36 Safest First Cars for New & Teen Drivers (Cars + SUVs)
Only the safest affordably-priced vehicles in their respective segments make this list.
Besides their top-notch safety, they are easy-to-drive first cars.
Safest First Cars for Teen Drivers (US & CAN)
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an agency within the US Department of Transportation, is an excellent source for automotive safety information.
It conducts crash testing of road-going vehicles and scores them using a five-star rating system.
Meanwhile, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is an independent organization that runs a series of tests that covers two aspects:
- Crashworthiness – how well a vehicle protects its occupants in a crash.
- Crash avoidance and mitigation – technology that can prevent a collision or lessen its severity.
IIHS’s ratings use a scale of Poor, Marginal, Acceptable, and Good.
In addition, it grants vehicles that perform admirably in crash testing with the Top Safety Pick (TSP) and Top Safety Pick + (TSP+) awards, beginning in 2006 and 2013, respectively.
The automotive industry believes that the IIHS evaluation criteria are more stringent and exceed the federal standards.
Only good first cars suitable for inexperienced and young drivers that received the TSP and TSP+ awards feature in this post.
SIZE: Small Cars
Small economy sedans and hatchbacks are ideal for new drivers; these are among the safest first cars, and they perform consistently so.
#1 Honda Civic (4dr Sedan & Hatchback)
The Honda Civic is a perennial first car that needs no elaborate introduction.
It is affordable, economical to run, and easy to drive.
Available as a sedan, hatchback, or coupe (up to 2020), driver visibility is better than average, thanks to thin roof pillars and decent glass area all-around, which aids a safer drive.
NHTSA gave the latest Honda Civic 5/5 stars overall; the Front-Passenger-Side test its only blip, yielding 4/5 stars.
Civics are one of the few small cars with a long list of IIHS awards since the award’s inception:
#2 Subaru Impreza (4dr Sedan)
The impresa is the Subaru’s long-running small car, serving as the Japanese automaker’s most affordable model.
With arguably as strong an IIHS crash safety record as the Honda Civic, the Impreza’s first-car credential is undeniable.
The full 5 stars rating on all NHTSA tests supports Impreza’s credibility as the safest first car that money can buy.
It has good visibility, is reasonably fuel-efficient, and comes with a traction-enhancing all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that you seldom find in this price range.
AWD has an all-weather capability for a safer drive in unexpected adverse conditions, which places the Impreza as a solid car for teen drivers.
The lengthy list of IIHS awards the Impreza received:
#3 Toyota Corolla (4dr Sedan & Hatchback)
With a long history of picking up IIHS Top Safety Pick awards since the vehicle safety organization started granting them, the Corolla tussles with the Civic as the best-selling economy car and is one of the better choices for new drivers.
Decades and generations since the 1960s, the Corolla of today still embodies the core values of high fuel economy and impeccable reliability.
Enthusiasts may view it as bland, but its affordability, efficiency, and reliability work remarkably well for first-time drivers.
See the extended list of IIHS awards the Corolla earned:
The Corolla’s 5-star overall rating the NHTSA gave underlines its rock-solid first car credentials.
#4 Mazda 3 (4dr Sedan & Hatchback)
Although the sticker price starts slightly higher than most segment rivals, the Mazda 3 offers an all-wheel-drive system and premium interior in a stylish exterior.
It excels at providing a fun drive with its sprightly engine and sporty handling.
The sloped styling hurts the outward views somewhat, but overall, the Mazda 3 makes an excellent first car and a safe vehicle for less-experienced drivers.
NHTSA gave the Mazda 3 a 5-star overall rating.
IIHS awards the Mazda 3 gained include:
#5 Hyundai Elantra (4dr Sedan)
A Hyundai may not be the first to spring to mind for first-time drivers shopping for their daily ride, but the Elantra is one of the better picks among small sedans.
It offers a generous list of standard features and driving aids suitable for inexperienced drivers.
Plus, it has best-in-class fuel economy.
Hyundai makes value-for-money first cars that are feature-rich with longer-than-average warranty.
List of IIHS TSP and TSP+ awards the Elantra obtained:
#6 Nissan Sentra (4dr Sedan)
It may not be a leading model among heavy-hitters in the small car segment, but Sentra is consistently one of the safe first cars; IIHS has awarded it the Top Safety Pick since the 2015 model year.
It comes with many tech and safety features, and it’s one of the most affordable small sedans.
