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When you need an SUV for yourself that your teenager can drive, you have to find a balance between style, affordability, and safety. Luckily, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports put out a list of the safest used SUVs (and other vehicles) for teenagers to drive. It’s important that these SUVs meet the needs of an inexperienced driver, since accident rates among that demographic are so high. If you want something that’s stylish enough for you and safe enough for your teen, you have seven great options. These are the safest used SUVs for teens – and parents.

2022 Hyundai Santa Fe off-roading in water
2022 Hyundai Santa Fe | Hyundai

Some 2015 and 2020 Ford Edges are on the best used vehicles for teens list

One of the safest used SUVs for teens and parents is the Ford Edge. Well, the 2015 and 2020 Ford Edge – provided they were built after May 2015, according to the IIHS and Consumer Reports. The starting price for a 2015 Ford Edge is $12,900 (rounded to the nearest hundred).

The Nissan Murano is a great SUV for teens – and parents

Any 2015 or newer Nissan Murano is one of the safest used SUVs for teens. As a bonus, parents will love to drive it, too. The starting price for a used Murano is $14,700.

The 2017 Chevy Equinox has excellent safety scores

If you want one of the safest SUVs for teens, the 2017 Chevy Equinox is a great option. The starting price for the Equinox is $15,600.

The 2017 GMC Terrain is the Equinox’s cousin and makes the grade

While not a luxury SUV, the 2017 GMC Terrain is an upscale version of the 2017 Chevy Equinox, so it’s no surprise that it also makes the list of the safest vehicles for teens. It has a slightly higher starting price of $16,000.

The 2015 Lexus NX – or newer – is a great option

The Lexus NX is a luxury SUV, and it’s one that’s safe enough for teens and nice enough for parents. Just make sure you shop for a 2015 or newer Lexus NX. The starting price for this high-end SUV is $16,700.

Some Hyundai Santa Fes are safe enough for teens

The 2017-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the safest used SUVs for teens. Just make sure it was built after March 2016, or it doesn’t make the cut. You’ll pay at least $17,800 for the Santa Fe.

A used Toyota Highlander is a versatile vehicle

The Toyota Highlander is a versatile 3-row SUV that is safe enough for your new driver and convenient and nice enough for parents. Any Highlander from 2014 and on makes the list of the safest vehicles for teens. A used Highlander in this category has a starting price of $17,800.

If you’re looking for one of the safest used midsize SUVs for teens and parents, these seven vehicles are great options. They have good safety ratings, affordable prices, and are still stylish enough that you won’t mind sharing them with your kids.

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