Best Used Cars for Teen Drivers: Safety First

Teen drivers crash more often than any other age group, so the car you put them in matters. The good news is that safe used cars are easier to find and cheaper than many parents expect.

The short answer: The best used cars for teen drivers are midsize sedans and small SUVs with good crash ratings, standard stability control and, ideally, automatic emergency braking. The 2026 IIHS and Consumer Reports list names safe picks starting under $10,000, including the Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Subaru Impreza, Mazda CX-5 and Toyota Camry.

Key takeaways

• IIHS and Consumer Reports published their updated teen vehicle list on May 27, 2026, with 45 used vehicles under $10,000 and 29 more Best Choices under $20,000.
• Every vehicle on the list weighs more than 2,750 pounds and earned a good rating in the IIHS driver-side small overlap front crash test.
• IIHS advises avoiding minicars, high-horsepower versions, and large SUVs and pickups for teens.
• Best Choices add standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and well-rated headlights, which is worth the extra money if you can afford it.
• Get an insurance quote on the exact car before you buy, since premiums for teens vary a lot by model.

What makes a used car safe for a teen driver?

A safe teen car is mid-sized or larger, has strong crash-test ratings, avoids excessive horsepower and includes modern crash-avoidance features. Those four factors account for most of the difference between a good and a bad choice.

Size and weight matter because bigger, heavier vehicles protect occupants better in crashes, especially with larger vehicles. But IIHS also warns against the biggest SUVs and pickups for teens, since they can be harder to handle and take longer to stop. Horsepower matters because powerful cars can tempt inexperienced drivers to speed. That's why IIHS recommends the base engine whenever a model offers several. Electric vehicles are as crashworthy as gas cars, but IIHS notes their instant power can allow rapid acceleration, so think carefully before handing one to a new driver.

What criteria does the IIHS teen list use?

The IIHS and Consumer Reports list uses crash-test results from IIHS and road-test results from Consumer Reports. Every vehicle on it must meet a baseline, and Best Choices must also meet stricter crash-avoidance requirements.

Electronic stability control has been required on all new passenger vehicles in the US since the 2012 model year, so any car on the list from that era includes it. For older cars, confirm stability control is fitted before buying.

Which used cars are best for teens under $10,000?

The "Good Choices" tier includes many affordable cars with good crash protection. These are the models most families will find easiest to shop for, with Black Book median prices for the earliest eligible model year as of April 2026.

Later model years cost more than the earliest eligible year. Newer versions of some of these models also qualify as Best Choices.

Which used cars are best for teens under $20,000?

Under $20,000, you can buy a Best Choice with automatic emergency braking and good headlights. That extra crash-avoidance tech is the main reason to stretch the budget.

See the full list at the IIHS site, and read the IIHS announcement for its advice to parents.

Which cars should teens avoid?

Teens should avoid minicars and very light cars, high-performance models, and large pickups and SUVs. Those categories either offer less crash protection or are harder for inexperienced drivers to control.

In practice, that means skipping the sport trims and V8 versions of otherwise sensible cars, and passing on subcompacts under 2,750 pounds. Older cars without stability control are also a poor choice. An older vehicle with a sketchy history can hide safety problems too, so run the VIN for open recalls on NHTSA's lookup and read our guide on how to check for recalls.

How do you keep a teen's car affordable to insure?

Get insurance quotes on two or three specific vehicles before you buy, because premiums for teen drivers can vary widely by model. IIHS recommends checking the Highway Loss Data Institute's insurance loss data for the model you're considering.

A few steps help:

1. Choose a base engine. Sport and turbo trims usually cost more to insure.
2. Ask about discounts for good grades, driver training and telematics programs.
3. Consider theft risk. Many 2011 to 2022 Hyundai and Kia models need a free anti-theft software upgrade; confirm it was installed.
4. Keep the car on the parents' policy if your insurer allows it, which is often cheaper than a separate policy.

Our guide to used car insurance before buying covers the process.

What else should parents check before buying?

Beyond the model, check the specific car's condition, history and features. A safe model with bald tires and worn brakes is not a safe car.

• Tires and brakes: Replace worn tires before the teen drives it.
• Recalls: Confirm all safety recalls are complete.
• History: Read a vehicle history report for accidents and title brands.
• Teen driver settings: Some brands offer features that limit speed, audio volume or require seat belts, such as Ford MyKey and Chevrolet Teen Driver. Ask whether the car has them.
• Inspection: A pre-purchase inspection is worth it on any car your teen will drive.

Let the right car come to you

Safe, affordable teen cars are popular, and the best-priced ones often sell within days. Scout lets you describe what you want ("2019 or newer Mazda 3 under $15,000 within 50 miles of 30301") and emails you when a dealer lists a match. The free plan includes one saved search with no credit card. Pro adds more searches and checks every 6 hours. See Scout's pricing.

Frequently asked questions

What is the safest used car for a teenager?

The safest used cars for teens are midsize and small vehicles on the IIHS and Consumer Reports Best Choices list, such as the Toyota Camry, Subaru Outback, Mazda CX-5 and Mazda 3. These combine good crash ratings with standard automatic emergency braking and well-rated headlights. Choose a base engine and check the car's recall status.

Is an SUV safer than a sedan for a teen driver?

Not automatically. A small or midsize SUV with good ratings is a safe choice, and IIHS lists several. Large SUVs are harder to handle and take longer to stop, so IIHS advises against them for teens. A well-rated midsize sedan can be just as safe as a small SUV and often costs less.

How old a used car can a teen safely drive?

Look for a car from the 2012 model year or newer, when electronic stability control became required on new US vehicles. Cars from roughly the last eight to ten years are more likely to have automatic emergency braking and better crash-test results. The IIHS list shows eligible years for each model.

Should my teen drive an electric car?

An EV can be a safe choice, and several appear on the 2026 IIHS teen list. IIHS cautions that EVs deliver power instantly, which allows rapid acceleration. If you choose one, use any available drive-mode or speed-limiting settings and talk with your teen about acceleration before they drive it.

How much should I spend on my teen's first car?

Many families spend $8,000 to $20,000. Under $10,000 gets you a car with good crash protection, and under $20,000 adds automatic emergency braking and good headlights. Leave room in the budget for insurance, new tires and an inspection, which can matter as much as the car itself.