Teen drivers face the highest car insurance costs due to their inexperience in handling vehicles, reacting to road conditions, and anticipating other drivers’ actions.
Learning to drive safely takes time, and young drivers also have to navigate the challenges of growing up. With new distractions and responsibilities, being a beginner on the road can be difficult and risky, leading to higher insurance rates.
Finding a safe vehicle for teen drivers is also challenging, as modern cars come with increasing curb weights, larger blind spots, and the potential for distracted driving.
Fortunately, vehicle safety has significantly improved over the years, with features like standard airbags, advanced driver-assistance systems, and stability control becoming more common. These advancements help mitigate the risks associated with young, inexperienced drivers.
To help consumers identify the safest cars for teens, independent organizations like the NHTSA and IIHS conduct crash tests and continually raise their safety standards. For this list of the safest vehicles for teen drivers, only cars earning at least a Top Safety Pick rating were considered, with preference given to Top Safety Pick+ winners.
Additionally, the starting price had to be below $30,000, eliminating many midsize SUVs and sedans. Whether buying a new or used vehicle, this guide highlights the best options for teen drivers.
1. Honda Civic
The Honda Civic, redesigned in 2022, has consistently earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating thanks to its comprehensive suite of active safety features. Standard systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control contribute to its strong safety record.
Unlike some competitors, these features remain functional even with the optional manual transmission, and additional safety options like blind-spot monitoring further enhance driver confidence.
Performance and practicality make the Civic a well-rounded choice. It offers responsive handling and front-wheel-drive stability, making it both enjoyable and easy to drive.
The base 2.0-liter, 158-horsepower engine delivers solid efficiency, while the sportier 200-hp Civic Si adds an element of fun without sacrificing fuel economy, achieving 27 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. With a well-balanced mix of driving dynamics, efficiency, and comfort, the Civic is an appealing option for a wide range of buyers.
Affordability and space add to the Civic’s appeal. Nearly all trims start under $30,000 and come well-equipped with modern features. The spacious interior and trunk rival older Honda Accord models, and a hatchback version provides even more versatility.
Combined with strong reliability and fuel efficiency, these qualities have made the Civic a top pick for young drivers and first-time buyers for decades. For those needing more space, the Honda Accord offers similar benefits, though only its base model meets the $30,000 price cap.
2. Honda HR-V
The Honda HR-V, the brand’s smallest SUV, shares many of the Civic’s best traits, making it an easy and enjoyable vehicle to drive.
While it lacks performance models or manual transmission, it comes equipped with the same advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, and lane-keep assist.
Although blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors remain optional, the HR-V’s stronger structure earns it the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, outperforming similarly priced crossovers like the Kia Seltos and Volkswagen Taos.
Despite having a smaller footprint than the Civic, the HR-V is highly practical, offering more cargo space than the Civic hatchback and additional passenger room. Unlike the Civic, it can be equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD), making it a safer choice for those in snowy or icy climates.
However, its added weight results in slightly lower fuel efficiency, trailing the Civic by 3 to 5 mpg in every category. Still, with strong predicted reliability and a starting price under $30,000, the HR-V remains an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking a safe and versatile compact SUV.
3. Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra, last redesigned in 2021 and lightly refreshed for 2024, remains a top choice in the compact sedan segment. It offers class-leading rear-seat space, a large trunk, and a range of fuel-efficient engines, all while keeping non-hybrid trims under $30,000.
While the high-performance Elantra N is too expensive and impractical for teen drivers, the 147-hp 2.0-liter engine, the 139-hp hybrid, and the 201-hp Turbo N-Line provide a balance of efficiency and performance. The hybrid model, in particular, offers impressive fuel economy of up to 54 mpg, making it a cost-effective choice over time.
Although it may not be as engaging to drive as the Honda Civic, the Elantra is easy to learn and earns top safety ratings, including an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star NHTSA rating.
Hyundai includes a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning.
Higher trims offer adaptive cruise control, enhanced automatic braking with cyclist detection, and parking sensors, further enhancing its appeal as a safe and practical vehicle for new drivers.
4. Mazda MAZDA3
The Mazda3 Sedan and Hatchback both achieve top safety ratings, including an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star NHTSA rating for 2024. While the hatchback is slightly more expensive, both body styles offer a 191-hp 2.5-liter engine as standard, with an available 250-hp turbocharged version for higher trims.
Buyers can opt for front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), making the Mazda3 adaptable to different driving conditions. Known for its sporty handling and engaging drive, even the base model provides a fun driving experience. However, the Turbo model exceeds the $30,000 budget and is less practical for teen drivers.
Mazda ensures that even the base 2025 Mazda3 comes packed with advanced safety features, eliminating the need to upgrade to higher trims for essential protection.
Standard equipment includes lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, pedestrian detection, and smart brake support to enhance emergency braking.
While premium options like traffic-jam assist and parking sensors are limited to the top 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus trim, all Mazda3 models offer a high level of safety and technology, making them a smart choice for new drivers.
5. Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 is closely related to the Mazda3, sharing its platform, sleek design, and engine options, including a 2.5-liter turbo and non-turbo variant. While it costs slightly more than the Mazda3, the CX-30 offers more interior and cargo space, making it a practical upgrade.
