The Best Cars for Teenagers
Written by
Buying a car for a teenager can be a huge milestone. Parents are often overwhelmed by the many factors to consider. Some cars are just generalists, and some specialize in a particular aspect. There are also vehicles that provide the best value for the money, as well as those that perform well in NHTSA testing and IIHS tests.
If you’re looking for a compact sedan, there are a lot of great choices. There’s the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Mazda3. These vehicles are sporty, and they have plenty of options. They also get good gas mileage, making them an economical choice.
If you want to save fuel, a hybrid car is a good choice. These cars can be a little pricey, but they’re more efficient and reliable than traditional pickups. They can be fun to drive, too. The Hyundai Ioniq is an affordable, commuting-friendly hybrid that has a nice, comfortable ride and plenty of cargo space. You can choose a standard, 118-horsepower model or a turbocharged 276-horsepower Elantra N.
The Mazda3 is a standout in the compact class. It has a fun driving dynamics, a spacious cabin, and an elegant design. You’ll also have the option to add all-wheel drive. The Toyota Prius is a popular hybrid, too. It offers a variety of engine and transmission options, including a standard, plug-in, and all-wheel drive.
A sport-utility, like the Subaru Outback, isn’t a slouch. Its off-road prowess is comparable to those of its rivals. The Subaru Outback also provides the same interior space as a sport-ute, and it doesn’t sacrifice on fuel economy.
A sport-oriented SR trim adds a firm suspension and 18-inch wheels. This trim also undermines the pleasant ride and lacks standard driver-assist tech. However, it’s worth it for the performance, which is more than sufficient.
If you’re interested in a large SUV, the Ford F-150 Lightning is a solid choice. It has enough power to make it a formidable competitor to the F-150 Raptor. The F-150’s new Lightning model isn’t much more expensive than the standard F-150, and it delivers more horsepower. Combined with all-wheel drive, it has plenty of range.
The Toyota Tacoma is a tough, dependable, and capable off-roader. It also offers enough space for two passengers and plenty of cargo. It’s a bit big for a teenager, though, and may be difficult to park. If you’re a parent looking for a vehicle for your teen, you’ll need to decide if the big SUVs are right for your kid. If they’re not, the Hyundai Accent is a good choice.
The Nissan Sentra is a solid choice, but it has a disappointingly bland, anemic engine. Its ride and handling are average, but the cabin is a bit nicer than most models. There’s a new grille for the 2022 model, and it has a suite of advanced driver aids.
Finally, the Porsche 911 is the benchmark for sport cars. It’s a legendary vehicle that’s available in a hardtop, Targa, or cabriolet. It’s fast and safe, and it’s always ready to give.