Buying a car is a big decision and big commitment. It’s normal for that process to come with lots of questions, and if you’re shopping for someone else, it can feel like the pressure is really on—especially when that someone else is your own child. Safety is a huge concern when you’re contemplating a first car for your progeny, and we’re not going to gloss over that. But we also have separate lists dedicated to the Safest Cars for Teen Drivers and the Safest Used Cars for Teens, so this feels like an opportunity to explore some other qualities you might want in a young driver’s car.
What to Look For in a Teen’s Car
Let’s start with the obvious: If your teen is getting behind the wheel, you want it to be in a reliable car with plenty of safety features. Look for good ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), both independent safety organizations which conduct rigorous testing on most new cars. And if you’re shopping for a used car, not to worry! Conventional wisdom does hold that it makes sense to keep investment low when you’re buying for a new driver of any age. Like our comments below, official safety ratings continue to apply even when these are no longer new vehicles, and those scores will be extra informative if you’re choosing between various years of the same make and model. If the 2014 Mazda CX-5 scored better than the 2013, that’s good information to have to help narrow down your search.
Here are our picks of the best new cars—likely to later be among the best used cars—for teens.
What Makes CarGurus Best Cars Guides Different
The Best Cars for Teens
What to Avoid in a Teen's Car
Shopping Tools
Related Topics
1. Kia Telluride
CarGurus expert rating: 8.2 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 34.7%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.6 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Stylish design |
Outdated technology |
| Comfortable |
Irritating lane-assist system |
| Great safety ratings |
Sticky brakes in thick traffic |
The Kia Telluride was redesigned for 2027; read our review of the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid here. Here, we're discussing the first-gen Telluride, which proves a teen-mobile doesn't need to be brand new to be a great choice—it just needs to be good. CarGurus testers took the 2025 Telluride on a 1,200-mile family road trip to Northern California and Yosemite and remained impressed with this stylish and capable SUV.
On the road, the V6 builds power smoothly, and while the powertrain occasionally seems confused about what driving mode it should be in, it's not enough to spoil the experience. The cabin earns its keep too, with buttons and knobs that make it easy to select infotainment menus and adjust the climate system—a small mercy for teens who'd rather not hunt through touchscreen submenus at 70 mph. The one asterisk: CarGurus testers ran into aging technology that caused some irritation over a five-day road trip, so don't expect cutting-edge tech polish. But for a roomy, safety-rated SUV that's been proven over hundreds of thousands of miles by real families, the Telluride remains one of the smartest "new driver" buys on the market.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Aging technology caused some irritation during a five-day road trip in the 2025 Kia Telluride. Otherwise, the Telluride was perfectly suited to long-distance travel–whether rolling down an Interstate, roaming a major city, or romping down trails near a national park." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Kia Telluride review
2. Mazda MAZDA3
CarGurus expert rating: 6.5 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 30.1%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.6 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Available all-wheel drive |
Underwhelming base engine |
| Stylish design |
Cramped back seat |
| Fun to drive |
Outdated technology |
Finally earning that driver’s license isn’t the only milestone your youngster will be celebrating—the teen years are full of major life changes. One notable example? Moving out on their own. Whether your teen is planning on college or has another path ahead, they may very well soon find themselves loading all their earthly possessions into their car and hitting the road. You want to a vehicle that’s nice and maneuverable for a first-time driver, but you also want it to have plenty of cargo space. For a car that’s smaller on the outside, bigger on the inside, you can’t go wrong with a hatchback, and the Mazda Mazda3 is a great example. It looks great, it’s available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or AWD and your choice of naturally aspirated or turbocharged powertrains, and it earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award in 2024.
