The internet is full of lists, some good and some bad. People who are looking for information on the best cars to buy for their teen driver have any reputable source that provides solid recommendations. Instead of abbreviating those well-thought-out lists, we decided to rely on Advice from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safetyan organization that tests vehicles for collisions and reports the results to American consumers.
IIHS cooperates with Consumer Reports to publish a list of vehicles expected to be both reliable and safe, receiving good ratings in its own moderate overlap tests in front, side, roof strength and headrests and rated good or acceptable in the frontal test with little overlap on the driver’s side. They also cross-reference their picks with crash-test data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to ensure any recommended vehicle receives four or five stars. from the federal safety agency.
Armed with that data, we break down some of our own recommendations based on what’s important to parents and/or their children. After all, with 45 vehicles of all sizes and shapes shortlisted from the IIHS, we think some parents might want to narrow the field down a bit. Without further ado, here’s our pick of the best teen cars available on a reasonable $20,000 budget.
Mazda3 2017-2018
A lot of lists on the best cars for teenagers will focus on Toyota Corolla, and for good reason. It’s one of the most reliable vehicles sold in the US for decades, reasonably priced, and sure to be in the dozens on used lots a few miles from anyone’s home. But let’s say you’re an auto enthusiast who believes the apple doesn’t land far from the tree. If you love driving and think your child will follow in your footsteps, consider a Mazda 3 to replace. That’s a lot more fun than driving Corolla or even most Honda Civicswith the steering system communicates and balances when moving / handling leaning towards the sporty side.
For the safest equipment and best styling, we recommend aiming for a 2017 or 2018 model if you can find one in your price range.
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Toyota Prius Prime 2017-2019
We will be equal to you. The Prius is ugly. And unless your version of fun means driving to minimize fuel use, it’s not very fun either. We want to drive a Chevy Volt. But Toyota Prius is really effective. So if your teen’s version of fun really means driving to minimize fuel use – and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that – then consider the Prius as fun as it gets. Okay.
You’ll notice that there aren’t any pure electric vehicles to be found on this list. But in 2017-2019 Toyota Prius Prime no plugs, which means it has a battery pack enough to power the car at least for pure electric driving; expect somewhere close to 25 miles per full charge before the gasoline engine is forced to ignite.
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2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek
If you live in a snowy area or some other area that regularly faces extreme weather or muddy conditions, Subaru Crosstrek could be a good bet for your teen driver. It comes standard with Subaru’s prized Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive technology, it boasts excellent ground clearance and offers good visibility. However, it’s not as effective as some of its competitors, which means its ability to handle dirt doesn’t come without some sacrifices.
The Crosstrek has been redesigned for the 2018 model year with an all-new chassis, safer technology and a sleeker interior. We want to look forward to that year or later, but The 2013-2017 models are also solid choices.
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2014-2019 Subaru Outback
If everything we’ve said about the Subaru Crosstrek applies to your teen driver, but they need or want something a little bigger, consider Remote. Subaru’s longtime and beloved all-wheel drive upgrade has received a major update and an all-new stiffer chassis for the 2014 model year, and that’s where we’ll start looking. his sword.
Unlike the smaller cars on this list, Subaru Outback offered with a wide range of engine options. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder might be powerful enough for newbies to drive, though its continuously variable automatic transmission operates drones during steady acceleration. A 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine is also available.
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Volkswagen Passat 2017-2019
The Volkswagen Passat offers one of the most spacious interiors of any sedan in America. In fact Passat lines the line between midsize and large, with the rear seats comparable to many vehicles with much larger exterior dimensions.
If you decide the Passat is the right choice for your teen driver, we recommend looking for a 2018 or 2019 model with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a six-speed automatic transmission. grant. Older versions of the engine, shared between VW and Audi, had the issue resolved in the third generation of the engine found in these Passat models.
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Honda Accord 2016-2017
It seems that no recommended car list would be complete without Honda fit. It’s easy to see why. It’s one of America’s best-selling sedans for good reason; Reliability, resale value, safety, technology and driving dynamics are all points in Fitbe favored.
It’s almost impossible to go wrong with an Accord, but we strongly recommend the 2016 and 2017 model years. The ninth generation of Honda’s midsize sedan gets a bit of a facelift for 2016 before replacing it. replacement in 2018, while also getting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the in-car infotainment system. It is also available in both coupe and sedan body styles, making it the only two-door model to make the list.
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Hyundai Kona 2018-2020
Sedans and hatchbacks become great cars for teenagers due to their easy maneuverability, efficient powertrains, and affordable prices. But in the US, crossovers are king, and if that’s what you’re in the market for, your teen driver can enjoy Hyundai Kona.
The Kona offered with two engine options, preferably turbocharged and plenty of power. All-wheel drive is an option and may be desirable for some owners who live in areas with inclement weather. Unlike many other vehicles sold in the US, the Kona offers a plethora of unique looks and fun colors, both of which might appeal to a teen.
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Kia Sorento 2017-2018
The Kia Sorento offers more utility than some of the smaller mainstream crossovers due to the availability of a third row of seats and spacious cargo capacity. But it’s not so big that it’s unwieldy as a truck SUV, especially in tight city parking lots. As a connoisseur, the Kia Sorento could mean a lot to teenage drivers.
The Kia Sorento that we introduce is from the 2016 – 2020 model year. IIHS shows the 2017 and 2018 versions, which are quite nice. A refresh in 2019 makes those even more desirable if you can find a good one in your price range.
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Ford Edge 2018
We’ve made quite a few recommendations up to this point, but you’ll notice they’re all from foreign automakers. That’s probably not a problem for most buyers – incidentally, many of the proposed vehicles with foreign nameplates are in fact made in the US – but if you stick with American automakers , consider the Ford Edge. It’s sporty, reasonably spacious, and plentiful on the used market.
The Edge started its second generation for the 2015 model year before getting a refresh for 2019. It’s likely you won’t find a brand new one in a budget under $20,000, but the 2018 version is very good. worth watching. Both turbocharged and naturally aspirated four-cylinder V6 options are powerful enough, and all-wheel drive is optional.
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Looking for advice on buying other reasonably priced vehicles? The best new cars under $20,000
