Having children comes with exceptional rewards, though our daily fears about their safety never subside. If anything, they get worse once our little ones aren’t so little anymore, and not least when they reach driving age. Few things fill a seasoned parent with more anxiety than knowing their child is now at the whim of other drivers.
Therefore, it pays to do your due diligence on the car they might be driving. However, first-time car buyers don’t have the same disposable income as some of their elders, so choosing a safe and affordable car may prove tricky. Therefore, we have looked at currently used options for safe small or mid-sized cars and SUVs in the $5,000 to $20,000 price range. The limit for mileage is anything with less than 100,000 miles on the clock.
The Method
This collection mirrors a collaborative Consumer Reports and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) “Safe Vehicles for Teens” study. Moreover, we have consulted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) vehicle safety standards, among other resources.
As we know, the world can be an economic rollercoaster, meaning car prices fluctuate. By consulting sites including Kelley Blue Book, AutoTrader, and Edmunds, we also found up-to-date average price ideas for first-time buyers. We will also defer to the earliest model of any suggested year range, mainly to gauge the lowest price. Of course, we have also taken on board expert opinions from the very best online voices to illuminate our selection.
2014 Honda Civic Sedan
Honda Civics and first-time car buyers are a familiar pairing. What better way to celebrate austere automobiles than this moderate, modern classic? Why must it be from 2014? The year marks the first time Civics changed to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), discarding the 5-speed automatic transmission. It means younger buyers can enjoy decent fuel economy with their used 2014 Honda Civic. Each sedan model offers between 31 and 33 combined mpg, with up to 39 mpg on the highway in some models.
As far as safety goes, the 2014 upgrade comes with certain features as standard or premium. Among these is Honda LaneWatch for improved blind spot assistance, making highway driving much safer for the driver. Some used models could be available for roughly $6,000, according to Kelley’s Blue Book’s latest prices.
2015 Toyota Prius V
We are in Prius Land, namely, the Fourth Generation XW50 2015 Prius V, a mid-sized hybrid. It is more like a compact minivan than a hatchback, and it may be a good choice for young drivers who need lots of space. Musicians, surfers, or outdoor sports enthusiasts also benefit from such a design.
While it may not compete with its 2014 predecessor on mileage, it does gain some good reviews in this realm. MotorTrend reports that “the 2015 Toyota Prius V is a good choice because it offers excellent gas mileage and a cavernous interior.” Right now, this car can be yours for as little as $6,200, according to a Cars listing.
2014 Toyota Camry Sedan
Another straight-laced selection for a first-time driver might be the 2014 Toyota Camry, and used models might be available for only $6,500. Like the Third Generation Prius, the Toyota Camry was upgraded in the winter of 2013, and the study recommends models built after this time.
However, a 2014 Limbaugh Toyota press release refers to IIHS small-overlap frontal crash test results not being up to the rest of the Camry’s standards. Consequently, an upgrade-on-an-upgrade ensued, bringing better all-around protection from a modified front end. It means that some 2014 cars are marked as “2014.5,” which indicates the improvement.
2015-2017 Mazda 6 Sedan
While the Mazda 6 tested by IIHS was a 2014 model, we can definitively rank the 2015 Mazda 6 as one of the safest choices. The NHTSA awarded five stars as its overall safety rating. Further, the 2014 version came with six airbags as standard, according to a press release at the time.
This kind of attention to safety makes this car a great starter for any youngster and their entourage of friends. Meanwhile, prospective first-timers can expect to pay at least $7,600 for Mazda 6 models of this era.
2014 Toyota Prius Hatchback
On the next rung of the pricing ladder is America’s go-to middle-class HEV of a generation, the 2014 Prius. However, the safety survey indicates that this IIHS “Top Safety Pick” of 2014 is for EVs built after November 2013. Moreover, it only applies to vehicles with optional front crash prevention.
The Third-Generation XW30 Toyota Priuses built during this period also come with the 2012 Vehicle Proximity Notification System (VPNS). It was necessary to warn others of this silent hybrid when switched to all-electric mode, namely, pedestrians. Some models are listed around the $8,000 mark on retail sites, such as Edmunds.
2014-2017 Mazda 3 Sedan
A critical feature of all Mazda 3 models built after October 2013 was the front suspension, which was improved for small frontal overlap crashes. Depending on mileage, these cars go for as little as $8,000; what’s more, AutoGuide named the 2014 Mazda 3 “Car of the Year.”
