🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 96 (from laksa014)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa096.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/best-cars-for-teens/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/best-cars-for-teens/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/best-cars-for-teens\/","crawl_time":1775356007,"first_indexed_time":1664829704,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,thezebra!www,\/resources\/driving\/best-cars-for-teens\/ s443","src_root_hash":"13913412776804066096","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Best cars for teens: 15 vehicles under $20K with top safety ratings","meta_descriptions":["Car shopping for a teenage driver doesn’t have to be scary. Check out The Zebra’s list of the best cars for teens with budget and safety in mind."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Honda Civics are one of the most popular cars among teen drivers, and is our top recommendation for cars starting under $10,000.\nBy\nUpdated April 24, 2024\nSusan is a licensed insurance agent and has worked as a writer and editor for over 10 years across a number of industries. She has worked at The Zebr…\nCredentials\nLicensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty\nBeth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. A licensed insurance agent, she specializes in creating clear, accessible content t…\nCredentials\nLicensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty\nAssociate in Insurance (AINS)\nProfessional Risk Consultant (PRC)\nAssociate in Insurance Services (AIS)\nDon't overpay for your teen's insurance! Let us compare quotes for you\nTop cars for teenagers\nWith\ncar prices soaring\nand a potential recession looming over Americans, buying a car might not be a top priority for many people.\n[1]\nHowever, teens across the country might feel differently. They’re finally reaching the moment they’ve anticipated their whole lives thus far — the age to obtain a driver’s license. But to really taste the freedom of the open road, they need a car.\nAs a parent, the thought of your teen driving may be nerve-wracking, so The Zebra compiled a list of the 15 best cars for teens based on typical first-car budgets, insurance rates, and safety data considerations.\nSkip below to the infographic\nfor a quick review of the best cars for teens under $20,000, $15,000 and $10,000, plus some safety tips for teen drivers.\nBest cars for teens under $20,000\n1. Toyota Highlander\nThe\nToyota Highlander\n, model 2014 or newer, is our top teen vehicle recommendation for cars between $15,000 and $20,000. The vehicle earned its spot for its 5-star safety rating and lower insurance premium.\nAverage price:\n$17,800\nAverage insurance premium:\n$965\nAverage monthly cost:\n$377\nSafety score:\n5 stars\n2. Kia Sportage\nTeen drivers who prefer a compact SUV will find that the 2017\nKia Sportage\nmeets their needs with its 5-star safety score.\nAverage price:\n$17,000\nAverage insurance premium:\n$1,138\nAverage monthly cost:\n$378\nSafety score:\n5 stars\n3. Hyundai Santa Fe\nThe\nHyundai Santa Fe's\nbest model years for teen drivers are between 2017 and 2019 due to the lower selling prices, insurance premiums and safety scores.\nAverage price:\n$17,800\nAverage insurance premium:\n$1,082\nAverage monthly cost:\n$387\nSafety score:\n5 stars\n4. Subaru Crosstrek\nSubaru is known as one of the safest car manufacturers. The Subaru Crosstrek, models 2018 or newer, is perfect for teen drivers.\nAverage price:\n$19,900\nAverage insurance premium:\n$954\nAverage monthly cost:\n$411\nSafety score:\n5 stars\n5. Toyota Corolla hatchback\nThe\nToyota Corolla\nhatchback, model 2019 or newer, is great for teens looking for a reliable car with newer safety features like blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning.\nAverage price:\n$18,700\nAverage insurance premium:\n$1,729\nAverage monthly cost:\n$456\nSafety score:\n5 stars\nBest cars for teens under $15,000\n6. Mazda CX-5\nAnother compact SUV, the 2014 (or newer)\nMazda CX-5\nearns the spot as our top pick for best cars for teens in the $10,000 to $15,000 range.\nAverage price:\n$10,200\nAverage insurance premium:\n$955\nAverage monthly cost:\n$250\nSafety score:\n5 stars\n7. Nissan Rogue\nNissan Rogues\nmade between 2014 and 2020 are a great option for an affordable and safe SUV. It earned good ratings all around in crashworthiness and offers optional front crash prevention in newer models.\nAverage price:\n$11,000\nAverage insurance premium:\n$890\nAverage monthly cost:\n$258\nSafety score:\n4 stars\n8. Ford Fusion\nThe 2015 or 2018\nFord Fusion\nare both reliable options for teen drivers. This midsize sedan comes at a low average car payment and a 5-star safety rating.\nAverage price:\n$12,200\nAverage insurance premium:\n$1,105\nAverage monthly cost:\n$295\nSafety score:\n5 stars\n9. Volkswagen Jetta\nThe 2016\nVolkswagen Jetta\nis a good contender for teens as the higher trim models boast safety features like adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert.\nAverage price:\n$10,900\nAverage insurance premium:\n$1,437\nAverage monthly cost:\n$301\nSafety score:\n5 stars\n10. Nissan Murano\nThe\nNissan Murano\n, models 2015 or newer, is one of the best midsize SUVs on the market for teens and families alike. It’s reliable and earned great crash test results.\nAverage price:\n$14,700\nAverage insurance premium:\n$923\nAverage monthly cost:\n$322\nSafety score:\n4 stars\nBest cars for teens under $10,000\n11. Honda Civic\nHonda Civics\nare one of the most popular cars among teen drivers, and is our top recommendation for cars starting under $10,000. The top recommended model years for the Civic are between 2012 and 2015 and 2019 or newer.\nAverage price:\n$7,100\nAverage insurance premium:\n$814\nAverage monthly cost:\n$186\nSafety score:\n5 stars\n12. Toyota Prius\nThe\nToyota Prius\nis a classic for teens as any model 2011 or newer comes recommended with 5-star safety scores and good crashworthiness.\nAverage price:\n$8,100\nAverage insurance premium:\n$884\nAverage monthly cost:\n$209\nSafety score:\n5 stars\n13. Subaru Legacy\nAnother Subaru, the\nSubaru Legacy\n, earns a spot on our list of best cars for teens under $10,000 for its low monthly cost and top safety ratings. Opt for models 2013 or newer for your teen driver.\nAverage price:\n$8,300\nAverage insurance premium:\n$923\nAverage monthly cost:\n$215\nSafety score:\n5 stars\n14. Toyota Camry\nFor the last decade, the Toyota Camry has earned a spot on IIHS’s list of top safety picks, making models 2012 or newer a great option for teen drivers. \nAverage price:\n$9,400\nAverage insurance premium:\n$854\nAverage monthly cost:\n$228\nSafety score:\n5 stars\n15. Honda Accord\nThe\nHonda Accord\n, model 2012 or newer, concludes our list of best cars for teen drivers. Models built after 2017 include the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety features, like lane assist and collision mitigation.\nAverage price:\n$9,900\nAverage insurance premium:\n$1,107\nAverage monthly cost:\n$257\nSafety score:\n5 stars\nTips for buying your teen’s first car\nBuying your teen’s first car is a big life moment. Follow our\ncar buying guide\nand send them on their way in one of our recommended vehicles.\nSet a budget\nBuying a car for teens looks different for all families. It’s\nnot something every family can afford\nto do. For those who can, it’s wise to set a budget. Just because\nyou may be able to afford\nto splurge on a brand-new sports car for your child doesn’t mean you should. Vehicle choice can factor into the risks associated with teen drivers.\n[2]\nOur list prioritizes used cars selling for under $20,000 to keep monthly payments affordable for the average parent or the teen themselves. However, if you’re looking for an option with the latest tech like GPS navigation or speed restrictions, you may need to set your budget higher and search for newer vehicles. Some of the cars and SUVs on our list sell for $20,000 to $40,000 for the latest models and hold similar safety ratings. \nAnother factor that may influence your budget is how much use the car will get. The\naverage length of car ownership\nfor first cars is just over four years.\n[3]\nWhen shopping, you’ll want to keep in mind if your family is planning to share the car between siblings and for how many years. Will the car be passed down to younger children? Will your child take the car off to college? It may be worth spending more on a newer, reliable car with low miles if you plan for this car to stick around through multiple years or children.\nFocus on models built after 2006\nAnother reason to consider the year a car was made relates to safety. While you may find vehicles older than 2010 selling for under $5,000 that are typically\ncheaper to insure\n, safety features built in more recent years outweigh the lower price tag.\nVehicles built before 2007 are more likely to have safety features like side airbags and electronic stability control — something found in today’s vehicles that you likely wouldn’t think twice about. Side airbags specifically weren’t mandated until 2009 and electronic stability control wasn’t required by law until 2012.\nLook for these safety features\nSafety should be your top priority when searching for your child’s first car. Ease your and your\nteen’s driving fears\nby looking at and test-driving cars with top safety technologies, such as:\nAnti-lock brakes \nTraction control \nStability control\nForward-collision warning\nBlind-spot monitoring\nBackup cameras\nParking sensors\nUnderstanding car insurance for teen drivers\nA common question parents ask is how much it costs to add a teenager to their car insurance policy. The\nanswer varies significantly\n. Location, vehicle, age, sex and\ndriving history\nall play a part in determining insurance rates. However, teens are one of the most expensive drivers to insure. The average teenager (or parent) pays a\n$1,332\npremium on a six-month policy.\nYou can lower your teen’s insurance rate by:\nChoosing a moderately priced vehicle\nAsking about the\ngood student discount\nEnrolling in\ndefensive driving\nfor\nsafe driving discounts\nConsidering\naccident forgiveness\ncoverage to protect from first accidents\nNow that you have a list of the best cars for teens in hand, it’s time to start shopping. If you haven’t already added your teen to your\nfamily car insurance plan\n, try out our\nfree car insurance calculator\nfor an estimate of your new rates today!\nMethodology\nTo find the best cars for teens,\nThe Zebra\nanalyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Kelley Blue Book (KBB) to determine the safest vehicles on the market under $20,000. \nTo determine the monthly cost for each vehicle, we calculated the average monthly car payment based on a five-year loan and added the vehicle’s average monthly insurance rate. We selected our top choices based on vehicles with the lowest monthly cost and the highest safety ratings. Average insurance rates come from The Zebra but do not take the age of the driver into consideration.\nSources\nEconomists are divided on the risk of a U.S. recession.\nCNBC\nVehicle choice can exacerbate teen drivers' risks.\nIIHS\nMy first car - how 1,000 Americans got their first car.\nLeith Cars","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to content](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/best-cars-for-teens\/#main)\n\nThe Zebra doesn't support your browser version, so please give us a call or [upgrade your browser](https:\/\/browsehappy.com\/?locale=en) to the latest version.\n\nUse of Insurance Zebra Insurance Services (DBA TheZebra.com) is subject to our [Terms of Service](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/about\/help\/terms\/).   \n Copyright © 2026 Insurance Zebra. Al l Rights Reserved. [View Licenses](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/about\/help\/terms\/#licenses). 