Time really runs quickly when you are raising a kid. Only yesterday you were buying Hot Wheels, and today you are wondering about the best car to buy for your teen. Now it’s time for your teenager to get their first taste of independence, and gone are the days when you were chauffeuring them around. If you are unsure about what the best cars for teens are, we have just the guide for you.
Before choosing a car to buy, consider several important factors, including safety, reliability, and, most importantly, your budget. So, sit back, and let us show you some of the best cars for teenagers in 2025 that you can consider buying for your teenager.
Best Cars for Teens in 2025
To make things easier for you, we have categorized the best cars for teens in different price brackets- $10,000, $20,000, and $30,000. If your budget allows, you can definitely buy a new car. Otherwise, there are great options in the used cars category as well that come along with advanced safety and driver-assist features.
However, you may not find all the specifications you want in a car within your budget. We suggest you prioritize your needs and compromise on things that don’t matter much. For example, if you find a used car that fits your budget but is not the colour you want, we recommend that you accept the deal and compromise on the colour.
Best Cars for Teens Under $30,000
Without further delay, let’s look at the best new cars for teens under $30,000. These latest cars have all the necessary driver-assist features and advanced tech. If you are not financially strapped and have decent savings, you will not regret buying any of these cars.
1. 2025 Honda HR-V
The 2025 Honda HR-V is one of the best cars for teens among compact SUVs. This car comes in three trim levels, namely, LX, Sport, and EX-L. The base model has a host of standard Honda Sensing ADAS features, such as Collision Mitigation Braking System, lane departure warning system, hill start assist, hill descent control, etc.
Go through the specifications mentioned below to see why the 2025 Honda HR-V is one of the safest SUV for teens.
Specifications of the 2025 Honda HR-V
| Specification | Details |
| Model | 2025 Honda HR-V Sport |
| Starting Price | $27,500 MSPR |
| Seating | 5-seater |
| Drive Type | All Wheel Drive |
| Combined Fuel Economy | 27 MPG |
| Crash Test Ratings | Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS) 5-star rating (NHTSA) |
| Horsepower | 158 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
| Cool Features | 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, three USB ports, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, remote engine start, multiple-angle rearview camera, etc. |
| Available Exterior Colour | Premium white pearls, Milano red, Nordic forest pearl, Urban gray pearl, and crystal black pearl. |
2. 2025 Toyota Prius
The 2025 Toyota Prius is one of the best hybrid cars because of its efficiency, compact size, sleek looks, and top tech features.LE, XLE, Nightshade, and Limited are the trim levels of this car.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 comes standard with this car and includes various driver-assist features such as forward collision warning with automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, and a lane departure warning system. See the specs mentioned below to see what makes the 2025 Toyota Prius one of the best first cars for teens.
Specifications of the 2025 Toyota Prius
| Specification | Details |
| Model | 2025 Toyota Prius LE |
| Starting Price | $28,550 MSPR |
| Base Engine Size | 2.0 L |
| Seating | 5-seater |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Combined Fuel Economy | 57 MPG |
| Crash Test Ratings | Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS) 5-star rating (NHTSA) |
| Horsepower | 194 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Cool Features | Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connectivity, an infotainment touchscreen, remote locking and unlocking, 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless ignition, front cupholders, electric power steering, heated mirrors, remote anti-theft alarm system, etc. |
| Available Exterior Colour | Guardian gray, wind chill pearl, midnight black metallic, cutting edge, supersonic red, and reservoir blue. |
Also Read: The Innova Hycross Takes the Hybrid Crown From the Prius Twins
3. 2025 Nissan Kicks
The 2025 Nissan Kicks is longer, wider, and an inch taller, and comes with all-wheel drive. Additionally, the car also features zero gravity seats and an in-built Bose speakers in the driver’s headset. The 2025 Nissan Kicks definitely tops the cool cars for teens list.
You will get the 2025 Nissan Kicks in three main trims- S, SV, and SR. Out of the three, the S model is an affordable option for teens. All the models of Kicks are equipped with the Nissan Safety Shield 360.
