Best First Cars for Teens in 2023
Getting your driver's license is a major rite of passage as a teenager. But finding the right first car can be daunting for young drivers and parents. The ideal starter car needs to be safe, reliable, and affordable yet still appealing to high schoolers.
This article will highlight the top car recommendations for new teen drivers in 2023. We'll cover the best new and used models combining value, safety ratings, fuel efficiency, and features sought by both teens and parents.
Key Factors for the Best Teen First Cars
Selecting that memorable initial car for a novice young driver requires carefully weighing:
- Safety - Crash test scores and driver assistance features are critical.
- Reliability - Vital for young drivers lacking repair knowledge and money.
- Affordability - Limited teen budgets make cheaper ownership costs essential.
- Practicality - Needs ample passenger and cargo room for teen activities.
- Fuel Economy - Less fuel stops and lower costs from good MPG.
- Used Value - Very new cars depreciate quickly in teen hands.
- Insurance Costs - Premiums spike for teens, so choose lower risk vehicles.
- Style - Teens want a stylish first car to show off and bond with.
Balancing all these factors leads to great starter cars tailored to teen drivers.
Best New Cars for Teens in 2023
While buying new is costlier upfront, a new car offers the latest designs, tech, and safety innovations along with warranty coverage. Here are top 2023 model recommendations ideal for young drivers:
Subcompact Cars
| Vehicle | Safety Score | Starting Price | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Rio | 5 Stars | $16,650 | Very affordable but doesn't feel cheap or dull. Peppy engine and great tech availability including active safety features. Kia's great warranty adds peace of mind. |
| Toyota Yaris | 5 Stars | $18,650 | Toyota's legendary reputation for safety, quality and reliability make it an ideal teen car. Ultra-efficient with easy maneuverability. |
| Honda Fit | 5 Stars | $19,160 | The "Magic Seat" folding rear seats add cargo versatility. Available active safety tech on higher trims. Excellent resale value downs the road. |
Compact Cars
| Vehicle | Safety Score | Starting Price | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Elantra | 5 Stars | $20,650 | Sharp style inside and out. Wireless Apple/Android Auto. Available advanced driver aids and an N-Line sporty version. Hyundai's 10-year powertrain warranty instills confidence. |
| Toyota Corolla | 5 Stars | $21,800 | The world's best selling car brings proven Toyota build quality and MPG up to 40 highway. Now available with 7" touchscreen and smartphone integration. |
| Honda Civic | 5 Stars | $22,550 | A 2023 overhaul brings the Civic into modern era with clean styling and available 10" touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration. Youthful vibe teens will embrace. |
Best Used Cars for Teens Under $15k
For parents aiming to keep costs low, purchasing a used vehicle offers excellent value. These are great options for under a $15,000 budget:
| Vehicle | Safety Score | Avg Used Price | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Fit | 5 Stars | $14,000 | Abundant cargo space for moving into college dorms thanks to folding Magic Seats. Easy to park and very fuel efficient. |
| Toyota Prius | 5 Stars | $14,500 | 50+ MPG will save teens a fortune on gas. Proven reliable and holds value well. Hatchback shape offers practicality. |
| Kia Forte | 5 Stars | $13,500 | Kia's standout warranty adds peace of mind. Contemporary styling and available iPhone/Android integration keep the Forte feeling current. |
| Toyota Corolla | 5 Stars | $12,000 | As one of the most reliable, economical compact cars, a used Corolla is a perfect and affordable first car. |
| Honda Civic | 5 Stars | $14,000 | Civics hold their value extremely well thanks to Honda's reputation for reliability. Has all the tech teens desire like Bluetooth, rear camera and Pandora radio. |
Buying used allows teens to get larger and nicer equipped cars for the money. Just be sure to have any used vehicle thoroughly inspected prior to purchase.
