Mazda, Audi Models Recognized as Safe Choices for Teen Drivers

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) have released updated recommendations for the safest vehicles for teen drivers, emphasizing a balance of safety, reliability, and affordability. The list includes both new and used vehicles that performed well in crash tests, braking and handling evaluations, and feature user-friendly controls and advanced safety technology such as automatic emergency braking. Notable models highlighted include several Mazdas (Mazda 3, CX-30, CX-50, CX-70, CX-90), the Ford Explorer (post-May 2020), and five Audi models (Q4 e-tron, A3, A6, Q3, Q5), as well as other popular vehicles like the Honda Civic, Subaru Forester, Toyota Prius, and Kia K5. The recommendations exclude minicars, sports cars, large SUVs, pickups, and caution against high-powered electric vehicles for teens. Vehicles on the list generally have earned good ratings in five IIHS crash tests and, for new cars, are recipients of the 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK or TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards. Experts advise families to prioritize the most advanced safety features they can afford and to verify the presence of these technologies when shopping. These guidelines aim to reduce risk for inexperienced drivers by helping parents make informed decisions based on safety data.