ACV facts & figures
Teen drivers represent a consistent and dependable segment of the used-car market. Vehicles suited for teen drivers tend to check the same boxes every year: strong safety credentials, predictable reliability, and reasonable ownership costs.
Cost sensitivity is especially high in this segment. Insurance premiums can increase by as much as 150 percent when a teen driver is added to a policy, making affordability and ownership costs a major factor in purchase decisions.¹ Buyers tend to gravitate toward vehicles that help offset these costs through strong safety records, good fuel economy, and proven reliability.
Industry guidance from safety and consumer research organizations consistently points to late-model used vehicles with strong crash-test performance, standard safety technology, solid fuel economy, and above-average reliability as the best options for teen drivers.²
Essential Car Safety Features for Teen Drivers
Before looking at individual models, it is worth calling out the baseline safety equipment that matters most when merchandising vehicles for teen drivers. Drivers ages 16–19 are nearly three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash compared to drivers age 20 and older, reinforcing the importance of modern safety systems.⁴
The “Big Three” safety technologies required by federal law are anti-lock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control. These systems help drivers maintain control during emergency braking, slick conditions, and sudden maneuvers, which are common risk scenarios for inexperienced drivers. Vehicles equipped with these features are consistently recommended for teen drivers, and all of the model years listed below include them as standard equipment.²
In addition to baseline safety requirements, the vehicles listed here meet higher safety standards commonly used when recommending cars for teen drivers. All have a curb weight above 2,750 pounds and earn good ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety across key crash tests, including frontal, side, roof strength, and head restraint evaluations.⁶ They also receive average or better scores from Consumer Reports for braking and handling, along with acceptable usability scores for controls and displays.⁷
Top safety picks in this group also include standard automatic emergency braking with advanced or superior IIHS ratings, as well as headlights that earn good or acceptable IIHS scores.⁶
Top Used Car Models for Teen Drivers
Toyota Corolla 2017–2019
The Toyota Corolla remains one of the safest and most dependable compact sedans dealers can stock for teen buyers. These model years perform well in crash testing and often include Toyota Safety Sense features such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure alerts, which help mitigate common first-driver mistakes.² Fuel economy near 30 miles per gallon combined keeps ownership costs low, while Toyota’s long-standing reliability reputation aligns with consumer reliability research.³
Honda Insight 2019 - 2022
The Honda Insight is a strong option for dealers looking to offer fuel-efficient inventory without moving into full EV territory. As a hybrid, it delivers excellent fuel economy, often exceeding 50 MPG combined, which can reduce annual ownership costs for young drivers.⁵ Safety performance is solid, with driver-assist technology standard on many trims.
Mazda3 Sedan 2020 or Newer
The Mazda3 sedan provides a slightly more premium feel while remaining firmly in the affordable used segment. These models earn strong safety scores and often include blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assistance. Fuel economy typically falls in the high 20s to low 30s combined, helping balance performance and efficiency. Consumer reliability data reflects Mazda’s improving long-term ownership performance, making the Mazda3 a strong value play.³
Toyota Camry 2018 or Newer
The Toyota Camry continues to perform well as a midsize sedan for teen drivers. These model years consistently earn strong crash-test scores and include standard driver-assist technology.² Fuel economy remains competitive, especially with four-cylinder engines, and the Camry’s durability helps it retain value over time. Consumer reliability rankings continue to place the Camry among the most dependable midsize sedans.³
Nissan Maxima 2020 or Newer
The Nissan Maxima adds a sportier option to a teen-focused inventory mix. Newer models include modern safety technology and solid crash protection. Fuel economy typically falls in the mid-to-high 20s combined, which is reasonable for a V6 sedan. When properly maintained, Maximas offer dependable performance and appeal to buyers looking for more presence than a compact or midsize sedan.
Volvo S60 2021–2022
Volvo’s reputation for safety is well documented, so we felt the need to include at least one on this list, and the S60 continues that tradition. Advanced collision-avoidance systems and strong structural crash protection make it attractive to safety-conscious buyers.² Fuel economy is competitive for the segment, generally landing between 25 and 30 MPG combined. While maintenance costs can be higher than mainstream brands.³
Honda Accord 2021 or Newer
The Honda Accord remains one of the most balanced vehicles dealers can stock for this segment. Safety ratings are excellent, driver-assist features are widely available, and fuel efficiency often reaches the low-to-mid 30s MPG combined.² Reliability continues to be a major Accord strength, making it a low-risk used vehicle that appeals to a wide range of buyers.³
Mazda CX-3 2020–2021
The Mazda CX-3 is a compact crossover that works well for teen drivers who prefer an SUV. It is easy to maneuver, earns solid safety scores, and includes available driver-assistance features. Fuel economy typically ranges from 28 to 30 MPG combined, helping keep ownership costs predictable.³
Ford Bronco Sport 2021 or Newer
The Ford Bronco Sport brings a more adventurous look to a teen-friendly inventory lineup. These models perform well in crash testing and include modern safety technology.² Fuel economy generally falls in the mid-to-high 20s combined. As a newer nameplate, long-term reliability data is still developing, but early ownership trends suggest dependable everyday use.
Chevrolet Trailblazer 2021 or Newer
The Chevrolet Trailblazer rounds out the list as a practical compact SUV option. It includes solid standard safety technology and earns respectable crash-test scores for its class.² Fuel economy typically ranges from 28 to 30 MPG combined on base engines. While brand reliability can vary by model, recent Trailblazers have shown dependable everyday performance.³
Source Teen-Friendly Car Inventory at ACV Auctions Today
Stocking the right vehicles for teen drivers helps dealerships capture consistent demand with used inventory that turns efficiently. Models with strong safety features, proven reliability, and broad buyer appeal are smart additions to any lot. Ready to source inventory you can stand behind? With ACV, you get interior and exterior photos of every vehicle, engine sound, OBDII readings and more so you can bid with confidence. Register today and start buying with confidence on ACV Auctions.
Sources
- "Everything You Need to Know About Teen Car Insurance." Consumer Reports, 2 Sept. 2025, www.consumerreports.org/money/car-insurance/everything-you-need-to-know-about-teen-car-insurance-a9669094340/. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
- "Safe Vehicles for Teens." IIHS, 2 Sept. 2025, www.iihs.org/ratings/safe-vehicles-for-teens. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
- "Best Used Cars Under $20,000 for Teen." Consumer Reports, 8 Sept. 2025, www.consumerreports.org/cars/teen-driving/best-cars-for-teens-a2115540753/. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
- "Teenagers." IIHS, 8 Sept. 2025, www.iihs.org/research-areas/teenagers. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
- "Save Money." Fuel Economy, 1 Jan. 2026, www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/savemoney.jsp. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
- "Car Safety Guide." Consumer Reports, 14 Jan. 2026, www.consumerreports.org/cars/safety-guide/. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
