- Teen drivers are at higher risk on the road, so their best first car should emphasize safety, visibility, crash performance, and reasonable ownership costs over style.
- Key features to look for include airbags, antilock brakes, traction and stability control, and a rearview camera, with newer driver-assist tools offering added protection.
- A later-model midsize or full-size passenger car can be a strong choice, while sports cars, very small cars, and vehicles with rollover concerns or unresolved recalls are best avoided.
- Parents can further improve safety by setting driving rules, giving teens extra practice, using monitoring tools if helpful, and planning for insurance costs.
How to Pick the Safest Cars for Your Teen
One minute your child is learning to walk, and the next they’re learning to drive. As a parent, you want the right car for your new driver − and safety comes first. Beginner drivers are at higher risk of a crash. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that car crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens. Whatever vehicle you choose for your teen, whether it’s new or used, make sure it can help them make wise decisions on the road and protect them in the event of a crash.
Key Takeaways
If you’re looking for a practical and budget-friendly used car for a teenager, it can help to focus less on style and trending social media posts and more on safety features, crash performance and the overall cost to own.
Best car for teenagers
For their first car, your teen probably wants the coolest one to show off to their friends. You, on the other hand, want them to be safe. The good news is that newer cars today offer safety and style.
Here’s a list of safety features for teens that should be in every young driver’s vehicle:
Must-haves
- Airbags
- Antilock brakes
- Traction control
- Stability control
- Rearview camera
Nice-to-haves
- Forward-collision warning
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-departure warning
- Lane-keeping assist
What are the most recommended cars for new drivers? The best first cars for teens make it easier for them to see clearly, drive safely and avoid common mistakes.
In addition to in-car technology, parents can install an app on their teen’s phone to monitor their driving. Some apps alert you if they drive faster than a pre-set limit, go outside certain boundaries or get in an accident. Some also warn drivers to slow down and turn off their cellphones if they sense fast or distracted driving. There are several apps available, including Mama Bear, Life 360, FamiSafe and StreetSmart by Amica.
| What to prioritize | Why it matters for teen drivers |
|---|---|
| Crash-tested safety features | Can help reduce injury risk and support better awareness on the road |
| Moderate size and visibility | Can make the vehicle easier for a new driver to control and park |
| Lower repair and insurance costs | May help families looking for the best car for a new driver |
| Reliable used model options | Can make a used car for a teenager more practical and budget-friendly |
Does car size matter?
Yes. When it comes to finding the best cars for first-time drivers, the size of the vehicle matters. Larger and heavier vehicles tend to perform better in crash tests, not to mention making operators feel safer. On the other hand, bigger cars can be a challenge for inexperienced drivers. Turning the steering wheel and applying the brakes take more strength, for example. Later-model mid- and full-size passenger cars can be good choices for first-timers, offering sufficient weight as well as updated safety features.
That balance is important when you’re looking for the safest vehicle for a teenager. A vehicle that feels too large, too powerful or too hard to maneuver may not be the best fit, even if it performs well in a crash test.
For more information, check out the list of recommended vehicles for teens published by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Types of cars to avoid for new drivers
Sports cars aren’t a wise choice for young operators, as they might encourage them to speed and test their performance. It’s also important to be aware of the risk of certain vehicles like SUVs, trucks and minivans. While they may seem like a safe choice, they’re actually more likely to roll over in an accident.
You may also want to avoid smaller, lighter cars. They may not hold up as well in a crash. And, finally, stay away from cars that were recalled by the manufacturer for safety defects. There’s a law against selling new cars with unrepaired recalls, but nothing similar for used cars. This puts the responsibility to do the research on you, the parent.
If you’re searching for the safest car for teens, it may be just as helpful to know which types of vehicles to skip — high-horsepower models, vehicles with poor visibility and anything with unresolved safety recalls.
Help your teen become a safe driver
Young drivers have a higher rate of fatal crashes mainly because of their lack of experience and skills behind the wheel. Here’s what you can do to make sure they’re ready for the road once you’ve identified the best cars for teens.
- Learn about your state’s graduated driving laws. Many states have rules that govern when and how teens drive. Know the laws in your state and set standards in your home.
- Give your new driver extra practice. It can be a great way to spend time together, and to allow your teen to improve basic driving skills. Check out our tips on teaching a teen to drive.
- Establish important ground rules. Limit night driving and teen passengers. Forbid using the phone or other electronic devices while driving. Require everyone in the vehicle to wear seat belts at all times. Prohibit speeding.
- Talk to your teen about the dangers of drug and alcohol use. Remind them it’s illegal to drink under the age of 21 − and both illegal and deadly to drink and drive.
- Be a good role model. Remember, your child looks to you as a driver, so practice safe driving yourself.
You can also help your teen avoid common new driver mistakes and build safer habits over time.
Insuring your teen driver
Having made your choice from among the best first cars available, your teen driver will also need car insurance. A separate policy can be expensive because of their lack of experience and a higher likelihood of accidents. That’s why it’s usually more affordable to add a young driver to your existing policy.
Including your teen driver on your insurance policy gives them the same protection you have, as all covered drivers have access to all cars listed, and the liability limits are the same for everyone on the policy.1 All extra coverages1 − like roadside assistance, loan/lease payoff,2 rental car reimbursement and new car replacement − will also apply to your teen.
Of course, the final cost of teen car insurance depends on several factors, including but not limited to the driver’s exact age, their ZIP code, driving history and vehicle type. As teens get older and gain more driving experience, their rates can decrease, especially if they have a clean driving record over time. Rates usually go down even more at age 25.
Until then, you can save with discounts for driver training, good grades, insuring two or more vehicles, or bundling policies.3 While you’re searching for and comparing the best cars to insure for young drivers, remember that the vehicle itself can affect premium costs, along with the teen’s driving record and the coverages you choose. Call one of Amica’s insurance professionals about customized protection that fits your budget and protects your teen driver on the road.
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FAQs about choosing a safe first car for a teen
New or used, good cars for beginner drivers usually have strong safety features, good visibility, solid crash-test performance, and reasonable repair and insurance costs. A practical sedan or similar later-model vehicle can be a smart place to start.
Look for cars that are reliable, easy to handle and not overly powerful. Parents may also want to consider how expensive the vehicle is to repair and insure before making a final decision.
A used car can be a practical option if it has the right safety features, a clean vehicle history and no unresolved recalls. It’s important to balance affordability with safety and condition.
In general, modest vehicles with lower repair costs, strong safety features and less powerful engines may be less expensive to insure than sports cars or luxury models. Rates can still vary based on the driver, location and coverage choices.
The availability, requirements and minimum limits of select auto coverages may vary by state. Specific auto coverage names displayed on your actual policy might vary.
Gap coverage must be added to your policy within 30 days of your loaned or leased car purchase and is only available if car has both collision and comprehensive coverages. Specific coverage name displayed on your actual policy might vary.
Terms and conditions apply, must qualify for each discount. Discounts not available in all states and may vary.
Your Policy, Policy Declarations or Amended Declarations in effect on the date of loss is the primary source of reference for your coverage, coverage limits and deductible amounts.
This inclusion of non-Amica companies, products, services or statement herein (“Third-Party Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by Amica Insurance. Policies, views, opinions or positions of Third-Party Content expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policies, views, opinions or positions of Amica Insurance. Amica Insurance makes no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy and reliability of Third-Party Content.
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