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She has worked at The Zebr…\n\nCredentials\n\n- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty\n\n[View full profile](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/about\/susan-meyer\/)\n\n![Author profile picture](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/Beth_Swanson_compressed.2e16d0ba.fill-100x100.jpg)\n\n### Beth Swanson\nInsurance Analyst\n\nBeth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. A licensed insurance agent, she specializes in creating clear, accessible content t…\n\nCredentials\n\n- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty\n- Associate in Insurance (AINS)\n- Professional Risk Consultant (PRC)\n- Associate in Insurance Services (AIS)\n\n[View full profile](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/about\/beth-swanson\/)\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/teen-daughter-and-mom-driving.width-1500.format-jpeg.jpg)\n\nJump to\n\n1. [Best cars for teens under \\$20,000](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/best-cars-for-teens\/#best-cars-for-teens-under-20000)\n2. [Best cars for teens under \\$15,000](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/best-cars-for-teens\/#best-cars-for-teens-under-15000)\n3. [Best cars for teens under \\$10,000](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/best-cars-for-teens\/#best-cars-for-teens-under-10000)\n4. [Tips for buying your teen’s first car](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/best-cars-for-teens\/#tips-for-buying-your-teens-first-car)\n5. [Car insurance for teen drivers](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/best-cars-for-teens\/#car-insurance-for-teen-drivers)\n6. [Methodology](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/best-cars-for-teens\/#methodology)\n7. [Infographic](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/best-cars-for-teens\/#infographic)\n#### Don't overpay for your teen's insurance! Let us compare quotes for you\n## Top cars for teenagers\nWith [car prices soaring](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/average-car-price\/) and a potential recession looming over Americans, buying a car might not be a top priority for many people.[\\[1\\]](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/best-cars-for-teens\/#footnote-1) However, teens across the country might feel differently. They’re finally reaching the moment they’ve anticipated their whole lives thus far — the age to obtain a driver’s license. But to really taste the freedom of the open road, they need a car.\n\nAs a parent, the thought of your teen driving may be nerve-wracking, so The Zebra compiled a list of the 15 best cars for teens based on typical first-car budgets, insurance rates, and safety data considerations.\n\n[Skip below to the infographic](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/best-cars-for-teens\/#infographic) for a quick review of the best cars for teens under \\$20,000, \\$15,000 and \\$10,000, plus some safety tips for teen drivers.\n\n![ Car-crashes-are-far-more-common-for-teen-drivers]()\n\n## Best cars for teens under \\$20,000\n### 1\\. Toyota Highlander\n![toyota-highlander](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/toyota-highlander.width-800.jpg)\n\nThe [Toyota Highlander](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/vehicles\/toyota\/highlander\/), model 2014 or newer, is our top teen vehicle recommendation for cars between \\$15,000 and \\$20,000. The vehicle earned its spot for its 5-star safety rating and lower insurance premium.\n\n- **Average price:** \\$17,800\n- **Average insurance premium:** \\$965\n- **Average monthly cost:** \\$377\n- **Safety score:** 5 stars\n\n### 2\\. Kia Sportage\n![Kia-Sportage](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/Kia-Sportage.width-800.jpg)\n\nTeen drivers who prefer a compact SUV will find that the 2017 [Kia Sportage](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/vehicles\/kia\/sportage\/) meets their needs with its 5-star safety score.\n\n- **Average price:** \\$17,000\n- **Average insurance premium:** \\$1,138\n- **Average monthly cost:** \\$378\n- **Safety score:** 5 stars\n\n### 3\\. Hyundai Santa Fe\n![Hyundai-Santa-fe](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/Hyundai-Santa-fe.width-800.jpg)\n\nThe [Hyundai Santa Fe's](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/vehicles\/hyundai\/santa-fe\/) best model years for teen drivers are between 2017 and 2019 due to the lower selling prices, insurance premiums and safety scores.\n\n- **Average price:** \\$17,800\n- **Average insurance premium:** \\$1,082\n- **Average monthly cost:** \\$387\n- **Safety score:** 5 stars\n\n![ best-car-for-teens]()\n\n###\n### 4\\. Subaru Crosstrek\n![subaru-crosstrek](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/subaru-crosstrek.width-800.jpg)\n\nSubaru is known as one of the safest car manufacturers. The Subaru Crosstrek, models 2018 or newer, is perfect for teen drivers.\n\n- **Average price:** \\$19,900\n- **Average insurance premium:** \\$954\n- **Average monthly cost:** \\$411\n- **Safety score:** 5 stars\n\n### 5\\. Toyota Corolla hatchback\n![toyota-corolla-hatchback](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/toyota-corolla-hatchback.width-800.jpg)\n\nThe [Toyota Corolla](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/vehicles\/toyota\/corolla\/) hatchback, model 2019 or newer, is great for teens looking for a reliable car with newer safety features like blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning.\n\n- **Average price:** \\$18,700\n- **Average insurance premium:** \\$1,729\n- **Average monthly cost:** \\$456\n- **Safety score:** 5 stars\n\n## Best cars for teens under \\$15,000\n### 6\\. Mazda CX-5\n![mazda-cx-5](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/mazda-cx-5.width-800.jpg)\n\nAnother compact SUV, the 2014 (or newer) [Mazda CX-5](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/vehicles\/mazda\/cx-5\/) earns the spot as our top pick for best cars for teens in the \\$10,000 to \\$15,000 range.\n\n- **Average price:** \\$10,200\n- **Average insurance premium:** \\$955\n- **Average monthly cost:** \\$250\n- **Safety score:** 5 stars\n\n### 7\\. Nissan Rogue\n![Nissan-rogue](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/Nissan-rogue.width-800.jpg)\n\n[Nissan Rogues](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/vehicles\/nissan\/rogue\/) made between 2014 and 2020 are a great option for an affordable and safe SUV. It earned good ratings all around in crashworthiness and offers optional front crash prevention in newer models.\n\n- **Average price:** \\$11,000\n- **Average insurance premium:** \\$890\n- **Average monthly cost:** \\$258\n- **Safety score:** 4 stars\n\n### 8\\. Ford Fusion\n![Ford-fusion](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/Ford-fusion.width-800.jpg)\n\nThe 2015 or 2018 [Ford Fusion](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/vehicles\/ford\/fusion\/) are both reliable options for teen drivers. This midsize sedan comes at a low average car payment and a 5-star safety rating.\n\n- **Average price:** \\$12,200\n- **Average insurance premium:** \\$1,105\n- **Average monthly cost:** \\$295\n- **Safety score:** 5 stars\n\n### 9\\. Volkswagen Jetta\n![Volkswagen-jetta](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/Volkswagen-jetta.width-800.jpg)\n\nThe 2016 [Volkswagen Jetta](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/vehicles\/volkswagen\/jetta\/) is a good contender for teens as the higher trim models boast safety features like adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert.\n\n- **Average price:** \\$10,900\n- **Average insurance premium:** \\$1,437\n- **Average monthly cost:** \\$301\n- **Safety score:** 5 stars\n\n### 10\\. Nissan Murano\n![Nissan-murano](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/Nissan-murano.width-800.jpg)\n\nThe [Nissan Murano](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/vehicles\/nissan\/murano\/), models 2015 or newer, is one of the best midsize SUVs on the market for teens and families alike. It’s reliable and earned great crash test results.\n\n- **Average price:** \\$14,700\n- **Average insurance premium:** \\$923\n- **Average monthly cost:** \\$322\n- **Safety score:** 4 stars\n\n## Best cars for teens under \\$10,000\n### 11\\. Honda Civic\n![Honda-civic](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/Honda-civic.width-800.jpg)\n\n[Honda Civics](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/vehicles\/honda\/civic\/) are one of the most popular cars among teen drivers, and is our top recommendation for cars starting under \\$10,000. The top recommended model years for the Civic are between 2012 and 2015 and 2019 or newer.\n\n- **Average price:** \\$7,100\n- **Average insurance premium:** \\$814\n- **Average monthly cost:** \\$186\n- **Safety score:** 5 stars\n\n### 12\\. Toyota Prius\n![Toyota-prius](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/Toyota-prius.width-800.jpg)\n\nThe [Toyota Prius](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/vehicles\/toyota\/prius\/) is a classic for teens as any model 2011 or newer comes recommended with 5-star safety scores and good crashworthiness.\n\n- **Average price:** \\$8,100\n- **Average insurance premium:** \\$884\n- **Average monthly cost:** \\$209\n- **Safety score:** 5 stars\n\n### 13\\. Subaru Legacy\n![subaru-legacy](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/subaru-legacy.width-800.jpg)\n\nAnother Subaru, the [Subaru Legacy](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/vehicles\/subaru\/legacy\/), earns a spot on our list of best cars for teens under \\$10,000 for its low monthly cost and top safety ratings. Opt for models 2013 or newer for your teen driver.\n\n- **Average price:** \\$8,300\n- **Average insurance premium:** \\$923\n- **Average monthly cost:** \\$215\n- **Safety score:** 5 stars\n\n### 14\\. Toyota Camry\n![toyota-camry](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/toyota-camry.width-800.jpg)\n\nFor the last decade, the Toyota Camry has earned a spot on IIHS’s list of top safety picks, making models 2012 or newer a great option for teen drivers.\n\n- **Average price:** \\$9,400\n- **Average insurance premium:** \\$854\n- **Average monthly cost:** \\$228\n- **Safety score:** 5 stars\n\n### 15\\. Honda Accord\n![honda-accord](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/honda-accord.width-800.jpg)\n\nThe [Honda Accord](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/vehicles\/honda\/accord\/), model 2012 or newer, concludes our list of best cars for teen drivers. Models built after 2017 include the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety features, like lane assist and collision mitigation.\n\n- **Average price:** \\$9,900\n- **Average insurance premium:** \\$1,107\n- **Average monthly cost:** \\$257\n- **Safety score:** 5 stars\n\n## Tips for buying your teen’s first car\nBuying your teen’s first car is a big life moment. Follow our [car buying guide](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/how-to-buy-a-car\/) and send them on their way in one of our recommended vehicles.\n\n### Set a budget\nBuying a car for teens looks different for all families. It’s [not something every family can afford](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/research\/teen-driving-and-income\/) to do. For those who can, it’s wise to set a budget. Just because [you may be able to afford](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/how-much-car-can-i-afford\/) to splurge on a brand-new sports car for your child doesn’t mean you should. Vehicle choice can factor into the risks associated with teen drivers.[\\[2\\]](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/best-cars-for-teens\/#footnote-2)\n\nOur list prioritizes used cars selling for under \\$20,000 to keep monthly payments affordable for the average parent or the teen themselves. However, if you’re looking for an option with the latest tech like GPS navigation or speed restrictions, you may need to set your budget higher and search for newer vehicles. Some of the cars and SUVs on our list sell for \\$20,000 to \\$40,000 for the latest models and hold similar safety ratings.\n\nAnother factor that may influence your budget is how much use the car will get. The [average length of car ownership](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/average-length-of-car-ownership\/) for first cars is just over four years.[\\[3\\]](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/best-cars-for-teens\/#footnote-3) When shopping, you’ll want to keep in mind if your family is planning to share the car between siblings and for how many years. Will the car be passed down to younger children? Will your child take the car off to college? It may be worth spending more on a newer, reliable car with low miles if you plan for this car to stick around through multiple years or children.\n\n### Focus on models built after 2006\nAnother reason to consider the year a car was made relates to safety. While you may find vehicles older than 2010 selling for under \\$5,000 that are typically [cheaper to insure](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/vehicles\/new-vs-used-car-insurance-comparison\/), safety features built in more recent years outweigh the lower price tag.\n\nVehicles built before 2007 are more likely to have safety features like side airbags and electronic stability control — something found in today’s vehicles that you likely wouldn’t think twice about. Side airbags specifically weren’t mandated until 2009 and electronic stability control wasn’t required by law until 2012.\n\n### Look for these safety features\nSafety should be your top priority when searching for your child’s first car. Ease your and your [teen’s driving fears](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/research\/teen-driving-fears\/) by looking at and test-driving cars with top safety technologies, such as:\n\n- Anti-lock brakes\n- Traction control\n- Stability control\n- Forward-collision warning\n- Blind-spot monitoring\n- Backup cameras\n- Parking sensors\n\n![ tech-to-make-your-teens-drive-safe]()\n\n## Understanding car insurance for teen drivers\nA common question parents ask is how much it costs to add a teenager to their car insurance policy. The [answer varies significantly](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/car-insurance\/insurance-head-to-head-teen\/). Location, vehicle, age, sex and [driving history](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/what-is-a-clean-driving-record\/) all play a part in determining insurance rates. However, teens are one of the most expensive drivers to insure. The average teenager (or parent) pays a [\\$1,332](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/driver\/age\/cheap-car-insurance-teens\/) premium on a six-month policy.\n\nYou can lower your teen’s insurance rate by:\n\n- Choosing a moderately priced vehicle\n- Asking about the [good student discount](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/discounts\/student-discount\/)\n- Enrolling in [defensive driving](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/discounts\/defensive-driving-discounts\/) for [safe driving discounts](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/driver\/other-factors\/best-car-insurance-good-drivers\/)\n- Considering [accident forgiveness](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/coverage\/accident-forgiveness-auto-insurance\/) coverage to protect from first accidents\n\nNow that you have a list of the best cars for teens in hand, it’s time to start shopping. If you haven’t already added your teen to your [family car insurance plan](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/driver\/status\/car-insurance-families\/), try out our [free car insurance calculator](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/coverage\/car-insurance-calculator\/) for an estimate of your new rates today\\!\n***\n## Methodology\nTo find the best cars for teens, [The Zebra](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/) analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Kelley Blue Book (KBB) to determine the safest vehicles on the market under \\$20,000.\n\nTo determine the monthly cost for each vehicle, we calculated the average monthly car payment based on a five-year loan and added the vehicle’s average monthly insurance rate. We selected our top choices based on vehicles with the lowest monthly cost and the highest safety ratings. Average insurance rates come from The Zebra but do not take the age of the driver into consideration.\n\n![ teen-car-buying-guide]()\n***\nSources\n\n1. Economists are divided on the risk of a U.S. recession. [CNBC](https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2022\/09\/05\/economists-are-divided-on-the-risk-of-a-us-recession.html)\n2. Vehicle choice can exacerbate teen drivers' risks. [IIHS](https:\/\/www.iihs.org\/news\/detail\/vehicle-choice-can-exacerbate-teen-drivers-risk)\n3. My first car - how 1,000 Americans got their first car. [Leith Cars](https:\/\/www.leithcars.com\/blogs\/1421\/automotive\/first-car\/)\n\nRelated content\n\n- [Ticketed for distracted driving? Prepare to pay 23% more for car insurance \\[STUDY\\]](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/distracted-driving-best-worst-cities\/)\n- [How Much Does Your Car Know About You?](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/car-spying\/)\n- [The future of micromobility: How short, shared rides are disrupting car travel](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/micromobility\/)\n- [Senior Driving Rules and Driving Safety Guide](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/driving-rules-seniors\/)\n- [How to transfer your car title](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/how-to-transfer-your-car-title\/)\n- [How to buy a car: 17 steps to ownership + free checklists](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/how-to-buy-a-car\/)\n- [Is Careless Driving the Same as Reckless Driving?](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/reckless-vs-careless-driving\/)\n- [Survey Finds 38% of Americans Make Rude Gestures While Driving](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/rude-gesture-survey\/)\n- [Survey: Average length of car ownership in America](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/average-length-of-car-ownership\/)\n- [30 Printable Road Trip Games and Checklists](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/30-printable-road-trip-games-checklists\/)\n\nJump to\n\n1. [Best cars for teens under \\$20,000](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/best-cars-for-teens\/#best-cars-for-teens-under-20000)\n2. [Best cars for teens under \\$15,000](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/best-cars-for-teens\/#best-cars-for-teens-under-15000)\n3. [Best cars for teens under \\$10,000](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/best-cars-for-teens\/#best-cars-for-teens-under-10000)\n4. [Tips for buying your teen’s first car](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/best-cars-for-teens\/#tips-for-buying-your-teens-first-car)\n5. [Car insurance for teen drivers](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/best-cars-for-teens\/#car-insurance-for-teen-drivers)\n6. [Methodology](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/best-cars-for-teens\/#methodology)\n7. [Infographic](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/best-cars-for-teens\/#infographic)\n\nRelated Articles\n\n[Driving](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/)\n\n### [Auto loan payoff calculator](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/auto-loan-payoff-calculator\/)\nOur auto loan payoff calculator shows how long you could shorten your loan term if you increase monthly car payments.\n\n[Driving](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/)\n\n### [How Many Miles Do You Drive Per Year? Calculator](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/annual-mileage-calculator\/)\nCalculator to estimate the number of miles you drive in a year\n\n[Driving](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/)\n\n### [13 ways to make your car more eco-friendly and fuel efficient](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/how-to-make-your-car-eco-friendly\/)\nLearn how you can take steps to make your driving more sustainable with these eco-friendly driving tips.\n\n[Driving](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/)\n\n### [How to survive this summer without your car's A\/C](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/survive-summer-without-ac\/)\nYou know the panic, regret, and resignation of a summer without your car’s A\/C. It sucks. We’ve scoured the web for the...\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/static\/58dfb17\/zfront\/img\/icons\/icon-sending.svg)\n\nStay in touch and subscribe\\!\n\nGet advice, insights and tips from our newsletter.\n\nSuccess! Thank you for signing up for our newsletter\n\n1. [The Zebra](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/)\n2. [Resource Center](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/)\n3. [Driving](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/)\n4. 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All Rights Reserved.\n\n[Terms of Service](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/about\/help\/terms\/) \\| [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/about\/help\/privacy\/) \\| [Licenses](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/about\/help\/terms\/#licenses) \\| [Cookie Preferences](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/best-cars-for-teens\/)\n\n[Back to top](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/best-cars-for-teens\/)\n\nChoose what kind of insurance you need\n\n[Car We'll help you save hundreds.](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/insurance\/car\/zipentry\/?insuranceline=auto)\n\n[Car + Home](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/insurance\/car\/zipentry\/?insuranceline=auto-home)\n\n[Home](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/insurance\/home\/?insuranceline=home)\n\n[Renters](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/insurance\/renters\/)\n\n[Life](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/life-insurance\/#get-life-insurance-quotes)\n\n[Pet](https:\/\/enroll.embracepetinsurance.com\/thezebra\/?brand=thezebra&utm_source=thezebra&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=unbounce&utm_content=main-tile)\n\n[Motorcycle](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/best-cars-for-teens\/%20https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/recreational-insurance\/%20)\n\n[Commercial](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/small-business-insurance\/commercial-auto-insurance\/)\n\n[Small Business](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/small-business-insurance\/)\n\n[Car + Renters](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/insurance\/car\/zipentry\/?insuranceline=auto-renters)\n\n[Recreational](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/recreational-insurance\/)","attrs_readable_markdown":"## Honda Civics are one of the most popular cars among teen drivers, and is our top recommendation for cars starting under \\$10,000.\n![Author profile picture](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/susan-12.2e16d0ba.fill-100x100.jpg)\n\nBy\n\nUpdated April 24, 2024\n\nSusan is a licensed insurance agent and has worked as a writer and editor for over 10 years across a number of industries. She has worked at The Zebr…\n\nCredentials\n\n- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty\n\nBeth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. A licensed insurance agent, she specializes in creating clear, accessible content t…\n\nCredentials\n\n- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty\n- Associate in Insurance (AINS)\n- Professional Risk Consultant (PRC)\n- Associate in Insurance Services (AIS)\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/teen-daughter-and-mom-driving.width-1500.format-jpeg.jpg)\n\nDon't overpay for your teen's insurance! Let us compare quotes for you\n\n## Top cars for teenagers\nWith [car prices soaring](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/average-car-price\/) and a potential recession looming over Americans, buying a car might not be a top priority for many people.[\\[1\\]](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/best-cars-for-teens\/#footnote-1) However, teens across the country might feel differently. They’re finally reaching the moment they’ve anticipated their whole lives thus far — the age to obtain a driver’s license. But to really taste the freedom of the open road, they need a car.\n\nAs a parent, the thought of your teen driving may be nerve-wracking, so The Zebra compiled a list of the 15 best cars for teens based on typical first-car budgets, insurance rates, and safety data considerations.\n\n[Skip below to the infographic](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/best-cars-for-teens\/#infographic) for a quick review of the best cars for teens under \\$20,000, \\$15,000 and \\$10,000, plus some safety tips for teen drivers.\n\n![ Car-crashes-are-far-more-common-for-teen-drivers](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/Car-crashes-are-far.format-jpeg.jpegquality-70.width-960.jpg)\n\n## Best cars for teens under \\$20,000\n### 1\\. Toyota Highlander\n![toyota-highlander](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/toyota-highlander.width-800.jpg)\n\nThe [Toyota Highlander](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/vehicles\/toyota\/highlander\/), model 2014 or newer, is our top teen vehicle recommendation for cars between \\$15,000 and \\$20,000. The vehicle earned its spot for its 5-star safety rating and lower insurance premium.\n\n- **Average price:** \\$17,800\n- **Average insurance premium:** \\$965\n- **Average monthly cost:** \\$377\n- **Safety score:** 5 stars\n\n### 2\\. Kia Sportage\n![Kia-Sportage](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/Kia-Sportage.width-800.jpg)\n\nTeen drivers who prefer a compact SUV will find that the 2017 [Kia Sportage](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/vehicles\/kia\/sportage\/) meets their needs with its 5-star safety score.\n\n- **Average price:** \\$17,000\n- **Average insurance premium:** \\$1,138\n- **Average monthly cost:** \\$378\n- **Safety score:** 5 stars\n\n### 3\\. Hyundai Santa Fe\n![Hyundai-Santa-fe](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/Hyundai-Santa-fe.width-800.jpg)\n\nThe [Hyundai Santa Fe's](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/vehicles\/hyundai\/santa-fe\/) best model years for teen drivers are between 2017 and 2019 due to the lower selling prices, insurance premiums and safety scores.\n\n- **Average price:** \\$17,800\n- **Average insurance premium:** \\$1,082\n- **Average monthly cost:** \\$387\n- **Safety score:** 5 stars\n\n![ best-car-for-teens](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/best-car-for-teens.format-jpeg.jpegquality-70.width-960.jpg)\n\n### 4\\. Subaru Crosstrek\n![subaru-crosstrek](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/subaru-crosstrek.width-800.jpg)\n\nSubaru is known as one of the safest car manufacturers. The Subaru Crosstrek, models 2018 or newer, is perfect for teen drivers.\n\n- **Average price:** \\$19,900\n- **Average insurance premium:** \\$954\n- **Average monthly cost:** \\$411\n- **Safety score:** 5 stars\n\n### 5\\. Toyota Corolla hatchback\n![toyota-corolla-hatchback](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/toyota-corolla-hatchback.width-800.jpg)\n\nThe [Toyota Corolla](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/vehicles\/toyota\/corolla\/) hatchback, model 2019 or newer, is great for teens looking for a reliable car with newer safety features like blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning.\n\n- **Average price:** \\$18,700\n- **Average insurance premium:** \\$1,729\n- **Average monthly cost:** \\$456\n- **Safety score:** 5 stars\n\n## Best cars for teens under \\$15,000\n### 6\\. Mazda CX-5\n![mazda-cx-5](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/mazda-cx-5.width-800.jpg)\n\nAnother compact SUV, the 2014 (or newer) [Mazda CX-5](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/vehicles\/mazda\/cx-5\/) earns the spot as our top pick for best cars for teens in the \\$10,000 to \\$15,000 range.\n\n- **Average price:** \\$10,200\n- **Average insurance premium:** \\$955\n- **Average monthly cost:** \\$250\n- **Safety score:** 5 stars\n\n### 7\\. Nissan Rogue\n![Nissan-rogue](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/Nissan-rogue.width-800.jpg)\n\n[Nissan Rogues](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/vehicles\/nissan\/rogue\/) made between 2014 and 2020 are a great option for an affordable and safe SUV. It earned good ratings all around in crashworthiness and offers optional front crash prevention in newer models.\n\n- **Average price:** \\$11,000\n- **Average insurance premium:** \\$890\n- **Average monthly cost:** \\$258\n- **Safety score:** 4 stars\n\n### 8\\. Ford Fusion\n![Ford-fusion](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/Ford-fusion.width-800.jpg)\n\nThe 2015 or 2018 [Ford Fusion](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/vehicles\/ford\/fusion\/) are both reliable options for teen drivers. This midsize sedan comes at a low average car payment and a 5-star safety rating.\n\n- **Average price:** \\$12,200\n- **Average insurance premium:** \\$1,105\n- **Average monthly cost:** \\$295\n- **Safety score:** 5 stars\n\n### 9\\. Volkswagen Jetta\n![Volkswagen-jetta](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/Volkswagen-jetta.width-800.jpg)\n\nThe 2016 [Volkswagen Jetta](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/vehicles\/volkswagen\/jetta\/) is a good contender for teens as the higher trim models boast safety features like adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert.\n\n- **Average price:** \\$10,900\n- **Average insurance premium:** \\$1,437\n- **Average monthly cost:** \\$301\n- **Safety score:** 5 stars\n\n### 10\\. Nissan Murano\n![Nissan-murano](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/Nissan-murano.width-800.jpg)\n\nThe [Nissan Murano](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/vehicles\/nissan\/murano\/), models 2015 or newer, is one of the best midsize SUVs on the market for teens and families alike. It’s reliable and earned great crash test results.\n\n- **Average price:** \\$14,700\n- **Average insurance premium:** \\$923\n- **Average monthly cost:** \\$322\n- **Safety score:** 4 stars\n\n## Best cars for teens under \\$10,000\n### 11\\. Honda Civic\n![Honda-civic](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/Honda-civic.width-800.jpg)\n\n[Honda Civics](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/vehicles\/honda\/civic\/) are one of the most popular cars among teen drivers, and is our top recommendation for cars starting under \\$10,000. The top recommended model years for the Civic are between 2012 and 2015 and 2019 or newer.\n\n- **Average price:** \\$7,100\n- **Average insurance premium:** \\$814\n- **Average monthly cost:** \\$186\n- **Safety score:** 5 stars\n\n### 12\\. Toyota Prius\n![Toyota-prius](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/Toyota-prius.width-800.jpg)\n\nThe [Toyota Prius](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/vehicles\/toyota\/prius\/) is a classic for teens as any model 2011 or newer comes recommended with 5-star safety scores and good crashworthiness.\n\n- **Average price:** \\$8,100\n- **Average insurance premium:** \\$884\n- **Average monthly cost:** \\$209\n- **Safety score:** 5 stars\n\n### 13\\. Subaru Legacy\n![subaru-legacy](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/subaru-legacy.width-800.jpg)\n\nAnother Subaru, the [Subaru Legacy](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/vehicles\/subaru\/legacy\/), earns a spot on our list of best cars for teens under \\$10,000 for its low monthly cost and top safety ratings. Opt for models 2013 or newer for your teen driver.\n\n- **Average price:** \\$8,300\n- **Average insurance premium:** \\$923\n- **Average monthly cost:** \\$215\n- **Safety score:** 5 stars\n\n### 14\\. Toyota Camry\n![toyota-camry](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/toyota-camry.width-800.jpg)\n\nFor the last decade, the Toyota Camry has earned a spot on IIHS’s list of top safety picks, making models 2012 or newer a great option for teen drivers.\n\n- **Average price:** \\$9,400\n- **Average insurance premium:** \\$854\n- **Average monthly cost:** \\$228\n- **Safety score:** 5 stars\n\n### 15\\. Honda Accord\n![honda-accord](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/honda-accord.width-800.jpg)\n\nThe [Honda Accord](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/vehicles\/honda\/accord\/), model 2012 or newer, concludes our list of best cars for teen drivers. Models built after 2017 include the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety features, like lane assist and collision mitigation.\n\n- **Average price:** \\$9,900\n- **Average insurance premium:** \\$1,107\n- **Average monthly cost:** \\$257\n- **Safety score:** 5 stars\n\n## Tips for buying your teen’s first car\nBuying your teen’s first car is a big life moment. Follow our [car buying guide](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/how-to-buy-a-car\/) and send them on their way in one of our recommended vehicles.\n\n### Set a budget\nBuying a car for teens looks different for all families. It’s [not something every family can afford](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/research\/teen-driving-and-income\/) to do. For those who can, it’s wise to set a budget. Just because [you may be able to afford](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/how-much-car-can-i-afford\/) to splurge on a brand-new sports car for your child doesn’t mean you should. Vehicle choice can factor into the risks associated with teen drivers.[\\[2\\]](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/best-cars-for-teens\/#footnote-2)\n\nOur list prioritizes used cars selling for under \\$20,000 to keep monthly payments affordable for the average parent or the teen themselves. However, if you’re looking for an option with the latest tech like GPS navigation or speed restrictions, you may need to set your budget higher and search for newer vehicles. Some of the cars and SUVs on our list sell for \\$20,000 to \\$40,000 for the latest models and hold similar safety ratings.\n\nAnother factor that may influence your budget is how much use the car will get. The [average length of car ownership](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/average-length-of-car-ownership\/) for first cars is just over four years.[\\[3\\]](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/best-cars-for-teens\/#footnote-3) When shopping, you’ll want to keep in mind if your family is planning to share the car between siblings and for how many years. Will the car be passed down to younger children? Will your child take the car off to college? It may be worth spending more on a newer, reliable car with low miles if you plan for this car to stick around through multiple years or children.\n\n### Focus on models built after 2006\nAnother reason to consider the year a car was made relates to safety. While you may find vehicles older than 2010 selling for under \\$5,000 that are typically [cheaper to insure](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/vehicles\/new-vs-used-car-insurance-comparison\/), safety features built in more recent years outweigh the lower price tag.\n\nVehicles built before 2007 are more likely to have safety features like side airbags and electronic stability control — something found in today’s vehicles that you likely wouldn’t think twice about. Side airbags specifically weren’t mandated until 2009 and electronic stability control wasn’t required by law until 2012.\n\n### Look for these safety features\nSafety should be your top priority when searching for your child’s first car. Ease your and your [teen’s driving fears](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/research\/teen-driving-fears\/) by looking at and test-driving cars with top safety technologies, such as:\n\n- Anti-lock brakes\n- Traction control\n- Stability control\n- Forward-collision warning\n- Blind-spot monitoring\n- Backup cameras\n- Parking sensors\n\n![ tech-to-make-your-teens-drive-safe](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/tech-to-make-your-t.format-jpeg.jpegquality-70.width-960.jpg)\n\n## Understanding car insurance for teen drivers\nA common question parents ask is how much it costs to add a teenager to their car insurance policy. The [answer varies significantly](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/car-insurance\/insurance-head-to-head-teen\/). Location, vehicle, age, sex and [driving history](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/resources\/driving\/what-is-a-clean-driving-record\/) all play a part in determining insurance rates. However, teens are one of the most expensive drivers to insure. The average teenager (or parent) pays a [\\$1,332](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/driver\/age\/cheap-car-insurance-teens\/) premium on a six-month policy.\n\nYou can lower your teen’s insurance rate by:\n\n- Choosing a moderately priced vehicle\n- Asking about the [good student discount](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/discounts\/student-discount\/)\n- Enrolling in [defensive driving](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/discounts\/defensive-driving-discounts\/) for [safe driving discounts](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/driver\/other-factors\/best-car-insurance-good-drivers\/)\n- Considering [accident forgiveness](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/coverage\/accident-forgiveness-auto-insurance\/) coverage to protect from first accidents\n\nNow that you have a list of the best cars for teens in hand, it’s time to start shopping. If you haven’t already added your teen to your [family car insurance plan](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/driver\/status\/car-insurance-families\/), try out our [free car insurance calculator](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/auto-insurance\/coverage\/car-insurance-calculator\/) for an estimate of your new rates today\\!\n\n## Methodology\nTo find the best cars for teens, [The Zebra](https:\/\/www.thezebra.com\/) analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Kelley Blue Book (KBB) to determine the safest vehicles on the market under \\$20,000.\n\nTo determine the monthly cost for each vehicle, we calculated the average monthly car payment based on a five-year loan and added the vehicle’s average monthly insurance rate. We selected our top choices based on vehicles with the lowest monthly cost and the highest safety ratings. Average insurance rates come from The Zebra but do not take the age of the driver into consideration.\n\n![ teen-car-buying-guide](https:\/\/cdn.thezebra.com\/zfront\/media\/production\/images\/teen-car-buying-gui.format-jpeg.jpegquality-70.width-960.jpg)\n\nSources\n\n1. Economists are divided on the risk of a U.S. recession. [CNBC](https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2022\/09\/05\/economists-are-divided-on-the-risk-of-a-us-recession.html)\n2. Vehicle choice can exacerbate teen drivers' risks. [IIHS](https:\/\/www.iihs.org\/news\/detail\/vehicle-choice-can-exacerbate-teen-drivers-risk)\n3. My first car - how 1,000 Americans got their first car. [Leith Cars](https:\/\/www.leithcars.com\/blogs\/1421\/automotive\/first-car\/)","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Honda Civics are one of the most popular cars among teen drivers, and is our top recommendation for cars starting under $10,000. By Updated April 24, 2024 Susan is a licensed insurance agent and has worked as a writer and editor for over 10 years across a number of industries. She has worked at The Zebr… Credentials Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. A licensed insurance agent, she specializes in creating clear, accessible content t… Credentials Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty Associate in Insurance (AINS) Professional Risk Consultant (PRC) Associate in Insurance Services (AIS) Don't overpay for your teen's insurance! Let us compare quotes for you Top cars for teenagers With car prices soaring and a potential recession looming over Americans, buying a car might not be a top priority for many people. [1] However, teens across the country might feel differently. They’re finally reaching the moment they’ve anticipated their whole lives thus far — the age to obtain a driver’s license. But to really taste the freedom of the open road, they need a car. As a parent, the thought of your teen driving may be nerve-wracking, so The Zebra compiled a list of the 15 best cars for teens based on typical first-car budgets, insurance rates, and safety data considerations. Skip below to the infographic for a quick review of the best cars for teens under $20,000, $15,000 and $10,000, plus some safety tips for teen drivers. Best cars for teens under $20,000 1. Toyota Highlander The Toyota Highlander , model 2014 or newer, is our top teen vehicle recommendation for cars between $15,000 and $20,000. The vehicle earned its spot for its 5-star safety rating and lower insurance premium. Average price: $17,800 Average insurance premium: $965 Average monthly cost: $377 Safety score: 5 stars 2. Kia Sportage Teen drivers who prefer a compact SUV will find that the 2017 Kia Sportage meets their needs with its 5-star safety score. Average price: $17,000 Average insurance premium: $1,138 Average monthly cost: $378 Safety score: 5 stars 3. Hyundai Santa Fe The Hyundai Santa Fe's best model years for teen drivers are between 2017 and 2019 due to the lower selling prices, insurance premiums and safety scores. Average price: $17,800 Average insurance premium: $1,082 Average monthly cost: $387 Safety score: 5 stars 4. Subaru Crosstrek Subaru is known as one of the safest car manufacturers. The Subaru Crosstrek, models 2018 or newer, is perfect for teen drivers. Average price: $19,900 Average insurance premium: $954 Average monthly cost: $411 Safety score: 5 stars 5. Toyota Corolla hatchback The Toyota Corolla hatchback, model 2019 or newer, is great for teens looking for a reliable car with newer safety features like blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning. Average price: $18,700 Average insurance premium: $1,729 Average monthly cost: $456 Safety score: 5 stars Best cars for teens under $15,000 6. Mazda CX-5 Another compact SUV, the 2014 (or newer) Mazda CX-5 earns the spot as our top pick for best cars for teens in the $10,000 to $15,000 range. Average price: $10,200 Average insurance premium: $955 Average monthly cost: $250 Safety score: 5 stars 7. Nissan Rogue Nissan Rogues made between 2014 and 2020 are a great option for an affordable and safe SUV. It earned good ratings all around in crashworthiness and offers optional front crash prevention in newer models. Average price: $11,000 Average insurance premium: $890 Average monthly cost: $258 Safety score: 4 stars 8. Ford Fusion The 2015 or 2018 Ford Fusion are both reliable options for teen drivers. This midsize sedan comes at a low average car payment and a 5-star safety rating. Average price: $12,200 Average insurance premium: $1,105 Average monthly cost: $295 Safety score: 5 stars 9. Volkswagen Jetta The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta is a good contender for teens as the higher trim models boast safety features like adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert. Average price: $10,900 Average insurance premium: $1,437 Average monthly cost: $301 Safety score: 5 stars 10. Nissan Murano The Nissan Murano , models 2015 or newer, is one of the best midsize SUVs on the market for teens and families alike. It’s reliable and earned great crash test results. Average price: $14,700 Average insurance premium: $923 Average monthly cost: $322 Safety score: 4 stars Best cars for teens under $10,000 11. Honda Civic Honda Civics are one of the most popular cars among teen drivers, and is our top recommendation for cars starting under $10,000. The top recommended model years for the Civic are between 2012 and 2015 and 2019 or newer. Average price: $7,100 Average insurance premium: $814 Average monthly cost: $186 Safety score: 5 stars 12. Toyota Prius The Toyota Prius is a classic for teens as any model 2011 or newer comes recommended with 5-star safety scores and good crashworthiness. Average price: $8,100 Average insurance premium: $884 Average monthly cost: $209 Safety score: 5 stars 13. Subaru Legacy Another Subaru, the Subaru Legacy , earns a spot on our list of best cars for teens under $10,000 for its low monthly cost and top safety ratings. Opt for models 2013 or newer for your teen driver. Average price: $8,300 Average insurance premium: $923 Average monthly cost: $215 Safety score: 5 stars 14. Toyota Camry For the last decade, the Toyota Camry has earned a spot on IIHS’s list of top safety picks, making models 2012 or newer a great option for teen drivers. Average price: $9,400 Average insurance premium: $854 Average monthly cost: $228 Safety score: 5 stars 15. Honda Accord The Honda Accord , model 2012 or newer, concludes our list of best cars for teen drivers. Models built after 2017 include the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety features, like lane assist and collision mitigation. Average price: $9,900 Average insurance premium: $1,107 Average monthly cost: $257 Safety score: 5 stars Tips for buying your teen’s first car Buying your teen’s first car is a big life moment. Follow our car buying guide and send them on their way in one of our recommended vehicles. Set a budget Buying a car for teens looks different for all families. It’s not something every family can afford to do. For those who can, it’s wise to set a budget. Just because you may be able to afford to splurge on a brand-new sports car for your child doesn’t mean you should. Vehicle choice can factor into the risks associated with teen drivers. [2] Our list prioritizes used cars selling for under $20,000 to keep monthly payments affordable for the average parent or the teen themselves. However, if you’re looking for an option with the latest tech like GPS navigation or speed restrictions, you may need to set your budget higher and search for newer vehicles. Some of the cars and SUVs on our list sell for $20,000 to $40,000 for the latest models and hold similar safety ratings. Another factor that may influence your budget is how much use the car will get. The average length of car ownership for first cars is just over four years. [3] When shopping, you’ll want to keep in mind if your family is planning to share the car between siblings and for how many years. Will the car be passed down to younger children? Will your child take the car off to college? It may be worth spending more on a newer, reliable car with low miles if you plan for this car to stick around through multiple years or children. Focus on models built after 2006 Another reason to consider the year a car was made relates to safety. While you may find vehicles older than 2010 selling for under $5,000 that are typically cheaper to insure , safety features built in more recent years outweigh the lower price tag. Vehicles built before 2007 are more likely to have safety features like side airbags and electronic stability control — something found in today’s vehicles that you likely wouldn’t think twice about. Side airbags specifically weren’t mandated until 2009 and electronic stability control wasn’t required by law until 2012. Look for these safety features Safety should be your top priority when searching for your child’s first car. Ease your and your teen’s driving fears by looking at and test-driving cars with top safety technologies, such as: Anti-lock brakes Traction control Stability control Forward-collision warning Blind-spot monitoring Backup cameras Parking sensors Understanding car insurance for teen drivers A common question parents ask is how much it costs to add a teenager to their car insurance policy. The answer varies significantly . Location, vehicle, age, sex and driving history all play a part in determining insurance rates. However, teens are one of the most expensive drivers to insure. The average teenager (or parent) pays a $1,332 premium on a six-month policy. You can lower your teen’s insurance rate by: Choosing a moderately priced vehicle Asking about the good student discount Enrolling in defensive driving for safe driving discounts Considering accident forgiveness coverage to protect from first accidents Now that you have a list of the best cars for teens in hand, it’s time to start shopping. If you haven’t already added your teen to your family car insurance plan , try out our free car insurance calculator for an estimate of your new rates today! Methodology To find the best cars for teens, The Zebra analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Kelley Blue Book (KBB) to determine the safest vehicles on the market under $20,000. To determine the monthly cost for each vehicle, we calculated the average monthly car payment based on a five-year loan and added the vehicle’s average monthly insurance rate. We selected our top choices based on vehicles with the lowest monthly cost and the highest safety ratings. Average insurance rates come from The Zebra but do not take the age of the driver into consideration. Sources Economists are divided on the risk of a U.S. recession. CNBC Vehicle choice can exacerbate teen drivers' risks. IIHS My first car - how 1,000 Americans got their first car. Leith Cars
