Teenagers and vehicles can be a deadly combination. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death in teens ages 15-20 in the United States.
It’s a terrifying thought that as a parent you can’t always be there to keep them safe when they are behind the wheel. Give yourself peace of mind by taking steps to educate your teen and give them the proper tools they need before they take off on their own.
This includes taking driver’s safety or education courses, practicing in all driving conditions, knowing what to do in an emergency, talking about the dangers of distracted driving; and most importantly doing your research and purchasing (or letting them purchase) a safe and reliable vehicle.
Now, we know looking for a new car can be stressful, especially with your teen who probably wants new-new and not new-to-them, so we’ve done the research for you.
Here are the best vehicles for teens in 2021 according to IIHS and Consumer Reports.
| Small cars | Model years | Price |
| Mazda 3 sedan or hatchback | 2014 or newer; built after October 2013 | $8,100 |
| Toyota Prius | 2014 or newer; built after November 2013 | $8,600 |
| Hyundai Elantra GT | 2018 or newer | $15,200 |
| Subaru Crosstrek | 2017 or newer | $17,900 |
| Honda Insight | 2019 or newer | $18,200 |
| Toyota Prius Prime | 2017 or newer | $18,200 |
| Toyota Corolla hatchback | 2019 or newer | $18,300 |
| Kia Niro | 2019 | $18,600 |
| Subaru Impreza sedan and wagon | 2019 | $19,400 |
| Midsize cars | Model years | Price |
| Subaru Outback | 2013 or newer; built after August 2012 | $8,700 |
| Subaru Legacy | 2013 or newer; built after August 2012 | $8,800 |
| Mazda 6 | 2014 or newer | $10,100 |
| Lincoln MKZ | 2013, 2016, 2018 or newer | $10,300 |
| Honda Accord sedan or coupe | 2013 or newer | $10,900 |
| Volkswagen Passat | 2016-17 | $11,400 |
| Toyota Prius v | 2015-18 | $11,600 |
| Volkswagen Jetta | 2017 | $12,900 |
| Volvo S60 | 2016, 18 | $14,100 |
| BMW 3 series | 2017 or newer; built after November 2016; 4-cylinder only | $17,900 |
| Large cars | Model years | Price |
| Ford Taurus | 2014 | $9,600 |
| Hyundai Genesis | 2016 | $18,700 |
| Small SUVs | Model years | Price |
| Mazda CX-5 | 2014 or newer; built after October 2013 | $9,300 |
| Nissan Rogue | 2014, 2016-18, 2020 | $10,100 |
| Subaru Forester | 2016 or newer | $13,500 |
| Honda CR-V | 2015 or newer | $14,800 |
| Kia Sportage | 2017, 2018, 2020 | $14,800 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 2015 or newer; built after November 2014 | $14,900 |
| Honda HR-V | 2017 or newer; built after March 2016 | $15,400 |
| Hyundai Kona | 2018 or newer | $15,800 |
| Buick Encore | 2018-19 | $16,300 |
| Hyundai Tucson | 2018 or newer | $16,800 |
| Mazda CX-3 | 2019 or newer | $17,800 |
| Volvo XC60 | 2017 | $19,200 |
| Midsize SUVs | Model years | Price |
| Chevrolet Equinox | 2017, 2019 | $13,700 |
| Nissan Murano | 2015 or newer | $14,800 |
| GMC Terrain | 2017, 2019 | $15,100 |
| Lexus NX | 2015-16, 2018 or newer | $16,000 |
| Kia Sorento | 2017-18 | $16,500 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | 2017-19; built after March 2016 | $18,700 |
| Ford Edge | 2018 or newer | $19,600 |
| Mazda CX-9 | 2017 or newer; built after November 2016 | $19,600 |
| Audi Q5 | 2016-19 | $19,800 |
| Minivans | Model years | Price |
| Toyota Sienna | 2015-16 | $13,900 |
| Honda Odyssey | 2016 | $15,400 |
| Kia Sedona | 2017 | $15,600 |
Remember, when looking at vehicles talk to your insurance agent to see what will save you the most with your teen on your policy. And don’t forget to look out for recalls or damage from previous owners.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. California Casualty does not own the data table show above. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
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