If you’re looking for a safe, used small car for your newly licensed teen driver that costs less than $10,000, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Consumer Reports has you covered.
The organization recently released a list of 45 used cars and SUVs that are typically available for under $10,000 and have performed well in crash tests, as well as have high-end headlights and automatic emergency braking systems that can detect pedestrians.
“We created this annual list specifically for teens because driving poses additional risks for them,” IIHS senior research scientist Rebecca West said in a statement. “That said, the suggestions are appropriate for drivers of any age who want to balance affordability with crash safety and crash avoidance.”
“A teen’s first car is a big milestone,” Emily Thomas, associate director of auto safety at Consumer Reports, said in a statement. “Whether you’re buying a vehicle for them or deciding which family car they should drive, these lists help parents make those choices with confidence and without compromising safety.”
Here’s a look at the 11 top small cars from the list.
1. Mini Countryman
Recommended Model Year: 2012-2024
Average used price: $4,600
MotorTrend said in a review: “A non-Mini Mini seems like a contradiction, no? Regardless, that’s the deal with the Countryman. The oddball was introduced for 2011 and we get a second-generation model for 2017. A redesigned Countryman with an EV powertrain is on the way, but for now, Mini is only making minor trim changes.”
2. Nissan Sentra
Recommended Model Year: 2015-2025
Average used price: $4,700
Car and Driver said in a review: “The Nissan Sentra is an economical car that doesn’t feel cheap. It has a handsome exterior and a classier interior than you might expect. Plus, its front seats are unusually comfortable for its class, and the roomy trunk is of useful size. The Sentra also boasts impressive highway fuel economy.”
3.Chevrolet Sonic
Recommended Model Years: 2015-2019; Made after February 2015
Average used price: $5,300
Edmunds said in a review: “Utility is part of the Sonic game plan. The sedan version has a large 14.9-cubic-foot trunk, while the hatchback features 19 cubic feet behind its folding rear seats. Both figures are more than what you typically get from this class of car.”
4. Kia Soul
Recommended Model Year: 2015-2025
Average used price: $5,300
Car and Driver said in a review: “Although it may be the butt of jokes on social media, the lovely 2025 Kia Soul earns its spot by offering both an attractive appearance and a practical cabin. Its boxy, upright design allows it to pack a spacious interior into a very compact package, making it an ideal urban runabout.”
5. Hyundai Elantra
Recommended Model Year: 2017-2025
Average used price: $6,100
US News & World Report said in a review: “The 2025 Hyundai Elantra is a compact car that’s big on price but not on excitement. It’s still quite enjoyable to drive, and it’s stylish, spacious and very fuel-efficient, making it an attractive option in a competitive class.”
6. Mazda 3
Recommended Model Years: 2014-2018, manufactured after October 2013
Average used price: $6,900
Edmunds said in a review: “The 2018 Mazda 3 isn’t the fastest car in its class, but it’s the best to drive. The Mazda 3 also doesn’t have the largest cargo capacity in its class, but it will certainly hold a lot of stuff. It’s a clear case that the raw numbers aren’t telling the whole story.”
7. Hyundai Elantra GT
Recommended Model Year: 2018-2020
Average used price: $8,000
Kelley Blue Book said in a review: “There’s no dispute, the 2020 Hyundai Elantra is truly impressive. After substantial changes last year, Hyundai has made even more improvements this year. The takeaway from these developments is that the compact-sedan scene is alive, well, and thriving.”
8.Subaru Impreza
Recommended Model Year: 2014-2025
Average used price: $8,000
Car and Driver said in a review: “Although it may be an unlikely candidate for any design awards, the Subaru Impreza is a practical all-wheel-drive hatchback with abundant technology and safety features.”
9. Honda Civic
Recommended Model Year: 2014-2025
Average used price: $8,100
Edmunds said in a review: “The 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid is available as a roomy sedan or practical hatchback and offers an attractive combination of sporty performance and good fuel efficiency. The Civic is one of the more expensive models in its class, but overall, we think you’re getting a solid return on your purchase.”
10. Kia Forte
Recommended Model Year: 2015-2024
Average used price: $8,900
MotorTrend said in a review: “As truly small, affordable sedans become increasingly rare, the Kia Forte stands out. This compact car has long been a staple in Kia’s lineup, with the current generation going on sale for 2019 and being refreshed for 2022.”
11.Subaru Crosstrek
Recommended Model Year: 2016-2025
Average used price: $9,000
US News & World Report said in a review: “The 2024 Crosstrek is a practical and sturdy vehicle with well-rounded packaging, and its redesign has improved many of the issues that plagued the outgoing model. It’s not without problems, but its interior comfort, spaciousness and overall performance outweigh most of its negatives.”