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[1\.888.419.3716](tel:1-888-419-3716) [Get Quotes](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/best-cars-for-teens/) [Resource Center](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/) [Driving](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/) # Best cars for teens: 15 vehicles under \$20K with top safety ratings ## Honda Civics are one of the most popular cars among teen drivers, and is our top recommendation for cars starting under \$10,000. ![Author profile picture](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/susan-12.2e16d0ba.fill-100x100.jpg) By [Susan Meyer](https://www.thezebra.com/about/susan-meyer/) Updated April 24, 2024 Reviewed By [Beth Swanson](https://www.thezebra.com/about/beth-swanson/) ![Author profile picture](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/susan-12.2e16d0ba.fill-100x100.jpg) ### Susan Meyer Senior Editorial Manager Susan is a licensed insurance agent and has worked as a writer and editor for over 10 years across a number of industries. She has worked at The Zebr… Credentials - Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty [View full profile](https://www.thezebra.com/about/susan-meyer/) ![Author profile picture](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/Beth_Swanson_compressed.2e16d0ba.fill-100x100.jpg) ### Beth Swanson Insurance Analyst Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. A licensed insurance agent, she specializes in creating clear, accessible content t… Credentials - Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty - Associate in Insurance (AINS) - Professional Risk Consultant (PRC) - Associate in Insurance Services (AIS) [View full profile](https://www.thezebra.com/about/beth-swanson/) ![](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/teen-daughter-and-mom-driving.width-1500.format-jpeg.jpg) Jump to 1. [Best cars for teens under \$20,000](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/best-cars-for-teens/#best-cars-for-teens-under-20000) 2. [Best cars for teens under \$15,000](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/best-cars-for-teens/#best-cars-for-teens-under-15000) 3. [Best cars for teens under \$10,000](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/best-cars-for-teens/#best-cars-for-teens-under-10000) 4. [Tips for buying your teen’s first car](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/best-cars-for-teens/#tips-for-buying-your-teens-first-car) 5. [Car insurance for teen drivers](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/best-cars-for-teens/#car-insurance-for-teen-drivers) 6. [Methodology](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/best-cars-for-teens/#methodology) 7. [Infographic](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/best-cars-for-teens/#infographic) #### Don't overpay for your teen's insurance! Let us compare quotes for you ## Top cars for teenagers With [car prices soaring](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/average-car-price/) and a potential recession looming over Americans, buying a car might not be a top priority for many people.[\[1\]](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/best-cars-for-teens/#footnote-1) However, teens across the country might feel differently. They’re finally reaching the moment they’ve anticipated their whole lives thus far — the age to obtain a driver’s license. But to really taste the freedom of the open road, they need a car. As a parent, the thought of your teen driving may be nerve-wracking, so The Zebra compiled a list of the 15 best cars for teens based on typical first-car budgets, insurance rates, and safety data considerations. [Skip below to the infographic](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/best-cars-for-teens/#infographic) for a quick review of the best cars for teens under \$20,000, \$15,000 and \$10,000, plus some safety tips for teen drivers. ![ Car-crashes-are-far-more-common-for-teen-drivers]() ## Best cars for teens under \$20,000 ### 1\. Toyota Highlander ![toyota-highlander](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/toyota-highlander.width-800.jpg) The [Toyota Highlander](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/toyota/highlander/), model 2014 or newer, is our top teen vehicle recommendation for cars between \$15,000 and \$20,000. The vehicle earned its spot for its 5-star safety rating and lower insurance premium. - Average price: \$17,800 - Average insurance premium: \$965 - Average monthly cost: \$377 - Safety score: 5 stars ### 2\. Kia Sportage ![Kia-Sportage](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/Kia-Sportage.width-800.jpg) Teen drivers who prefer a compact SUV will find that the 2017 [Kia Sportage](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/kia/sportage/) meets their needs with its 5-star safety score. - Average price: \$17,000 - Average insurance premium: \$1,138 - Average monthly cost: \$378 - Safety score: 5 stars ### 3\. Hyundai Santa Fe ![Hyundai-Santa-fe](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/Hyundai-Santa-fe.width-800.jpg) The [Hyundai Santa Fe's](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/hyundai/santa-fe/) best model years for teen drivers are between 2017 and 2019 due to the lower selling prices, insurance premiums and safety scores. - Average price: \$17,800 - Average insurance premium: \$1,082 - Average monthly cost: \$387 - Safety score: 5 stars ![ best-car-for-teens]() ### ### 4\. Subaru Crosstrek ![subaru-crosstrek](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/subaru-crosstrek.width-800.jpg) Subaru is known as one of the safest car manufacturers. The Subaru Crosstrek, models 2018 or newer, is perfect for teen drivers. - Average price: \$19,900 - Average insurance premium: \$954 - Average monthly cost: \$411 - Safety score: 5 stars ### 5\. Toyota Corolla hatchback ![toyota-corolla-hatchback](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/toyota-corolla-hatchback.width-800.jpg) The [Toyota Corolla](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/toyota/corolla/) hatchback, model 2019 or newer, is great for teens looking for a reliable car with newer safety features like blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning. - Average price: \$18,700 - Average insurance premium: \$1,729 - Average monthly cost: \$456 - Safety score: 5 stars ## Best cars for teens under \$15,000 ### 6\. Mazda CX-5 ![mazda-cx-5](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/mazda-cx-5.width-800.jpg) Another compact SUV, the 2014 (or newer) [Mazda CX-5](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/mazda/cx-5/) earns the spot as our top pick for best cars for teens in the \$10,000 to \$15,000 range. - Average price: \$10,200 - Average insurance premium: \$955 - Average monthly cost: \$250 - Safety score: 5 stars ### 7\. Nissan Rogue ![Nissan-rogue](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/Nissan-rogue.width-800.jpg) [Nissan Rogues](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/nissan/rogue/) made between 2014 and 2020 are a great option for an affordable and safe SUV. It earned good ratings all around in crashworthiness and offers optional front crash prevention in newer models. - Average price: \$11,000 - Average insurance premium: \$890 - Average monthly cost: \$258 - Safety score: 4 stars ### 8\. Ford Fusion ![Ford-fusion](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/Ford-fusion.width-800.jpg) The 2015 or 2018 [Ford Fusion](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/ford/fusion/) are both reliable options for teen drivers. This midsize sedan comes at a low average car payment and a 5-star safety rating. - Average price: \$12,200 - Average insurance premium: \$1,105 - Average monthly cost: \$295 - Safety score: 5 stars ### 9\. Volkswagen Jetta ![Volkswagen-jetta](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/Volkswagen-jetta.width-800.jpg) The 2016 [Volkswagen Jetta](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/volkswagen/jetta/) is a good contender for teens as the higher trim models boast safety features like adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert. - Average price: \$10,900 - Average insurance premium: \$1,437 - Average monthly cost: \$301 - Safety score: 5 stars ### 10\. Nissan Murano ![Nissan-murano](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/Nissan-murano.width-800.jpg) The [Nissan Murano](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/nissan/murano/), models 2015 or newer, is one of the best midsize SUVs on the market for teens and families alike. It’s reliable and earned great crash test results. - Average price: \$14,700 - Average insurance premium: \$923 - Average monthly cost: \$322 - Safety score: 4 stars ## Best cars for teens under \$10,000 ### 11\. Honda Civic ![Honda-civic](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/Honda-civic.width-800.jpg) [Honda Civics](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/honda/civic/) are one of the most popular cars among teen drivers, and is our top recommendation for cars starting under \$10,000. The top recommended model years for the Civic are between 2012 and 2015 and 2019 or newer. - Average price: \$7,100 - Average insurance premium: \$814 - Average monthly cost: \$186 - Safety score: 5 stars ### 12\. Toyota Prius ![Toyota-prius](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/Toyota-prius.width-800.jpg) The [Toyota Prius](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/toyota/prius/) is a classic for teens as any model 2011 or newer comes recommended with 5-star safety scores and good crashworthiness. - Average price: \$8,100 - Average insurance premium: \$884 - Average monthly cost: \$209 - Safety score: 5 stars ### 13\. Subaru Legacy ![subaru-legacy](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/subaru-legacy.width-800.jpg) Another Subaru, the [Subaru Legacy](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/subaru/legacy/), earns a spot on our list of best cars for teens under \$10,000 for its low monthly cost and top safety ratings. Opt for models 2013 or newer for your teen driver. - Average price: \$8,300 - Average insurance premium: \$923 - Average monthly cost: \$215 - Safety score: 5 stars ### 14\. Toyota Camry ![toyota-camry](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/toyota-camry.width-800.jpg) For the last decade, the Toyota Camry has earned a spot on IIHS’s list of top safety picks, making models 2012 or newer a great option for teen drivers. - Average price: \$9,400 - Average insurance premium: \$854 - Average monthly cost: \$228 - Safety score: 5 stars ### 15\. Honda Accord ![honda-accord](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/honda-accord.width-800.jpg) The [Honda Accord](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/honda/accord/), model 2012 or newer, concludes our list of best cars for teen drivers. Models built after 2017 include the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety features, like lane assist and collision mitigation. - Average price: \$9,900 - Average insurance premium: \$1,107 - Average monthly cost: \$257 - Safety score: 5 stars ## Tips for buying your teen’s first car Buying your teen’s first car is a big life moment. Follow our [car buying guide](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/how-to-buy-a-car/) and send them on their way in one of our recommended vehicles. ### Set a budget Buying a car for teens looks different for all families. It’s [not something every family can afford](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/research/teen-driving-and-income/) to do. For those who can, it’s wise to set a budget. Just because [you may be able to afford](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/how-much-car-can-i-afford/) to splurge on a brand-new sports car for your child doesn’t mean you should. Vehicle choice can factor into the risks associated with teen drivers.[\[2\]](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/best-cars-for-teens/#footnote-2) Our list prioritizes used cars selling for under \$20,000 to keep monthly payments affordable for the average parent or the teen themselves. However, if you’re looking for an option with the latest tech like GPS navigation or speed restrictions, you may need to set your budget higher and search for newer vehicles. Some of the cars and SUVs on our list sell for \$20,000 to \$40,000 for the latest models and hold similar safety ratings. Another factor that may influence your budget is how much use the car will get. The [average length of car ownership](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/average-length-of-car-ownership/) for first cars is just over four years.[\[3\]](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/best-cars-for-teens/#footnote-3) When shopping, you’ll want to keep in mind if your family is planning to share the car between siblings and for how many years. Will the car be passed down to younger children? Will your child take the car off to college? It may be worth spending more on a newer, reliable car with low miles if you plan for this car to stick around through multiple years or children. ### Focus on models built after 2006 Another reason to consider the year a car was made relates to safety. While you may find vehicles older than 2010 selling for under \$5,000 that are typically [cheaper to insure](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/new-vs-used-car-insurance-comparison/), safety features built in more recent years outweigh the lower price tag. Vehicles built before 2007 are more likely to have safety features like side airbags and electronic stability control — something found in today’s vehicles that you likely wouldn’t think twice about. Side airbags specifically weren’t mandated until 2009 and electronic stability control wasn’t required by law until 2012. ### Look for these safety features Safety should be your top priority when searching for your child’s first car. Ease your and your [teen’s driving fears](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/research/teen-driving-fears/) by looking at and test-driving cars with top safety technologies, such as: - Anti-lock brakes - Traction control - Stability control - Forward-collision warning - Blind-spot monitoring - Backup cameras - Parking sensors ![ tech-to-make-your-teens-drive-safe]() ## Understanding car insurance for teen drivers A common question parents ask is how much it costs to add a teenager to their car insurance policy. The [answer varies significantly](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/car-insurance/insurance-head-to-head-teen/). Location, vehicle, age, sex and [driving history](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/what-is-a-clean-driving-record/) all play a part in determining insurance rates. However, teens are one of the most expensive drivers to insure. The average teenager (or parent) pays a [\$1,332](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/driver/age/cheap-car-insurance-teens/) premium on a six-month policy. You can lower your teen’s insurance rate by: - Choosing a moderately priced vehicle - Asking about the [good student discount](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/discounts/student-discount/) - Enrolling in [defensive driving](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/discounts/defensive-driving-discounts/) for [safe driving discounts](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/driver/other-factors/best-car-insurance-good-drivers/) - Considering [accident forgiveness](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/coverage/accident-forgiveness-auto-insurance/) coverage to protect from first accidents Now that you have a list of the best cars for teens in hand, it’s time to start shopping. If you haven’t already added your teen to your [family car insurance plan](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/driver/status/car-insurance-families/), try out our [free car insurance calculator](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/coverage/car-insurance-calculator/) for an estimate of your new rates today\! * ## Methodology To find the best cars for teens, [The Zebra](https://www.thezebra.com/) analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Kelley Blue Book (KBB) to determine the safest vehicles on the market under \$20,000. To determine the monthly cost for each vehicle, we calculated the average monthly car payment based on a five-year loan and added the vehicle’s average monthly insurance rate. We selected our top choices based on vehicles with the lowest monthly cost and the highest safety ratings. Average insurance rates come from The Zebra but do not take the age of the driver into consideration. ![ teen-car-buying-guide]() * Sources 1. Economists are divided on the risk of a U.S. recession. [CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/05/economists-are-divided-on-the-risk-of-a-us-recession.html) 2. Vehicle choice can exacerbate teen drivers' risks. [IIHS](https://www.iihs.org/news/detail/vehicle-choice-can-exacerbate-teen-drivers-risk) 3. My first car - how 1,000 Americans got their first car. [Leith Cars](https://www.leithcars.com/blogs/1421/automotive/first-car/) Related content - [Ticketed for distracted driving? Prepare to pay 23% more for car insurance \[STUDY\]](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/distracted-driving-best-worst-cities/) - [How Much Does Your Car Know About You?](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/car-spying/) - [The future of micromobility: How short, shared rides are disrupting car travel](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/micromobility/) - [Senior Driving Rules and Driving Safety Guide](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/driving-rules-seniors/) - [How to transfer your car title](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/how-to-transfer-your-car-title/) - [How to buy a car: 17 steps to ownership + free checklists](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/how-to-buy-a-car/) - [Is Careless Driving the Same as Reckless Driving?](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/reckless-vs-careless-driving/) - [Survey Finds 38% of Americans Make Rude Gestures While Driving](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/rude-gesture-survey/) - [Survey: Average length of car ownership in America](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/average-length-of-car-ownership/) - [30 Printable Road Trip Games and Checklists](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/30-printable-road-trip-games-checklists/) Jump to 1. [Best cars for teens under \$20,000](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/best-cars-for-teens/#best-cars-for-teens-under-20000) 2. [Best cars for teens under \$15,000](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/best-cars-for-teens/#best-cars-for-teens-under-15000) 3. [Best cars for teens under \$10,000](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/best-cars-for-teens/#best-cars-for-teens-under-10000) 4. [Tips for buying your teen’s first car](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/best-cars-for-teens/#tips-for-buying-your-teens-first-car) 5. [Car insurance for teen drivers](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/best-cars-for-teens/#car-insurance-for-teen-drivers) 6. [Methodology](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/best-cars-for-teens/#methodology) 7. [Infographic](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/best-cars-for-teens/#infographic) Related Articles [Driving](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/) ### [Auto loan payoff calculator](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/auto-loan-payoff-calculator/) Our auto loan payoff calculator shows how long you could shorten your loan term if you increase monthly car payments. [Driving](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/) ### [How Many Miles Do You Drive Per Year? Calculator](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/annual-mileage-calculator/) Calculator to estimate the number of miles you drive in a year [Driving](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/) ### [13 ways to make your car more eco-friendly and fuel efficient](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/how-to-make-your-car-eco-friendly/) Learn how you can take steps to make your driving more sustainable with these eco-friendly driving tips. [Driving](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/) ### [How to survive this summer without your car's A/C](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/survive-summer-without-ac/) You know the panic, regret, and resignation of a summer without your car’s A/C. It sucks. We’ve scoured the web for the... ![](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/static/58dfb17/zfront/img/icons/icon-sending.svg) Stay in touch and subscribe\! Get advice, insights and tips from our newsletter. Success! Thank you for signing up for our newsletter 1. [The Zebra](https://www.thezebra.com/) 2. [Resource Center](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/) 3. [Driving](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/) 4. 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Readable Markdown	## Honda Civics are one of the most popular cars among teen drivers, and is our top recommendation for cars starting under \$10,000. ![Author profile picture](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/susan-12.2e16d0ba.fill-100x100.jpg) By Updated April 24, 2024 Susan is a licensed insurance agent and has worked as a writer and editor for over 10 years across a number of industries. She has worked at The Zebr… Credentials - Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. A licensed insurance agent, she specializes in creating clear, accessible content t… Credentials - Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty - Associate in Insurance (AINS) - Professional Risk Consultant (PRC) - Associate in Insurance Services (AIS) ![](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/teen-daughter-and-mom-driving.width-1500.format-jpeg.jpg) Don't overpay for your teen's insurance! Let us compare quotes for you ## Top cars for teenagers With [car prices soaring](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/average-car-price/) and a potential recession looming over Americans, buying a car might not be a top priority for many people.[\[1\]](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/best-cars-for-teens/#footnote-1) However, teens across the country might feel differently. They’re finally reaching the moment they’ve anticipated their whole lives thus far — the age to obtain a driver’s license. But to really taste the freedom of the open road, they need a car. As a parent, the thought of your teen driving may be nerve-wracking, so The Zebra compiled a list of the 15 best cars for teens based on typical first-car budgets, insurance rates, and safety data considerations. [Skip below to the infographic](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/best-cars-for-teens/#infographic) for a quick review of the best cars for teens under \$20,000, \$15,000 and \$10,000, plus some safety tips for teen drivers. ![ Car-crashes-are-far-more-common-for-teen-drivers](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/Car-crashes-are-far.format-jpeg.jpegquality-70.width-960.jpg) ## Best cars for teens under \$20,000 ### 1\. Toyota Highlander ![toyota-highlander](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/toyota-highlander.width-800.jpg) The [Toyota Highlander](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/toyota/highlander/), model 2014 or newer, is our top teen vehicle recommendation for cars between \$15,000 and \$20,000. The vehicle earned its spot for its 5-star safety rating and lower insurance premium. - Average price: \$17,800 - Average insurance premium: \$965 - Average monthly cost: \$377 - Safety score: 5 stars ### 2\. Kia Sportage ![Kia-Sportage](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/Kia-Sportage.width-800.jpg) Teen drivers who prefer a compact SUV will find that the 2017 [Kia Sportage](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/kia/sportage/) meets their needs with its 5-star safety score. - Average price: \$17,000 - Average insurance premium: \$1,138 - Average monthly cost: \$378 - Safety score: 5 stars ### 3\. Hyundai Santa Fe ![Hyundai-Santa-fe](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/Hyundai-Santa-fe.width-800.jpg) The [Hyundai Santa Fe's](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/hyundai/santa-fe/) best model years for teen drivers are between 