The tradeoff versus a roomier sedan is practicality—especially in the back seat, where the Mazda3 can feel tight for adults on longer trips or for families regularly using child seats. It’s also worth setting expectations on the lower trims, where the base engine may feel merely adequate, and the tech interface can come across as dated compared with newer, more smartphone-like systems—details that matter if you’re used to the Camry’s easygoing, comfort-first mission.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Mazda 3 brings style and athleticism to an otherwise boring class." - Mark Takahashi
Read our most recent Mazda MAZDA3 review
3. Subaru Forester
CarGurus expert rating: 7.5 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 34.0%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.6 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Impressive off-road capability |
Potentially polarizing design |
| Lots of utility |
Sluggish performance |
| Good safety ratings |
Dissatisfying infotainment system |
The Subaru Forester consistently earns IIHS Top Safety Pick awards, and the 2025 and 2026 models performed well enough in crash tests to move back up to the coveted Top Safety Pick+ tier. The Forester was redesigned for 2025 with fresh looks, a quieter cabin, and more standard features. Unfortunately, its infotainment system still appears untouched since the early aughts, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still not standard. But if it’s safety features you’re after, you’ll likely want to step up to the Touring trim, anyway: That’s where the driver distraction-mitigation system and the new Emergency Stop Assist feature come into play. Regardless of trim level, Subaru’s small SUV naturally features standard all-wheel drive (AWD), a hallmark of the brand. It’s not great for fuel economy, but confident handling is a boon to drivers of any age, and at 28-29 mpg combined, the Forester’s efficiency is far from terrible.
If you're especially concerned about foul-weather confidence, or if your teen is going to need to go off the beaten path, the Forester Wilderness model is designed for rough-road travel. It’s the kind of alternative that makes sense for shoppers who might otherwise default to a mainstream commuter sedan like the Toyota Camry but want a higher driving position, SUV versatility, and extra capability for winter climates, camping trips, or rutted access roads.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The redesigned 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness continues to travel where few crossover SUVs can." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Subaru Forester review
4. Volvo XC90
CarGurus expert rating: 8.3 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 34.0%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.6 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Stylish design |
Semi-autonomous driving not available |
| Great safety ratings |
Top-tier sound system costs extra even on top trim |
| User-friendly technology |
|
Volvo has earned a strong reputation for safety, and we weren’t at all surprised to see the refreshed XC90 score a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. This midsize luxury crossover is certainly not the most affordable option out there, but Volvo backs up its pricing with quality. The XC90 offers a premium experience without any kind of bling, which is important for two reasons: First, you’ll be perfectly comfortable driving it yourself whenever necessary, and second, it won’t draw too much attention when your kid is out and about. Volvo’s Care Key is also a boon to parents, as it allows you to set a speed limit and guarantee that your young driver isn’t getting into any drag races out there. And standard Google Built-In provides voice command, which means less messing around in the infotainment system and more time with hands on the wheel.
Semi-autonomous driving capability isn’t on the table here, and even on higher trims, you may still need to pay extra if you want Volvo’s best audio system. But the XC90 offers a clean, comfortable design, a premium feel, and the practicality of a three-row.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Volvo has had plenty of news this year, most recently with the introduction of the all-new, fully electric 2025 EX90. But that doesn’t mean the automaker is content to let its stalwart top sellers run on autopilot." - Natalie Harrington
Read our most recent 2025 Volvo XC90 review
5. Nissan Kicks
CarGurus expert rating: 7.2 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 33.9%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Stylish design |
Underwhelming base engine |
| Fuel-efficient |
No power seat adjustment |
| Excellent value for the money |
Uncomfortable wind buffeting |
Nissan gave the Kicks a complete overhaul for 2025, and yet this subcompact SUV is still the most affordable vehicle on this list. As of this writing, it clocks in at $27,320, including destination. It features sharp, youthful styling and a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) which successfully addresses our biggest beef with its predecessor. The Kicks isn’t going to be the most exciting to drive, but it checks all the boxes for creature comforts and tech features at a seriously impressive price, and it scored a Top Safety Pick award to boot.
