For those who’re purchasing for a automotive for a brand new driver, security must be on the high of your listing. However security immediately means extra than simply crash safety—it is also about avoiding accidents within the first place. Most trendy automobiles now include options like ahead collision warning (FCW) and lane departure warning (LDW) to assist stop crashes earlier than they occur. The Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) experiences that computerized emergency braking (AEB) has minimize front-to-rear collisions in half. So, overlook the outdated thought of placing a teen in a heavy previous “tank”— listed here are 5 of the most secure vehicles for first-time drivers that mix strong crash rankings with good tech.
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The standards embody automobiles that rank highest (High Security Decide+) in testing by the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) and obtained a five-star (out of 5) total security score from the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA). One other requirement is that each automotive on this listing has blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as commonplace or non-compulsory gear. These applied sciences are particularly crucial for novice drivers who have not absolutely developed the behavior of checking mirrors or trying each methods earlier than backing up. And since not everybody can afford a brand new automotive, we have compiled a mixture of fresh-from-the-showroom and second-hand examples which have excessive security marks and superior driver help expertise.
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2025 Mazda Mazda3
Regardless of the clunky title, the Mazda Mazda3 checks many packing containers for brand new drivers. Not solely did the Mazda3 ace IIHS and NHTSA crash assessments, nevertheless it additionally obtained a five-star score in authorities rollover evaluations. Notably, the IIHS rating applies to the sedan and hatchback variations of the Mazda3, which is one thing the 2025 Honda Civic cannot say. As well as, blind-spot monitoring (BSM) and rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA) are commonplace on all 2025 Mazda3 trims, in contrast to the 2025 Toyota Corolla. In the meantime, the Mazda3 may be geared up with rear computerized braking, one other potential accident-saver.
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With a beginning MSRP of $25,335 (together with an $1,185 vacation spot cost), the Mazda3 Sedan is sort of half the price of the typical new automotive. The hatchback model provides $1,000 to the overall. For buyers trying past the fundamentals, the 2025 Mazda3 Turbo Sedan is surprisingly fast, with a zero-to-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds, helped by the usual all-wheel drive. Mazda provides a dizzying array of trims— 13 altogether between the 2 physique kinds.
2026 Honda HR-V
Whether or not the 2025 Honda HR-V earns “cute ute” standing is within the eye of the customer. Nonetheless, one factor not in dispute is the HR-V’s stellar security rankings. It passes the IIHS and NHTSA crash check evaluations with flying colours. The automaker packs quite a few commonplace security options below the Honda Sensing moniker, together with the same old aids akin to FCW, AEB, BSM, RCTA, and LDW. Included with the alphabet soup of tech is visitors signal recognition and visitors jam help, which may very well be useful to a driver getting comfy behind the wheel. The reported zero-to-60 mph time of 9.4 seconds might seem to be a turn-off, nevertheless it’s very best for deterring stoplight challenges and different throttle-dependent actions. For the 2026 HR-V, it additionally will get a number of expertise and design updates.
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Starter SUVs do come at a premium in comparison with entry-level sedans and hatchbacks, however the base 2026 HR-V slides in nicely below $30,000. The LX trim in a front-wheel-drive configuration stickers at $27,595 (together with a $1,395 vacation spot cost). For added security, upgrading to all-wheel drive prices an additional $1,500. A completely optioned HR-V with leather-based upholstery, all-wheel drive, and a moonroof stickers at $32,945.
2020 Subaru Legacy
What the Legacy lacks in pleasure is made up for with practicality, an integral part of a secure automobile for a starting driver. Like most Subaru fashions, the 2020 Legacy comes commonplace with all-wheel drive. It additionally options the corporate’s EyeSight driver help system, which incorporates FCW, AEB, LDW, and adaptive cruise management with lane centering. IIHS and NHTSA crash check outcomes are additionally top-notch. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are commonplace on the Restricted, Restricted XT, and Touring XT trims. Nonetheless, it is best to double-check if purchasing for the Premium and Sport editions, which got here with these options as choices. BSM and RCTA weren’t obtainable on the bottom trim.
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A used 2020 Legacy within the Restricted trim with fewer than 60,000 miles ought to value round $20,000 to $22,000. The 2019 mannequin 12 months will get equally good security scores, comes equally geared up, and will value a few thousand much less (relying on miles and trim). Understand that the 2019 Legacy had a special trim lineup, with BSM and RCTA non-compulsory on the Premium variant and commonplace on the Sport, Restricted, and three.6R Restricted editions.
2019 Hyundai Kona
The Kona’s modest dimension makes for a manageable driving expertise, particularly in city and tighter suburban settings. Regardless of its subcompact standing, the 2019 Kona earned the best rankings in IIHS and NHTSA crash assessments. Nonetheless, it is value mentioning that solely the top-tier (Restricted and Final) trims earned the High Security Decide+ designation, as these variations include LED headlights.
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Ahead-collision warning and lane-keeping help are commonplace on all 2019 trims, together with the bottom SE variant. The SEL, Restricted, and Final editions additionally function blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which are not obtainable on the SE trim. IIHS and NHTSA did not consider the Kona Electrical for this mannequin 12 months.
Purchasing for a used 2019 Kona within the Restricted or Final trim with below 70,000 miles means having a price range of about $16,000 to $18,000. The decrease trims will value $1,000 to $2,000 much less, however the higher illuminating LED headlights aren’t on the gear listing and do not have the excessive IIHS score.
2016 Toyota Camry
Much like choosing an older Subaru Legacy or Hyundai Kona, selecting a second-hand Camry that meets high security necessities requires some precision. The 2016 mannequin 12 months provides mix of worth and expertise, however superior driver help programs (ADAS) that allow the best IIHS score have been non-compulsory and obtainable solely on choose trims. The hoops you will want to leap by means of embody on the lookout for an XLE, XSE, or Hybrid XLE trim with the non-compulsory Expertise Bundle, which provides FCW, AEB, LDW, adaptive cruise management, and computerized excessive beams. BSM and RCTA are non-compulsory on the identical trims. The excellent news is that these are higher-end trims—the brand new driver might be surrounded by Camry-style luxurious.
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A 2016 Camry assembly these {qualifications} will value between $15,000 and $20,000 for an instance with below 100,000 miles. Importantly, do not assume that each XLE (together with the hybrid variant) and XSE trim has the additional security gear. You will need to verify these particulars, presumably by taking the automotive to a Toyota supplier.
