If you’re looking for a safe used SUV for your newly licensed teen driver, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Consumer Reports have you covered.
The organization recently released a list of 29 used cars and SUVs that typically cost less than $20,000, perform well in crash tests, and have highly rated headlights and automatic emergency braking systems that can detect pedestrians.
“Driving poses additional risks for teens, which is why we curate this annual list specifically for teens,” IIHS senior researcher Rebecca West said in a statement. “That said, this proposition is suitable for drivers of all ages looking for a balance between affordability and crash protection and avoidance.”
“A first car is a big milestone for a teenager,” Emily Thomas, Consumer Reports’ associate director of auto safety, said in a statement. “Whether you’re buying a car or deciding which car your family should start driving, these lists can help parents make confident choices without sacrificing safety.”
The USA TODAY Cars team has researched the group’s listings and compiled information for consumers about the hottest SUV models.
1.Mazda CX-5
Recommended model year: From 2018 to 2025. Built after March 2018
Median used price: $13,100
What they said: In his review, Edmunds said, “The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is one of our best small SUVs to drive. It’s sporty in the corners, and its turbocharged engine allows for quick acceleration. But the CX-5 isn’t as roomy or practical as some of its top SUV rivals. It’s worth a look, but know that other SUVs are better in most ways.”
2.Mazda CX-3
Recommended model year: 2020-2021
Median used price: $13,600
What they said: “The CX-3 is technically the smallest SUV in Mazda’s lineup, sharing space in the subcompact SUV segment with the slightly larger and slightly more expensive CX-30,” Car and Driver magazine said in its review. Its proximity to the CX-30 doesn’t make the CX-3 completely obsolete; its upscale cabin, fun-to-drive nature, and cheeky exterior styling make it a favorite among other small crossovers.
3.Mazda CX-30
Recommended model year: 2021-2025. Built after September 2020
Median used price: $15,900
What they said: “The 2021 CX-30 is a sleek, sporty entry into the ultracompact SUV class,” Edmunds said in his review. “It has a striking look and plenty of standard features. It’s priced higher than many of its competitors, but you get a lot for the money. It’s comfortable on the road and has plenty of storage space.”
4. Subaru Forester
Recommended model year: 2019-2025
Median used price: $15,900
What they said: MotorTrend said in its review, “In terms of practicality, the Subaru Forester is hard to beat in the compact crossover segment. Its cabin is very spacious, giving its occupants plenty of room to stretch out, not to mention plenty of cargo-carrying capacity. Meanwhile, the Forester is extremely comfortable to ride, with soft-touch surfaces throughout the interior adding a luxurious feel.”
5. Chevrolet Trailblazer
Recommended model year: 2021-2023
Median used price: $16,700
What they said: Kelley Blue Book said in its review, “The Chevrolet Trailblazer name is back in the form of a subcompact crossover SUV, the most affordable entry-level model in Chevrolet’s extensive SUV lineup. The Trailblazer is a strong value choice in this segment with a low starting price, excellent fuel economy, and some great standard features such as an intuitive and modern infotainment system.”
6. Hyundai Ioniq 5
Recommended model year: 2021-2023
Median used price: $16,700
What they said: In its review, Car and Driver said, “Since its debut as a 2022 model, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has frequently been named to our 10Best, Editor’s Choice, and EV of the Year award lists. It’s appealing in style, packed with value, priced right, and fun to drive. In short, it’s an electric SUV that’s easy to love.”
7. Nissan Rogue
Recommended model year: 2021-2023
Median used price: $17,200
What they said: “The latest 2023 Nissan Rogue is the best version yet,” Edmunds said in his review. “It’s practical, fuel-efficient, and packed with standard features and driver aids. It’s a solid all-rounder. But compared to other small SUVs, the Rogue has a noisy interior, an unrefined ride, and an increasingly outdated infotainment system.”
8. Subaru Solterra
Recommended model year: 2023-2025
Median used price: $17,700
What they said: In its review, Kelley Blue Book said, “The new Subaru Solterra is similar in size to the Toyota RAV4, making it a compact SUV. The reference to Toyota is no coincidence, as the Solterra is part of a joint project that also includes the new Toyota bZ4X all-electric SUV.”
