A new list of recommended used vehicles for teen drivers has been released.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) have identified 45 used vehicles starting under $10,000, which they say offer good crash protection and are suitable for teen drivers.
Another 29 vehicles that also have highly rated headlights and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection can be found for under $20,000.
“We curate this annual list specifically for teens because driving holds extra risk for them,” said IIHS Senior Research Scientist Rebecca Weast.
“That said, the suggestions are suitable for drivers of any age looking to balance affordability with crash protection and crash avoidance.”
For those who prefer a 2026 model, IIHS and CR have identified 22 vehicles with excellent crashworthiness and advanced safety features that are on the less expensive end of the new-car spectrum.
CR and IIHS have produced the annual list of teen vehicles jointly since 2020 to support families looking for something that can help keep a new driver safe while staying within budget constraints.
