If you’re looking for a new car, you may have researched this year’s safest cars. Not everyone can afford to get safe luxury cars like the
Volvo xc90. This is especially true If you’re searching for a family vehicle that you can use to teach your
teen how to drive on. However, there are many affordable cars out there made with standard safety features like roadside assist. Our expert compiled a list of some popular cars with top-notch safety features approved by the IIHS. These cars are safe for anyone to drive, and even better if you want your kids to learn on one of the safest cars for teens.
What Should You Look For In a Safe Car?
There’s plenty of advanced features in luxury cars, but you don’t have to break the bank to get a safe vehicle! The IIHS tells drivers that although these features definitely help keep you safe, consumers looking for any new car should look for:
- Cars with not a lot of horsepower. Riding in a high speed car can be fun, but drivers can easily lose control of their vehicle. It’s best to stick with a lower horsepower vehicle, especially with a teenage driver.
- Cars that are a little bit bigger. Bigger cars, trucks and SUVs are better at protecting drivers and passengers if they’re impacted. Although you’d think a smaller vehicle will make it easier to reduce cosmetic wear and tear, they actually increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- Electronic stability control (ESC) system. Many newer vehicles use this roadside-assist system, helping drivers on curvy or slippery roads. In fact, it’s been a vehicle standard since 2012. The IIHS rates this feature as important as wearing a seatbelt!
- Cars with top safety ratings and little recalls. Be sure to always check to see how the IIHS rates the different safety features on your vehicle before you buy. You can easily see any recalls by looking up your car’s VIN. If there is a recall, call your local dealership to see how you can fix the issue, free of charge!
2020 Chevrolet Equinox – $24,995
The IIHS lists the Chevrolet Equinox as one of their “good” choices. This car features an automatic braking system which stops the car automatically before any detected impact. It also comes with a speed limit feature, and a seatbelt alert that prevents your anyone from turning on the radio before they’re buckled in. This can be especially useful for teens who get a little too excited when they first get in the car, or if someone’s in a rush.
2020 Subaru Crosstrek – $24,505
This sporty SUV is perfect if you like something to get away for a weekend, but still want to practice safe driving with your teen. The Crosstrek is a versatile subcompact SUV with the
EyeSight suite! This feature reduces accidents by 85% monitoring traffic movement, optimizing cruise control, and keeps drivers in their lane. This feature is standard in any of Subaru’s 2020 vehicles, but we picked this vehicle because it’s still a larger vehicle.
If you want something a little cheaper and a little more fuel efficient, try the Subaru Outback or Forester! The IIHS recommends any Outback or Forester after 2014.
2020 Toyota Camry – $24,425
If you want something a little smaller or more fuel efficient but still has high safety ratings, try the 2020 Toyota Camry. This newly redesigned vehicle is sleek and stylish, but still has all the safety features to protect your family. On top of many modern-day safety features like
Toyota Safety Sense, the Camry also has additional Blind Spot Monitors that can be added to the vehicle.
2020 Kia Optima – $24,115
Another good-rated pick from the IIHS. This vehicle comes with driver assist tech features that prevents drivers from hitting something or someone. This car is a mid-sized sedan, so if you want a smaller car your teen that won’t get scratched in a parking incident, this is the car for you.
2020 Mazda CX-3 – $21,435
IF you’re worried about size, the CX-3 is Mazda’s smallest SUV. While it’s easy to maneuver, it gives drivers plenty of extra room for storage. Larger vehicles also help prevent crashes according to the IIHS, and passengers are less likely to be seriously injured in a larger vehicle. This car is great for teaching teens to drive safely and confidently. It has all the standard safety features including exceptional handling and steering, making it easy for your teen to drive on winding roads or trying to squeeze into that tight spot.
2020 Hyundai Kona – $21,195
The Hyundai Kona was the IIHS top safety pick of 2019. This fun and compact ride is perfect for families that love weekend drives. It has a 5-star safety rating from the IIHS, and even comes with forward-collision avoidance technology. Best of all, Hyundais are incredibly reliable and have a high-value resale price.
NOTE: As of March 20th, the Hyundai Kona was recalled for incorrect gross axle weigh rating, which could result in overloading. To fix this issue, call your local Hyundai dealership to have the issue resolved for free!
2020 Honda Civic – $19,850
Not only is this the most affordable vehicle on our list, it’s also been rated the number one IIHS safety pick since 2016! You don’t have to blow your budget on luxury safety vehicles. The Honda Civic is great either as a family car or if you want to make a special investment for your teenage driver. Both the sedan and hatchback versions of the civic have all the best safety features and technologies. Best of all, it has a superior front crash protection safety system from both vehicles and pedestrians.
