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The Safest Cars for Teen Drivers

Hyundai Hit a Home Run: Best New Sedan for Your Teen Driver

I recently spent a week with the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited. It’s a fantastic example of its class. The gas mileage is ridiculous, as expected from a hybrid sedan, and it feels solid and safe. In fact, it had me thinking that this is probably one of the best new sedans out there for …

I recently spent a week with the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited. It’s a fantastic example of its class. The gas mileage is ridiculous, as expected from a hybrid sedan, and it feels solid and safe. In fact, it had me thinking that this is probably one of the best new sedans out there for teen drivers having their first go behind the wheel.

What’s the best new sedan for teen drivers?

Though there are other great examples out there, the 2020 Hyundai Sonata is a real stand-out. The Limited trim version I tested had everything you could ever want in terms of tech features, safety, and driver assistance. Plus, being a hybrid, the roof of the car is fitted with solar panels that charge the hybrid battery.

2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid driving through the mountain
2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid | Hyundai

Overall, it’s just such a nice feeling sedan that you forget you aren’t in a luxury car. But where it really shines is in terms of safety. It monitors your awareness, reminds you to keep your hands at 10 and 2, and harps on you for not using your blinker.

When the license is official and they actually start driving without you in the passenger seat, it’s nice to know that the sedan you are sending your teen driver out in on the streets pulls right from the parents’ playbook when it comes to helping teen drivers be better drivers.

How safe is the 2020 Hyundai Sonata?

According to J.D. Power, the 2020 Hyundai Sonata’s safety ratings give it a name as a family-friendly sedan. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the redesigned Sonata a 5-star overall crash safety rating. A great addition to the safety accolades this model had already received.

Hyundai shows off their 2020 Sonata Hybrid at the Chicago Auto Show
The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid | Scott Olson/Getty Images

In addition to the 5-star crash safety rating from NHTSA, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2020 Hyundai Sonata a Top Safety Pick. This is a very safe sedan with a long list of standard and available features. A full standard safety suite and driver assistance features grace this model making it one of the best new sedans for teen drivers.

Is the 2020 Hyundai Sonata a reliable car?

Yes, it is a reliable car. One more reason to name it among the best new sedans for teen drivers. According to Repairpal.com the Hyundai Sonata boasts above-average reliability.

2020 Hyundai Sonata driving through a desert road
2020 Hyundai Sonata | Hyundai

A 4 out of 5 reliability rating isn’t all this car has to show for itself in terms of reliability either. The 2020 Hyundai Sonata also has low yearly average maintenance costs. Repairpal.com shows a yearly average of $458 for maintenance and repairs on a Hyundai Sonata.

This is lower than the vehicle average and backs up the Hyundai Sonata’s 5th out of 24 spot. It’s the 5th most reliable sedan. Plus, with all the safety features and modern driver assistance technology it can help hone your teen drivers’ safety skills.

Use your blinker, stay in your lane, don’t drive tired, wear a seatbelt––these are all the things that the 2020 Hyundai Sonata reminds its drivers to manage. Not exactly wild requests. Still, the peace of mind parents can feel knowing their new drivers are out the on the streets in a safe, reliable car is worth it. Hyundai hit a home run with the Sonata. It just might be the best new sedan for teen drivers.

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