There are few moments in life that are more exciting than getting behind the wheel for the first time. For young drivers, earning a license is a huge milestone that opens the door to a whole new level of freedom. For parents, though, that freedom can come with a little more stress. When choosing a car for a young driver, it’s important to focus on vehicles that are not only affordable, but also highly rated for reliability and safety.
Whether you’re a parent or a first-time driver, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best cars for young drivers. But first, let’s cover a few things to consider before purchasing a car.
Should My First Car Be New or Used?
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to shop new or used. New cars often come with the latest safety tech and fewer short-term maintenance concerns, but they also cost more upfront. Used cars can stretch your budget further, but you’ll want to be more careful about condition and history. Here are some key points to consider:
Pros of Purchasing a New Car
- Latest safety features: Newer vehicles are more likely to include modern driver-assistance features that can help prevent common crashes.
- Reliability: New cars typically come with warranties and are less likely to have mechanical issues shortly after purchase.
- Customization: You’ll have more choices for trim level, color, and options when buying new.
Pros of Purchasing a Used Car
- Affordability: In most cases, a used car will cost less than a new model.
- Variety: You can often find a wider range of vehicles within your budget—sometimes even a higher class of vehicle for the same price.
- Lower insurance costs: Insurance for teen drivers can be expensive, and a used car may be cheaper to insure than a brand-new model.
Cons of Purchasing a New Car
- Depreciation: New cars tend to lose value quickly, especially in the first few years.
- Insurance costs: A brand-new car will typically cost more to insure than an older vehicle.
Cons of Purchasing a Used Car
- Potential repair costs: Used vehicles can come with hidden wear-and-tear or mechanical issues that may be costly to fix.
- Limited warranty: Depending on the age and mileage, a used car may no longer have a manufacturer warranty (unless it’s certified pre-owned).
How Much Does It Cost to Add a Young Driver to My Insurance Policy?
Adding a young driver to a family insurance policy can be expensive, largely because new drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in crashes. In fact, teen drivers have crash rates nearly four times those of drivers age 20 and older per mile driven, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)—which is one reason car accidents remain a leading cause of teen deaths.
While adding a teen driver will usually increase your premium, it’s often still less expensive than buying them a separate policy. Plus, there can be a few benefits to adding a young driver to your existing policy, including:
- Qualifying for a multi-vehicle discount
- Convenient, simplified policy management
- Potential for additional discounts (like good student or student away at school)
- Making sure they’re covered to drive other household vehicles
The Best Cars for Young Drivers in 2026
Each year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) publishes its Top Safety Pick (TSP) and Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) awards to highlight vehicles that best meet its crashworthiness and crash-avoidance standards. In recent years, IIHS has also placed more emphasis on rear-seat passenger protection, which is especially relevant for teen and college drivers who often drive with friends.
Below are a few picks that keep safety front and center according the IIHS Top Safety Picks. As always, confirm the exact trim and equipment tested by IIHS—headlights and optional safety packages can affect award status.
The Best New Cars for Young Drivers
1) 2026 Mazda CX-30
Starting at $25,975
If you want the higher seating position and flexibility of a small SUV without paying “SUV money,” the Mazda CX-30 is a strong value. It’s been recognized by the IIHS as a Top Safety Pick+ (when properly equipped), and it backs up that rating with solid standard driver-assistance tech. The CX-30 also feels more upscale inside than most vehicles in this price bracket—great for a young driver who wants something safe and genuinely enjoyable to drive.
Why it works for young drivers: strong IIHS performance, available AWD, and an “easy to live with” size for city parking and campus commuting.
2) 2026 Subaru Impreza
Starting at $29,495
The Subaru Impreza is one of the few compact cars that comes with standard all-wheel drive, making it a smart option for drivers in rain, snow, or mixed conditions. Recent Impreza models have earned IIHS Top Safety Pick recognition (equipment-dependent), and Subaru’s safety approach—especially with its driver-assistance suite—has a long-standing reputation.
Why it works for young drivers: standard AWD, strong safety credentials, and practical hatchback availability for gear, sports, or move-in day.
3) 2026 Toyota Corolla
Starting at $22,925
A “best cars for young drivers” list wouldn’t feel complete without a Corolla-style pick—but for 2026, the Corolla remains here because it still hits the core brief: safe, dependable, and budget-friendly. Many recent Corolla models have performed well in IIHS testing and can qualify for Top Safety Pick recognition depending on equipment. Add in Toyota’s track record for long-term reliability and strong resale value, and it’s an easy recommendation for first-time buyers.
Why it works for young drivers: low running costs, strong reliability history, and widely available safety tech even on lower trims.
The Best Used Cars for College Students Under $20,000
If a brand-new car is out of your budget, buying used can still be a very smart move—especially if you stick to models with a proven safety history. IIHS also publishes guidance for teen drivers, including lists of recommended used vehicles and the key features to prioritize.
1) 2018–2020 Honda Accord
Typical Price Range: ~$15,000 to $20,000
For students who want something comfortable for longer drives (internships, weekend trips, commutes back home), the Honda Accord is a standout used option. Many Accord models from this era scored extremely well in IIHS crash tests, and higher trims often include additional driver-assistance features that make daily driving less stressful.
Why it works for young drivers: roomy interior, strong safety performance for its class, and a reputation for durability.
2) 2019–2021 Toyota Camry
Typical Price Range: ~$16,000 to $20,000
The Toyota Camry is one of the safest “buy and don’t worry about it” choices when you find a model in good condition. Camry models from this range commonly show strong IIHS results, and many include Toyota’s driver-assistance features that help reduce the risk of common crashes (rear-end, lane drift, etc.). It’s also a great choice if parents are helping with the purchase and want something proven and predictable.
Why it works for young drivers: excellent long-term ownership reputation, strong safety record, and comfortable for passengers.
Don’t Forget About Car Insurance
Before purchasing a first car, it’s important to compare car insurance quotes ahead of time to understand the total cost of ownership. At AIS, we make it easy to compare quotes from multiple insurance providers in just a few simple clicks. Whether you’re a parent searching for a car for your young driver or a first-time driver, our specialists can help you navigate the market to find you a policy that fits your budget and needs. To get covered, start a free quote online or call us at (888) 772-4247.
The information in this article is obtained from various sources and is offered for educational purposes. Furthermore, it should not replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.
