When choosing the best cars for teen drivers, it’s crucial to find a balance of safety, reliability, and affordability. Here, we highlight the top used cars for teenagers, focusing on models that are 3-5 years old and excel in these areas. These cars are reliable, safe, and perfect for learning to drive. Let’s explore the top picks, including fuel-efficient hybrids, all-wheel drive crossovers, and the best EV for teen drivers, along with their 2024 prices.

Toyota Prius

CR Reliability Rating: 77/100
Average Selling Price: $21,554

Why it’s great: 52 miles per gallon, 5-star crash test ratings, and excellent reliability scores from Consumer Reports… What more could you want from a first car? The Toyota Prius is a fantastic option for teen drivers, offering a budget-minded option that is sure to discourage the need for speed. The world-renowned Prius hybrid also comes equipped with a suite of safety features, like emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-keep assist. From 2019 onward, the Prius has even been available with all-wheel drive.

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Honda Civic

CR Reliability Rating: 71/100
Average Selling Price: $19,604

Why it’s great: The Honda Civic has long been a favorite among drivers for its blend of reliability, efficiency, and sporty handling. It provides a confident driving experience powered by a turbo engine, while maintaining excellent fuel economy. The Civic is a great choice if your teen driver will be merging onto a freeway often. The Civic’s robust safety features and great crash test ratings make it a great choice for a teen driver. 

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Toyota Camry

CR Reliability Rating: 87/100
Average Selling Price: $21,303

Why it’s great: It’s a legendary commuter car, but the Toyota Camry is also perfect for getting comfortable behind the wheel. With a Consumer Reports reliability rating of 87/100 for the 2021 Camry, it’s one of the most dependable used cars out there. Safety features like lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking come standard with the Camry. With a great reputation, resale values are strong should your teen driver need to upgrade years down the road. The Camry’s spacious interior, smooth ride, and famous reliability make it a great vehicle for new drivers.

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Subaru Forester

CR Reliability Rating: 80/100
Average Selling Price: $21,917

Why it’s great: If you prefer a SUV-like driving experience for your teen without sacrificing safety, a used Subaru Forester is a top choice. The Forester comes with standard all-wheel drive, safety features like automatic emergency braking, and excellent visibility of the road. Its high reliability ratings, attainable price, and strong resale value all strengthen the Forester’s reputation as a top pick for teen drivers. 

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Lexus UX

CR Reliability Rating: 87/100
Average Selling Price: $28,040

Why it’s great: For those looking for a touch of luxury, the Lexus UX offers a premium driving experience with the reliability that Lexus is known for. As the smallest model offered by the Toyota-owned luxury brand, it’s easier to command on the road than some of the larger offerings. The UX comes packed with advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking. As you’d expect from Lexus, the UX features a comfortable, high-quality interior with modern tech. While it’s on the pricier side, its blend of luxury and safety makes it a compelling choice for a teen driver.

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The Best EV For Teen Drivers: Volkswagen ID.4

CR Reliability Rating: 78/100
Average Selling Price: $27,522

Why it’s great: EVs can be great for new drivers, but some are far better than others. Most parents and driving instructors would agree that it’s not smart to hand an EV with sports car capabilities to a teen driver, but not all electric vehicles are quite so fast. The Volkswagen ID.4 (2022 and onward) is a well-reviewed electric crossover with great range, good charging speeds, and 5-star safety ratings. The ID.4 even wins Top Safety Pick Plus honors from the IIHS.

What makes the ID.4 a better EV for teen drivers that say a Tesla? Simply put, the ID.4 drives more like a traditional car. It lacks the Corvette-like acceleration that you’ll find in a Model 3 or something similar, but will still merge onto a highway with ease. Think of the VW ID.4 as a safe, spacious and affordable no-frills EV for teen drivers.

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Conclusion

Choosing a car for your teen driver involves balancing safety, reliability, and affordability. These crossovers and sedans are all excellent choices that meet these criteria. Whether you’re on the hunt for a simple crossover, a bit of luxury, or a good starter EV, these cars provide the most value for new drivers, especially teenagers.

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