Specifications of the 2025 Nissan Kicks
| Specification | Details |
| Model | 2025 Nissan Kicks S |
| Starting Price | $21,830 MSPR |
| Base Engine Size | 2.0 L |
| Seating | 5-seater |
| Drive Type | All Wheel Drive |
| Combined Fuel Economy | 31 MPG |
| Crash Test Ratings | Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS) 5-star rating (NHTSA) |
| Horsepower | 141 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Cool Features | Keyless ignition, tilt and telescope steering wheel, remote keyless entry, a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, rear parking sensors, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, and rear automatic braking. etc. |
| Available Exterior Colour | Gun metallic, super black, fresh powder, canyon bronze metallic, and deep blue pearl. |
4. 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Those looking for a car with a contemporary design, a spacious cabin, and decent fuel economy can opt for the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The car has an impressive cargo space, and buyers appreciate the car since the base engine is also compatible with E85 ethanol fuel. These factors make the Chevy Trailblazer one of the best cars for teens.
The car has four trim levels, namely, LS, LT, Active, and RS. Add the Driver Confidence package for safety features such as blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and rear parking sensors. These features make the Chevy Trailblazer one of the safest car for teen drivers.
Specifications of the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer
| Specification | Details |
| Model | 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS |
| Starting Price | $23,100 MSPR |
| Base Engine Size | 1.3 L |
| Seating | 5-seater |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Combined Fuel Economy | 27 MPG |
| Crash Test Ratings | 5-star rating (NHTSA) |
| Horsepower | 155 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
| Cool Features | Speed-sensitive volume control, 17-inch painted alloy wheels, keyless ignition, heated mirrors, automatic headlights, push-button start, an 11-inch attractive touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity, forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, and lane keeping assistance, etc. |
| Available Exterior Colour | Marina blue metallic, apex red, summit white, mosaic black metallic, cacti green, sterling gray metallic, and iridescent pearl tricoat. |
5. 2025 Honda Civic
For a simple and classy sedan, the 2025 Honda Civic is an excellent choice. The car has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 150 horsepower. However, the 2025 model offers greater smoothness and more economy when compared with the previous models. This car is one of the good first cars for teens.
The latest Civic trims are LX (sedan only), Sport, Sport Hybrid, and Sport Touring Hybrid. The LX trim features forward collision braking and automatic braking, a lane departure warning system, etc. For more features, upgrade to a higher trim. The 2024 Honda Civic Hatchback is another good option.
Specifications of the 2025 Honda Civic
| Specification | Details |
| Model | 2025 Honda Civic LX |
| Starting Price | $24.250 MSPR |
| Base Engine Size | 2.0 L |
| Seating | 5-seater |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Combined Fuel Economy | 36 MPG |
| Crash Test Ratings | Top Safety Pick (IIHS) 5-star rating (NHTSA) |
| Horsepower | 150 hp @ 6,400 rpm |
| Cool Features | Engine immobilizer, tyre pressure monitoring, driver attention alert, stability control, traction control, etc. |
| Available Exterior Colour | Blue lagoon pearl, solar silver metallic, crystal black pearl, platinum white pearl, meteorite grey metallic, and rallye red. |
Best Cars for Teens Under $20,000
We have compiled some good used cars for teens under $20,000. While these are not relatively modern cars, you can still expect some tech and safety features that most of the newer cars have. Choose any of the cars under this category if you have sufficient savings but are unsure about the best used cars for teens in 2025.
1. 2018 Mazda CX-5
This compact crossover SUV has three trims: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. Mazda CX 5 is known for its style, comfort, and utility. It has an expensive look, but it will fit within your budget. The Mazda CX 5 is one of the best cars for teens.
For your teen, the Touring trim would be perfect, with features such as 19-inch wheels, keyless ignition and entry, heated front seats, additional speakers, and USB ports. Let us now look at the specifications that make Mazda CX 5 one of the safest SUV for teens.
Specifications for the 2018 Mazda CX-5
| Specification | Details |
| Model | 2018 Mazda CX-5 Touring |
| Base Engine Size | 2.5 L |
| Seating | 5-seater |
| Drive Type | All Wheel Drive |
| Combined Fuel Economy | 26 MPG |
| Crash Test Ratings | Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS) 4-star rating (NHTSA) |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Cool Features | Blind spot and lane departure warning systems, emergency braking assist, dusk sensing headlamps, heated mirrors, hands-free entry, 4 one-touch power windows, etc. |
| Available Exterior Colour | Eternal blue mica, soul red crystal metallic, sonic silver metallic, jet black mica, deep crystal blue mica, snowflake white pearl mica, and machine gray metallic. |
Read More: Mazda Cx 5 vs Cx 50: Key Differences, Specs, & Features Compared
2. 2021 Toyota Corolla
This compact sedan is a good-used car for teens. You should get the 2021 Toyota Corolla LE trim to provide your young driver with comfort, a spacious interior, and top-notch tech. Toyota has earned a reputation for being reliable, and you can lean on it.