9. Audi Q4 e-tron
Recommended model year: 2022-2025
Median used price: $18,100
What they said: In its review, U.S. News & World Report said, “The 2025 Audi Q4 e-tron is a luxurious, good-looking EV with good driving dynamics and decent power. But competitors match or exceed it in nearly every metric, making it difficult to choose among its many impressive rivals.”
10. Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron
Recommended model year: 2022-2024
Median used price: $18,100
What they said: “If all you want is an ultra-stylish EV, the 2024 Audi Q4 Sportback E-Tron is an attractive option. Its rakeback roof makes it an attractive alternative to the standard Q4 E-Tron’s traditional profile,” MotorTrend said in its review.
11. Ford Bronco Sport
Recommended model year: 2021-2025
Median used price: $18,100
What they said: “If you’re looking for a small SUV with off-road capability, the most appealing choice is the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport,” Car and Driver said in a review.
12. Volkswagen Tiguan
Recommended model year: 2022-2024
Median used price: $18,200
What they said: “The 2024 Tiguan is sharp-looking and one of the few small SUVs with a third-row seat, and it has a comfortable ride and very good outward visibility. However, the third row’s usefulness is questionable and its handling can be distracting, so the Tiguan is not a first choice.”
13. Become EV6
Recommended model year: 2022-2024. Built after August 2022
Median used price: $18,700
What they said: In its review, Kelley Blue Book said, “The 2024 Kia EV6 is one of the most distinctive and visually exciting electric vehicles available, and one of our highest-rated models in its segment. The EV6 is called an SUV, but it somewhat defies classification as it blends aspects of hatchback, sports car, and perhaps otherworldly. And we haven’t even mentioned its innovative, tech-advanced interior.”
14. Hyundai Tucson
Recommended model year: 2022-2025. including hybrid
Median used price: $19,100
What they said: “The Hyundai Tucson improves its value proposition with added technology for 2025,” U.S. News & World Report said in its review. “It’s still a comfortable, spacious and well-equipped compact SUV, but many rivals offer drivers more excitement.”
15.Mazda CX-9
Recommended model year: From 2020 to 2023. Built after December 2019
Median used price: $16,200
What they said: MotorTrend said in its review, “While the CX-9 is attractive compared to other SUVs in this segment, its small third row and limited cargo capacity make it less practical. These are crucial for a three-row SUV, and we hope the CX-90 can do well in this segment without losing what makes it a Mazda in the first place.”
16. Nissan Murano
Recommended model year: 2021-2025
Median used price: $18,000
What they said: In its review, Car and Driver said, “The fourth-generation Murano is more of a significant refresh than an all-new car. Beneath its shapely new sheetmetal, distinctive lighting elements, swooping roofline, and bulging fenders, structural and chassis components are carried over from the outgoing model, and that’s okay. The Murano’s sleek, clean design hides those historical elements.”
17. Ford Explorer
Recommended model year: 2020-2024
Median used price: $18,400
What they said: “The seven-passenger (base trim) 2024 Ford Explorer has an impressive track record of engine power, towing capacity and sporty driving dynamics,” Kelley Blue Book said in its review. “It also boasts safety certifications in the form of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s coveted Top Safety Pick Award and offers Co-Pilot360, Ford’s advanced safety technology bundle. Plus, it looks downright intimidating sitting in a parking lot full of unstylish cars. rivals. ”
18. Mitsubishi Outlander
Recommended model year: 2022-2025. Built after June 2021
Median used price: $18,700
What they said: “For 2025, Mitsubishi’s largest SUV has received some pleasant updates inside and out,” Edmunds said in his review. “Improved technology and a fairly luxurious interior give the 2025 Outlander an advantage over previous models. Unfortunately, a nearly useless third row and an underpowered engine remain.”
19. Acura RDX
Recommended model year: 2019-2025
Median used price: $19,600
What they said: “Fun and practical, the Acura RDX has a lot of potential. Not only is it stylish, sporty and roomy, it has traditionally offered good long-term value. There’s just one big problem with this great SUV: infotainment technology. Acura has updated the 2025 RDX with a focus on exterior design and improved quality of life inside the cabin.”
