It's a milestone that often fills parents with both pride and dread: shopping for a car with a new teenage driver. Many parents are tempted to go the most budget-friendly route, reasoning that the chosen car will likely be involved in a couple of fender benders as their novice drivers learn the rules of the road. While it's certainly understandable to want to stay within budget, choosing that old hand-me-down truck or the cheapest model being advertised at the local dealership might also mean sacrificing certain safety features. Because teenage drivers are much more likely to be involved in accidents-- including fatal ones-- it's important to find the safest and most reliable options within your budget. Let's consider some of the best cars for new drivers below:

Mazda 3 (2019 or newer)

Many parents have the misconception that a car must be big to be safe for their teenage drivers. That's simply not the case. The Mazda3 consistently ranks high in safety and reliability, making it a smart choice for your teen's first set of wheels. Its sleek design and sporty handling add a touch of fun to the everyday commute. Look for models with the i-Activsense safety suite, which includes features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, for an extra layer of protection.

Toyota Corolla (2020 or newer)

It's not a flashy car with all of the bells and whistles, but that's often something many parents consider a benefit when a teenage driver is involved. Known for its reliability, the Corolla is a practical and safe choice for new drivers. Corollas come standard with Toyota Safety Sense, a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features that can help prevent accidents before they happen.

Honda Civic (2022 or newer)

The redesigned Civic boasts excellent safety ratings and a reputation for longevity, just like its older siblings. Its spacious interior and comfortable ride make it a great choice for both daily commutes and weekend adventures. The available Honda Sensing safety suite includes features like collision mitigation braking and road departure mitigation, offering added security for your teen driver.

Hyundai Elantra (2021 or newer)

The Elantra offers a winning combination of style, comfort, and safety. Its modern design and tech-savvy interior will appeal to young drivers, while its long list of standard safety features will put parents at ease. Consider the hybrid model for even better fuel economy and a smaller carbon footprint.

Nissan Leaf (2018 or newer)

For eco-conscious families, the Nissan Leaf is an affordable and reliable EV option. Its range has improved over the years, making it suitable for more than just short commutes. With its peppy acceleration and quiet ride, the Leaf is surprisingly fun to drive. It also comes standard with Nissan's Safety Shield 360 suite, adding another layer of protection for your teen driver.

Chevrolet Bolt (2009-2013)

The Bolt offers a longer range than the Leaf at a competitive price point, making it a practical choice for longer trips and daily errands. Its spacious interior and SUV-like design appeal to families, while its zippy acceleration and responsive handling make it a joy to drive. The Bolt also boasts a strong safety record and comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist.

Important Considerations:

• Advanced Safety Features: Prioritize cars with features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring.
• Reliability Ratings: Research reliability reports from reputable sources like Consumer Reports or J.D. Power.
• Fuel Efficiency: Opt for fuel-efficient models (or EVs) to save money at the pump (or on charging).
• Insurance Costs: Get insurance quotes for different cars before making a final decision.
• Teen Driver Education: Enroll your teen in a comprehensive driver's education program to develop safe driving habits.
• EV Charging Access: If you're considering an EV, ensure you have convenient access to charging stations at home or in your area.

Remember, the bottom line is that you want to choose the safest, most reliable option available within your budget. Additionally, to ensure that your teenager learns how to drive safely and defensively, consider our online driver's education program. Contact us today for more information.