The Toyota Safety Sense suite offers a plethora of safety driver-assist features, such as the pre-collision system, lane departure alerts with steering assist, automatic high beams, hill start assist, etc. For specifications, read the table below and see why we think this car is one of the best cars for teens.
Specifications for the 2021 Toyota Corolla
| Specification | Details |
| Model | 2021 Toyota Corolla LE |
| Base Engine Size | 1.8 L |
| Seating | 5-seater |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Combined Fuel Economy | 33 MPG |
| Crash Test Ratings | Top Safety Pick (IIHS) 5-star rating (NHTSA) |
| Horsepower | 139 hp @ 6,100 rpm |
| Cool Features | 16-inch wheels, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, heated mirrors, remote keyless power door lock, automatic climate control system, adaptive cruise control, tilt, telescopic steering wheel, etc. |
| Available Exterior Colour | Blueprint, Barcelona red metallic, blizzard pearl, super white, classic silver metallic, celestite grey metallic, and black sand pearl. |
3. 2020 Honda Civic
The 2020 Honda Civic is one of the best used cars for teens in the small sedan category. It has an admirable fuel economy, and the turbocharged engine definitely enhances the performance. The cool and sporty exterior with a spacious interior with high-end finish combine to offer a comfortable and smooth ride.
You can expect cool tech and driver-assist safety features with the LX and Sport trims. This is one of the best cars for teens, and you will believe it too after going through the specs table below.
Specifications for the 2020 Honda Civic
| Specification | Details |
| Model | 2020 Honda Civic Sport Sedan |
| Base Engine Size | 2.0 L |
| Seating | 5-seater |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Combined Fuel Economy | 32 MPG |
| Crash Test Ratings | Top Safety Pick (IIHS) 5-star rating (NHTSA) |
| Horsepower | 158 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
| Cool Features | Lane departure warning system, lane keep assist, emergency braking assist, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, heated mirrors, keyless ignition, electric power steering, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, etc. |
| Available Exterior Colour | Aegean blue metallic, lunar silver metallic, platinum white pearl, crystal black pearl, modern steel metallic, and rallye eye. |
Read More: Toyota vs Honda Reliability: Which Brand Lasts Longer?
4. 2019 Mazda 3
A notable car in this price segment is the 2019 Mazda 3. With this model, Mazda has done a complete overhaul in terms of looks. The interior has a clean look with a minimalist vibe.
Although the rear passenger legroom seems a little cramped, the comfortable seats and noise-insulated cabin make up for it. This is one of the safest cars for teen drivers. We suggest you choose either the Select trim or higher to get the best car for a teenager.
Specifications for the 2019 Mazda 3
| Specification | Details |
| Model | 2019 Mazda 3 Select |
| Base Engine Size | 2.5 L |
| Seating | 5-seater |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Combined Fuel Economy | 28 MPG |
| Crash Test Ratings | Top Safety Pick (IIHS) 5-star rating (NHTSA) |
| Horsepower | 186 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Cool Features | Bind spot detection, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beam, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, pre-collision & post-collision safety system, heated mirrors, hands-free entry, keyless ignition, 8.8-inch display, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, etc. |
| Available Exterior Colour | Deep crystal blue mica, sonic silver metallic, jet black mica, soul red crystal metallic, snowflake white pearl mica, and machine gray metallic. |
5. 2017 Toyota RAV4
We have another compact crossover SUV that will impress your young driver. Rav4 prioritizes comfort and spacious accommodation, and noise suppression is commendable. This car is one of the best cars for teens and offers a smooth and controlled ride.
All the 2017 Toyota RAV4 trims are complemented with standard Toyota Safety Sense P advanced safety features. However, upgrade to the SE model or higher to get all the major tech and safety features.
Otherwise, you can also buy the 2018 model or the 2021Toyota RAV4. Read the specs below to know what makes the 2017 Toyota RAV4 one of the safest SUV for teens.