See the list of IIHS awards the Sentra received:
#7 Honda Insight (4dr Sedan Hybrid)
Since Insight’s third generation debuted in 2019, it has won IIHS’s Top Safety Pick + award – a testament to its safety credentials and a solid pick for first-time car owners looking to get a hybrid.
Although it has a refined and roomy interior, its outstanding crash safety record and phenomenal fuel economy (54 mpg overall; better than the Toyota Prius) are Insight’s biggest first-car draws.
Plus, the Insight is easy to drive with good outward visibility for the driver.
A short but impressive list of TSP+ awards the Insight received:
#8 Subaru BRZ (2dr Sports Coupe)
Sports cars and coupes typically aren’t suitable first cars.
But if you must single out one, the affordably-priced Subaru BRZ is an excellent first car, especially for car guys.
It has precise handling, respectable fuel economy, and strong crash safety.
These are the safety awards the BRZ received:
#9 Toyota GR86 (2dr Sports Coupe)
The Toyota 86, Scion FRS, and GR86 are models with different names at various iterations of the same car – the GR86 is the latest.
Further, these Toyota models share the same design DNA as the Subaru BRZ, so the all-new GR86 picking up the IIHS’s Top Safety Pick + award (like the BRZ) isn’t surprising.
IIHS safety award the GR86 obtained:
| IIHS Award | |
| 2022 Toyota GR86 (2dr Coupe) | Top Safety Pick + |
#10 Subaru WRX (4dr Sporty Sedan)
Despite the safety awards and solid ratings, the WRX isn’t the best choice for a first car.
It isn’t as quick as rivals (which isn’t a massive drawback for first cars), and its engine is thirstier than sporty first cars like the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Honda Civic Si.
IIHS awards the WRX received:
#11 Hyundai Veloster (2dr Sporty Hatchback)
It’s another sporty car, but the Veloster is a sporty hatchback and a better proposition than the Subaru WRX for a first car with higher performance.
The Veloster is enjoyable to drive with its turbocharged engine and gets mid-20s-mpg combined, on par with its closest rival, the Honda Civic Type R.
See the list of IIHS awards the Veloster received:
SIZE: Midsize Cars
Small cars may not fit all first-time drivers comfortably, so going one size up is logical while staying with mainstream models for affordability.
#12 Subaru Legacy (4dr Sedan)
A Subaru appearing at the top of the midsize car list may surprise, but the Legacy sedan has arguably the most impressive crash safety record.
It has an unbroken string of Top Safety Pick accolades since the IIHS began granting the award in 2006, and from the 2013 model year onwards, have won the Top Safety Pick + honor.
This AWD’s 5-star safety rating the NHTSA gave is equally outstanding.
Outward visibility and a roomy cabin are among the Legacy’s pluses.
See the massive list of IIHS awards the Subaru Legacy attained:
#13 Honda Accord (4dr Sedan)
This all-rounded, compelling class leader needs no introduction.
Its engine is powerful yet efficient, and the design provides all-around good visibility in a well-appointed and roomy cabin.
In fact, most Honda vehicles make excellent first cars due to their affordability, reliability, and sportier-than-average handling.
All Accords achieved the full 5 stars overall rating by NHTSA since the 2001 model year.
Meanwhile, the long list of IIHS awards the Accord received includes:
#14 Toyota Camry (4dr Sedan)
Opt for a Toyota for your first car if you prioritize fuel efficiency and reliability.
Alongside the Honda Accord, the Toyota Camry is the quintessential first car in the midsize segment, with impressive fuel economy, good visibility, and low ownership costs – strong points that benefit new drivers.
Its engine isn’t the strongest, but few on a modest budget but need a midsize car would mind.
See the long list of IIHS awards the Camry has received since 2012:
#15 Hyundai Sonata (4dr Sedan)
For first car buyers looking to get the most bang for the money, the Hyundai Sonata is an excellent choice with a robust crash safety design.
This Korean midsize underdog offers plenty of helpful technology and safety features as standard and has a big trunk for added practicality.
Hyundai vehicles represent value for money buys and are good first cars that should make your shortlist.
IIHS awards the Sonata gained:
#16 Nissan Altima (4dr Sedan)
Nissan cars lag behind their Japanese peers in reliability and brand appeal, but the midsize Altima is a safe vehicle for young drivers with good fuel economy figures.
It won’t win you over in any individual aspect, but it does everything sufficiently well to deserve a look.
