The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Consumer Reports released their 2026 recommendations for safe vehicles for teen drivers. The list includes separate categories for used and new vehicles, with used models divided into "Best Choices" and "Good Choices" based on safety and affordability.
Among the used "Best Choices" vehicles are the Mazda 3, Toyota Camry, Subaru Forester, Ford Bronco Sport, and Hyundai Tucson. These models start at around $13,000 and were required to include highly rated automatic emergency braking systems and acceptable or good-rated headlights. The "Good Choices" category includes the Nissan Sentra, Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Civic, Subaru Crosstrek, and Hyundai Tucson, with some recommended used models starting below $5,000.
Recommended new vehicles include the Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry, Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Tucson, and Honda Passport. These new models start under $45,000 and earned top crash safety ratings along with strong seat belt reminder scores.
To qualify for any of the lists, vehicles had to meet strong crash-test ratings, average or better braking and handling scores, and minimum standards for ease of use of controls and displays. Traffic crashes remain a leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety states that teens face elevated risks behind the wheel due to inexperience and immaturity.
Buyers are advised to check for open recalls before purchasing any used vehicle. Families can search a vehicle identification number through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration database to verify recall status.
No independent assessment was available for this report.