First-time drivers need all the help they can get to stay safe on the road. That's why it's important to choose a car with a good safety rating. Here are some of the safest vehicles for first-time drivers, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).


Sedans

  • Honda Insight
  • Toyota Corolla
  • Mazda3
  • Kia Forte
  • Hyundai Elantra

These sedans are all good choices for first-time drivers because they offer a good balance of safety features, reliability, and affordability. The Honda Insight and Toyota Corolla are both fuel-efficient hybrids, which can save money on gas. The Mazda3 is a fun-to-drive car with a sporty feel. The Kia Forte and Hyundai Elantra are both well-equipped and offer a comfortable ride.

SUVs

  • Subaru Crosstrek
  • Toyota RAV4
  • Honda CR-V
  • Mazda CX-5
  • Kia Sportage

These SUVs are all good choices for first-time drivers because they offer a higher vantage point, which can make it easier to see other vehicles on the road. They also have more cargo space than sedans, which can be helpful for hauling gear for sports or other activities. The Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota RAV4 are both fuel-efficient options. The Honda CR-V is a popular choice for families, while the Mazda CX-5 is a more sporty option. The Kia Sportage is a stylish and well-equipped SUV.

Minivans

  • Chrysler Pacifica
  • Toyota Sienna
  • Honda Odyssey

Minivans are a good choice for first-time drivers who need a lot of space for passengers and cargo. They also offer a number of family-friendly features, such as rear entertainment systems and easy-to-clean interiors. The Chrysler Pacifica and Toyota Sienna are both plug-in hybrid options, which can save money on gas. The Honda Odyssey is a popular choice for families, with a comfortable ride and plenty of storage space.

Safety Features to Look For

In addition to choosing a car with a good safety rating, there are a number of safety features to look for. These include:

  • Automatic emergency braking (AEB): This system can help prevent or mitigate a collision by automatically applying the brakes if it detects that a collision is imminent.
  • Forward collision warning (FCW): This system alerts the driver if a collision is possible and can also apply the brakes in some cases.
  • Lane departure warning (LDW): This system alerts the driver if they are veering out of their lane.
  • Lane keeping assist (LKA): This system can help the driver stay in their lane by gently steering the car back into the lane.
  • Blind spot monitoring (BSM): This system alerts the driver if there is a vehicle in their blind spot.
  • Rear cross traffic alert (RCTA): This system alerts the driver if there is a vehicle crossing behind them when they are backing up.

These safety features can help first-time drivers stay safe on the road. By choosing a car with a good safety rating and a number of safety features, you can help your child have a safe and successful driving experience.