10 of the Safest Cars for Teens That Cost Less Than $8,000

Car crashes are the leading cause of death among teenagers in the U.S., according to federal statistics.

The nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety encourages parents to spend “a little more” on cars for teens when possible to get key safety features.

Fortunately, that can be accomplished for well under $10,000, judging by the organization’s latest teen vehicle safety ratings. The list of safe vehicles has grown by more than 50 percent over the past year.

Anne McCartt, senior vice president for research at the IIHS, explains:

“Time is on the consumer’s side. It’s easier than ever to find a used vehicle with must-have safety features and decent crash test performance without spending a fortune.”

With a few dozen vehicles now on the IIHS “best list,” 10 options cost less than $8,000. They are:

Large cars

• Volvo S80 — 2007 and newer

Midsize cars

• Volkswagen Jetta sedan and wagon — 2009 and newer
• Volvo C30 — 2008 and newer
• Volkswagen Passat sedan — 2009 and newer
• Ford Fusion — 2010 and newer; built after April 2010
• Mercury Milan — 2010-2011; built after April 2010

Small SUVs

• Honda Element — 2007-2011
• Volkswagen Tiguan — 2009 and newer

Midsize SUVs

• Volvo XC90 — 2005 and newer
• Subaru Tribeca/B9 Tribeca — 2006 and newer

The safety features that the IIHS says parents should require are:

• Lower horsepower: This helps reduce the temptation to push a powerful engine to its limits.
• Bigger, heavier vehicles: Such models, which include small SUVs, are safer.
• Electronic stability: This technology is a mandatory feature, but that has only been the case since the 2012 model year. It helps a driver maintain control of a vehicle on slippery roads and is “a proven lifesaver,” according to the IIHS.

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