05/27/2026
A new report out from The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports have collaborated to find the best and safest new vehicles for teenagers. As teens have a higher driver risk profile due to inexperience, they only selected vehicles with good safety ratings. Hyundai and Mazda have the most models in the recommended list.
Small Cars
Mazda 3 hatchback or sedan
Toyota Prius
Midsize Cars
Hyundai Sonata (including hybrid)
Toyota Camry
Small SUVs
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Hyundai Kona
Hyundai Tucson (including hybrid)
Mazda CX-30
Midsize SUVs
Ford Explorer
Honda Passport
Hyundai Palisade (models built after November 2025, including hybrid)
Hyundai Santa Fe (including hybrid)
Kia Sorento (models built after September 2025, including hybrid)
Mazda CX-70 (including PHEV)
Mazda CX-90
Nissan Murano
Nissan Pathfinder
Subaru Ascent
Volkswagen Atlas