As a teenager, getting a car is a big milestone in life. It provides a sense of independence, freedom, and responsibility. Choosing the right car is crucial because it should be safe, reliable, and practical. But there's more to safety than just airbags and crumple zones. When you're car shopping for your teen here are some of the safest used cars on the market for reasonable prices.

2014+ Subaru Crosstrek

The Crosstrek isn't just a safe option for all drivers, but it has excellent fuel economy and the added stability of all-wheel drive as well. Secondly, the Crosstrek is a safe car, with a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It also received the 2020 IIHS Top Safety Pick award, meaning it has excellent crash test ratings and advanced safety features.

Thirdly, the Crosstrek has a reputation for being reliable and long-lasting. With regular maintenance and care, a Crosstrek can last for many years. This is an essential factor for teenagers who are just starting to learn about car maintenance and don't want to be stranded on the side of the road.

Add in optional safety features like blind-spot detection, lane-departure warnings on top of an engine with enough go to cruise on the highway, but not enough to get into trouble with and the Crosstrek is a great choice for any teenager.

2015+ Toyota Prius

One of the cheapest cars on our list, you can comfortably grab a 2014+ Prius for under $10k. But while the car may be cheap, it isn't light on technology or safety. Featuring side airbags, solid crash-test results and if equipped with the Advanced Technology Package, a forward collision detector, dynamic cruise control and lane keep assist. With so many computers even your teenager will struggle to crash a Prius.

The Prius also has its legendary fuel economy, comfortably able to surpass 50 MPG and has plenty of cargo room and space for passengers.

The Toyota Prius models are an excellent choice for teenagers who are looking for a fuel-efficient, reliable, practical, and fun car. It's an ideal car for busy teenagers who need space for their friends and belongings, and for parents who want peace of mind knowing that their child is driving a safe and cost-effective car.

2011- 2018 Volvo S60

If Volvos are known for one thing, it's safety and the S60 is widely recognized as one of the safest cars on the market. It has earned top ratings from both the IIHS and the NHTSA, thanks to its advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking.

While other vehicles on the list have optional equipment to help avoid accidents, Volvo's crash avoidance technology "City Safety" comes standard. If something unexpected appears in front of an S60 going under 30 MPH, the car will automatically hit the brakes without any driver input. With plenty of optional safety equipment to look out for with stellar crash-test ratings should make the S60 a prime candidate for your teen.

2018+ Chevy Equinox

If you aren't looking for a car packed with safety technology and just want a safe vehicle with some size to it, look into the Chevy Equinox. With excellent crash-test ratings, a larger road presence and an optional collision alert system makes the Equinox perfect for teens that need the extra space. 

Plus, the Equinox is equipped with advanced technology features that cater to young drivers. It features an impressive infotainment system that allows you to connect your smartphone, stream music, navigate maps, and make hands-free calls while on the go.

The Equinox is also surprisingly fuel efficient, making it an economical choice for teenagers who are conscious about their carbon footprint and budget. It is available in both gas and diesel engines, delivering impressive fuel economy numbers that can save on gas expenses in the long run.

2015+ Mazda CX-5

Another good all rounder for cheap. The CX-5 can be found for under $10k, has an almost perfect crash-test score and can be found with all-wheel drive.

Mazda's philosophy of making every car fun to drive holds true to the CX-5 as well, making the little crossover a responsive and engaging vehicle to pilot. The CX-5 also has a reputation for being a reliable car that requires minimal maintenance. It has been awarded top marks for reliability by Consumer Reports and J.D. Power, and Mazda offers a comprehensive warranty package that covers the car for up to five years.

With respectable storage and 30 MPG on the highway the CX-5 is a good fit for just about every lifestyle.

2015+ Toyota Rav4

 

Despite some poor passenger crash ratings, the rest of the Rav4 scores well and is still an IIHS Top Safety pick and comes equipped with features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features will help keep teenagers safe on the road and give parents peace of mind.

Toyota is also known for producing vehicles that require minimal maintenance, and the RAV4 is no exception. The car's engines are efficient and dependable.

If you are interested in any of these vehicles, make sure to