Specifications for the 2017 Toyota RAV4
| Specification | Details |
| Model | 2017 Toyota RAV4 SE |
| Base Engine Size | 2.5 L |
| Seating | 5-seater |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Combined Fuel Economy | 25 MPG |
| Crash Test Ratings | Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS) 5-star rating (NHTSA) |
| Horsepower | 176 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Cool Features | Double overhead cam, blind spot detection, lane departure warning, emergency braking assist, heated mirrors, keyless ignition, hands-free entry, alloy wheels, LED headlights, fog lights, rear cross-traffic alert, heated seats, etc. |
| Available Exterior Colour | Black currant metallic, Barcelona red metallic, silver sky metallic, electric storm blue, black, magnetic gray metallic, super white, and galactic aqua mica. |
Best Cars for Teens Under $10,000
If you did not like anything until now, we have put together some inexpensive cars for teens under $10,000. If you are financially strapped and looking for options that are affordable and reliable, then these cars are made for you. However, these cars may have multiple previous owners, and we suggest you do a proper inspection before you make any purchase.
1. 2011 Toyota Avalon
If you are looking for a reliable car that will offer a comfortable and luxurious feel, then the 2011 Toyota Avalon is a prominent choice. The car has an attractive interior design and suppresses noise quite efficiently. However, you will have to compromise on new tech, safety features, and fuel efficiency. This is one of the best inexpensive cars for teens.
Opt for the Limited trim to reap the maximum tech and advanced safety features. Read the table below and see why we think the 2011 Toyota Avalon is one of the best cars for teens.
Specifications for the 2011 Toyota Avalon
| Specification | Details |
| Model | 2011 Toyota Avalon Limited |
| Base Engine Size | 3.5 L |
| Seating | 5-seater |
| Drive Type | Front Wheel Drive |
| Combined Fuel Economy | 23 MPG |
| Crash Test Ratings | Top Safety Pick (IIHS) |
| Horsepower | 268 hp @ 6,200 rpm |
| Cool Features | Heated mirrors, power mirrors, remote keyless power door locks, keyless ignition, cruise control, interior air filtration, emergency braking assist, front fog lights, etc. |
| Available Exterior Colour | Cypress pearl, zephyr blue metallic, sizzling crimson mica, cocoa bean metallic, sandy beach metallic, classic silver metallic, blizzard pearl, black, and magnetic gray metallic. |
2. 2010 Honda Element
With a unique and boxy character, the 2010 Honda Element is a compact crossover SUV with a spacious interior design. However, this is a four-seater, which could be a shortcoming for many, but its theatre-style seating allows rear passengers to sit comfortably.
Choose the Element EX trim for 16-inch alloy wheels, a voice-activated navigation system, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, a seven-speaker audio system, etc. Read the specs below to understand why the 2010 Honda Element could be one of the safest SUV for teens.
Specifications for the 2010 Honda Element
| Specification | Details |
| Model | 2010 Honda Element EX |
| Base Engine Size | 2.4 L |
| Seating | 4-seater |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Combined Fuel Economy | 22 MPG |
| Crash Test Ratings | Top Safety Pick (IIHS) 5-star rating (NHTSA) |
| Horsepower | 268 hp @ 6,200 rpm |
| Cool Features | Reclining rear seats, 120 watts stereo output, 4 speakers, mast antenna, heated mirrors, power mirrors, remote keyless power door locks, cruise control on steering wheels, rear ventilation ducts,16-inch wheels, dual front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, emergency braking assist, electronic brake force distribution, etc. |
| Available Exterior Colour | Polished metal, metallic, crystal black pearl, omni blue pearl, citrus fire metallic, royal blue pearl, tango red pearl, and alabaster silver metallic. |
3. 2013 Toyota Camry
One of the best starter cars for teens is the 2013 Toyota Camry. The car has a powerful engine with respectable fuel economy. On the inside, the Camry is roomy, and the exterior looks sporty. If you want a reliable and inexpensive car, then choose this.
The 2013 Toyota Camry is available in four trim levels: L, LE, SE, and XLE. For more safety features, you can shop for the XLE trim. And if you allow us to digress, the 2025 Toyota Camry is a bold option if you’re planning to buy a new car this year.
Specifications for the 2013 Toyota Camry
| Specification | Details |
| Model | 2013 Toyota Camry XLE |
| Base Engine Size | 2.5 L |
| Seating | 5-seater |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Combined Fuel Economy | 28 MPG |
| Crash Test Ratings | Top Safety Pick (IIHS) 4-star rating (NHTSA) |
| Horsepower | 178 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Cool Features | Blind spot monitor, safety connect, heated and power mirrors, 17-inch wheels, dusk-sensing headlamps, auto delay off headlamps, fog lights, remote keyless power door locks, interior air filtration, etc. |
| Available Exterior Colour | Classic silver metallic, super white, champagne mica, cypress pearl, magnetic gray metallic, Barcelona red metallic, clearwater blue metallic, attitude black metallic, cosmic gray mica. |
4. 2014 Mazda 3
The 2014 Mazda 3 offers a smooth driving experience thanks to the powerful 2.0 L engine with excellent fuel economy. On the inside, the car has a stylish touch, built with fine materials. All these factors contribute to making the 2024 Mazda 3 one of the best used cars for teens.
