Although the number of fatal car crashes has been decreasing for the past several years, many people still lose their lives in severe accidents. For example, in 2019 alone, the estimated figure reached 38,800 in the USA, according to the National Safety Council.
With this in mind, it is essential to choose a vehicle carefully. Young drivers should be treated with special care due to their lack of experience and driving skills. However, you can’t always afford to buy a new car with the best-performing safety features.
That’s why we have compiled a list of the safest used cars for teens. The list is made up of small and midsize cars and SUVs with basic characteristics, including the pricing and safety score. All these should help you choose wisely out of the available safe used cars for new drivers.
Table of Contents
- Top Safest Used Small Cars
- Top Safest Used Midsize Cars
- Top Safest Small SUVs
- Top Safest Midsize SUVs
- Why You Can Trust Our Top Safest Cars for Teenagers
- Summary
Top Safest Used Small Cars
Small cars boast many advantages: they are lightweight and thus, consume less fuel; they are rather inexpensive and compact. The latter makes small cars ideal for city dwellers who need high maneuverability for parking in tight spaces.
| Model | Release Year | Price | Safety Score |
| Mazda 3 | 2017 | From $12,650 | 8 |
| Subaru Impreza | 2014 | From $8,550 | 7 |
| Hyundai Elantra GT | 2018 | From $14,000 | 8 |
| Kia Forte | 2019 | From $12,425 | 8 |
2017 Mazda 3
Fuel consumption: 31 combined
Horsepower: 155
Safety Score: 8
0-100 mph: 7.4 sec
Max speed: 122 mph
Mazda 3 (2017) comes as a five-door hatchback and four-door sedan. All in all, any driver will enjoy it as the transmissions are smooth, the engines are rather efficient, and handling is sharp.
There are also a couple of safety measures implemented. Among them are automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, cross-traffic alerts, and blind-spot monitoring. Besides this, the model is also equipped with an infotainment system.
2014 Subaru Impreza
Fuel consumption: 30 combined
Horsepower: 148
Safety Score: 7
0-100 mph: 9.6 sec
Max speed: 121 mph
Although the model was produced in 2014, it’s a good pick if you are examining the safest used cars to buy. Even teens will find driving comfortable. All the tribute goes to good visibility and responsive handling. The model is, again, available as a sedan and hatchback. However, there is also a sports one that differs a bit appearance-wise.
2018 Hyundai Elantra GT
Fuel consumption: 25 combined
Horsepower: 148
Safety Score: 8
0-100 mph: 7.2 sec
Max speed: 146 mph
This Hyundai Elantra model is a lot like European vehicles when you first look at it. At its core, it combines a performance-oriented chassis with the transmission and engine of the traditional sedan. In the end, you get a rather speedy vehicle that is comfortable to drive and slightly resembles a sports car. At the same time, it’s the cheapest model in the category in terms of fuel consumption.
2019 Kia Forte
Fuel consumption: 35 combined
Horsepower: 147
Safety Score: 8
0-100 mph: 8.2 sec
Max speed: 129 mph
Although some say that fuel economy is among the top benefits to reap when buying KIA Forte 2019, the combined consumption is pretty high. Besides this, drivers can enjoy simple control, as well as advanced safety features. All in all, the model’s history is rather clean. It had two recalls only: one was related to a driveshaft, another to the headlights.
Also a Good Choice
The offered models aren’t the only ones. You can always opt for older cars that date back to the early 2010s, and you won’t lose in terms of quality or safety.
- Kia Niro (2018)
- Toyota Corolla hatchback (2019 or newer)
- Honda Insight (2019 or newer)
- Subaru Crosstrek (2018 or newer)
- Toyota Prius Prime (2017 or newer)
- Mazda 3 (2011-13)
- Honda Civic sedan (2012-2015)
- Toyota Corolla sedan (2012 or newer)
- Toyota Prius (2011 or newer)
Top Safest Used Midsize Cars
Midsize or intermediate cars are bigger than compact ones but smaller than full-size ones. They can be manufactured as hatchbacks, sedans, coupes, and convertibles. They are known for having enough space for comfortable driving, backed up by fuel economy and good performance.
| Model | Release Year | Price | Safety Score |
| Subaru Legacy | 2013 | From $7,875 | 8 |
| Subaru Outback | 2013 | From $9,500 | 7 |
| Volkswagen Jetta | 2018 | From $12,375 | 8 |
| Honda Accord | 2013 | From $10,200 | 8 |
2013 Subaru Legacy
Fuel consumption: 24 combined
Horsepower: 173
Safety Score: 8
0-60 mph: 8.7 sec
Max speed: 127 mph
Subaru Legacy 2013 offers you a spacious car, which could be considered big for teens. However, it’s rather reliable: emergency handing is predictable and secure due to tweaked steering and suspension. One more advantage is fuel economy, which is only 24 combined. However, be aware that the model has some weak spots- in particular, its performance and refinement.
