If you’re the parent of a teenager, you’re probably used to worrying at this point—about their success, their safety, their happiness, and a multitude of other things. One of the biggest challenges a parent will face is when your teenager starts driving on their own. If you’re planning to help them get a car, you want to know which one is going to be the right choice. We’ve got a few of the most popular and safe car models to buy for your teenager so that you can sleep a little easier at night.
Honda Civic
The safety features of the Honda Civic that come standard with the car are well worth considering for your next car purchase. With brake assist, advanced airbags, stability assist, and a rearview camera, the Civic is a great car to start your teenager on. It’s also highly customizable if you want to change anything out for added security.
Kia Optima
If you know your car brands, you know that Kia makes cars to be workhorses. They don’t skimp on safety features, though, as they include a lot of driver assistance technology to help your teenager stay safe on the road. It’s also a great car if you’re on a budget but want your child to have their own vehicle.
Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru has a long history of being one of the safest car brands in the industry, and their new Crosstrek certainly doesn’t disappoint. The EyeSight suite of safety features is bursting with safe-driving technology, and it regularly alerts you to changing road conditions as they happen. The Crosstrek is also a great vehicle to pick up if you want a beefier car without the extra bulk.
Toyota Camry
No matter what kind of Camry you end up buying—whether it’s the cheapest or the priciest version—they are all made with safety in mind. The Camry comes standard with emergency braking, lane-departure warnings, bright high-beam lights, and adaptive cruise control, so it’s another great sedan option for your teenager if that’s the kind of car they want.
Lexus ES350
If you’re looking to go all-out on a car, the Lexus ES350 is one of the best ways to approach buying a safe luxury car. The ES350, along with the rest of the vehicles on this list, has gotten the IIHS’s Top Safety Pick+, so you know you’re getting what you pay for when you choose this vehicle.
Doing your research on the safest cars you can buy for your teenager will really help put your mind at ease while they are out on the road. It’s also important to remember that a car can only do so much—teaching them good driving behaviors will also benefit them as they hit the road for the first time.