If you have a teen (or soon-to-be driver) at home, it's time to start thinking about a good first vehicle. From safety features and price to reliability and insurance, there's a lot to consider. But don't worry! We're here to help start your search with top safety picks and recommendations from the pros.

Safety Really Is #1!

No matter how long you've been on the road, driving comes with risks. For new drivers (and especially teens), safety really is the first priority. Here are some numbers to think about from the CDC & the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):

• Only older people drive more than teens, but the risk of a crash is higher among teens 16-19 than any other age group.

• Teens 16-19 have a fatal crash rate almost three times as high as drivers over the age of 20 per mile driven.
• Crash risk is particularly high during the first months of licensure.
• In 2020, car crashes were one of the leading causes of death in teens 13-19.

While there's no one best car for everyone, safety, reliability, and affordability should be at the forefront of any search.

What To Avoid

While your new driver will likely have their own ideas about what makes an ideal vehicle, make sure to steer clear of super-tiny cars that will get flattened by full-size vehicles, as well as huge trucks and SUVs that are harder to handle and use more gas.

Sports cars and high-horsepower vehicles are also on the "skip" list, because they are easy for inexperienced drivers to crash and much more expensive to insure.

Look For 2013 & Newer Models

The general rule is that newer cars have better safety features. Starting in 2013, vehicles must have the "Big Three" safety features: anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control. If your budget allows, look for 2018 or later vehicles. This is when vehicles were mandated to have rearview cameras (although you can find them in some cars before then).

Check The Trim & Safety Specs

It's important to remember that not all safety features available come standard with every model or trim level.

​When you're researching makes and models, review the different trim levels to ensure the vehicle you're eyeing comes with the exact safety features you want. 

Car Buying In Today's Market

If you have even thought about shopping for cars right now, you already know how challenging it can be to get exactly what you want. Supply issues and rising costs make it hard to find exactly what you're looking for in your budget. Things like color may need to be an afterthought in order to get the features you want. And when you do find a reliable, affordable vehicle, move fast... it may not be on the lot for very long.