Its higher ride height allows it to handle light off-road conditions or rougher roads better than the Mazda3, adding to its versatility. Though it’s smaller than the Mazda CX-5, its coupe-like styling makes it a stylish alternative in the compact SUV segment.
Like the Mazda3, the CX-30 comes packed with advanced safety features, earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star NHTSA rating.
The base 2.5 S trim includes driver-attention alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
Higher trims add traffic-jam assist, parking sensors, and rear smart brake support, but even base models provide strong safety and a premium feel. With its engaging driving dynamics and upscale features, the CX-30 stands out over rivals like the Chevrolet Trax and Ford Escape in the compact crossover category.
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6. Subaru Crosstrek
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek has been redesigned with enhanced safety features, though it no longer offers a manual transmission—a change that ultimately benefits teen drivers.
Now, every model comes equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight safety suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane centering, automatic emergency braking, driver-attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and pre-collision braking.
A new automatic emergency steering feature helps avoid or reduce collisions, making this affordable, all-terrain vehicle even safer. Previously, manual models lacked many of these features, so this update ensures all versions meet a high safety standard.
Though it’s more of a refresh than a full redesign, the Crosstrek stays true to its rugged formula. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard, paired with a CVT and two flat-four engine options—a 152-hp 2.0-liter and an 182-hp 2.5-liter.
While on-road performance is mild, the Crosstrek excels off-road, especially in the Wilderness trim, which boasts 9.3 inches of ground clearance and added off-road gear.
However, only the 2.0-liter models fall under $30,000. With a spacious hatchback design, easy-to-use features, strong reliability, and up to 29 mpg combined, the Crosstrek is a practical and capable choice for new drivers.
7. Subaru Impreza
The 2024 Subaru Impreza and Crosstrek share many similarities, as the Crosstrek is based on the Impreza, with both featuring the same hatchback design, engines, and safety systems.
However, the Impreza sits lower, making it lighter and more affordable than the Crosstrek, which is designed for off-road use. Both models received updates for 2024, though they retain many components from their predecessors. Compared to the Subaru Legacy, the Impreza offers a more engaging experience, which teen drivers may prefer.
Despite their similarities, the Impreza outperforms the Crosstrek in safety ratings, earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, whereas the Crosstrek receives the second-tier Top Safety Pick due to a slightly lower score in the updated side-impact test.
Both models, however, earn five stars from NHTSA and provide strong safety features. The Impreza’s lower ground clearance improves handling, while its lighter weight and reduced drag boost fuel efficiency by about 1 mpg over the Crosstrek.
Inside, it offers one of the most spacious cargo areas in its class, with 20.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 56 cubic feet with them folded down, making it a practical choice for new drivers.
8. Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla has remained a top choice for first-time buyers since its debut in 1966, thanks to its safety, reliability, and ease of use. While not the most exciting car, it has seen notable updates since its 2019 redesign, including more hybrid trims, an upgraded infotainment system, and the high-performance GR Corolla hatchback.
Its compact size makes it easier to maneuver compared to larger sedans like the Toyota Camry, making it a practical option for students and new drivers.
The Corolla offers both sedan and hatchback body styles, with a 169-hp four-cylinder engine and a hybrid option with 138 hp. While performance is mild, the hybrid variant is the most affordable on the market at under $25,000, delivering excellent fuel economy.
Both versions hold Top Safety Pick ratings from the IIHS and five stars from NHTSA, thanks to the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, which includes automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-tracing assist.
Optional features include blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, ensuring strong safety features across the lineup.
9. Toyota Corolla Cross
The Toyota Corolla Cross, introduced in 2022, extends the familiar Corolla platform into a crossover form, maintaining the same safety systems and 169-hp engine. While its back seat remains small and performance is underwhelming, Toyota offers a hybrid model that is quieter, quicker, and more fuel-efficient.
However, only the base trim of the hybrid falls under $30,000, making it a more costly but worthwhile option. Competing with models like the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, it provides affordability and efficiency, making it a practical alternative to larger SUVs.
With Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, the Corolla Cross earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick, though NHTSA has yet to rate it. Compared to the Toyota RAV4, it’s smaller and cheaper, and the hybrid version achieves an impressive 42 mpg combined, one of the best ratings among SUVs.
Even the gas-powered version delivers 32 mpg with optional AWD. If extra space is needed over the Corolla sedan, the Corolla Cross is a solid choice for teen drivers, offering strong safety features and practicality.
Those looking for more room and efficiency might also consider the Nissan Rogue, which offers similar safety ratings and fuel economy at a slightly higher price point.
10. Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius, though one of the priciest options under $30,000, justifies its cost with exceptional fuel efficiency, a stylish redesign, and improved performance. The 2023 model overhaul made the Prius more attractive, comfortable, and enjoyable to drive, addressing previous criticisms of sluggishness.
With up to 57 mpg combined and a more powerful 194-hp engine (196 hp with AWD), it now feels livelier on the road. Toyota also improved interior comfort, making it practical for both daily drivers and rideshare users.
While the plug-in Prius Prime offers more range, it starts above $33,000, making the standard Prius the more budget-friendly choice.
The Prius maintains its reputation for safety, equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
It also features proactive driving assist, which helps maintain a safe following distance. These features earned the Prius a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, though NHTSA has yet to test it. With its impressive redesign, safety tech, and class-leading fuel economy, the Prius remains an excellent option for eco-conscious and safety-focused drivers.
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