AWD is optional but available for added traction if you live in snowy climes.
See the long list of IIHS awards the Altima received:
#17 Kia K5 (4dr Sedan)
A debutant in 2021, the K5 replaced the Optima and is an excellent choice for your first car with exceptional value for money.
It has many tech and safety features, and it is easy and comfortable to drive around town and is a near-silent highway cruiser.
Forward visibility is decent, storage capacity is above-average, and fuel economy is respectable for its size at low-30s-mpg overall.
The K5 is relatively new, but it had an excellent start in the crash safety stake:
SIZE: Small SUVs
SUVs provide the elevated ride height advantage that benefits new drivers, and small entrants in the segment work well because they are the least expensive.
Their compact dimensions lend easy maneuverability in tight spaces and heavy traffic.
#18 Honda CR-V (4dr SUV)
Fast yet frugal engine, athletic handling, and a roomy interior with segment-leading cargo capacity, the Honda CR-V is a smart choice for any teenage driver wanting a compact SUV for their first car.
Besides strong safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, it has good visibility and gets an above-average 30-mpg in mixed driving.
An all-wheel-drive CR-V is available if you need it for extra traction.
See the long list of IIHS awards the CR-V received:
#19 Subaru Forester (4dr SUV)
It may not have the quickest acceleration or the strongest towing ability in its class, but the Subaru Forester is safe and comfortable to drive, with generous cargo capacity to boot.
Its higher-than-average ground clearance is a plus for drivers who fancy some off-roading on the weekends.
AWD is standard in all Forester trim levels – in fact, in all Subaru vehicles, making them excellent first cars for those living in northern regions.
NHTSA rated the Subaru Forester 5 out of 5 stars overall since its 2014 model year.
The extensive list of IIHS awards the Forester collected includes:
#20 Mitsubishi Outlander (4dr SUV)
Save for some legendary cars like the Evo, Mitsubishi vehicles are unexciting and typically aren’t compelling choices for first cars.
However, the small three-row Outlander, especially the new-for-2022 model, stands out among them.
The ride quality is a massive improvement over its direct predecessor, and the vehicle is nimble and easy to pilot in tight urban settings.
Further, the generous storage room and longer-than-average warranty are huge pluses.
IIHS awards the Outlander earned:
#21 Nissan Rogue (4dr SUV)
A Nissan Rogue isn’t quite good enough to match Honda’s equivalent, the CR-V.
However, the third-gen Rogue, which debuted in 2021, is massively improved over the preceding generation and is one of the best small SUVs on the market.
It is a solid vehicle with strong crash safety and rides comfortably for five.
IIHS awards the Rogue received:
#22 Toyota RAV4 (4dr SUV)
The RAV4 pioneered the compact crossover segment in the 1990s and set a high standard for the class until recently.
It’s no longer the best small SUV, but it’s still a thoroughly competent car, especially for teenage drivers who need a safe vehicle, first and foremost.
NHTSA rated this SUV 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Elsewhere, IIHS awards the RAV4 received include:
#23 Hyundai Tucson (4dr SUV)
Many compact SUVs fall in the sub-$30k price range, and the Tucson is another excellent choice with plenty of safety tech features for the money.
Expectedly, it received a full 5 stars rating in NHTSA crash tests.
Likewise, the IIHS awards the Tucson earned cover these model years:
#24 Kia Sportage (4dr SUV)
The Kia Sportage won’t get your heart racing, but it’s a pleasing city runabout; city speed limits are its comfort zone.
See the list of IIHS awards the Sportage received:
#25 Mazda CX-5 (4dr SUV)
Competing in a saturated segment, the Mazda CX-5 still emerges as one of the best small SUVs.
It may not be the largest or roomiest, but it has an upscale cabin and sharp handling.
Crucially, the CX-5’s safety ratings are top-notch – NHTSA and IIHS gave it full marks overall.
See the impressive list of IIHS awards the CX-5 received:
#26 Mazda CX-30 (4dr SUV)
If the small CX-5 doesn’t suit you, the newer and extra-small CX-30 is an equally compelling option for your first car.
Solid build quality complements the premium interior, and the NHTSA and IIHS ratings can attest to its impeccable crash safety.
The CX-30 is relatively new in Mazda’s SUV lineup, but it’s off to an excellent start:
#27 Kia Soul (4dr Wagon/XS SUV)
The Kia Soul defies easy categorization; it has a car-like ride height, but its boxy form resembles an SUV – an extra-small SUV.
