Best Cars for Teen Drivers

Best Cars for Teen Drivers | Teen Driver Safety | Alive at 25 Texas

Though buying used might seem like the best budget move for a young driver, consider that an affordable new car provides the latest safety features that many older cars lack, not to mention a new-car warranty.

“Because teen drivers haven’t gained experience and judgment, advanced safety features can help back them up in situations that require skills they haven’t yet developed,” says Jennifer Stockburger, director of operations at CR’s Auto Test Center and a parent of a teen driver.

We looked for nimble cars that didn’t have an excess of power. No matter what you choose, Stockburger says safety should still be the paramount concern when a new driver is behind the wheel. “Buy as much safety as you can afford,” she says.

For safety, forward collision warning (FCW) and automatic emergency braking (AEB) are must-haves.

Mazda3
Life Stage Score: 81
Agile and affordable, the Mazda3 comes with standard FCW and AEB. Its 33 mpg overall fuel economy is among the best of any small car.
Price range: $18,095-$24,945

Read the complete Mazda3 road test.

Toyota Corolla
Life Stage Score: 81
This has long been a reliable and safe choice, thanks to FCW and AEB, which have been standard since 2017. Fuel economy is 32 mpg. The Corolla is being redesigned for 2020, so look for deals on the outgoing model.
Price range: $18,700-$22,880

Read the complete Toyota Corolla road test.

Honda Civic
Life Stage Score: 80
Skip the sportier trims and you’ll find that the Civic is a responsible choice. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay let drivers stream music without touching their phones, and FCW and AEB are standard on most versions in 2019.
Price range: $18,840-$28,650

Read the complete Honda Civic road test.

Honda Fit
Life Stage Score: 79
The Honda Fit subcompact hatchback has always been an appealing urban runabout. Thanks to its clever multi-configurable seating, the Fit delivers versatility similar to that of a small SUV. Plus, the Fit gets great fuel economy at 33 mpg overall.
Price range: $16,190-$21,520

Read the complete Honda Fit road test.

Hyundai Elantra GT
Life Stage Score: 79
Hyundai created the new Elantra GT by taking the engine and transmission from the Elantra sedan and marrying it to a more performance-oriented chassis, wrapped in a crisp hatchback design that emulates some European cars. The result is a practical compact hatchback that’s a pleasure to drive and is ideal for less-experienced drivers.
Price range: $19,350-$24,350

Read the complete Hyundai Elantra GT road test.

Other Good Choices

Kia Forte: 77
Hyundai Elantra: 74
Chevrolet Sonic: 73

Car Picks for Every Life Stage

New Family
Active Family
Teen Driver
First-Job Commuters
Downsizing Families
Savvy Seniors

Source: Consumer Reports
Author: Keith Barry

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Best Cars for Teen Drivers