This Mazda comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability, and traction control, and hill launch assist. You can upgrade to the Touring Sedan for blind spot alert. Read on to know why we think the 2014 Mazda is still one of the best cars for teens in 2025.
Specifications for 2014 Mazda 3
| Specification | Details |
| Model | 2014 Mazda 3 i-Touring Sedan |
| Base Engine Size | 2.0 L |
| Seating | 5-seater |
| Drive Type | Front Wheel Drive |
| Combined Fuel Economy | 34 MPG |
| Crash Test Ratings | Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS) 5-star rating (NHTSA) |
| Horsepower | 155 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Cool Features | Blind spot warning, cruise control, remote engine start, proximity sensing keyless entry, post-collision safety system, emergency braking assist, remote keyless entry, electronic brake force distribution, 4 speakers, power mirrors, heated mirrors, etc. |
| Available Exterior Colour | Liquid silver metallic, blue reflex mica, snowflake white pearl mica, titanium flash mica, deep crystal blue mica, meteor grey mica, jet black mica, soul red mica. |
5. 2013 Hyundai Elantra
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra compact has a sleek design, a 1.8 L strong engine, and astonishing fuel economy. You will have no complaints with the spacious legroom, but the headroom can feel congested.
We suggest you upgrade to the Limited trim for better features and add on the Technology Package for the rearview camera, auto headlamps, keyless ignition and entry, a better sound system, etc. Let us now look into the cool features that make the 2013 Hyundai Elantra one of the best cars for teens.
Specifications for 2013 Hyundai Elantra
| Specification | Details |
| Model | 2013 Hyundai Elantra Limited |
| Base Engine Size | 1.8 L |
| Seating | 5-seater |
| Drive Type | Front Wheel Drive |
| Combined Fuel Economy | 32 MPG |
| Crash Test Ratings | Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS) 5-star rating (NHTSA) |
| Horsepower | 148 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
| Cool Features | Stability and traction control, emergency braking assist, tyre pressure monitoring, fog lights, emergency interior trunk release, 6 speakers, USB connection, remote keyless power door locks, power mirror, heated mirror, etc. |
| Available Exterior Colour | Desert bronze, shimmering white, radiant silver, indigo night, sparkling ruby, blue sky metallic, midnight black, harbor gray metallic. |
Should You Buy a New Car or a Used Car for Your Teen?
Whether you should buy a new car or a used car for your teen is an age-old conundrum. While it is quite exciting for a teen to think about driving a brand-new car, that cannot always be the best option for everyone.
You should always weigh the pros and cons before you make a decision. Read on to figure out the pros and cons of buying a new car or a used car for your teen.
What are the Pros and Cons of Buying a New Car?
The pros and cons of buying a new car are tabulated below:
| Pros | Cons |
| New Cars have better ADAS safety options. | Constant dependence on the safety features may make your teen completely reliant on them. |
| A new car will last longer. | Expect a new car to start depreciating the moment you start driving it. |
| The new car will come with a warranty. |
What are the Pros and Cons of Buying a Used Car?
The pros and cons of buying a used car are mentioned in the table below:
| Pros | Cons |
| A used car will be more affordable. | The money you save on insurance premiums may be spent on frequent repairs. |
| You can save money on insurance premiums with a used car. | You might miss out on the latest safety features present in a new car. |
| Even if the car endures bumps and dents, it won’t matter much. |
To solve the impasse, you need to be the judge. If you have the budget and a responsible teen, then you can go ahead and buy a new car. Otherwise, buying a used car would be the best option.
However, you should avoid buying a very old car that requires a lot of repair. Your best bet is to invest in a fairly recent second-hand car for the safest and budget-friendly option.
How to Maximize Safety When Buying the First Car for Teens?
According to a report by IIHS, 3048 teenagers aged 13-19 died in car crashes in 2023. The factors responsible for these numbers include inexperience, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, not wearing seatbelts, unnecessary speeding, and being distracted while driving.
Therefore, it has become crucial to choose vehicles that have proper safety features. Let us now go through the important safety factors to consider when buying the first car for a teen.
- Crash Test Ratings: Check the crash test ratings before buying a car for your teen. IIHS and NHTSA conduct crash tests, and you can refer to their ratings to make an appropriate decision.
