11 of the safest cars under $20K that you can buy for your teen driver
Keith Laing
- The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Consumer Reports released a list of safe used cars for teen drivers.
- Recommended vehicles have performed well in crash tests and include key safety features.
- While curated for teens, the list is suitable for any driver seeking an affordable and safe vehicle.
You may be looking for a safe used car this summer for your newly-licensed teenaged driver. If so, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Consumer Reports has you covered.
The organizations recently released a list of 29 used cars and SUVs that are usually available for less than $20,000 that have performed well on crash tests, and which also have highly rated headlights and automatic emergency braking systems that can detect pedestrians.
“We curate this annual list specifically for teens because driving holds extra risk for them,” IIHS Senior Research Scientist Rebecca Weast said in a statement. “That said, the suggestions are suitable for drivers of any age looking to balance affordability with crash protection and crash avoidance.”
“A teen’s first car is a major milestone," Emily Thomas, associate director of auto safety at Consumer Reports, said in a statement. "Whether you’re buying them a vehicle or deciding which family car they should begin driving, these lists help parents make those choices with confidence, and without compromising on safety."
The USA TODAY Cars team took a look at the group's lists and compiled some information for consumers about the highlighted models.
1. Mazda3 hatchback
Model Years Recommended: 2019-2025
Median Used Price: $13,200
What they said: Car and Driver said in a review of the 2019 Mazda3 hatchback that "(the) fully loaded AWD hatchback, stickering at $31,335, weighed a mere 117 pounds more than a similarly equipped front-drive 3 sedan. The extra heft slowed its acceleration slightly, by 0.2 second, to 7.2 seconds from zero to 60 mph and 15.6 seconds at 96 mph in the quarter-mile."
2. Mazda3 sedan
Model Years Recommended: 2019-2023
Median Used Price: $13,600
What they said: Edmunds said in a review that "the 2023 Mazda 3 strengths won't be found on a spec sheet — utility, fuel economy and drivability all fall around average, for instance. But the 3's distinctive style and refinement make it more enjoyable to drive and own than most other small sedans. You could say it's a bargain premium sedan."
3. Subaru Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid
Model Years Recommended: 2019-2023
Median Used Price: $13,600
What they said: Kelley Blue Book said in a review that "the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is a practical plug-in hybrid that’s ready for adventure. It feels light on its feet around corners and rides smoothly. Although its all-electric range is modest, this hybrid’s feature-rich cabin and standard all-wheel drive make it well-suited for a variety of needs."
4. Nissan Maxima
Model Years Recommended: 2020-2023
Median Used Price: $15,200
What they said: MotorTrend said in a review that "there is plenty to like about the Nissan Maxima. The interior feels modern and high-quality, the adaptive cruise control is great on a road trip, and the standard V-6 is smooth and powerful. Its IIHS 2020 Top Safety Pick+ designation means the Maxima is very safe. Fuel economy is decent, too, but full-size sedan buyers after mpgs would be better suited to an Avalon Hybrid."
5. Subaru Legacy
Model Years Recommended: 2020-2025
Median Used Price: $16,500
What they said: MotorTrend said in a review that "the 2024 Subaru Legacy is a comfortable and thoroughly competent midsize sedan. It's got plenty of room inside a large trunk and standard all-wheel drive. However, the non-turbocharged Legacy variants lack a distinctive personality and fail to get the blood pumping. The infotainment system isn't the quickest and easiest to use either."
6. Nissan Altima
Model Years Recommended: 2021-2024
Median Used Price: $17,000
What they said: Car and Driver said in a review to "accept the Altima as the capable, bread-and-butter family sedan it’s been for 30 years, and enjoy the relaxed, unhurried driving experience."
7. Toyota Camry
Model Years Recommended: 2019-2025
Median Used Price: $17,300
What they said: "An automotive staple for nearly four decades, the Toyota Camry hardly needs an introduction," MotorTrend said in a review. "This bread-and-butter family sedan is still selling in droves despite a shift in consumer preferences toward crossovers."
8. Kia K5
Model Years Recommended: 2021-2024, built after November 2020
Median Used Price: $17,500
What they said: Edmunds said in a review that "the 2023 Kia K5 has the style and substance to set it apart from other midsize family sedans. It's incredibly easy to drive and comfortable on longer trips thanks to a great suspension and an exceptionally quiet cabin."
9. Subaru Outback
Model Years Recommended: 2020-2025, built after October 2019
Median Used Price: $18,700
What they said: Kelley Blue Book said in a review that "all of the qualities contributing to the Outback’s popularity are still here — things like standard all-wheel drive, strong resale values, safety, space, practicality, and attractive pricing. And since no one buys a Subaru for its looks alone, its 2023 mid-generation revamp shouldn’t send potential customers scurrying elsewhere."
10. Hyundai Ioniq 6
Model Years Recommended: 2023-2025
Median Used Price: $19,400
What they said: Car and Driver said in a review that "the Ioniq 6 provides much more range and performance than you'd expect from an affordable EV sedan, and its design makes it even more desirable."
11. Genesis G80
Model Years Recommended: 2019-2020
Median Used Price: $19,700
What they said: MotorTrend said in a review that "what Hyundai introduced as the Genesis in 2009 has evolved into the G80: a comfortable tweener car for the Genesis brand, slotting above the 2019 Car of the Year-winning Genesis G70 and below the larger and more expensive Genesis G90."