Best Cars for Teen Drivers 2025: Safety Features and Vehicle Selection for New Drivers

Graduation season means it’s time for many families to start thinking about a milestone moment: buying a first car for a high school graduate. Whether you’re a parent navigating the process or a teen preparing for independence, choosing the right vehicle is about more than just style—it’s about safety, reliability, and long-term value. Selecting cars that feature automatic emergency braking systems with an advanced or superior rating in critical front crash prevention tests is crucial for reducing accidents, particularly among teen drivers.

At Kunes Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM of Elkhorn, we’ve helped thousands of families find the best cars for teen drivers—and this guide will walk you through today’s top safety features, vehicle picks, and buying tips for 2025.

Teen driver safety is a top priority for parents and guardians, as car accidents are a leading cause of death among teenagers. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), teenagers are at a higher risk of being involved in a car accident due to their immaturity and inexperience. To mitigate this risk, it’s essential to choose a safe and reliable vehicle for new drivers. The IIHS and Consumer Reports have partnered to provide recommendations for safe vehicles, including small cars, large cars, and SUVs, that have advanced safety features such as standard automatic emergency braking and highly rated headlights. By focusing on these key safety features, parents can help protect their teenagers and give them the best possible start on the road.

If you’re looking for the best vehicles for student drivers, consider models that combine driver-assist features, strong crash-test scores, and cost efficiency. Our current top picks include:

• Honda Civic – Excellent reliability, affordable maintenance, and strong resale value.
• Toyota Corolla – Loaded with active safety tech and known for fuel efficiency.
• Hyundai Elantra – A great blend of safety and modern design at an affordable price.
• Mazda CX-30 – A safe, compact SUV with great visibility and AWD availability.
• Subaru Impreza – All-wheel drive standard, with great traction and safety scores.

These models can be categorized into 'best choices' and 'good choices' based on their safety and reliability standards, making them suitable for both budget-conscious buyers and those seeking advanced safety systems.

Each model is a low-maintenance car for teens, ideal for new drivers and cautious parents.

Modern cars offer an impressive list of teen driver safety features. When browsing vehicles at Kunes Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM of Elkhorn, prioritize those with a high rating from IIHS for their safety features, such as:

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Rearview Camera (standard on all new vehicles)
• Teen Driver Monitoring Systems (available in models like Chevrolet)

Pair these with a vehicle safety checklist for teens to ensure your student driver is confident and prepared before every trip.

When it comes to safety features for new drivers, there are several key factors to consider. Vehicles with a good or acceptable rating in the IIHS driver-side small overlap test and good ratings in four other IIHS crash tests, such as the original moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints, are ideal. Additionally, vehicles with advanced or superior ratings in the crash prevention test, such as automatic emergency braking, can significantly reduce the risk of a car accident. Other essential safety features include good or acceptable ratings for headlights, average or better scores for braking and handling, and a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These features collectively ensure that the vehicle can protect new drivers in various crash scenarios and help prevent accidents from occurring in the first place.

Teen car insurance tips can help reduce premiums and increase peace of mind:

• Choose vehicles with high safety ratings and low horsepower to reduce insurance costs. Look for models that offer these features at affordable prices, ensuring safety and reliability without breaking the bank.
• Ask your provider about good student discounts.
• Add your teen to your family policy rather than starting a new one.
• Consider usage-based insurance plans that reward safe driving behavior.

Before your teen hits the road, use this new driver vehicle checklist to ensure their car is road-ready:

• Tire tread and pressure check
• Brake and fluid inspection
• All lights and signals functional
• Spare tire and emergency kit in place
• Driver-assist features tested
• Insurance and registration secured
• Vehicle is in good condition

Kunes dealerships offer complimentary inspections to help parents and teens feel confident at hand-off.

While large vehicles, such as large SUVs and pickup trucks, may seem like a good option for new drivers, they can actually pose a higher risk due to their size and weight. The IIHS recommends that new drivers avoid vehicles that are too large or too small, and instead opt for vehicles that are considered “Goldilocks” models - not too big, not too small, but just right. Vehicles like the Honda Civic sedan, Toyota Corolla, and Honda CR-V are good options, as they have a good balance of safety features, reliability, and affordability. However, it’s essential to note that even with these vehicles, parents should still set a budget and choose the safest car within that price range, as the extra cost is worth it for teen safety. By selecting a vehicle that is easy to handle and equipped with advanced safety features, parents can help ensure their teen drivers are well-protected on the road.

A car is one of the most practical and empowering graduation gifts you can give. Whether you’re gifting a new ride or helping your student make their first purchase, our graduation car gift ideas range from compact sedans to entry-level SUVs.

When selecting a reliable first car, it's crucial to consider the model year, as safety ratings and reliability can vary significantly across different production years.

At Kunes Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM of Elkhorn, we offer:

• Handpicked reliable starter cars for teens
• Transparent pricing and financing
• New and certified pre-owned inventory
• Safety-first guidance from our experienced team
• Teen vehicle safety checklists and maintenance support
• Expert vehicle research to help you select the safest and most reliable cars for new teen drivers

Visit Kunes Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM of Elkhorn or browse our online inventory of the best new cars for teen drivers 2025. We’ll help you compare models, understand safety systems, and make the right choice for your family.

Trust Kunes Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM of Elkhorn to put your new driver in the safest seat on the road.

In conclusion, choosing a safe and reliable vehicle for new drivers is crucial to reducing the risk of car accidents. By considering factors such as safety features, crash test ratings, and vehicle size, parents and guardians can make an informed decision. The IIHS and Consumer Reports provide valuable recommendations and resources to help families make smart choices.

Remember, the safest vehicles for new drivers are those that have advanced safety features, good crash test ratings, and are easy to handle. By prioritizing safety and taking the time to research and compare different vehicles, parents can help protect their teenagers and give them the best possible start on the road.