Teen drivers face significant risks on the road due to their inexperience and tendency to be easily distracted. According to the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death and injury among individuals aged 13 to 19. To enhance safety, parents can provide professional driving lessons, model safe driving behaviors, and select the safest vehicles for their teenagers. Edmunds has compiled a list of five top used SUVs priced under $20,000 that meet safety standards, offering parents guidance on budget-friendly options.
2021-2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer
The Chevrolet Trailblazer is compact yet offers ample interior space and practicality. It features a fuel-efficient engine, although models from the selected years lack standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, which is recommended for teen drivers. However, each Trailblazer is equipped with Teen Driver technology, allowing parents to monitor their teenager's driving habits remotely.
2019-2023 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2019 redesign of the Hyundai Santa Fe introduced a wide array of standard driver assistance features aimed at enhancing safety for teen drivers. An active subscription to Hyundai's Bluelink service enables parents to set alerts for vehicle speed, curfews, and geo-fenced boundaries, ensuring that they remain informed about their teen's driving behavior.
2018-2023 Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5, redesigned in 2017, added essential safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard in 2018. It has consistently received high ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. Parents should ensure that the model includes the i-Activsense package for comprehensive driver assistance features and benefits from automatic emergency assistance technology.
2019-2023 Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is an excellent choice for those seeking a small SUV with enhanced visibility and standard all-wheel drive. The 2019 redesign incorporated numerous driver assistance features, including traffic alert notifications. However, parents should look for models with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, as these features were not available on the base trim.
2021-2023 Volkswagen ID.4
For families considering an electric vehicle, the Volkswagen ID.4 stands out as a safe option for teen drivers. This compact SUV offers both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations and has an EPA-estimated range of 209-275 miles per charge. With an active subscription to Car-Net Safe & Secure, the ID.4 includes emergency assistance and crash notification systems, alongside a comprehensive suite of standard safety features.
Edmunds' Conclusion
With a budget of $20,000, parents can find a safe and reliable used SUV for their teen drivers. The recommended models not only provide safety in the event of a collision but are also equipped with modern technologies that help prevent accidents. When conducting research, it is crucial to prioritize crash test ratings and the availability of driver assistance features.
Additional Information
This article was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds. Christian Wardlaw contributed to the research and recommendations.
