You may be looking for a safe used car for your newly licensed teenage driver this summer. If so, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Consumer Reports can help.
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 on featured models.
1. Mazda 3 Hatchback
Recommended model year: 2019-2025
Median used price: $13,200
What they said: In its review of the 2019 Mazda 3 Hatchback, Car and Driver said, “The fully loaded AWD hatchback (priced at $31,335) weighs just 117 pounds more than a similarly equipped front-drive 3 sedan. The extra weight accelerates slightly 0.2 seconds slower, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.2 seconds and 60 mph time of 15.6 seconds.” A quarter mile. ”
2. Mazda 3 sedan
Recommended model year: 2019-2023
Median used price: $13,600
What they said: In his review, Edmunds said, “The 2023 Mazda3’s strengths don’t show up on the spec sheet. Practicality, fuel economy, and driveability, for example, are all average. But the 3’s unique style and refinement make it more fun to drive and own than most other small sedans, making it a great value premium sedan.”
3. Subaru Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid
Recommended model year: 2019-2023
Median used price: $13,600
What they said: In its review, Kelley Blue Book says, “The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is a practical plug-in hybrid that’s adventure-ready. It’s light-footed in corners and has a smooth ride. All-electric range is modest, but the hybrid’s feature-rich cabin and standard all-wheel drive make it well-suited for a variety of needs.”
4. Nissan Maxima
Recommended model year: 2020-2023
Median used price: $15,200
What they said: MotorTrend said in its review, “There’s a lot to like about the Nissan Maxima. The interior is modern and high-quality, the adaptive cruise control is great for road trips, and the standard V6 engine is smooth and powerful. IIHS 2020 Top Safety Pick+ designation means the Maxima is very safe. Gas mileage is also decent, but buyers of full-size sedans with lower MPGs or higher may be better served by the Avalon Hybrid.”
5. Subaru Legacy
Recommended model year: 2020-2025
Median used price: $16,500
What they said: In its review, MotorTrend said, “The 2024 Subaru Legacy is a comfortable and thoroughly capable midsize sedan, with plenty of space in the large trunk and standard all-wheel drive. But the non-turbocharged Legacy model lacks distinctive character and lacks oomph, and its infotainment system isn’t the quickest or easiest to use either.”
6. Nissan Altima
Recommended model year: 2021-2024
Median used price: $17,000
What they said: In its review, Car and Driver said, “Embrace the Altima as a capable family sedan that’s been around for 30 years, and enjoy a relaxed, laid-back driving experience.”
7. Toyota Camry
Recommended model year: 2019-2025
Median used price: $17,300
What they said: “An automotive staple for nearly 40 years, the Toyota Camry needs little introduction,” MotorTrend said in its review. “Even as consumer tastes shift towards crossovers, this family sedan continues to sell in large numbers.”
8. Become K5
Recommended model year: 2021-2024, built after November 2020
Median used price: $17,500
What they said: “The 2023 Kia K5 has a style and substance that sets it apart from other midsize family sedans,” Edmunds said in his review. “Thanks to its excellent suspension and extremely quiet cabin, it’s incredibly easy to drive and comfortable on long trips.”
9. Subaru Outback
Recommended model year: 2020-2025, built after October 2019
Median used price: $18,700
What they said: Kelley Blue Book said in its review, “All the qualities that contribute to the Outback’s popularity are still here: standard all-wheel drive, high resale value, safety, space, practicality and attractive pricing. And since no one buys a Subaru just for looks, the 2023 mid-generation improvements shouldn’t drive potential customers elsewhere.”
10. Hyundai Ioniq 6
Recommended model year: 2023-2025
Median used price: $19,400
What they said: Car and Driver said in its review, “The Ioniq 6 offers much more range and performance than you’d expect from an affordable EV sedan, and its design makes it even more appealing.”
11. Genesis G80
Recommended model year: 2019-2020
Median used price: $19,700
What they said: MotorTrend said in its review, “What Hyundai introduced in 2009 as the Genesis has evolved into the G80, a comfortable tweener car from the Genesis brand that sits above the 2019 Car of the Year winner the Genesis G70 and below the larger and more expensive Genesis G90.”