2013 Subaru Outback
Fuel consumption: 24 combined
Horsepower: 256
Safety Score: 7
0-60 mph: 6.9 sec
Max speed: 145 mph
Many people choose the Subaru Outback instead of an SUV. Especially if it’s a four-wheel drive, the model is among the best used cars for teens to drive: you don’t need to worry that they will destroy the car. However, this very model has had 12 recalls, which is an important number to consider. The latest was because of an airbag issue.
2018 Volkswagen Jetta
Fuel consumption: 27 combined
Horsepower: 150
Safety Score: 8
0-60 mph: 8.3 sec
Max speed: 127 mph
The 2018 design has been around since 2011. However, Volkswagen has been continually improving its Jetta. This can be the determining reason for why the model is so popular. Its stylish look and European driving experience are combined with an easy-to-maneuver car that is both spacious and compact. However, the model had two recalls in Autumn 2020.
2013 Honda Accord
Fuel consumption: 27 combined
Horsepower: 185
Safety Score: 8
0-60 mph: 7.6 sec
Max speed: 126 mph
The model comes as a coupe and sedan. The latter offers a lot of space due to its midsize. Although the fuel consumption isn’t the lowest, it’s still a rather performing car with a decent fuel economy. By the way, the 2013 model is rather reliable. It has only three recalls on its record.
Also a Good Choice
The midsize cars market is rich in many models. You can find many decent ones, even if they were produced five or seven years ago. Here are other picks of the safest used cars:
- Volkswagen Jetta (2016-2018)
- Mazda 6 (2015 or newer)
- Volkswagen Passat (2016-2018)
- Toyota Prius v (2015-17)
- Lincoln MKZ (2016 or newer)
- Volvo S60 (2017-2018)
- Nissan Altima (2019 or newer)
- Audi A3 (2017, 2020)
- BMW 3-series sedan (2017 or newer; built after November 2016)
- Subaru Legacy (2011-12)
- Lincoln MKZ (2011-12)
- Subaru Outback (2011-12)
- Toyota Camry (2012 or newer)
- Toyota Prius v (2012-14)
- Honda Accord Sedan (2012)
- Hyundai Sonata (2015-16)
Top Safest Small SUVs
The small SUV market is booming for the past couple of years. It boasts an extensive list of benefits, from bigger interior space and cargo capacity than sedans to the high seating position and an all-wheel-drive option. Besides, they are pretty similar to full SUVs yet come at a lower price.
| Model | Release Year | Price | Safety Score |
| Mazda CX5 | 2018 | From $17,650 | 8 |
| Buick Encore | 2016 | From $12,250 | 8 |
| Honda CR-V | 2016 | From $15,150 | 8 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 2015 | From $13,525 | 7 |
2018 Mazda CX5
Fuel consumption: 27 combined
Horsepower: 187
Safety Score: 8
0-60 mph: 9.2 sec
Max speed: 121 mph
A Mazda CX5 (2018) that comes in good condition will cost higher than all the previously reviewed models: the price range starts from $17,650 and may exceed $22,000. With this money, a young driver gets a comfortable ride with a high-quality interior and noise isolation. As for safety, the model has passed all crash and rollover tests well.
2016 Buick Encore
Fuel consumption: 30 combined
Horsepower: 138
Safety Score: 8
0-60 mph: 9 sec
Max speed: 120 mph
If you are looking for a decent compact SUV but have a tight budget, Buick Encore (2016) is among the top choices. The model itself is rather convenient for teens who have little experience in parking and maneuvering: it’s narrow, short, and tall. Besides, it’s among the safest cars in the category, with only two recalls on the record.
2016 Honda CR-V
Fuel consumption: 27 combined
Horsepower: 185
Safety Score: 8
0-60 mph: 8.8 sec
Max speed: 112 mph
Honda CR-V is suitable for teens who finished high school and moved to the college campus: it provides more than enough cargo space to carry all the belongings. Depending on the model, a buyer can get a different variety of features, from Bluetooth connectivity to a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. The car comes with a 2.4L four-cylinder engine, which makes it rather performing compared to other compact SUVs.