The Kicks’ fuel-efficient nature is a major selling point for teens on a budget, and its small footprint helps ease the challenges of navigating parking lots and tight streets as a newbie. True, the base engine can feel underwhelming, but this is a great way to get the everyday ease of a small crossover without paying SUV money.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Subcompact crossovers have a new value leader: the 2025 Nissan Kicks." - Cherise Threewitt
Read our most recent Nissan Kicks review
6. Toyota Camry
CarGurus expert rating: 7.8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 30.8%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Fuel-efficient |
Uninspired styling |
| Easy-to-use technology |
Not much cargo space |
| Great safety ratings |
Stereo is lacking |
The Toyota Camry went hybrid-only for 2025, making it one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on this list. The EPA rates it at up to 50 mpg combined with AWD. Despite some major upgrades for its all-new ninth generation, this car still boasts a base price that’s under $30,000 (just over once destination is factored in). It’s available in sportier SE and XSE trims or more luxe-leaning LE and XLE grades. For a super premium experience, though, you’ll want to look at the Lexus ES, the Camry’s luxury equivalent.
The Camry’s strengths include low fuel costs, straightforward controls, and a calm, predictable demeanor in traffic and on the highway. The tradeoffs are the ones you’d expect in this part of the market—styling that won’t thrill everyone, limited cargo room for bulky items, and an audio system that may leave music lovers wanting an upgrade.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Affordable, efficient, and safe, the 2026 Toyota Camry is all about practicality." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Toyota Camry review
7. Toyota RAV4
CarGurus expert rating: 6.8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 33.2%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Multiple trims and styles |
Confusing trim levels |
| Standard hybrid |
Size hasn't kept up with rivals |
| Updated tech |
|
The RAV4 offers exactly what many parents want in their teen’s vehicle: a well-established reputation for reliability and no distracting whiz-bang gadgetry. The just-redesigned 2026 model brings more power but pairs it with greater efficiency from a hybrid setup that's now standard.
Toyota is also leaning on updated tech and a wide range of trims and styles, which can be a real plus in tailoring the RAV4 to your priorities (value, appearance, or features). The trim walk can get confusing, and while the RAV4 remains practical, its overall size hasn’t grown the way some key rivals have—something to keep in mind if your kid needs a lot of back-seat room or maximum cargo capacity for their gear, bandmates, side hustle, or what have you. Nevertheless, the RAV4 is a solid, respectable choice, and if you get your teen in one now, it will likely be a long, long time before they need to buy another car.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The redesigned 2026 Toyota RAV4 arrives with more power and greater efficiency." - Robert Duffer
Read our most recent Toyota RAV4 review
8. Chevrolet Trax
CarGurus expert rating: 7.7 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 33.5%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Stylish design |
All-wheel drive not available |
| Great handling |
Poor ergonomic design |
| Impressive technology |
Advanced safety features are not standard |
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax is a reminder that inexpensive doesn’t have to mean stripped-down or forgettable. The base LS and step-up 1RS trims come with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen and two USB ports, higher trims feature an 11-inch touchscreen with rear-seat USB ports as well, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available. Those are great features, and likely to score points with your teen, but they aren’t really what earned the Trax a spot on this list. We love that this entry-level vehicle comes standard with GM’s Teen Driver technology. The Trax won’t allow your kid to shift out of park, or even crank the radio, until everyone seated in the front row has buckled their seatbelts. On top of that, it can enforce safety feature usage and even send you a “report card” so you can be sure your teen is driving responsibly.
The CarGurus Verdict: "After decades of failures, Chevy proves that it can make a good small car after all." - Stephen Edelstein
Read our most recent Chevrolet Trax review
9. Honda Accord
CarGurus expert rating: 6.7 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 31.0%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Fun to drive |
All-wheel drive not available |
| Spacious interior |
Several minor comfort issues |
| Great safety ratings |
Questionable value for the money |
Of course, if you're considering the Camry, you also have to look at its main rival: the Honda Accord. The Accord's latest iteration has been around just a little longer, having debuted for the 2023 model year, but it’s another up-to-date option and, like the Camry, it earned a 2024 Top Safety Pick+. Unlike the Camry, the Accord is still available with a gas-only powertrain if that’s your (or your teen’s) cup of tea, though of course the Accord Hybrid does better on fuel economy. It’s also quieter and more spacious, with a best-in-class 16.7 cubic feet of cargo volume in the trunk.
