Finding the Best Affordable Cars that prioritize safety, reliability, and affordability is a top concern for families and teen drivers. This guide provides recommendations for used and new vehicles that meet these criteria, based on data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR).
Used Best Choices: Top Safety and Reliability
The following used vehicles represent the “Best Choices,” offering excellent safety ratings and above-average reliability. All models exceed a specific weight threshold and have earned good ratings in crucial IIHS crashworthiness tests. They also feature standard advanced or superior rated automatic emergency braking systems and meet specific criteria for emergency handling and braking distance.
Key Considerations:
- Curb Weight: Over 2,750 pounds
- IIHS Ratings: Good in moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, head restraint tests; acceptable or good in driver-side small overlap test.
- NHTSA Ratings: 4 or 5 stars overall (if rated).
- Automatic Emergency Braking: Standard, with advanced or superior IIHS rating.
- Reliability: Above average (4 or 5 out of 5) according to CR.
- Emergency Handling: CR score of 3 out of 5 or higher.
- Braking Distance: 145 feet or less from 60 mph.
Pricing: Prices are average US values for the lowest trim level and earliest applicable model year, based on Kelley Blue Book data from April 19, 2024. These reflect private party purchases of vehicles in good condition with typical mileage.
Best Choices: Sedans and Small Cars
| Car Model | Model Years | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Corolla (Sedan/Hatchback) | 2017+/2019+ | $10,600 |
| Toyota Prius | 2017+ | $13,800 |
| Mazda 3 (Sedan/Hatchback) | 2021-22 | $16,400 |
Best Choices: SUVs
| SUV Model | Model Years | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Equinox | 2020, 2023 | $13,800 |
| Kia Sportage | 2020+ | $14,400 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 2017+ | $14,700 |
Used Good Choices: Balancing Safety and Budget
“Good Choices” provide a more budget-friendly option while still maintaining essential safety standards. These vehicles meet similar IIHS and NHTSA crashworthiness criteria as “Best Choices” but may not include standard automatic emergency braking.
Good Choices: Sedans and Small Cars
| Car Model | Model Years | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda 3 (Sedan/Hatchback) | 2014+ (built after Oct 2013) | $5,800 |
| Honda Civic Sedan | 2014 | $7,900 |
Good Choices: SUVs
| SUV Model | Model Years | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda CX-5 | 2016 | $10,100 |
| Honda CR-V | 2015-19 | $11,400 |
Recommended New Vehicles: Advanced Safety Features
For those seeking the latest safety technology, new vehicles offer advanced features and comprehensive safety systems. All recommended new models have earned the 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award and include standard automatic emergency braking.
Recommended New Cars
| Car Model | Price |
|---|---|
| Subaru Impreza | $23,400 |
| Mazda 3 (Sedan/Hatchback) | $24,300 |
Recommended New SUVs
| SUV Model | Price |
|---|---|
| Mazda CX-30 | $25,700 |
| Kia Sportage | $27,300 |
Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety and Affordability
Choosing the right vehicle for a teen driver involves balancing safety, reliability, and cost. This guide offers a range of best affordable cars options, from used vehicles with excellent safety records to new models equipped with advanced technology. Remember to check for recalls before purchasing any used vehicle. By prioritizing safety and making informed decisions, families can help ensure their teen drivers are protected on the road.
