and independent living are on the horizon. We have recommendations for the best used cars for less than $ 20,000, most of which are available for less than $ 15,000.

But there is another way. Instead of giving your teen an old model, buy or lease them a new car, even if it means driving the old model yourself. This strategy is not for everyone, but it has its advantages, especially since epidemics this year are driving up the prices of all cars.

New cars come with a comprehensive bumper to bumper warranty. And they have the promise of being trustworthy in high school and beyond, a time when young adults have to focus on other things instead of worrying about roadside emergencies and potentially expensive repairs. Is required.

The story continues.

We think this route is an exception rather than a rule, especially between the high prices of new cars and inflation.

"While buying a new car is less common for a young driver than buying a used one, new cars provide an opportunity for a young driver to benefit in terms of providing the latest in both accident prevention and crash prevention technology. Yes, "says director Jennifer Stockberger. Operations at the CR Auto Test Center. "If you are spending extra money to buy a new one, why not choose the safest models and configurations available?"

To help families considering new car strategies, CR and IIHS have developed a list of cars that strike a balance between accident prevention, crash prevention, performance and reliability. These choices are ideal for teens, but they can serve any buyer looking for the best car in the area.

According to the Kelly Blue Book (KBB), these best new cars for teens range from $ 21,200 to $ 38,900, which is a little less than the average new car ($ 46,526).

To be considered one of the best new cars for teens, cars must have:

The Consumer Reports recommendation means that it meets our strict standards for reliability, safety, and road test performance, including achieving specific limits for braking and handling.

Good ratings in four IIHS crash aptitude tests: Moderate overlap front, side, roof reinforcement and head restraints.

Standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking system.

Average or better scores from the CR emergency handling test.

Dry brake distances from 60 mph to less than 140 feet per hour in CR brake tests.

Weight loss of more than 2,750 pounds because small, light vehicles do not provide adequate protection in multiple vehicle accidents. Despite their large size, many large SUVs do not make the list because they can be difficult to handle and often have long braking distances. Sports cars are also excluded because they can encourage dangerous driving.

A designation as a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick Plus by IIHS based on the model's performance in major accidents, crash avoidance, and headlight tests.

Good or good rating by CR for easy use controls.

Four or five stars (if rated) by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

All the vehicles listed below are of 2022 models. Selected terms or option packages include those where the headlights were rated good or acceptable in the IIHS headlight tests, which qualifies them for high security selection positions.

This list does not include vehicles that in recent model years were significantly higher than the average insurance claim rate under medical payment or personal injury protection coverage and have not been redesigned.

Prices reach close to $ 100 and reflect the Kelly Blue Book New Car Fair Purchase Prices, by April 28, 2022, the least expensive term level that is eligible for recommendation. If a special option package is required, the retail price recommended by the manufacturer for this package is included in the price.

Click on model names for complete road tests, reliability and owner satisfaction ratings, pricing, and more.

2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid

Photo: Honda

The best new cars for teenagers.

Build and model

Price

Small cars

Mazda 3

$ 21,200

Honda Insight

$ 26,100

Medium cars

Subaru Legacy

$ 23,800

Kia K5

24,700

Lexus IS

38,900

Small SUV

Chevrolet Trail Blazer

$ 21,900

Mazda CX-30

$ 23,200

Hyundai Tucson

25,800

Mazda CX-5

26,800

Ford Bronco Sport

28,200

Buick Encore GX (Essence Trim)

28,800

Toyota RAV4 (XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, Limited, or TRD Terms)

30,300

Honda CR-V (Hybrid EX, Hybrid EX-L, Touring or Hybrid Touring Terms)

32,300

Lexus UX (with triple beam LED head lamps with auto leveling)

35,300

Medium SUVs

Subaru Outback

27,500

Hyundai Santa Fe (built after July 2021)

27,800

Hyundai Polished

$ 34,300

نسان مرانو

$ 35,000

Mazda CX-9

35,700

Toyota Highlander

$ 37,100

منیوان

Honda Odyssey

$ 33,300

Prices reach as close as $ 100 and the Kelly Blue Book New Car Fair Purchase shows prices for the least expensive term level that are eligible for recommendation. If a special option package is required, the retail price recommended by the manufacturer for this package is included in the price.

Some of the listed models include a "later build" date. This applies when a manufacturer changes the model in the middle of the year to improve safety. Information about when a particular vehicle was manufactured can be found on the certification label, which is usually affixed to or near the driver's door.

On the "Consumer 101" TV show, consumer reports expert Jane Stockberger explains how to choose the right car for your teen.

More from Consumer Reports: Top Pick Tires Best Used Cars for 2016 at $ 25,000 and Less 7 Best Mattresses for Couples

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