For parents of teenage drivers, safety is the paramount concern when choosing a vehicle. The combination of inexperience and developing judgment makes young drivers more vulnerable on the road. Selecting a safe, reliable, and affordable vehicle is crucial for peace of mind and, most importantly, for protecting your teen. When it comes to finding the right balance of safety, practicality, and size, small SUVs stand out as an excellent choice. This guide, inspired by the expert recommendations of organizations like IIHS and Consumer Reports, and echoing the trusted voice of Car and Driver, highlights the best small SUVs for teen drivers.
Recognizing the challenges families face in finding suitable vehicles for young drivers, IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and Consumer Reports have collaborated to simplify the selection process. Their joint recommendations, focusing on safety and reliability, provide a solid foundation for choosing a vehicle. Building upon this expert guidance, and considering the preferences and insights often highlighted by Car and Driver, we delve into the best small SUVs that meet these stringent criteria, making them ideal for teen drivers.
Best Used Small SUVs for Teen Drivers (Based on Car and Driver and Safety Ratings)
For many families, a used vehicle represents a more budget-friendly option without compromising on safety and reliability. The following recommendations for the best used small SUVs are categorized into “Best Choices” and “Good Choices,” offering a range of options based on price and features. These selections are informed by safety ratings from IIHS and reliability data from Consumer Reports, aligning with the kind of trusted vehicle assessments you might find highlighted in Car and Driver reviews.
Criteria for “Best Choices” Used Small SUVs
The “Best Choices” designation signifies vehicles that offer a superior level of safety and reliability. These used small SUVs meet rigorous standards:
- Weight: A curb weight greater than 2,750 pounds for enhanced crash protection.
- IIHS Safety Ratings: Good ratings in the original moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint tests, and at least an acceptable rating in the driver-side small overlap test.
- NHTSA Safety Ratings (if rated): 4 or 5 stars overall.
- Automatic Emergency Braking: Standard automatic emergency braking systems with an advanced or superior rating from IIHS in vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention tests.
- Consumer Reports Reliability: Above-average reliability scores (4 or 5 out of 5) for most listed model years.
- Consumer Reports Emergency Handling: Emergency handling scores greater than or equal to 3 out of 5.
- Braking Performance: Dry braking distances (60 mph to zero) of 145 feet or less.
Recommended “Best Choices” Used Small SUVs
| Small SUVs | Model years | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Equinox | 2020, 2023 | $13,800 |
| Kia Sportage | 2020 or newer | $14,400 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 2017 or newer | $14,700 |
| Hyundai Tucson | 2020 or newer | $14,900 |
| GMC Terrain | 2020, 2023 | $16,100 |
| Mazda CX-5 | 2021-23 | $17,600 |
| Lexus UX | 2019-21 | $18,100 |
| Honda CR-V | 2020 or newer | $18,700 |
| Nissan Rogue | 2021 | $19,000 |
| Subaru Forester | 2021 or newer | $19,000 |
| Mazda CX-30 | 2022 or newer | $19,900 |
These “Best Choices” represent some of the safest used small SUVs on the market. Models like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V are consistently praised for their reliability and safety, often earning top spots in Car and Driver comparisons and rankings. The Mazda CX-5 is also a standout, known for its engaging driving dynamics and upscale feel, attributes that Car and Driver frequently highlight.
Criteria for “Good Choices” Used Small SUVs
“Good Choices” used small SUVs are slightly more affordable options that still prioritize safety and reliability. They meet the following criteria:
- Weight: Curb weight greater than 2,750 pounds.
- IIHS Safety Ratings: Good ratings in the original moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint tests, and an acceptable or good rating in the driver-side small overlap test.
- NHTSA Safety Ratings (if rated): 4 or 5 stars overall.
- Consumer Reports Reliability: Above-average reliability scores (4 or 5 out of 5) for most listed model years.
- Consumer Reports Emergency Handling: Emergency handling scores greater than or equal to 3 out of 5.
- Braking Performance: Dry braking distances (60 mph to zero) of 145 feet or less.
Recommended “Good Choices” Used Small SUVs
| Small SUVs | Model years | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda CX-5 | 2016 | $10,100 |
| Hyundai Kona | 2018-19 | $11,000 |
| Honda CR-V | 2015-19 | $11,400 |
| Chevrolet Equinox | 2018-19 | $11,600 |
| Honda HR-V | 2017-22; built after March 2017 | $11,600 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 2015-16; built after November 2014 | $12,000 |
| GMC Terrain | 2018-19 | $12,700 |
These “Good Choices” provide more affordable pathways to safe and reliable transportation for teen drivers. The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 appear again, demonstrating their consistent safety and longevity across model years. The Mazda CX-5 also makes the list in an earlier model year, showcasing its enduring appeal as a safe and enjoyable small SUV, qualities often lauded by Car and Driver.
Young driver safety An IIHS-HLDI guide for parents of teens
Best New Small SUVs for Teen Drivers (Car and Driver Top Picks)
For those prioritizing the latest safety technology and features, a new vehicle is often the preferred choice. The following list highlights the best new small SUVs for teen drivers, all of which are 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award winners and come equipped with standard vehicle-to-vehicle automatic emergency braking. These are the types of vehicles that consistently impress in safety and performance evaluations, often earning accolades from publications like Car and Driver.
Criteria for Recommended New Small SUVs
These new small SUVs represent the pinnacle of safety and technology in their class:
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+ or Top Safety Pick: Winners of the 2024 awards, indicating the highest levels of crash protection and prevention.
- Automatic Emergency Braking: Standard vehicle-to-vehicle automatic emergency braking.
- Consumer Reports Reliability: Average or better reliability, based on member surveys.
- Consumer Reports Emergency Handling: Average or better scores in emergency handling tests.
- Braking Performance: Dry braking distances of less than 140 feet from 60 mph in brake tests.
- Ease of Use: Good or better rating from Consumer Reports for ease of use of controls.
Recommended New Small SUVs
| Small SUVs | Price |
|---|---|
| Mazda CX-30 | $25,700 |
| Kia Sportage | $27,300 |
| Hyundai Tucson | $27,800 |
| Honda CR-V | $29,700 |
| Mazda CX-50 built after August 2023 | $31,200 |
| Lexus UX | $35,300 |
The new Mazda CX-30 and CX-50 continue Mazda’s trend of producing safe and enjoyable small SUVs, often praised by Car and Driver for their driving experience and stylish designs. The Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, and Hyundai Tucson also stand out as top contenders in the new small SUV category, combining advanced safety features with modern technology and appealing designs.
Important Reminder: Check for Recalls!
Before purchasing any used vehicle, it is critical to check for outstanding recalls. Use the vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate at checktoprotect.org to ensure the vehicle is safe and up-to-date on all necessary repairs. For future recall notices, remember to notify the manufacturer of your purchase. NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) also recommends checking their database for new recalls every six months.
Conclusion:
Choosing a vehicle for a teen driver is a significant decision, and prioritizing safety, reliability, and affordability is essential. Small SUVs offer a compelling combination of these factors, providing a size that is manageable for new drivers while offering enhanced safety features and practicality. Whether you opt for a “Best Choice” or “Good Choice” used small SUV, or decide on a brand-new model with the latest safety technology, this guide, drawing upon expert safety ratings and reliability data and reflecting the kind of vehicle expertise found in Car and Driver, provides a strong starting point for finding the best and safest small SUV for your teen driver. By considering these recommendations, you can make an informed decision that prioritizes your teen’s safety and your peace of mind as they navigate the roads.
