https://www.foxnews.com/auto/best-new-cars-for-teensBy Gary Gastelu | Fox News
Following up on their list of affordable used cars released over the summer, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports have teamed up to recommend the best new vehicles for teens to drive.
The auto safety and testing organizations compiled a group of 18 cars and SUVs with the highest crash test ratings, automatic emergency braking, solid handling and braking performance, easy to use controls and high levels of reliability.
Vehicles lighter than 2,750 pounds, large SUVs and models with high average insurance costs were left off the list, which ranges in price from $22,000 to $37,000.
“It can be tempting to buy a tiny, bare-bones model for a teenager, but we know that teenagers are among the riskiest drivers, so it’s important not to skimp on safety,” IIHS President David Harkey said in a press release on the report.
“Spending a bit more for state-of-the-art crash protection and crash avoidance features is a worthy investment in your child’s future.”
The list isn't just meant for shoppers buying a car for a teen, but also for families with a young driver who'll share the car or get it as a hand-me-down one day.
Here is the full unranked list categorized by vehicle type.
SMALL CARS
Honda Insight: $22,000
Mazda 3 (sedan and hatchback): $22,100
Toyota Corolla (XLE/XSE sedan + Advanced Lighting; XSE hatchback + Preferred package): $23,400
MIDSIZE CARS
Subaru Legacy: $22,100
Honda Accord (excluding Touring 2.0T and Touring Hybrid): $23,300
Mazda 6: $23,800
Nissan Altima (SR, SV, SL and Platinum trims): $24,900
Subaru Outback (built after October 2019): $25,900
SMALL SUVS
Mazda CX-3: $20,700
Subaru Forester: $23,900
Mazda CX-5: $25,200
Chevrolet Equinox (LT only): $27,000
Honda CR-V (Touring and all hybrid trims): $27,900
Lexus UX (with Triple-Beam LED Headlamps with Auto-Leveling): $32,800
Kia Sportage (SX Turbo only; built after September 2019): $33,000
Toyota RAV4 (Hybrid Limited only with Adaptive Front Headlight System): $36,900
MIDSIZE SUVS
Hyundai Santa Fe (SEL trim with Premium package or Limited trim): $32,700
Mazda CX-9 (built after December 2019): $32,700
Gary Gastelu is FoxNews.com's Automotive Editor covering the car industry and racing. Follow @foxnewsautos