- Car Size and Weight: A small car has a short front-end and less mass, as compared to mid-sized and large cars. In case of a collision, a small car will not offer much protection from a bigger car.
- Horsepower of the Car: It is safe to opt for a car with horsepower less than 200. This will prevent your teenager from reckless driving and significantly reduce the chances of an accident.
- Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems: A recent study shows that teens who drive cars that are less than 5 years old and have top Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems features are less likely to be killed in a car accident.
- Reliability of the Car: A safe car shouldn’t just have ADAS features, but also be mechanically strong. Choose a car that is durable and reliable to minimize the chances of breakdowns or expensive repairs.
Read More: 11 Best Family Cars You Must Consider in 2025!
What Cars to Avoid for Teens?
Now that we have looked at the various safest cars for teens that you can buy for your teen driver, let us take a look at the type of cars that you should avoid at all costs.
While it’s true that the best way to avoid a car accident would involve good decision-making paired with proper driving experience, the type of vehicle they drive is also an important factor. Before buying a new car, there are certain types of vehicles you must avoid. Read on to know more about those vehicles.
- Vehicles With High Horsepower: You must avoid buying a car that has too much horsepower or a sports car. Some popular cars that teens should avoid include the Ford Mustang GT, the Dodge Challenger Hellcat, the Subaru WRX, the Chevrolet Corvette, etc.
- Vehicles Prone to Flipping Over: Avoid buying a car that is prone to flipping over. Cars such as large SUVs, minivans, and jeeps have a higher chance of flipping over. Some notorious examples include the Jeep Renegade, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Hyundai Accent, Dodge Nitro, and GMC Yukon.
- Older Cars Without Essential Safety Features: Although a teen will likely end up damaging their first car in some way, it’s not wise to buy an older model car without the essential safety features. A few cars you should avoid include the Chevy Aveo, Pontiac Fiero, Volkswagen New Beetle, BMW 3 (2006-2011), etc.
- Small Cars With Poor Crash Test Ratings: Similarly, refrain from buying a small car that has disappointing safety ratings. These cars won’t offer protection during a crash with a bigger vehicle. Some examples would be the Mitsubishi Mirage, Kia Rio, Nissan Versa, Hyundai Accent, etc.
Remember these tips, and they will definitely guide you while looking at the options to buy one of the best cars for teens.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you will have to prioritize both the vehicle cost and the safety features. Newer models will have the latest tech and driver-assist features, but these cars will come at a high cost.
Indeed, the latest car models may not be realistic for many families, but you should definitely factor in the costs associated with the repair and maintenance of older models. Some of the safety features that you should necessarily look for in a car are antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, and rearview cameras.
If you can invest in a new car, you can expect these features along with a host of other important safety features. However, if you are opting to buy a used car, try to invest in the upper trims to ensure the overall safety of you and your teen.
We hope you will choose from our list of the best cars for teens for your young driver. Once you decide upon the car for your teen, do take a look at the best car wax to enhance your car’s appearance and ensure the longevity of your new vehicle’s outer surface.
FAQs
1. What is the best first car for a teen?
Ans: The best first car for a teen would be the one that has the essential safety tech, is of the optimal size, has good crash test ratings, has minimal horsepower, and is super reliable. Examples of the best first car for teens include the 2025 Honda HR-V Sport, 2025 Nissan Kicks S, 2019 Mazda 3 Select, 2021 Toyota Corolla LE, 2013 Toyota Camry XLE, 2014 Mazda 3 i-Touring Sedan, ETC.
2. What are the safest cars for teens?
Ans: Some of the safest cars for teens from our guide include the 2025 Toyota Prius LE, 2019 Mazda 3 Select, 2014 Mazda 3 i-Touring Sedan, 2025 Honda Civic LX, 2020 Honda Civic Sport Sedan, 2018 Mazda CX-5 Touring, etc.
3. What is the best luxury car for teens?
Ans: The best luxury cars for teens are the 2017 Volvo S60, 2015 Volvo V60 Wagon, 2015 Lexus ES 350, 2015 Acura RLX, 2015 Acura MDX, etc. However, it’s important to note that these vehicles have more than 200 hp.
4. What car to get for a teen who loves cars?
Ans: A teen who loves cars would probably want something cool. You can look at the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring, 2025 Nissan Kicks S, 2025 Toyota Prius LE, 2019 Mazda 3 Select, and 2025 Honda Civic LX as viable options.