2017 and 2019 due to the lower selling prices, insurance premiums and safety scores. - Average price: \$17,800 - Average insurance premium: \$1,082 - Average monthly cost: \$387 - Safety score: 5 stars ![ best-car-for-teens](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/best-car-for-teens.format-jpeg.jpegquality-70.width-960.jpg) ### 4\. Subaru Crosstrek ![subaru-crosstrek](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/subaru-crosstrek.width-800.jpg) Subaru is known as one of the safest car manufacturers. The Subaru Crosstrek, models 2018 or newer, is perfect for teen drivers. - Average price: \$19,900 - Average insurance premium: \$954 - Average monthly cost: \$411 - Safety score: 5 stars ### 5\. Toyota Corolla hatchback ![toyota-corolla-hatchback](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/toyota-corolla-hatchback.width-800.jpg) The [Toyota Corolla](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/toyota/corolla/) hatchback, model 2019 or newer, is great for teens looking for a reliable car with newer safety features like blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning. - Average price: \$18,700 - Average insurance premium: \$1,729 - Average monthly cost: \$456 - Safety score: 5 stars ## Best cars for teens under \$15,000 ### 6\. Mazda CX-5 ![mazda-cx-5](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/mazda-cx-5.width-800.jpg) Another compact SUV, the 2014 (or newer) [Mazda CX-5](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/mazda/cx-5/) earns the spot as our top pick for best cars for teens in the \$10,000 to \$15,000 range. - Average price: \$10,200 - Average insurance premium: \$955 - Average monthly cost: \$250 - Safety score: 5 stars ### 7\. Nissan Rogue ![Nissan-rogue](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/Nissan-rogue.width-800.jpg) [Nissan Rogues](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/nissan/rogue/) made between 2014 and 2020 are a great option for an affordable and safe SUV. It earned good ratings all around in crashworthiness and offers optional front crash prevention in newer models. - Average price: \$11,000 - Average insurance premium: \$890 - Average monthly cost: \$258 - Safety score: 4 stars ### 8\. Ford Fusion ![Ford-fusion](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/Ford-fusion.width-800.jpg) The 2015 or 2018 [Ford Fusion](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/ford/fusion/) are both reliable options for teen drivers. This midsize sedan comes at a low average car payment and a 5-star safety rating. - Average price: \$12,200 - Average insurance premium: \$1,105 - Average monthly cost: \$295 - Safety score: 5 stars ### 9\. Volkswagen Jetta ![Volkswagen-jetta](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/Volkswagen-jetta.width-800.jpg) The 2016 [Volkswagen Jetta](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/volkswagen/jetta/) is a good contender for teens as the higher trim models boast safety features like adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert. - Average price: \$10,900 - Average insurance premium: \$1,437 - Average monthly cost: \$301 - Safety score: 5 stars ### 10\. Nissan Murano ![Nissan-murano](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/Nissan-murano.width-800.jpg) The [Nissan Murano](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/nissan/murano/), models 2015 or newer, is one of the best midsize SUVs on the market for teens and families alike. It’s reliable and earned great crash test results. - Average price: \$14,700 - Average insurance premium: \$923 - Average monthly cost: \$322 - Safety score: 4 stars ## Best cars for teens under \$10,000 ### 11\. Honda Civic ![Honda-civic](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/Honda-civic.width-800.jpg) [Honda Civics](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/honda/civic/) are one of the most popular cars among teen drivers, and is our top recommendation for cars starting under \$10,000. The top recommended model years for the Civic are between 2012 and 2015 and 2019 or newer. - Average price: \$7,100 - Average insurance premium: \$814 - Average monthly cost: \$186 - Safety score: 5 stars ### 12\. Toyota Prius ![Toyota-prius](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/Toyota-prius.width-800.jpg) The [Toyota Prius](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/toyota/prius/) is a classic for teens as any model 2011 or newer comes recommended with 5-star safety scores and good crashworthiness. - Average price: \$8,100 - Average insurance premium: \$884 - Average monthly cost: \$209 - Safety score: 5 stars ### 13\. Subaru Legacy ![subaru-legacy](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/subaru-legacy.width-800.jpg) Another Subaru, the [Subaru Legacy](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/subaru/legacy/), earns a spot on our list of best cars for teens under \$10,000 for its low monthly cost and top safety ratings. Opt for models 2013 or newer for your teen driver. - Average price: \$8,300 - Average insurance premium: \$923 - Average monthly cost: \$215 - Safety score: 5 stars ### 14\. Toyota Camry ![toyota-camry](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/toyota-camry.width-800.jpg) For the last decade, the Toyota Camry has earned a spot on IIHS’s list of top safety picks, making models 2012 or newer a great option for teen drivers. - Average price: \$9,400 - Average insurance premium: \$854 - Average monthly cost: \$228 - Safety score: 5 stars ### 15\. Honda Accord ![honda-accord](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/honda-accord.width-800.jpg) The [Honda Accord](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/honda/accord/), model 2012 or newer, concludes our list of best cars for teen drivers. Models built after 2017 include the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety features, like lane assist and collision mitigation. - Average price: \$9,900 - Average insurance premium: \$1,107 - Average monthly cost: \$257 - Safety score: 5 stars ## Tips for buying your teen’s first car Buying your teen’s first car is a big life moment. Follow our [car buying guide](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/how-to-buy-a-car/) and send them on their way in one of our recommended vehicles. ### Set a budget Buying a car for teens looks different for all families. It’s [not something every family can afford](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/research/teen-driving-and-income/) to do. For those who can, it’s wise to set a budget. Just because [you may be able to afford](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/how-much-car-can-i-afford/) to splurge on a brand-new sports car for your child doesn’t mean you should. Vehicle choice can factor into the risks associated with teen drivers.[\[2\]](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/best-cars-for-teens/#footnote-2) Our list prioritizes used cars selling for under \$20,000 to keep monthly payments affordable for the average parent or the teen themselves. However, if you’re looking for an option with the latest tech like GPS navigation or speed restrictions, you may need to set your budget higher and search for newer vehicles. Some of the cars and SUVs on our list sell for \$20,000 to \$40,000 for the latest models and hold similar safety ratings. Another factor that may influence your budget is how much use the car will get. The [average length of car ownership](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/average-length-of-car-ownership/) for first cars is just over four years.[\[3\]](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/best-cars-for-teens/#footnote-3) When shopping, you’ll want to keep in mind if your family is planning to share the car between siblings and for how many years. Will the car be passed down to younger children? Will your child take the car off to college? It may be worth spending more on a newer, reliable car with low miles if you plan for this car to stick around through multiple years or children. ### Focus on models built after 2006 Another reason to consider the year a car was made relates to safety. While you may find vehicles older than 2010 selling for under \$5,000 that are typically [cheaper to insure](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/new-vs-used-car-insurance-comparison/), safety features built in more recent years outweigh the lower price tag. Vehicles built before 2007 are more likely to have safety features like side airbags and electronic stability control — something found in today’s vehicles that you likely wouldn’t think twice about. Side airbags specifically weren’t mandated until 2009 and electronic stability control wasn’t required by law until 2012. ### Look for these safety features Safety should be your top priority when searching for your child’s first car. Ease your and your [teen’s driving fears](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/research/teen-driving-fears/) by looking at and test-driving cars with top safety technologies, such as: - Anti-lock brakes - Traction control - Stability control - Forward-collision warning - Blind-spot monitoring - Backup cameras - Parking sensors ![ tech-to-make-your-teens-drive-safe](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/tech-to-make-your-t.format-jpeg.jpegquality-70.width-960.jpg) ## Understanding car insurance for teen drivers A common question parents ask is how much it costs to add a teenager to their car insurance policy. The [answer varies significantly](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/car-insurance/insurance-head-to-head-teen/). Location, vehicle, age, sex and [driving history](https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/what-is-a-clean-driving-record/) all play a part in determining insurance rates. However, teens are one of the most expensive drivers to insure. The average teenager (or parent) pays a [\$1,332](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/driver/age/cheap-car-insurance-teens/) premium on a six-month policy. You can lower your teen’s insurance rate by: - Choosing a moderately priced vehicle - Asking about the [good student discount](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/discounts/student-discount/) - Enrolling in [defensive driving](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/discounts/defensive-driving-discounts/) for [safe driving discounts](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/driver/other-factors/best-car-insurance-good-drivers/) - Considering [accident forgiveness](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/coverage/accident-forgiveness-auto-insurance/) coverage to protect from first accidents Now that you have a list of the best cars for teens in hand, it’s time to start shopping. If you haven’t already added your teen to your [family car insurance plan](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/driver/status/car-insurance-families/), try out our [free car insurance calculator](https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/coverage/car-insurance-calculator/) for an estimate of your new rates today\! ## Methodology To find the best cars for teens, [The Zebra](https://www.thezebra.com/) analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Kelley Blue Book (KBB) to determine the safest vehicles on the market under \$20,000. To determine the monthly cost for each vehicle, we calculated the average monthly car payment based on a five-year loan and added the vehicle’s average monthly insurance rate. We selected our top choices based on vehicles with the lowest monthly cost and the highest safety ratings. Average insurance rates come from The Zebra but do not take the age of the driver into consideration. ![ teen-car-buying-guide](https://cdn.thezebra.com/zfront/media/production/images/teen-car-buying-gui.format-jpeg.jpegquality-70.width-960.jpg) Sources 1. Economists are divided on the risk of a U.S. recession. [CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/05/economists-are-divided-on-the-risk-of-a-us-recession.html) 2. Vehicle choice can exacerbate teen drivers' risks. [IIHS](https://www.iihs.org/news/detail/vehicle-choice-can-exacerbate-teen-drivers-risk) 3. My first car - how 1,000 Americans got their first car. [Leith Cars](https://www.leithcars.com/blogs/1421/automotive/first-car/)
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