Driving is a significant milestone for teenagers, offering newfound freedom and independence. However, inexperience and immaturity make teen drivers particularly vulnerable on the road. For parents and young drivers alike, prioritizing vehicle safety, reliability, and affordability is paramount. When considering the best vehicle type for a teen driver, SUVs stand out as a compelling option due to their inherent safety features and versatility.
Recognizing the critical need for safe vehicles for young drivers, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) have partnered to identify vehicles that excel in safety, dependability, and value. This collaboration provides invaluable guidance for families navigating the often-complex process of choosing a car for their teen.
This article focuses on highlighting the best SUVs for teen drivers based on the rigorous evaluations conducted by IIHS and Consumer Reports. We’ll explore both used and new SUV options, categorized into “Best Choices” and “Good Choices” for used models, and “Recommended New Vehicles.” These lists are meticulously curated to ensure that each SUV meets stringent safety standards, boasts above-average reliability, and offers accessible pricing.
Why Choose an SUV for Teen Drivers?
SUVs, or Sport Utility Vehicles, offer several advantages that make them excellent choices for teenage drivers. Their larger size and heavier build provide enhanced protection in crashes compared to smaller cars. The elevated driving position in many SUVs also improves visibility, allowing drivers to better anticipate and react to potential hazards. Furthermore, SUVs often come equipped with advanced safety features, and the models recommended by IIHS and Consumer Reports are no exception.
While this guide includes a range of vehicle types, focusing on SUVs addresses the growing popularity of this vehicle segment and the specific needs of families seeking a balance of safety, space, and practicality for their young drivers.
Best Used SUVs for Teen Drivers: “Best Choices”
For families seeking affordable yet safe options, the “Best Choices” list of used SUVs represents vehicles that offer the highest level of protection and reliability within a reasonable budget. These SUVs have all achieved “good” ratings in key IIHS crash tests, including the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraint tests. They also earned an “acceptable” or “good” rating in the driver-side small overlap test, demonstrating robust structural integrity in various collision scenarios. If rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these SUVs received 4 or 5 stars overall.
Beyond crashworthiness, “Best Choices” SUVs are equipped with standard automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems, earning an “advanced” or “superior” rating from IIHS for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention. Consumer Reports further validates these choices with above-average reliability scores and commendable emergency handling. These SUVs also exhibit short dry braking distances, enhancing their ability to avoid accidents.
Prices listed are approximate U.S. averages from April 2024, sourced from Kelley Blue Book for the base trim level of the earliest model year listed, assuming good condition and typical mileage for a private party purchase.
Here are some of the best used SUVs for teen drivers from the “Best Choices” category:
Small SUVs – Best Choices
| Model | 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 |
Midsize SUVs – Best Choices
| Model | Model Years | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Volvo XC60 | 2017 | $12,100 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | 2019, 2020, 2023 | $15,200 |
| Toyota Highlander | 2017 or newer | $15,700 |
| Nissan Murano | 2019, 2020 | $15,900 |
| Ford Edge | 2020 or newer | $16,700 |
| Lexus NX | 2018-21 | $17,100 |
| Infiniti QX60 | 2019 | $17,800 |
| Mazda CX-9 | 2020, 2022 | $18,800 |
Good Used SUVs for Teen Drivers: “Good Choices”
The “Good Choices” category offers slightly more affordable used SUVs while still maintaining a high level of safety and reliability. These vehicles meet the same fundamental IIHS and NHTSA safety criteria as the “Best Choices” SUVs, ensuring solid protection in crashes. They also share the same standards for Consumer Reports reliability and handling scores, and braking distances.
The primary difference between “Best Choices” and “Good Choices” often lies in the availability of advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking as standard equipment in the “Good Choices” category. However, they still represent a significant step up in safety compared to many older vehicles.
Here are some recommended good used SUVs for teen drivers from the “Good Choices” list:
Small SUVs – Good Choices
| Model | 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 |
Midsize SUVs – Good Choices
| Model | Model Years | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan Murano | 2016 | $9,900 |
| Toyota Highlander | 2014-16 | $11,700 |
| Lexus NX | 2015-17 | $12,100 |
| Acura RDX | 2016 | $13,500 |
| Mazda CX-9 | 2018 | $14,200 |
Recommended New SUVs for Teen Drivers
For families prioritizing the latest safety technology and features, new SUVs offer the highest level of protection available. The “Recommended New Vehicles” list includes SUVs that are 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award winners and come standard with vehicle-to-vehicle automatic emergency braking.
These new SUVs also meet stringent criteria from Consumer Reports, including average or better reliability, handling, braking performance, and ease of use of controls. Choosing a new SUV from this list provides maximum peace of mind regarding safety and dependability.
Here are some of the best new SUVs for teen drivers that are highly recommended:
Small SUVs – Recommended New Vehicles
| Model | 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 |
Midsize SUVs – Recommended New Vehicles
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| Subaru Ascent | $35,000 |
| Kia Telluride | $36,300 |
| Hyundai Palisade | $37,000 |
| Honda Pilot | $37,200 |
| Mazda CX-90 | $38,800 |
| Lexus NX | $39,600 |
Important Reminder: Check for Recalls
Regardless of whether you choose a used or new SUV, it is crucial to check for any outstanding recalls before making a purchase. Utilize the vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate at checktoprotect.org to identify any potential safety recalls. After purchasing a used vehicle, notify the manufacturer to ensure you receive future recall notices. NHTSA also recommends regularly checking their database for new recalls every six months.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety for Teen Drivers with the Best SUVs
Selecting the right vehicle for a teenager is a critical decision. By prioritizing safety, reliability, and affordability, parents can equip their young drivers with vehicles that offer maximum protection and peace of mind. SUVs, with their inherent safety advantages and the meticulously curated recommendations from IIHS and Consumer Reports, stand out as excellent choices. Whether opting for a value-conscious used SUV from the “Best Choices” or “Good Choices” lists, or investing in the advanced safety features of a recommended new SUV, this guide provides a strong starting point for finding the Car And Drivers Best Suv for your teen driver. Always remember to verify recall information to ensure the chosen vehicle is as safe as possible.
