U.S. News & World Report, unveiled the 2023 Best Cars for Teens list. These awards recognize cars that score well in factors including dependability, reliability, crash prevention, available features, and are highly recommended.
Hyundai won the most awards in the Best New Cars for Teens categories, with four. Across the eight new-car categories, three of the winners are hybrids. With two award wins, Hyundai also earned more Best Used Cars for Teens awards than any other brand.
“Each vehicle that won a Best Cars for Teens award offers strong crash test ratings and helpful active safety features, so there’s a better chance of being protected if a collision occurs,” said Jim Sharifi, managing editor of U.S. News Best Cars. “At the same time, these awards highlight the cars and SUVs that have teen driver controls, which can help new drivers hone their skills behind the wheel and lower the chance that they will be involved in an accident.”
All 2023 Best New Cars for Teens are available with forward collision warning and forward automatic emergency braking, as well as lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist. All winners also have teen driver controls or available smartphone apps that send alerts when the car goes over a set speed or is driven outside a set time period or geographic area. These features allow parents to set limits for teen drivers and have an ongoing conversation with their teens about responsible driving habits.
The 2023 Best New Cars for Teens
| Best Car for Teens $20K to $25K | 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid |
| Best SUV for Teens $20K to $25K | 2023 Hyundai Kona |
| Best Car for Teens $25K to $30K | 2023 Kia K5 |
| Best SUV for Teens $25K to $30K | 2023 Hyundai Tucson |
| Best Car for Teens $30K to $35K | 2023 Honda Civic |
| Best SUV for Teens $30K to $35K | 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe |
| Best Car for Teens $35K to $40K | 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid |
| Best SUV for Teens $35K to $40K | 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid |
The 2023 Best Used Cars for Teens
Large Car | 2019 Toyota Avalon Hybrid |
| Midsize Car | 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid |
| Midsize SUV | 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe |
| Small Car | 2018 Chevrolet Volt |
| Small SUV | 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid |