Best Cars for New Drivers: Safety Rankings 2025

Buying your first car is exciting—but let’s be honest, it can also be kind of scary. If you're a parent, handing over those keys for the first time might feel like the scariest thing you've done all year. And if you're a new driver, maybe you're excited but also nervous about staying safe on the road.



That’s why safety should be the number one thing to think about when choosing a first car. Cool features and stylish looks are nice, but nothing matters more than keeping you protected.

In this post, we’ll go over the best first cars for teenagers and new drivers in 2025. These are the safest beginner cars—easy to drive, not too expensive, and with top safety ratings to give everyone peace of mind.

Why Safety Matters for New Drivers?

New drivers, especially teenagers, often don’t have much experience on the road. Because of that, they are more likely to be involved in accidents—especially in their first year of driving. In fact, statistics show that teen drivers have a higher crash rate than any other age group. Most of these accidents happen because of inexperience, distractions, or not knowing how to react in sudden situations.

This is why choosing a safe car is so important.

A "safe" car usually has a few key features:

• High crash test ratings – These show how well a car protects its passengers during an accident.
• Modern driver-assist features – Tools like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot alerts, or lane keeping can help avoid accidents.
• Good visibility – Large windows, mirrors, and smart design help the driver see clearly in all directions.

There are also two types of safety systems:

• Passive safety features work during a crash, such as airbags, seatbelts, and strong body frames.
• Active safety features help prevent accidents. These include features like forward collision warnings, backup cameras, and stability control.

For someone just learning to drive, having both types of safety features can make a big difference.

Source: CDC - Risk Factors for Teen Drivers



What to Look for in a Beginner-Friendly Car

When you're choosing a first car for a new driver, you want something that's not just safe—but also easy to handle, affordable to own, and simple to keep in good shape. Here are the most important things to look for:



• Small or midsize cars – These are usually easier to drive, park, and control, especially for someone still getting used to the road. Big trucks or SUVs can be harder to manage and more expensive to fix if something goes wrong.
• Good fuel economy – New drivers often drive a lot, whether it's to school, work, or just practicing. A car that doesn’t use too much gas will save money over time.
• High safety ratings – Always check the safety scores from trusted sources like the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). They test how well cars protect people in crashes and how good their safety features are.
• Affordable insurance – Teen drivers usually pay more for car insurance. But some cars are cheaper to insure because they’re safer, smaller, or not too powerful. It’s a good idea to get an insurance quote before buying.
• Low maintenance – First-time drivers don’t need a car that’s always in the shop. Look for a vehicle that’s known for being reliable and doesn’t cost a lot to fix or keep up.

Top 10 Safest Cars for New Drivers in 2025

1. Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza is one of the only small cars that comes standard with all-wheel drive, which gives it great traction in bad weather. It also includes Subaru’s EyeSight safety system—automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control—all standard. With top safety scores and great visibility, this car gives young drivers more control and more confidence behind the wheel.

2. Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla has earned its reputation for being one of the most reliable and safest compact cars on the market. The 2025 model includes Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of features like pedestrian detection, lane departure alerts, and automatic braking. It’s easy to drive, great on gas, and built to last—making it a smart long-term choice for new drivers and their families.

3. Honda Civic

The Civic is a favorite among both parents and teens for good reason. It has a sleek, modern design, but more importantly, it’s extremely safe. The Honda Sensing system comes standard and includes collision mitigation braking, lane assist, and traffic sign recognition. Add its great fuel economy and smooth handling, and you’ve got a car that’s just right for everyday driving and long-term reliability.

4. Mazda3

If you want a car that feels premium but doesn’t come with a luxury price tag, the Mazda3 is a standout. It’s fun to drive and feels very stable on the road—perfect for helping new drivers build confidence. The 2025 version includes a full set of driver assistance features, strong crash test results, and even comes with a head-up display in higher trims. Safe, stylish, and smart.

5. Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra offers a lot of value for the money. It has excellent safety ratings and includes standard features like blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. The interior is roomy, and it’s simple to use—great for drivers who are still learning the ropes. It’s also backed by one of the best warranties in the industry.

6. Kia Forte

Affordable, safe, and surprisingly tech-savvy—the Kia Forte is perfect for families watching their budget without wanting to compromise on safety. It has strong crash test ratings and includes helpful tools like driver attention warning and rear cross-traffic alerts. Easy to drive and inexpensive to maintain, the Forte makes learning to drive a whole lot less stressful.

7. Volkswagen Golf

The VW Golf is compact but feels incredibly solid on the road. Its safety scores are consistently high, and it includes useful features like a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. It’s also great for city driving and small parking spots—plus, it has that European touch in design and comfort.

8. Honda HR-V

The HR-V is a fantastic option if you're looking for something slightly bigger than a sedan but still compact and manageable. This small SUV has high crash safety scores and offers excellent visibility, which makes a huge difference for new drivers. With a spacious interior and Honda’s reliable safety systems, it gives you the confidence of an SUV without the bulk.

9. Toyota Prius

The Prius is more than just fuel-efficient—it’s also one of the safest hybrids out there. Toyota Safety Sense comes standard, and it includes adaptive cruise control, lane tracing, and pre-collision systems. It’s perfect for teens who want to be eco-conscious while still driving something trusted, smooth, and extremely safe.

10. Ford Escape

The Ford Escape is a compact SUV that’s both practical and protective. It scores well in crash tests and includes helpful tech like automatic emergency braking, lane assist, and blind-spot alerts. It’s a comfortable ride with enough space for friends, sports gear, or road trips—without feeling too big for a new driver to manage.

Honorable Mentions: Budget-Friendly Safe Cars for New Drivers

We get it—not everyone’s looking to buy brand new. If you're working with a tighter budget (and let’s be honest, most of us are), used cars can still be super safe, reliable, and teen-friendly—if you know what to look for.

Here are some great certified pre-owned (CPO) models from recent years (2021–2023) that offer modern safety tech, solid crash test ratings, and peace of mind—without the new car price tag.

Subaru Impreza (2021–2023)

Even a few years old, the Impreza still comes with Subaru’s EyeSight safety system and standard all-wheel drive. Look for a CPO version from a Subaru dealer to make sure it’s been inspected and backed with a warranty. Great for new drivers in colder or wetter climates.

Toyota Corolla (2021–2023)

The Corolla holds its value for a reason. These models are known for lasting forever, and most come standard with Toyota Safety Sense. A CPO Corolla gives you a like-new feel, advanced crash protection, and huge savings.

Honda Civic (2021–2023)

Used Civics are easy to find and often in great shape. Newer models come with Honda Sensing, and they’re fun to drive while being incredibly safe. If you want reliability plus style, this is a winner—even two or three years old.

Mazda3 (2021–2023)

Mazda doesn’t just make pretty cars—they build safe ones too. A CPO Mazda3 from recent years offers crash prevention tech, a high-end interior, and confident handling that helps new drivers feel more in control.

Hyundai Elantra or Kia Forte (2021–2023)

These two are often the best bang for your buck. Certified pre-owned options usually still have some factory warranty left, and you’ll still get lane assist, forward collision warning, and more. Very budget-friendly and easy to maintain.

Honda HR-V or Ford Escape (2021–2023)

If your teen prefers a small SUV, these older models still rank high in crash tests and include all the key safety tools. They're roomier than a sedan but not too big for a first-time driver. CPO versions make them even more affordable and dependable.

🔎 What to Look For in a Safe Used Car

• Certified Pre-Owned (CPO): These come with inspections, warranties, and added peace of mind.
• Clean Safety Record: Stick to models with high ratings from IIHS or NHTSA.
• Modern Driver-Assistance Tech: Look for features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot alerts—even in used cars.
• Low Mileage & Clean History: Ask for the vehicle history report before you commit.

Tips for Parents Buying a First Car for Their Teen

Buying your child’s first car is exciting—but also kind of terrifying. You want them to feel independent, but at the same time, your brain is running through every possible “what if” scenario. That’s totally normal. Choosing the right car can give both you and your teen peace of mind. Here's how to do it right:

1. Always Check for Safety Recalls

This is non-negotiable. Before signing anything, run the car’s VIN through the NHTSA website to check for open recalls. Even brand-new or lightly used cars can have recalls that haven’t been fixed yet. A recall might seem small, like a faulty seatbelt sensor, but these issues can be dangerous—or even life-threatening if ignored. Taking this simple step can help you avoid future headaches and protect your teen from preventable risks.

