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- What’s the Safest Car for a 16 Year Old New Driver? (momswhothink.com)
Steering Your Teen to Safety: Top Car Picks for New Drivers
As your teenager approaches that eagerly anticipated 16th birthday, the conversation invariably shifts to one thing: a car. For many parents, the biggest concern isn’t just the price tag, but rather finding a vehicle that offers the utmost safety. While we trust our young drivers to be responsible, it’s the unpredictable actions of others on the road that truly keep us up at night.
Fortunately, the market is brimming with safe and reliable options that can give parents peace of mind. Many of these are familiar sedans, while others might be unexpected heroes in the safety department. Here’s a rundown of some top contenders, packed with features designed to protect your most precious cargo.
Honda Civic: A Reliable Ride with Modern Safety
When prioritizing safety and dependability, the Honda Civic consistently ranks high. For optimal safety features, consider models from 2021 onwards, as these received significant upgrades. Beyond its robust safety suite, the Civic boasts excellent fuel economy, a surprisingly spacious interior, and agile handling, making it a practical choice for daily commutes.
What Makes it Safe?
Newer Honda Civics have earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) for both 2022 and 2025 models. Key safety enhancements include rearview cameras, adaptive cruise control, advanced vehicle stability assist, electronic brake distribution, and a comprehensive airbag system. These features combine to create a secure environment, allowing parents to feel confident as their teens head out on the road.
Toyota Camry: A Spacious Sedan Built for Protection
Safety experts often recommend Toyota Camry models from 2018 and newer. This enduring sedan offers a winning combination of dependability, impressive fuel economy, and a roomy interior that comfortably seats four. Just a friendly reminder to your teen: while there’s plenty of space, keeping the passenger count reasonable can minimize distractions.
What Makes it Safe?
The Toyota Camry is loaded with advanced safety features. Its pre-collision system utilizes a camera to detect nearby vehicles and pedestrians, helping the driver avoid potential accidents. Advanced cruise control maintains a safe following distance, while lane departure alerts provide timely warnings to keep the vehicle in its lane.
Honda Accord: Midsize Comfort, Maximum Security
The Honda Accord stands out as a safe and economical midsize sedan. While newer models generally offer robust safety features, the 2020 version is particularly recommended for its comprehensive suite. Beyond safety, the Accord delivers a strong engine for timely arrivals and a very spacious interior, perfect for teens with sports gear or other cargo.
What Makes it Safe?
Modern Honda Accords are equipped with impressive safety technology. A windshield camera actively identifies road markings, assisting the car in maintaining a safe path. Strong forward collision warnings alert drivers to potential impacts with vehicles ahead, and traffic sign recognition helps teens stay aware of speed limits, potentially preventing their first speeding ticket.
Mazda CX-5: An SUV Champion of Safety
Recent Mazda CX-5 models have consistently earned “Top Safety Pick” accolades for several years, offering a wide range of safe choices for your teen. This SUV provides ample interior space for friends or equipment, coupled with a durable engine designed for longevity and effortless travel. The quiet cabin also minimizes road noise, contributing to a more focused driving experience.
What Makes it Safe?
The Mazda CX-5 integrates numerous advanced safety features. Newer models include blind spot monitoring, lane assist alerts, adaptive front lighting, high beam control, and more. A standout feature is the driver attention alert, which can detect driver fatigue or distraction and issue alerts or provide assistance to enhance safety.
Toyota Prius: Eco-Friendly and Exceptionally Safe
For teens interested in an electric vehicle, the Toyota Prius is a classic choice that has evolved with sleek design updates. Beyond its impressive safety credentials, newer Prius models offer increased interior space and outstanding mileage, allowing teens to save money and contribute to a greener environment with extended range on a single charge.
What Makes it Safe?
The IIHS recommends any Prius model from 2017 onwards, with the Prius Prime offering the highest level of safety. Features include automatic high beams for improved nighttime visibility, proactive driving assist to help navigate challenging turns, and Hill Start Assist Control for smooth starts on inclines. A convenient door alarm also alerts occupants to nearby obstacles when opening a car door.
Toyota Highlander: A Robust and Reliable SUV
The Toyota Highlander is another highly regarded SUV known for its consistent safety performance over many years, with any model from 2017 onwards being a solid choice. The Highlander provides a notably quiet and comfortable ride, along with a “snazzy” aesthetic that allows teens to drive confidently across various road conditions.
What Makes it Safe?
The Toyota Highlander is exceptionally safe, largely due to its integrated Toyota Safety Sense suite. This system uses cameras and sensors to actively protect drivers and others from collisions. The road sign assist helps teens recognize essential road signs, while multiple airbags and seatbelt pretensioners offer crucial protection in the event of a crash.
Subaru Forester: Power, Space, and Peace of Mind
Opting for any Subaru Forester model from 2021-2024 ensures a safe vehicle for your teenager. This powerful SUV features a robust engine and all-wheel drive.
Its very roomy interior provides ample space for friends or cargo. While a solid vehicle, its slightly slower acceleration might be a welcome characteristic for parents concerned about their teens speeding.
What Makes it Safe?
The Subaru Forester boasts several unique safety features. Its ring-shaped reinforced frame, constructed with multiple layers of steel, significantly strengthens the vehicle and enhances occupant safety during collisions. The Forester also includes numerous airbags, blind-spot detection, cross-traffic alerts, and LED daytime running lights for improved visibility.
Toyota Avalon: A Dependable and Discontinued Gem
Though perhaps less commonly known, the Toyota Avalon is a dependable and safe sedan. Models from 2017-2022 are considered among the safest available.
Despite appearing compact externally, the interior is remarkably spacious with comfortable seating. As the sedan was discontinued in 2022, purchasing a used model could offer a significant cost saving.
What Makes it Safe?
The Toyota Avalon comes equipped with Toyota’s Safety Sense suite. This includes lane tracing, which gently guides the car back into its lane if the driver becomes distracted, and various pre-collision warning alerts that provide ample notice of potential impacts.
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