The CarGurus Verdict: "With the redesigned Accord, Honda makes a great car even better." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Honda Accord review
10. Hyundai Palisade
CarGurus expert rating: 8.8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 34.5%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Multiple powertrain options |
XRT trim loses luxury features |
| Great ride quality |
Fuel economy lags behind top rivals |
| Spacious |
|
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade may not be the obvious pick for a teen's first car, but that doesn't mean it's not a smart one. The Palisade scored very well on safety with CarGurus reviewers, and it's an improvement over the outgoing model in every meaningful way—comfortable enough for the whole family, teen driver very much included. Translation: It's the rare SUV a parent can hand the keys over to without losing sleep.
The Palisade also drives like a car built to keep nervous new drivers calm. The ride is tuned comfortable without going floaty, and the suspension soaks up bumps and potholes without getting rattled, so panic-braking and pothole surprises feel less dramatic than they could. Add in standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across dual 12.3-inch screens (no fumbling with cords mid-merge) and three rows for hauling friends, siblings, or both, and the Palisade earns its spot here: not flashy, not fast, just steady—exactly what you want under a new driver.
The CarGurus Verdict: "If you’re looking for a family car with all-weather capability, more style than a minivan, and nearly as much utility, you may want to head on over to your nearest Hyundai dealership to check out the redesigned Palisade." - Jeremy Korzeniewski
Read our most recent Hyundai Palisade review
What to Avoid in a Teen’s Car
Whether you’re shopping new or used vehicles in search of the perfect choice for your teen, you may want to stay away from options with a few specific characteristics. First of all, don’t get anything too fast or powerful. High-performance vehicles require skill to properly manage, and even in the rare cases of kids who’ve been karting since they were single-digit ages, their on-road experience is limited by the legal driving age. We’d steer clear of sports cars and, for that matter, most electric vehicles (EVs) for this reason. Remember, they’re great for saving at the pump, but EVs are also great for instant torque, and peak power with no waiting might be very bad news for an inexperienced driver.
We know you want to give your child the very best, but we wouldn’t purchase anything too flashy, even if you have the means. While rolling up to school in a brand new BMW 3 Series might be an incredible thrill for a high school student, public appearances in the same “ultimate driving machine” could easily make them a target for muggers or carjackers.
While most people unfortunately can’t say “money is no object,” we’re sure most parents would agree that safety comes before cost-effectiveness when it comes to their kids, and that’s why we haven’t treated fuel-efficiency as an absolute top priority in the list above. Large cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks burn more gas than their smaller counterparts, but they also have a distinct size advantage in case of a collision with another vehicle. We can both hope your family never has to deal with that and also try to help you prepare for the worst, just in case.
We’d also avoid saddling a teenage driver with a very old car. Older vehicles tend to lack safety features that are now de rigeur-even automatic emergency braking can’t be taken for granted if you go just a few years back. On top of that, new drivers don’t have the experience to tell whether a new quirk or mysterious noise is cause for alarm or just a typical sign of age, and that can cause a lot of anxiety.
What Makes CarGurus Best Cars Guides Different?
Most car-shopping websites publish lists of the best cars across a variety of categories, with recommendations generally driven by editorial expertise. Here's what makes ours different: In addition to the insights and verdicts of our team of car-testing experts, our best cars guides take into account other factors that we know matter to buyers-real owner experiences and current market value.
Our expert reviewers are among this country's most trusted automotive journalists, also writing for publications including US News and World Report, Edmunds, Digital Trends, J.D. Power, and Car & Driver. They put each car through real-world testing and create detailed reviews of performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners to cost-effectiveness and safety.
We also analyze hundreds of thousands of used car listings on CarGurus.com to track which models consistently offer the highest percentage of best deals relative to how many are listed for sale. Then we factor in reviews from owners-people who actually live with these cars every day. Our proprietary Best Cars algorithm then creates a final Overall CarGurus rating combining expert scores, user reviews, and the percentage of listings that have earned the Good or Great Deal rating. This multi-pronged approach reveals not just which cars excel on paper, but which ones deliver satisfaction and value when you're ready to buy.
The CarGurus market data used in this guide was last updated in June 2026. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.
Shopping Tools
Related Topics
