When choosing a vehicle for a teenage driver, families must prioritize safety, reliability, and affordability. Teen drivers are still developing their road skills, so the ideal SUV should offer strong driver-assistance features, be easy to handle, and have low ownership costs.
A reliable SUV not only ensures safety but also helps teens build confidence behind the wheel. In this section, we explore five family SUVs that consistently perform well under teenage use.
These models offer a balanced combination of practicality, comfort, and modern safety technologies that make them suitable for young and inexperienced drivers.
5 Cars That Survive Teen Drivers
1. Honda CR-V: Reliable, Safe, and Budget-Friendly
The Honda CR-V is a long-standing favorite among families and is highly recommended for teenage drivers. It comes equipped with the Honda Sensing suite, which includes advanced safety technologies such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
These features reduce the risk of accidents and make driving less stressful for beginners. The CR-V is also spacious, making it practical for school runs, trips, and daily errands.
Its fuel efficiency is impressive, which helps families save on gas. The CR-V stands out for its dependability, comfort, and value retention, making it an excellent choice for teens.
2. Toyota RAV4: All-Around Performance for New Drivers
Another top contender for teen drivers is the Toyota RAV4. Known for its durability and solid build quality, the RAV4 is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, which includes pre-collision braking and lane departure alert. These features provide an added layer of protection for inexperienced drivers.
Its smooth handling and efficient fuel use also make it a practical and cost-effective option. The RAV4 offers generous space inside, ideal for growing teens and their gear. With strong resale value and minimal maintenance needs, this SUV checks all the boxes for families seeking a worry-free vehicle for their teens.
3. Mazda CX-5: A Sporty Yet Safe Choice
The Mazda CX-5 stands out with its engaging drive and premium interior, offering a mix of performance and safety. It features advanced safety tools such as blind-spot monitoring and emergency braking, providing security for new drivers.
The CX-5 handles more like a car than a bulky SUV, which boosts a teenager’s confidence on the road. It is also praised for its high-quality cabin and straightforward infotainment system, reducing distractions.
With good fuel efficiency and minimal maintenance concerns, the CX-5 offers both fun and function, making it a standout choice for teens who appreciate a sportier feel.
4. Hyundai Tucson: Easy to Use, Hard to Beat
The Hyundai Tucson blends thoughtful technology with top-tier safety. Hyundai’s SmartSense safety suite includes forward collision-avoidance and lane-keeping assist, which guide and protect young drivers. The Tucson also features a very intuitive infotainment system, making it easier for teens to stay focused on driving.
Visibility from the driver’s seat is excellent, further boosting confidence during parking and lane changes. Its comfortable seats and quiet cabin make it ideal for long drives or daily commutes. With respectable fuel economy and a reputation for reliability, the Tucson is a practical, user-friendly SUV for families with teenage drivers.
5. Subaru Forester: Safe, Spacious, and Built to Last
The Subaru Forester is a top safety pick with standard all-wheel drive, making it perfect for areas with rough weather. Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist system includes adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking, both of which are ideal for new drivers.
The Forester also boasts great visibility and an airy cabin, helping teens feel more aware of their surroundings. It has plenty of room for passengers and gear, making it great for everyday use and weekend trips. With good fuel economy and a dependable track record, the Forester is a family SUV that’s both safe and sensible for teen drivers.
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5 Cars That Fall Apart After First Crash
While some SUVs are built with young drivers in mind, others simply don’t meet the mark. Whether it’s poor crash test ratings, high ownership costs, or lack of essential safety features, some family SUVs pose a greater risk when driven by teens.
These vehicles may look appealing, but can become liabilities after the first crash or even during normal use. In this section, we highlight five SUVs that are less ideal for teenage drivers. From poor safety scores to expensive repairs, these models should be approached with caution when it comes to young and inexperienced drivers.
1. Jeep Wrangler: Rugged Look, Risky Ride
The Jeep Wrangler may appeal to teenagers for its adventurous image, but it ranks poorly in terms of safety and handling. Its high rollover risk and low side-impact crash ratings make it dangerous, especially for less experienced drivers. The ride is also rough, which adds difficulty for teens still learning to control a vehicle.
Unlike newer SUVs, many Wranglers lack important safety tech like lane-keeping assist or automatic braking. Combined with high insurance costs and expensive repairs, the Wrangler’s appeal quickly fades when safety and practicality are prioritized for teenage drivers.
2. Nissan Qashqai (Older Models): Frequent Breakdowns, Few Features
Older Nissan Qashqai models have a reputation for reliability issues, making them a poor match for teen drivers. Frequent mechanical failures and expensive repairs can cause stress and inconvenience for both teens and their parents.
These models also often lack modern safety features, putting young drivers at greater risk during everyday driving situations. For a vehicle that teens will rely on for school and errands, the Qashqai falls short in providing the reliability and security they need. Families are better off choosing a model known for dependability and updated safety technology.
3. BMW X7: Too Much Power, Too Many Costs
While the BMW X7 is a luxury powerhouse, it’s ill-suited for teen drivers. Its size and powerful engine can be difficult to manage for those just starting out. The cost of insurance, maintenance, and repairs is also significantly higher than more modest SUVs, making it financially impractical.
Even small dings or minor accidents can lead to expensive repair bills. Its advanced features may also distract or overwhelm new drivers. Though luxurious, the X7’s complexity and cost make it more of a burden than a benefit for families trying to support a teen behind the wheel.
4. Chevrolet Traverse: Big Body, Missing Safety
The Chevrolet Traverse may offer a spacious interior, but many models lack key safety features. Earlier versions, in particular, do not include essential tools like lane-keeping assist or automatic emergency braking—crucial aids for new drivers.
Its large size makes maneuvering difficult, especially for teens who haven’t mastered parking or tight turns. While roomy, it doesn’t compensate for its lack of modern protective technologies.
The Traverse’s appeal as a family hauler is clear, but when safety is the top concern, especially for teen drivers, it fails to meet the mark compared to more current, tech-equipped SUVs.
5. Ford Bronco Sport: Stylish but Straining on the Wallet
The Ford Bronco Sport offers rugged appeal and off-road performance, but these features come at a cost. Higher-than-average insurance premiums and maintenance expenses make it less practical for families with teen drivers.
It’s built for off-road adventures that most teens won’t need, and repairs can be costly after minor fender-benders. While it offers a bold look and strong capabilities, these aren’t necessary—or ideal—for young drivers learning the basics of road safety.
For families seeking affordability, ease of use, and low long-term costs, the Bronco Sport is likely not the best fit for a first-time teen driver.
Also Read: 5 Cars That Still Feel New at 150K and 5 That Feel Ancient at 50K