The 2014 Mazda 3 scores a maximum “good” in all the right categories, though the survey’s award has one caveat. Surprise: it only applies to cars with “optional front crash prevention,” so buyers must tick this box before proceeding.
2015 Ford C-Max Hybrid
Ford’s commonly perceived answer to the Toyota Prius appears in the study, primarily the C-Max Hybrid (not to be mistaken with C-Max Energi) model. Its 2014 predecessor scored well on the IIHS crash testing, earning mostly top marks. Curiously, a LeftHandLane post explains how its Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) produces 188 hp, making the C-Max “quicker than the average hybrid.”
Therefore, most parents will encourage their teens to conserve battery and drive moderately. 2015 C-Max Hybrids come in SE and the leather-trim SEL variety. Several used car sites, like AutoTrader, list them as low as $8,495 with under 100,000 miles. This price range is good, though the battery might need replacing at 150,000 miles, depending on usage.
2017 Toyota Corolla Sedan
Another small Japanese car next (notice a pattern?), the 2017 Toyota Corolla. These trusty little family cars are synonymous with first-time buyers, and for good reason. Chris Amos wrote in a 2017 Car and Driver review, “If slow and steady wins the race, the Corolla takes the checkered flag.” Such rhetoric is music to any cautious parent’s ears.
Three words that come to mind when considering this car: economic, reliable, and safe. The IIHS study agrees, awarding top marks for crashworthiness, albeit with a mere “acceptable” for the headlights. Furthermore, the parents looking for a solid first car will like the used price range. At the time of writing, the lowest-priced 2017 Corolla LE with fewer than 100,000 miles will cost roughly $9,000.
2016 Nissan Murano
We see the first mid-sized SUV, which competes against others in the same category but at a higher price range. Trevor Hoffman waxed lyrical about the Nissan Murano in a 2016 Auto 123 post. “Radical isn’t a word normally associated with midsize crossover SUVs,” wrote Hoffman, “but the new 2016 Nissan Murano deserves such drama.”
One can imagine young drivers enjoying this vehicle, and parents will marvel at the perfect crashworthiness scores achieved in 2016. Car selling sites show that 2016 Nissan Muranos can go for $9,000, but models with front crash protection are key to better safety.
2016 Mazda CX-5
Another IIHS “Top Safety Pick” is the 2016 Mazda CX-5, the first small SUV on the IIHS list. The price range varies. Nationwide searches yield used models listed for below $9,000, though research is encouraged.
While mileage may not beat a Prius or Ford C-Max, this 2WD (AWD available as well) vehicle shines in the safety categories. CarMax shows a Customer Rating of 4.5 stars while also citing RepairPal’s 4.5 rating. What’s more, the 2016 Mazda CX-5 came with new Smart Brake Support, wherein the car can brake automatically when a collision is imminent.
2015-2017 Honda Accord Sedan
It comes as no surprise that a Honda Accord sedan is here. There is another Honda Accord option, and the difference in prices between the last model and the 2015-2017 model is notable. Price-wise, the 2015 is very competitive. This CarFax listing shows that you might find one of these stalwarts for less than $9,000 right now.
While the 2015 Honda Accord scored very well on crashworthiness in the IIHS study, its 2017 model comes with some considerable safety features. Passive safety designs like Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure are standard, according to a Battinson Honda review. In the event of a frontal collision, this feature spreads the crash energy more evenly.
2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox
Let’s start with this revealing epithet found in a CNet review of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. “The 2018 Equinox is great if you don’t trust your teen driver,” reads the headline, going on to praise the car’s teen-proof qualities. The reason? The 2018 Equinox comes with Chevrolet’s Teen Driver application, made for spying on your teen’s movements.
Activated by their key fob, the app detects when the driver is active, giving parents great peace of mind, albeit with a little guilt. Teens may not enjoy this, but who said anything about telling them before buying the car? Those sneaky parents can expect to pay at least $9,000 for the privilege, according to Edmunds.
2018-2019 Hyundai Kona
Stepping up the price brings us to the first Korean in this collection, the 2018-2019 Hyundai Kona. The Kona is popular as a small family wagon, giving the owners another IIHS “Top Safety Pick” vehicle.
It is worth looking for the Limited and Ultimate trim on these models for their superior LED projector headlights, an upgrade on the pre-May 2018 cars. Several car-selling sites even have 2019 Konas listed below $10,000, and your teen will likely thank you. A Kona is a cool-ish-looking small SUV.
