Selecting a safe first car is one of the most important decisions for new drivers and their families. Modern vehicles now offer advanced crash-prevention technology, strong safety ratings, and features that help build confidence behind the wheel. Prioritizing reliability, predictable handling, and protective design can significantly reduce risks during the early driving years. Understanding what sets certain models apart makes it easier to choose a vehicle that supports safe learning and long-term peace of mind.
What Makes a Vehicle Safe?
There are a range of factors that contribute to an automobile’s safety rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) compiles a list of safe vehicles every year, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducts research to promote motor vehicle safety, awarding cars a rating out of five stars. The following components are taken into consideration:
- Vehicle size: Micro and mini cars aren’t recommended for new drivers.
- Engine Size: Avoid cars with high-powered engines.
- Age: The newer the car, the more up-to-date the safety features. Stability became a standard feature of all cars in 2012, so it’s best to opt for vehicles made after this year.
- Features: An array of modern tech features enhance safety.
- Insurance data: The IIHS doesn’t include cars with higher-than-average claim frequency in its list.
- VIN check: A VIN check can reveal specific safety issues.
1. The Safest Used Small Car: Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius 2014 has a safety rating of five stars. All trims come with seven airbags and Toyota’s Safety Sense System. This includes cruise control to help drivers maintain a safe distance from the car in front and a lane departure warning to alert drivers when their vehicle is straying out of its lane.
The car also comes equipped with a pre-collision brake assist system that helps new drivers stop in case of an emergency. If you’re looking for a safe, affordable car, a used Prius is a great option.
2. The Safest Used Midsize Car: Volkswagen Jetta
You can opt for a used 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. It has an overall safety rating of five stars and an award from the IIHS as a Top Safety Pick Plus, it’s a perfect choice for new drivers.
There’s a rear view camera to make parking and reversing easier, plus blind zone monitoring to catch anything you can’t see in your mirrors. Automatic crash notifications and forward collision warnings help drivers avoid incidents. Additionally, geo-fencing and remote vehicle access are great tools for parents looking to keep teens safe.
3. The Safest Used Large Car: Ford Taurus
With zero recalls and investigations, the 2019 Ford Taurus gets five stars from the NHTSA. For what it’s worth, the 2013 Taurus is significantly cheaper and achieves the same government safety rating.
The extra cost for the 2019 delivers an array of modern safety features. Parking can be particularly troublesome for new drivers. With active park assist, the Taurus directs parking, while the driver handles acceleration, shifting and braking. The forward collision with brake support system warns you in case of a potential collision and precharges the brakes to increase their responsiveness.
4. The Safest Used Small SUV: Buick Encore
The safest option for someone looking to buy a small SUV is the 2018 Buick Encore, with a five out of five safety rating. Once again, the 2013 model also gets five stars and costs approximately half.
As you might expect, the 2018 Encore comes with enhanced safety features. Side blind zone alerts detect vehicles that come into your blind zone using radar technology. Rear cross traffic alerts let you know when cars approach while you’re reversing out of a parking spot, and a forward collision alert helps you avoid head-on crashes.
5. The Safest Used Midsize SUV: Audi Q5
The 2018 Audi Q5 is one of the safest midsize SUVs out there, with five stars from the NHTSA. While it’s one of the priciest used cars, it’s a worthwhile investment for safety.
Anti-lock brakes make it easier to turn while braking, while stability control senses when something is off with handling and either applies the brakes or reduces engine power. Both of these functions make it easier for the driver to remain in control of the vehicle. There are front-impact, side-impact and overhead airbags for protection in case of a crash.
6. The Safest Used Minivan: Kia Sedona
If you’re looking for a large and affordable vehicle for a new driver, the 2016 Kia Sedona is a great option. With tons of safety features, it’s perfect for a new driver of any age. It received five out of five stars from the government in addition to the prestigious IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus rating.
Its traction control system enhances electronic stability controls, keeping the tires steady on the road. Roll over mitigation helps stop the vehicle rolling over, while cornering brake control assists drivers in making steady turns. The Sedona has since been discontinued by Kia.
7. The Safest New Small Car: Honda Civic
If you’re looking for a safe new small car with a trendy reputation, the 2022 Honda Civic is ideal. The sedan’s newest model isn’t rated yet, but the 2021 Civic scores five stars across all NHTSA categories.
Both the 2021 and the 2022 Honda Civic come with safety features and driver assist tools standard. Front automatic braking helps you avoid head-on crashes, while adaptive cruise controls keep you at a safe distance from the car in front. One clear safety improvement from the previous year is a new airbag design and additional airbags.
8. The Safest New Midsize Car: Subaru Outback
The 2022 Subaru Outback is an affordably priced midsize car with an excellent safety record. It scores five out of five stars from the NHTSA, which has been consistent since 2013.
The only difference between the 2021 and 2022 Outback is the Wilderness trim. The new model also has higher ground clearance than any other model. Safety features include driver assist technology, which monitors traffic around the vehicle, and automatic pre-collision braking to enhance responsiveness in case of an emergency stop. Lane centering helps drivers stay in-lane.
9. The Safest New Small SUV: Chevrolet Equinox
The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox is one of the most reliable and safe small SUVs, making it perfect for first-time drivers. Safety is a priority for the 2022 model, with some significant advancements from the previous year.
Front and rear parking assists are standard with the new model, decreasing the likelihood of a collision while parking. Plus, you can use the automatic parking assist system, where the vehicle takes control of steering while you handle the pedals and transmission. Blind spot and cross traffic alerts detect oncoming cars with the 2022 Equinox.
10. The Safest New Midsize SUV: Mazda CX-9
Costing less than the previous year, the 2022 Mazda CX-9 has been granted a five-star rating courtesy of the NHTSA, much like every model since 2018, making it one of the safest cars in its category.
With the 2022 CX-9, all-wheel drive comes standard for the first time, which enhances safety for inclement weather. As with the 2021 model, the car’s safety tech is extensive, with practically every feature you could want, including five airbags, brake assist to help new drivers stop in case of an emergency and traction control to hold the car steady.
11. The Safest New Minivan: Honda Odyssey
The 2022 Honda Odyssey is awarded a full five out of five stars for safety, making it the safest new minivan out there. There aren’t many differences between the 2021 and 2022 models, but Honda has added a new color option and some additional tech features, such as an improved infotainment system.
Both the 2021 and 2022 models have advanced front airbags, front side airbags with ventilation technology and side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor. Even the Odyssey’s body is engineered for safety, with a design that distributes energy and directs impact away from the passenger compartment.
