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Teens and their parents have trouble agreeing on most things these days. Finding a good quality vehicle for a new teen driver is often a controversial subject, needing to find the balance of safety, affordability, and features.
From sporty to spacious, all with an eye on safety, these are our picks for the best rides for teens in no particular order
Mazda 3
Why should you buy this: It’s safe and reliable, but not boring.
Who’s it for: Budding car enthusiasts.
How much will it cost: $21,500+
Insurance cost: Get quote
Why the Mazda 3:
The Mazda 3 is a good vehicle for teens. It will teach them the concept that cars can be fun and entertaining even when they have to be practical, reliable and safe.
Unlike many other cars, the Mazda 3 gives driver a lot more than just transportation. Handling is amazing, the exterior is pleasing to the eye, and even the base 2.0-liter engine is peppy, making the most of its 155 horsepower engine also available is the 184hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder on higher trim level).
Mazda also offers great tech features like nine-speaker Bose audio system as well as a head-up display, albeit as optional extras. The standard touchscreen display is easy to use, and parents can see all the safety features like autonomous emergency braking and rear cross traffic alert.
Hyundai Ioniq
A good green car for teens
Why should you buy this: It’s a good sturdy car with a choice of three green powertrains. Who’s it for: Up-and-coming environmentalists.
How much will it cost: $23,200+ (hybrid)
Insurance cost: Get quote
Why the Hyundai Ioniq:
The Hyundai Ioniq is not just another hatchback, Hyundai put all of the effort into the powertrain. The Ioniq is offered in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery-electric flavors.
The Ioniq offers impressive efficiency. The Ioniq Hybrid gets an EPA-rated 55 mpg combined (58 mpg in the efficiency-focused Blue trim), while the Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid can operate solely on electric power for up to 29 miles with an efficiency rating of 119 MPGe combined. Finally, the Ioniq Electric offers 170 miles of range at 133 MPGe combined. Stopping at a fuel station will be a thing of the past
The company also tried to make the Ioniq exciting. The Ioniq Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid use a six-speed dual-clutch transmission for quicker response time, and the chassis was tuned for relatively better control. The combination of efficiency, a focus on driving dynamics, and typical Hyundai value makes the Ioniq a a safe choice for teen drivers
Subaru BRZ
The best sports car for teens
Why should you buy this: It’s the sports car you’ve always wanted The Subaru BRZ is exciting to drive
Who’s it for: Wannabe racers.
How much will it cost: $28,845+
Insurance cost: Get quote
Why the Subaru BRZ:
The Subaru BRZ is exactly the kind of car enthusiasts ask for. The BRZ is not very expensive, small rear-wheel-drive sports car that offers all the style you need.
With its two-door coupe body and fun driving experience, the BRZ is one kool car. As for Speed, Parents get rest assure that this 2.0-liter flat-four engine only produces 205hp, which is enough to let teen feel that they own the road but safe to handle.
Toyota Tacoma
The best pickup truck for teens
Why should you buy this: It can stand up to all kinds of abuse.
Who’s it for: People with things to haul and trails to scour.
How much will it cost: $26,050+
Insurance cost: Get quote
Why the Toyota Tacoma:
For beginners learning how to drive, it’s best to go with a smaller, more maneuverable truck than the large truck. In the last few year the mid-size truck has been making a come back from GM, Ford, Jeep, and Honda. However Toyota never left the game.
The Tacoma got a full redesign in 2016. The Tacoma features tough-looking exterior styling and a many more tech features than before. It has everything you want in a truck, a basic-but-functional interior and a four-wheel drive system.
If a brand-new Tacoma is out of your price range, the older model is also a solid truck as well. The Tacoma also has a good reputation for reliability and longevity.
Jeep Renegade
The best crossover/SUV for teens
Why should you buy this: It’s fun, distinctive, and can play in the dirt.
Who’s it for: Young explorers.
How much will it cost: $22,470+
Insurance cost: Get quote
Why the Jeep Renegade:
The Renegade is a well known brand, and the smallest and least-expensive vehicle Jeep makes. It’s part of a wave of subcompact crossovers that undercut more traditional models including it's own Cherokee in size and price.
Unlike other vehicles, when driving the Renegade, it actually feels like driving a SUV due to it's tall, upright driving position and styling that imitates the more traditional Jeeps. The Renegade Trailhawk model also has an off-road abilities. It gets the same Selec-Terrain system offered in larger Jeeps, and a sophisticated all-wheel drive system.
The Renegade offers the handling of a car, and its small size makes it a better fit for city driving vs the larger models.
Audi A3
The best luxury car for teens
Why should you buy this: It’s small but luxurious and high-tech.
Who’s it for: Future CEOs.
How much will it cost: $33,300
Insurance cost: Get quote
Why the Audi A3:
The Audi A3 is the smallest and least expensive of Audi’s North American lineup, but it doesn’t feel like basic vehicle. With leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and heated front seats as a standard, It’s also features technology that is brought from the bigger models, such as the A4 and the A6. It also includes a digital instrument cluster Audi calls the "virtual cockpit" and in-car Wi-Fi connection. The A3 also offers driving aids like adaptive cruise control and park assist for drivers safety
The A3 comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine. With 184hp and 222 pound-feet of torque, the A3 has all the power your looking for and all the safety you expect The A3 is certainly not a supercar, so parents don’t need to worry about their teens driving it. Front-wheel drive comes standard, and Audi’s winter-friendly quattro all-wheel drive system is offered at an extra cost.
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