2015 Toyota RAV4
Fuel consumption: 26 combined
Horsepower: 176
Safety Score: 7
0-60 mph: 8.2 sec
Max speed: 120 mph
2015 Toyota RAV4 boasts a 2013 redesign when the spare tire was removed off the rear gate and took the place of the third-row seat. It now has a top-hinged hatch, which is pretty convenient. Although the model is among the safest used cars, it slightly fell back during frontal-crash tests and gained only four stars instead of five.
Also a Good Choice
The compact SUV market is rich; therefore, there are many other cars for teens to consider. Don’t always rely on the model year: you can buy a good vehicle that is older with little loss in terms of design.
- Mazda CX-3 (2017 or newer)
- Subaru Forester (2016 or newer)
- Nissan Rogue (2017 or newer)
- Honda HR-V (2017-2018; built after March 2017)
- Hyundai Kona (2018 or newer)
- Audi Q3 (2016 or newer)
- Hyundai Tucson (2011-2015)
- Ford Escape (2015, 2018-2019)
- Kia Sportage (2015, 2018)
- Toyota RAV4 (2013-14)
Top Safest Midsize SUVs
Midsize SUVs come with an even higher seating position than compact SUVs. The same applies to the interior space and cargo capacity. At the same time, even young drivers won’t face parking problems.
| Model | Release Year | Price | Safety Score |
| GMC Terrain | 2018 | From $16,275 | 7 |
| Kia Sorento | 2016 | From $13,775 | 8 |
| Nissan Murano | 2015 | From $13,500 | 6 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe Sport | 2017 | From $15,350 | 7 |
2018 GMC Terrain
Fuel consumption: 32 combined
Horsepower: 170
Safety Score: 7
0-60 mph: 6.8 sec
Max speed: ? mph (can’t find)
Although GMC Terrain (2018) is considered to be a safe car, it has a number of disadvantages. Lack of noise isolation, handling agility, ergonomics, ride comfort, and outward visibility – all these can become crucial factors to choose cheaper models. Yet their sturdiness is questionable.
2016 Kia Sorento
Fuel consumption: 19 combined
Horsepower: 185
Safety Score: 7
0-60 mph: 8 sec
Max speed: 112 mph
Being redesigned in 2016, Kia Sorento isn’t only a beautiful vehicle but also a blessing for your wallet, with the lowest fuel consumption on the list. Basically, the model fits both compact and midsize SUVs; therefore, it’s among the best-used cars for teens.
2015 Nissan Murano
Fuel consumption: 24 combined
Horsepower: 260
Safety Score: 6
0-60 mph: 7.2 sec
Max speed: 120 mph
Nissan Murano 2015 has become a popular car model with simple controls, a beautiful interior, and multiple features. However, it’s not as safe as some other models. In particular, it failed in a frontal-crash from the passengers’ side. From the driver’s side, however, it scored five stars.
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Fuel consumption: 23 combined
Horsepower: 185
Safety Score: 7
0-60 mph: 7.6 sec
Max speed: 125 mph
With the starting price of $15,350, you can get a stylish mid-size SUV with a large cargo capacity. Besides this, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (2017) is comfortable-to-drive and fuel-efficient. However, many additional features can be installed for an extra fee.
Also a Good Choice
If you are looking for some midsize SUVs, here are a couple of the safest used cars:
- Hyundai Santa Fe (2017 or newer; built after March 2016)
- Mazda CX-9 (2017 or newer; built after November 2016)
- Lincoln MKX (2017-2018)
- Toyota Venza (2009-15)
- Toyota Highlander (2008-2019)
- Ford Edge (2014-15)
Why You Can Trust Our Top Safest Cars for Teenagers
When shortlisting the top safest used cars, we have paid attention to several factors:
- Models: Only the safest car types are included in the list, excluding too spacious, difficult-to-maneuver cars, as well as too-small cars that come with a high risk of collision.
- Safety tests: We have examined the safety tests carried out by IIHS and Consumer Reports that provide a detailed analysis of each model security on the road and when collapsing.
- Price: We have compiled a list out of relatively affordable used cars, with the price starting from $7,875 up to $17,650.
Summary
2016 Honda CR-V
Finding a safe used vehicle isn’t hard: there are many older models that offer decent protection and comfort compared to new cars. By choosing any of these safe used cars, you are going to get a good deal. The majority of them come at an average price of $11,000-12,000. Most of them boast fuel economy, which is a nice bonus for a young driver.