10 Best Cars for Teen Drivers

May 31, 2022

When it is time a teenager to have their own car, parents need to know that their teen will be driving the safest car on the market. After all, it only makes sense to choose a car that not only might prevent an accident in the first place but also save lives should one occur. Experts agree that it is best to drivers on mid-sized sedans, most of which have the updated safety features.

2016 Honda Accord

For nervous parents of new teen drivers, they really cannot go wrong with a 2016 model of the Honda Accord. Not only is it the perfect family sedan, with the great quality that Honda is known for. It handles well and gives a great ride. It also provides all of the new safety features which are available on the Honda AccordEX and EX-L. These features include automatic emergency braking, road departure intervention, adaptive cruise control, as well as forward collision warning and LaneWatch - which gives the driver a low/wide view of the blind spot on the passenger side when they signal a right turn. The base model includes a rearview camera, and an Android Auto, which quickly transforms the family car into teenage heaven.

2016 Mazda 6

This sporty midsized sedan is not just nice to look at, it is packed with lots of safety features, earning it high marks from IIHS because of its standard features like automatic emergency notification, front and side curtain airbags, and active front head restraints. Available in both automatic and manual transmission, the Mazda 6 can also come with lane departure warnings, rear parking sensors, rear-cross-traffic alters, and a blind spot monitor.

2016 Ford Fusion

This sharp-looking sedan is a great option for teens and their parents alike. The Fusion has a number of cool features that make it fun for the driver and reassuring for the parent. Options include a Do No Disturb feature which holds incoming text messages and phone calls so that teens can stay focused on the road while allowing for outgoing phone calls at the same time. Additionally, the Fusion's MyKey suite will not only allow parents to impose a top speed limit but also issue low-fuel warnings and control volume levels. These features, in addition to a voice command system that can take care of music, phone and navigation, were created so that drivers can focus on the road, to reach their destinations safely.

2016 Volkswagen Jetta

This car is a favorite of many parents and teens as well. In addition to a low sticker price and lots of passenger and cargo space, the Jetta has earned a good reputation on the safety front. It has a feature called geofencing, which can act as a great way for parents to keep track of teenagers that like to stray a bit further from home, or when the driver goes over a pre-set speed limit. Most of the standard 2016 Jetta also have a rearview camera, front and side airbags, and active front head restraints. Parents can also sign up for the Volkswagen Car-Net system that notifies them automatically in the event of a crash and calls roadside assistance.

2016 Chrysler 200

While this car is not flashy, the Chrysler 200 is the perfect car for a student who is commuting to and from college nearby. There is not much for legroom in the back but it is still a solid car with a good IIHS safety rating, even for the base model. That's because the Chrysler 200 has optional safety features like rear cross-traffic alert and blind spot monitor, in addition to standard features like airbags for the front, side, driver, and passenger, as well as a rearview camera. Other options include lane departure warning, perfect for the student who might be driving home late from school, as well as lane keeping assist.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu

The boxy old Malibu is gone and is sporting a new, sleeker style. But that is not all that is been revamped - this fuel-efficient mid-sized car has lots of safety features. Parents will love the Teen Driver system which allows them to set a top speed limit, and control the volume for audio in the car. Additionally, the Teen Driver system turns down the volume on the audio as soon as passenger or driver seat belts are unbuckled, and can provide parents with a report card on their teen's driving habits, informing them how often the teen exceeded the speed limit, when they may have made sudden stops, and informs them of the distance their teen has driven. That is all in addition to standard features like OnStar, and front side, front knee, side curtain, and rear side airbags as well as a host of awesome optional safety features.

2016 Toyota Camry

This classic car is perfect for teen drivers. There is lots of room inside, making it a comfy way to get around. With standard features like airbags for the front and rear, in addition to front knee airbags and side curtain airbags, the 2016 Camry also has a rearview camera, stability and traction control and antilock brakes. Options include a system called Safety Connect which notifies emergency services of a collision, while also connecting the driver with emergency assistance. Other options include front collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a bling-spot monitor, lane departure warning and rear cros-= traffic alert. And, in the event that the car gets stolen, Safety Connect can help locate the missing vehicle.

2016 Subaru Impreza

Parents and teens who drive in snowy and slippery conditions will be super happy with the all-wheel-drive Subaru Impreza. This vehicle is perfect for new drivers who are still getting the hang of driving regularly. It is not too powerful, but powerful enough to do everything the driver wants and need to do. With standard features like rearview camera, active front head restraints, front side, driver knee, and side curtain airbags, the Impreza is a good safe car for teens. Optional features like adaptive cruise control, front collision warning with automatic braking and lane-departure warning adds to the reasons it makes the IIHS Top Safety Pick List (just like all the other choices on this list).

2016 Kia Optima and the 2016 Hyundai Sonata

These cars are like brothers from different mothers, and not only do they look alike but they also perform alike. They are equally priced and have almost identical safety features, as well as a few perks that both parents and teens can appreciate. Both have features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay which allows them to integrate smartphone. Teens and parents will appreciate the interior design. Both the Sonata and the Optima have standard features like rearview camera and airbags for the front side, side curtain, and driver knee airbags. Options include a blind spot monitor, lane departure warning, rear parking sensors, a 360-degree view camera and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

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