Choosing the right car for your teenage child is a significant decision, focusing on practicality and safety. When your teen turns 16 and becomes eligible to drive, it opens up a world of independence for them and a host of concerns for you as a parent. This article will reveal top car options that balance affordability, safety features, and reliability, according to The Zebra and US News & World Report.

Toyota Highlander

This mid-size SUV suits teens due to its robust safety features and impressive reliability. It features the Toyota Safety Sense, which provides maximum road safety in all conditions. The cargo space and comfortable seating make it versatile for short and long trips.

Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek is a versatile and rugged choice for teens. It offers standard all-wheel drive and a combination of advanced safety features. Its raised ground clearance and durable construction suit urban and off-road adventures. The Crosstrek comes with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning.

Honda Accord

For as low as $27,000, you can get a car that combines style and safety in the mid-size sedan category. The Accord offers standard safety features such as collision mitigation braking and road departure mitigation. Its sleek design, combined with a spacious and well-appointed interior, makes it a pleasure to drive.

Kia Sportage

With its modern design, the Kia Sportage stands out as a top pick for teens. It is also a crowd-pleaser with its user-friendly technology and comprehensive safety features. This compact SUV offers forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warning. The stylish exterior and comfortable interior provide a premium feel without a hefty price tag.

Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe excels in safety, comfort, and technology, making it a great option for teenage drivers. It comes standard with Hyundai’s SmartSense safety suite, which includes features like blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, and safe exit assist. The Santa Fe’s spacious cabin and cargo area ensure plenty of room for friends and gear.

Subaru Legacy

Priced at around $24,000, the Subaru Legacy offers safety, all-weather capability, and comfort. Known for its standard all-wheel drive, the Legacy provides excellent traction, making it ideal for teens driving in various weather conditions. It also features Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology for safe driving.

Toyota Corolla Hatchback

This is a fantastic choice for teen drivers, as the Corolla Hatchback combines style and safety. It’s known for its reliability and fuel efficiency, making it an economical option for young drivers. It is also equipped with Toyota Safety Sense. The sporty design and agile handling make driving fun, while the spacious interior and advanced technology ensure a comfortable experience.

Ford Fusion

Offering safety, comfort, and technology, the Fusion is an excellent choice for teenage drivers. This mid-size sedan features the Ford Co-Pilot360, a package of driver-assist technologies. The Fusion’s spacious interior and smooth ride make it ideal for daily commutes and longer trips. Its fuel-efficient engines and strong reliability record add to its appeal as a practical and dependable vehicle.

Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is a versatile and safe option for teenage drivers. It offers a spacious interior, outstanding fuel economy, and advanced safety features. This compact SUV features Honda Sensing, which includes road departure mitigation and adaptive cruise control. The CR-V’s reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs make it a smart choice for families.

Nissan Rogue

This compact SUV excels in safety, comfort, and technology, making it an excellent choice for teens. The Rogue is equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a package of features that includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Its modern design, spacious interior, and user-friendly infotainment system enhance the driving experience.

Kia Soul

With its unique design, spacious interior, and impressive standard features, the Soul becomes an appealing choice for teens. This compact crossover offers forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warning to keep your kid safe. The boxy shape provides ample headroom and cargo space, and its user-friendly technology keeps drivers connected and entertained.

Volkswagen Jetta

Volkswagen is synonymous with reliability, and the Jetta is no different. This car offers a comfortable ride, the latest safety features, and impressive fuel efficiency. All the standard safety technologies, such as forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring, are included. Its spacious interior and intuitive infotainment system boost the driving experience, making it practical and enjoyable for young drivers.

Mazda 3

A new Mazda 3 is priced at approximately $24,000. It’s a stylish and sporty option for teens who value performance and safety. This compact car has advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Mazda’s i-Activsense safety suite. The sleek design and responsive handling make driving enjoyable, while the high-quality interior materials and intuitive infotainment system enhance the overall experience.

Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius is a decent option for environmentally conscious teens and parents looking for a safe, reliable, and fuel-efficient vehicle. Its hybrid powertrain delivers exceptional fuel economy for budget-friendly daily commuting and longer trips. It comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense, and the spacious interior, user-friendly technology, and low emissions make it a smart and sustainable choice for young drivers.

Ford Escape

Teens love compact cars, and the Ford Escape is a compact SUV with various safety and technology features, making it ideal for teenage drivers. It also comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, which includes pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a lane-keeping system. The Escape’s flexible cargo space suits various needs, from daily commutes to weekend getaways.