04:08 28-05-2026

The Safest New Cars for Teen Drivers: IIHS and Consumer Reports' Top Picks

Discover the safest new cars for teenage drivers as rated by IIHS and Consumer Reports. Hyundai and Mazda lead with six models each. Features include Top Safety Picks and advanced safety tech.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports have released a list of the safest new cars for teenage drivers. The selection criteria included Top Safety Pick awards, strong crash-test results, effective collision-avoidance systems, and user-friendly controls. Subcompact cars weighing under 1,247 kg were excluded, as were large pickups and heavy SUVs, which can be challenging for inexperienced drivers. Hyundai and Mazda led the ranking, each with six models. Other brands in the list include Toyota, Ford, Honda, Kia, Nissan, Subaru, and Volkswagen.

According to Consumer Reports’ Emily A. Thomas, a first car is a major milestone, and this list helps parents choose confidently without compromising safety. Only two vehicles—the Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Prius—earned the top Top Safety Pick+ award. Experts stress that driver-assist systems and moderate engine power are crucial for beginners, noting that aggressive marketing of high-performance cars raises crash risks among young drivers.