The boxy shape translates into a roomy cabin and cargo area.
Besides the strong safety ratings, the Kia Soul feels nimble around town, corners like its sportier rival, the MINI Cooper, and is feature-rich for the price.
See the long list of IIHS TSP awards the Kia Soul received:
#28 Subaru Crosstrek (4dr Crossover Gas & Hybrid)
Crossovers combine the driving dynamics of a car and the ride height of an SUV and are a popular choice among first car buyers.
The Subaru Crosstrek is an extra-small crossover SUV, but with enough room for everyday commuting and stuff-hauling and a ride height that allows light off-roading.
It rides smoothly and quietly and is comfortable for short and long journeys.
Fuel economy is average in the gas-engine base trim (mid-20s-mpg), but the plug-in-hybrid version can return mid-30s-mpg and is a better option with high fuel prices.
Most importantly, it’s one of the safest first cars for crossover shoppers.
See the long list of IIHS awards the Crosstrek gas and hybrid versions received:
#29 Volvo XC40 (4dr SUV Gas & Electric)
It’s a luxury SUV but competes in the subcompact segment.
This Swedish automaker builds robust vehicles, and Volvos are suitable for new drivers with a matching budget.
All-new in 2019, the XC40 maintains a strong crash safety record:
Identical to the XC40 in form but propelled by an electric powertrain, the Recharge version is an equally safe car.
#30 Ford Bronco Sport (4dr SUV)
If you need your first car for some off-roading adventure, the all-new-in-2021 Bronco Sport is a smart choice as it has more all-terrain capabilities than the average SUV in its class.
Its rugged styling is appealing, but crucially, the brawny look extends to its crash safety credentials – both IIHS and NHTSA gave it maximum score in their overall rating.
It may be new in the segment, but its crash safety design is indisputably strong:
#31 Chevrolet Trailblazer (4dr SUV)
The Trailblazer is an extra-small SUV but is big on the latest tech and safety features.
The second-generation Trailblazer debuted in 2021 (after a 12-year hiatus) and is the safer model, judging by the excellent ratings IIHS and NHTSA granted it.
IIHS awards the 2nd-gen Trailblazer received:
SIZE: Midsize SUVs
Several midsize SUVs have third-row seating, and their size may not suit inexperienced drivers when steering their vehicles in tight urban spaces.
Still, concerned parents wanting a larger car for their teenage kids may find midsize SUVs a better fit.
#32 Toyota Highlander (4dr SUV)
The Highlander may be a three-row midsize SUV, but it is easy to see out for the driver, making it a good and safe choice for a first car.
Besides the impressive crash safety record, it is supremely comfortable and relatively fuel-efficient.
See the long list of IIHS awards the Highlander received:
#33 Hyundai Santa Fe (4dr SUV)
The Santa Fe is a two-row midsize SUV and a 5-star NHTSA-rated vehicle.
It has lots of standard safety features and an extended warranty, as all Hyundai vehicles do, but more importantly, it is a safe vehicle.
The IIHS awards the Santa Fe received cover these model years:
Gas and plug-in-hybrid options are available.
#34 Kia Sorento (4dr SUV)
Despite being a small three-row SUV, it has plenty of second and third-row legroom for the class.
With its mix of practicality, quality, and sharp looks, on top of strong safety ratings, it is a solid choice for new drivers looking to impress.
IIHS awards the Sorento received:
Opt for the fourth-gen Sorento (introduced in 2021) as it betters its predecessors in almost every aspect.
#35 Ford Mustang Mach-E (4dr Electric SUV)
The high price tag may be a deterrent, but if it doesn’t, the Mach-E is a solid choice for an enthusiast’s first car.
It’s a Mustang, and it’s all-electric; so it’s an agile SUV that can cover close to 300 miles on a full charge.
IIHS awards the Mustang Mach-E received include:
#36 Volkswagen ID.4 (4dr Electric SUV)
The ID.4 electric SUV is a safe first car that can double as a family-friendly vehicle.
An approximately 250-mile range, lots of standard safety features, and a spacious interior count among the ID.4’s positives.
All-new in 2021, NHTSA and IIHS awarded the ID.4 five stars overall and Top Safety Pick +, respectively.
IIHS awards the ID.4 earned so far:
References:
https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/iihs-2022-top-safety-pick-plus-award-winners/