2. Test Drive the Car with Your Teen

Don’t skip the test drive—and make sure you’re in the car with them. This isn’t just about making sure the car runs well. It’s about watching how your teen handles it. Are they confident behind the wheel? Can they see clearly in all directions? Does the car feel too big, too small, or just right? A test drive is your chance to spot any red flags and make sure the car is truly a good fit—not just technically, but emotionally, too. They should feel safe and in control, not nervous or overwhelmed.

3. Consider Extra Safety Tech (if it helps everyone sleep better)

While many newer cars come with advanced safety features, you can add a few extras to go the extra mile. A dash cam can be useful for insurance claims, parking lot accidents, or just teaching accountability. GPS tracking systems (some built into phone apps) can help in case the car breaks down or gets lost—especially if your teen is driving long distances. These tools aren’t about control—they’re about support and safety. Just be sure to talk openly with your teen so they understand why it’s there.

4. Balance Budget, Safety, and Comfort

It’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting the safest car with every feature, but keep it realistic. You’re looking for a car that checks the boxes: strong crash test ratings, good reliability, affordable insurance, and a price tag that won’t keep you up at night. Also, think about comfort—if your teen dreads driving because the seat is uncomfortable or the car feels clunky, they’re not going to gain confidence. Aim for a vehicle that makes them feel secure, in control, and happy to drive.

Safety Tech to Watch in 2025 Cars

Modern cars are smarter than ever—and when it comes to young or first-time drivers, that’s a big deal. In 2025, some standout safety technologies are becoming standard in more vehicles, and they’re designed to help drivers avoid accidents altogether—not just survive them. Here are the key features you should know about if you’re shopping for a first car:

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)

AEB is a game-changer for preventing crashes—especially in busy traffic or during those “oops, I wasn’t looking” moments. This system watches the road ahead, and if it senses that you're about to rear-end someone, it will hit the brakes for you. For new drivers who might get distracted or misjudge distance, this feature can literally save lives. In fact, some studies have shown it can reduce rear-end collisions by over 50%. That’s not just impressive—it’s essential.

Lane Keep Assist

Drifting out of your lane is easier than you think, especially for tired, nervous, or distracted drivers. Lane Keep Assist gently corrects the steering to keep the car centered. Some systems will even alert the driver with a vibration or warning sound before the car crosses the lane markings. It’s like having a co-pilot keeping you focused, and for new drivers still getting used to road awareness, this is a huge help.

Blind Spot Monitoring

Every driver misses something in their blind spot now and then—but for teens or beginners, it happens more often. Blind Spot Monitoring uses sensors to alert you when another vehicle is in that tricky spot you can’t quite see. Some systems will flash a light on your side mirror, beep, or even stop you from merging if a car is there. It gives drivers an extra layer of awareness, and it’s especially useful on highways or in heavy traffic.



Teen Driver Technology (Chevy Does This Really Well)

Chevrolet is leading the way when it comes to tech made specifically for parents and their young drivers. Their Teen Driver Technology lets you set speed limits, volume controls, and even monitor how the car was driven. It also gives you a “report card” showing things like how many times the car triggered a safety alert. It’s not about spying—it’s about helping teens build safe habits early on, while giving parents some much-needed peace of mind.

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Choosing the right first car for your teen is more than just a purchase—it’s an investment in their safety and your peace of mind. With the right vehicle, you’re not just giving them a set of wheels; you’re providing them with the tools to stay safe and build confidence on the road. Whether you’re buying new or used, always make sure to check the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) websites for safety ratings and potential recalls. These resources will help you make an informed, smart decision and ensure your teen’s car is as safe as possible.

Once you’ve found that perfect car, we’ve got your back! At Budget Auto Transporter (BAT), we specialize in safe and reliable vehicle transport. Whether you're shipping a car from the mainland or moving one across states, we ensure it gets to your door safely and securely. We’re here to help you and your family focus on what matters most—safety, comfort, and the open road ahead.

Get in touch with us today to book your vehicle transport and get the process started with confidence. Safe driving starts with a safe car, and we’re here to make sure it gets to you without a hitch.

Remember, safety is the number one priority, and with the right tools, tech, and a reliable car, you can feel confident knowing your teen is set up for success on the road. Safe travels—and we’ll handle the shipping!