4-Door Sedans vs. Small SUVs
For many families, the debate comes down to a sensible compact sedan or small crossover SUV. Here's how they compare for teen drivers:
| Considerations | Compact Sedan | Small Crossover SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Practicality | Less rear seat/cargo room but easier to maneuver and park. Lower profile improves handling and MPG. | More rear headroom, cargo space and higher driving position. Popular with teens. |
| Safety | Sedans generally receive better frontal and side crash test results. | SUVs hold up better in rollover accidents due to higher ground clearance. Four-wheel drive improves traction. |
| Costs | Sedans are generally cheaper to insure and buy. Higher resale value too. | SUVs require more gas and cost more to insure for teens. Depreciate quicker after purchase. |
Sedans win outright for affordability and safety credentials. But the versatility and style of small SUVs understandably appeal to many teens and parents.
Recommended SUVs for Teen Drivers
For families deciding on a small crossover SUV, these models merit strong consideration:
| Vehicle | Safety Score | Used Price Range | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Crosstrek | 5 Stars | $14k - $21k | Standard all-wheel drive enhances safety. Plenty of cargo and interior space. EyeSight safety tech available. |
| Kia Seltos | 5 Stars | $16k - $22k | Standout style, technology, and warranty coverage. Available all-wheel drive and advanced safety features. Good value. |
| Honda CR-V | 5 Stars | $18k - $25k | History of reliability and high resale value. AvailableHonda Sensing safety suite. Excellent visibility and passenger room. |
These small crossovers provide extra confidence in dicey road conditions while satisfying teens with abundant tech and style.
New 2023 SUVs Offer Great Safety Tech
While pricier new, compact SUVs debuting for 2023 like the Hyundai Kona and Nissan Rogue Sport boast great comfort, infotainment and advanced driver aids like:
- Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
- Blind spot warning
- Lane keeping assist
- Rear cross traffic alert and rear automatic braking
These modern safety features provide invaluable protection for less experienced teen motorists.
Final Advice for Outfitting a First Car
Beyond choosing the right vehicle, parents can help teens stay safe through:
- Installing winter tires - Far better traction in cold or snow.
- Supplying emergency kits - With flashlights, blankets, jumper cables etc.
- Learning auto maintenance - Teach teens how to check fluids, tire pressure, change a tire etc.
- Removing distractions - No cell phone use and limit passengers initially.
- Providing more driver's training - Consider advanced lessons focused on risk avoidance.
With the proper vehicle choice and preparation, teens can stay safe and excited about their first car as an important milestone.
Summing Up the Best First Cars for Teens
Finding that perfect, affordable starter car means balancing safety, reliability, costs, practicality and teen-friendly features. Compact sedans and crossovers with high safety scores and modern tech lead the way. Prioritize advanced driver assistance where possible along with all-weather capability. While daunting, selecting that memorable initial car for your new young driver is also an opportunity to help teens begin adulthood safely and responsibly behind the wheel.
FAQs
Should you buy or lease a car for a new teen driver?
Buying is usually the better option, since teen drivers are more likely to get into accidents that lead to excessive wear-and-tear fees with leasing. Purchasing an affordable used car gives flexibility.
What safety features are most important for teen drivers?
Look for vehicles with anti-lock brakes, stability control, airbags, rearview cameras, and advanced assistance like automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitoring if possible.
Are two-door coupes safe for teen drivers?
Two-door vehicles are generally less ideal for teen drivers since they lack rear doors needed to securely install child safety seats for younger siblings and passengers.
Should you get all-wheel drive for a teen's car?
All-wheel drive can provide extra traction and accident avoidance ability. But it also raises costs. Focus on winter tires for front-wheel drive vehicles to enhance snow and ice handling at lower expense.
What colors are safest for teen cars?
Bright colors like white, yellow, orange, or light blue are most visible. Black, grey and red hues blend into the surroundings more easily. A brightly colored car helps other motorists see your teen driver.
Should you install a remote shutdown device?
"Starter interrupter" devices allow parents to remotely disable the vehicle if necessary. While expensive, they provide peace of mind and encourage safe driving habits.
How much insurance coverage should you get?
Carry more than minimum liability limits since teens are accident prone. Also consider gap insurance to protect against a total loss. High liability and collision/comprehensive coverage is ideal if affordable.
Should you start teens with driver's ed vehicles?
Yes, completing drivers education in the class car during supervised instruction allows teens to safely accrue skills in a dual-brake vehicle before purchasing their own car.
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