If you have a teen driver in your family, here's a list you'll want to take a look at. It's an updated list of recommended new and used safe vehicles for teens. The list, jointly produced by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) since 2020, is designed to help families prioritize safety without busting their budgets.
“Given consumers’ economic anxiety and the uncertainty around future vehicle prices, the availability of a wide range of safe, affordable used options is welcome news,” said Jessica Jermakian, IIHS senior vice president for vehicle research. “Helping your kid achieve a milestone of independence shouldn’t require compromising on safety.”
Researchers say while it can be tempting to give a young driver a very old and inexpensive car, there’s a good chance it lacks key safety features and the highest levels of crash protection.
“This list is designed to help buyers narrow their search to vehicles that can help drivers avoid crashes and also protect vehicle occupants in the event that a crash does occur,” said Jennifer Stockburger, director of operations at Consumer Reports Auto Test Center. “That combination increases the odds of keeping new drivers safe as they gain experience.”
Used Vehicles
The 2025 safe vehicles for teens list includes 74 used vehicles priced at $10,000 or less. Another 48 models that come with automatic emergency braking and highly rated headlights can be found for under $20,000. All recommended used vehicles have good ratings in five IIHS tests: original moderate overlap front, original side, driver-side small overlap front, roof strength and head restraints.
You can check out the full list of Best and Good Used Choices here.
New Vehicles
The list also names 22 model year 2025 vehicles equipped with the latest in crash protection and safety technology. They've all received a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK or TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, which means they excel in the Institute’s newer, more challenging crash tests. The IIHSA notes that for the first time, list criteria includes a good rating in the seat belt reminder evaluation that IIHS launched in 2022. They also have standard good or acceptable headlights and standard, high-performing AEB.
Check out the full list of recommended new vehicles here.
Notes
The IIHS says as in past years, you won't find any vehicles on the lists with excessive horsepower relative to weight or anything marketed for performance. You also won't find any minicars or vehicles that weighs less than 2,750 pounds. The IIHS says that although many smaller models are popular with young drivers, they can’t protect their occupants as well in crashes with other vehicles. Large SUVs don't make the cut either. Even though they may offer greater crash protection in some configurations, the IIHS doesn't consider them suitable for teens because since they can be hard to handle and take longer to stop. Researchers also say they pose a greater risk to others on the road, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and people in smaller vehicles.
Along with safety and price, the IIHS says consumers should also consider the cost of insurance and the vehicle reliability. The IIHS-affiliated Highway Loss Data Institute publishes insurance losses by make and model, which can provide a sense of which vehicles could cost more to insure.
Caution: Electric Vehicles
The IIHS says EVs warrant extra caution due to their rapid acceleration. This is because unlike gas engines, electric motors give drivers immediate access to all of the vehicle’s power. It's something researchers say parents should keep in mind if they are considering an EV for a teen driver.
Photo Credit: 2023 Mazda3 Sedan/Hatchback. Mazda.