2015-2019 Honda CR-V
Honda returns with its most expensive car in this group, though at least it isn’t the Accord. The Honda CR-V was already a success story when it hit showrooms in 1997, going from strength to strength twenty years later. A 2023 Honda News post reveals that “it has been the best-selling Honda vehicle every year since 2017.” Furthermore, the IIHS review gives this vehicle highly desirable crash test scores.
If given a choice, most sane young drivers would choose this small SUV over its little Accord cousin. Perhaps this makes the current 2015 used price range of roughly $10,000 more feasible. Of course, newer 2019 models will be considerably dearer — just keep these away from your teenager’s eyes.
2017-2018 Subaru Legacy
Subarus may have more one-liners written about them than any other car, as YouTuber Trevor Wallace shows in an outrageous Subaru-themed roast video. If the first-time buyer can withstand the dad jokes about where Subaru drivers spend most of their time, this car is a good choice.
The 2017 Subaru Legacy scored a 2017 “Top Safety Pick” gong from IIHS for its crashworthiness excellence. Thankfully, the price is no joke; used versions can be yours for under $10,000, according to some car retail sites like TrueCar.
2017 Volvo S60
Volvo has long been synonymous with car safety, so it’s no surprise this moderately priced starter car ranks well. A used 2017 Volvo S60 may sometimes come with a Blind Spot Information System and Automatic Emergency Braking.
“We estimate that the 2017 Volvo S60 has a vehicle lifetime fatality chance of 0.048% and a vehicle lifetime injury chance of 5.4865%,” reads a Real Safe Cars review. “Compared to other sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons, the 2017 Volvo S60 is 5% less likely to result in a fatal accident.” Parents everywhere will love to read stats like this and would likely be happy to part with the approximate $11,000 low-end price range.
2017-2022 Honda HR-V
It’s Honda again, but we must remember that these car choices are in succession based on price and safety. We should really just respect Honda for being so reasonable and safety-conscious. In any case, the next affordable and safe first-time buyer selection is the 2017 Honda HR-V, the Honda CR-V’s SUV sibling.
Another reason we include this one is the mind-boggling safety features, as listed in this David McDavid Honda of Frisco breakdown. Elements like airbag occupancy sensors, side impact beams, and VSA Electronic Stability Control (ESC) make the Honda HR-V a safe space for motorists and passengers. The 2017 models can hover below $11,000, while 2022 cars are obviously a lot more expensive.
2017 Volvo XC60
2017 was a good year for car safety upgrades, none more so than the Volvo XC60, which joins the hallowed IIHS “Top Safety Pick” group. Crashworthiness scores (Volvo much?) are characteristically strong, and the 2017 safety features are the trump card. This car presents perhaps the upper end of refinement for the earnest driver, but it has safety devices to impress anybody.
If low-speed crash mitigation, rearview camera parking assistants, and rear cross-traffic alert blind-spot monitors don’t tick parental boxes, few things will. Okay, it still looks like a car most parents would drive, but the stylish interior should win over most Gen-Z opinion. At the time of reporting, there are 2017 Volvo XC60 models for under $12,000 available online.
2015-2016 Toyota RAV4
While Honda fights its corner, Toyota sneaks in with its sixth vehicle from the IIHS study pool, the small SUV RAV4 — buyers need to target those built after November 2014. Toyota RAV4s built after this month come with Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) and the STAR Safety System, reads a Toyota press release.
The STAR gadget collection is impressive for a vehicle celebrating its 10th birthday in 2025. Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) are just three of many life-saving security features. The RAV4 makes a solid first-time driver’s time on the road much safer. One might cost less than $12,000, according to numerous car retail sites.
2014 -2016 Toyota Highlander
We are back again in mid-sized SUV territory; this time, Toyota returns with its IIHS “Top Safety Pick” alumnus, the Highlander. These go for a healthy price in more recent models, but drivers can do far worse than the 2014 manifestation.
“At first glance, it’s plain to see that Toyota has made a concerted effort to “butch up” the Highlander,” wrote Mark Baruth in 2014 for The Truth About Cars. “The grill looks like the 4Runner’s, with a wide, gaping mouth.” This kind of description might make the approximate $16,000 price, as found in AutoTrader, worth it.
To Summarize
We hope this thoroughly researched selection can help you decide what car you or your grown-up child will drive. The number of drivers on our roads means the threat to rookie drivers’ safety has never been stronger.
Choosing the safest car — one that doesn’t break the bank or local emission levels — is the quintessential fatherly or motherly thing to do. In summary: good luck.