Top 10 Cars For Teen Drivers

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Best Used Cars for Teen Drivers

Getting a driver's license is one of life's most exciting milestones. For teens, it signals independence. For parents, it can be a nerve-wracking moment. Between insurance, maintenance, and monthly payments, finding the best cars for teens that are both safe and affordable can feel overwhelming. That's why many families turn to used cars - not just to save money, but to choose a vehicle that's proven to be reliable and highly rated for safety.

Below, we've rounded up some of the safest used cars for teens, focusing on newer models from 2021, 2022, and 2023. These vehicles offer advanced safety tech, good fuel economy, and strong reliability - all crucial for new drivers just getting started.



Top 10 Cars for Teen Drivers

Honda Civic

The Honda Civic remains one of the best used cars for teens thanks to its excellent safety ratings, smooth handling, and top-tier reliability. The 2022 model earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and includes driver-assist features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. It's also fuel efficient and compact - making it easy for new drivers to maneuver.

Why it's great for teens:
  • Excellent resale value and reliability
  • High safety scores across model years
  • Great fuel economy (up to 42 MPG highway)

Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is a no-brainer for parents seeking safe cars for teens. The 2022 model includes Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 with features like forward collision warning, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Its user-friendly infotainment system, comfortable ride, and low operating costs make it one of the best cars for teens learning the ropes.

Why it's great for teens:
  • Top safety ratings
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Reliable and affordable to maintain

Mazda3

The Mazda3 is a compact car with premium-level refinement. It's fun to drive, but still safe and predictable - ideal for young drivers. The 2021-2023 models include automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, and they score high in crash tests.

Why it's great for teens:
  • Sporty feel without being overpowering
  • Excellent crash safety scores
  • Modern interior that feels upscale

Subaru Crosstrek

The Crosstrek is a safest used car for teens with standard all-wheel drive - a huge bonus for families in snowy or rainy climates. The 2022 model offers Subaru EyeSight driver assist technology and strong crash test results. Plus, the subcompact SUV design offers more space for sports gear and friends without being a large SUV.

Why it's great for teens:
  • All-wheel drive standard
  • Spacious for a compact vehicle
  • Highly rated for safety

Nissan Sentra

The latest Sentra models have come a long way and now feature standard safety equipment such as forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and rear automatic braking. With a modest 149-horsepower engine, it's the kind of car that encourages responsible driving - perfect for a young driver.

Why it's great for teens:
  • User-friendly design
  • Lots of standard safety features
  • Affordable pricing on the used market

Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra has quickly gained a reputation for offering modern tech, sharp styling, and impressive safety. The 2021 redesign introduced standard safety features that rival luxury vehicles. Elantra is frequently featured on lists of top 10 cars for 16 year olds because of its combination of price, safety, and efficiency.

Why it's great for teens:
  • High-tech safety and infotainment
  • Long factory warranty still active on many used models
  • Sleek design that teens will love

Volkswagen Jetta

Volkswagen's compact sedan is an appealing mix of performance and comfort. The Jetta is one of the best cars for teens who want something a little more refined. Its safety ratings are solid, and it comes equipped with essential safety features like rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring.

Why it's great for teens:
  • Great gas mileage (up to 41 MPG highway)
  • Comfortable, composed ride
  • European feel with affordable maintenance

Toyota C-HR

This subcompact crossover stands out with its eye-catching design and Toyota's trusted safety. The 2021-2023 models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense, including full-speed adaptive cruise control and lane-tracing assist. It's one of the best used cars for teens who want a small SUV with lots of character.

Why it's great for teens:
  • Modern tech and styling
  • Advanced driver-assistance features
  • Highly rated in crash safety

Kia Forte

The Kia Forte offers excellent value, coming well-equipped even in base trims. It includes automatic emergency braking, driver attention warning, and lane-keeping assist - making it one of the safest cars for teens under budget. Many certified pre-owned models still carry warranty coverage.

Why it's great for teens:
  • Affordable yet feature-packed
  • High reliability and safety scores
  • Sporty design with efficient performance

Chevrolet Malibu

A bit roomier than most compact sedans, the Chevy Malibu is a solid option for teens who may be shuttling siblings or friends. The 2022 model offers available Teen Driver technology, allowing parents to monitor and encourage safe driving habits.

Why it's great for teens:
  • Roomy and comfortable interior
  • Unique Teen Driver system
  • Strong safety scores and availability

Choosing the Best Car for Your Teen Driver

The best car for a new driver isn't just about price - it's about safety, reliability, and ease of use. Whether you're looking for a compact sedan or a small SUV, this list of the top 10 cars for 16 year olds includes vehicles that are smart, secure, and parent-approved. When looking for the best used cars for teens, always check for a clean vehicle history, updated maintenance, and active recalls.

With options like the Honda Civic, Toyota C-HR, and Subaru Crosstrek, you can find safe cars for teens that deliver peace of mind without sacrificing modern features or driving enjoyment. Your teen's first car can set the tone for a lifetime of safe driving - so choose one that checks every box.

Explore our used inventory for sale at your local AutoNation USA dealership and drive home in the perfect car for your teen today!


Accessories and color may vary. Price subject to change without notice to correct errors or omissions. Certain used vehicles displayed may still be completing the in-take and vehicle preparation process and are not currently available for sale. These vehicles are labeled as 'not for sale" at the dealership. Please contact the dealership for vehicle status and availability. See specific State details below for taxes, title, registration fees, government fees, and dealer services.*

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Displayed MPG is based on applicable EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid models only) and other factors.

*AZ - Taxes, title, registration fees, government fees, and $799 dealer services fee is not included in price.

CO - Taxes, registration fees, and government fees are not included in price. Dealer delivery and handling fee of $799 included in price.

FL - Sales tax or other taxes, tag, title, registration fees, government fees, tag agency/electronic filing fee and $995 dealer service fee are not included in quoted price.

GA - Dealer service fee of $899 included in quoted price. Sales tax or other taxes, tag, registration fees, and government fees are not included in quoted price.

MO - Taxes, title, registration fees, government fees, and $604.47 dealer document fee are not included in price.

NC - Taxes, title, registration fees, government fees, $149 electronic filing fee and up to $899 dealer administrative fee are not included in price.

NM - Sales tax or other taxes, tag, title, registration fees, government fees, and $799 Dealer Service Transfer Fee are not included in quoted price.

NV - Taxes, title, registration fees, government fees, and $799 dealer document fee are not included in price.

SC - SC Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF), tags, title, or any other applicable taxes and fees and are not included in quoted price. Price includes $599 Closing Fee. IMF is to be paid at the time of titling and registering a newly purchased vehicle unless an exemption applies. The IMF is 5% of purchase price, not to exceed $500. In addition to the IMF, there are fees associated with titling and registering the vehicle, as well as property taxes.

TX - Taxes, license, title, registration fees, government fees, and up to $225 dealer documentary fee are not included in price.