Top Car Brands for First-Time Drivers: Safe and Budget-Friendly Options

Choosing the right car as a first-time driver can feel overwhelming, given the multitude of options available in today's market. However, some brands stand out for their reliability, safety features, and affordability, making them ideal choices for newcomers to the road. Renowned names like Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, and Ford consistently receive high praise for producing models that prioritize these qualities, ensuring a smooth and secure driving experience. To explore specific models and criteria that make these brands top recommendations for novice drivers, see our curated list below.

Illustration of car for first time drivers

Best brands of car for first time drivers in 2025

Honda

Honda is renowned as one of the best producers of cars for first-time drivers, particularly due to its robust safety initiatives and reliable vehicles. With nearly one-third of annual traffic fatalities in the U.S. involving drivers under 25, Honda has launched several programs to support young driver safety, including over $2 million in financial support for safety-related programs and a social media campaign highlighting young crash survivors during National Teen Driver Safety Week. Models like the Honda Civic and Accord, which saw significant sales increases in 2023, are highly recommended for teens due to their safety features and fuel efficiency. Honda's commitment to safety is further underscored by its vision for a collision-free society by 2050 and its advanced safety technologies such as Honda Sensing. These factors make Honda vehicles a top choice for parents seeking safe and reliable cars for their teenage drivers. For more details, read about Honda's new initiatives to support young driver safety.

Toyota

Toyota is renowned as one of the best producers of cars for first-time drivers, particularly with models like the Corolla and Corolla Hybrid, which are equipped with advanced safety features such as Toyota Safety Sense(tm) 3.0 and 10 airbags. These vehicles are known for their reliability, durability, and fuel-efficient powertrains, making them ideal for novice drivers. In 2024, Toyota continued to innovate with the introduction of the Risk-ATTEND program, a collaborative effort with the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Discovery Education, aimed at enhancing hazard anticipation skills among teen drivers. This program has shown significant improvements in driving safety, with participants demonstrating better gaze control and increased full stops at stop signs. With over 38% of Toyota's sales in the first half of 2024 being electrified vehicles, the brand remains a leader in both safety and sustainability. For more details on Toyota's offerings for young drivers, visit Toyota's cars for teenagers.

Hyundai

Hyundai has consistently been recognized as one of the best producers of cars for first-time drivers, particularly highlighted in U.S. News & World Report's annual Best Cars for Teens awards. For the third consecutive year, Hyundai secured the most wins in the 2024 awards, with seven accolades for both new and used models, including the 2024 Hyundai Elantra and Tucson Hybrid. These vehicles excel in predicted reliability ratings, crash test scores, and advanced driver assistance features, making them a safe and affordable choice for young drivers. Hyundai's commitment to safety is evident in the standard inclusion of features like forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. This dedication has made Hyundai a top choice for families seeking reliable and safe vehicles for their teen drivers. For more details on Hyundai's accolades, you can visit their official news release.

Ford

Ford is a leading brand for cars suitable for first-time drivers, particularly due to its innovative safety features such as the MyKey system, which allows parents to set limits on vehicle speed, audio volume, and other parameters to ensure safer driving. According to an IIHS survey, 61% of parents who knew about MyKey used it with their teen drivers, highlighting its effectiveness in reducing driving risks. Ford's commitment to safety is also reflected in their Ford Driving Skills for Life Academy, which has been operating since 2003 to enhance young drivers' skills. Additionally, Ford's vehicles often feature advanced safety technologies like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams, making them a reliable choice for new drivers. With a long history of innovation, Ford continues to be a trusted name in the automotive industry.

Subaru

Subaru is highly regarded as one of the best brands for cars suited for first-time drivers, particularly due to its robust safety features and reliable performance. The Subaru Forester, for example, is a top choice, known for its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, low center of gravity, and advanced EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which has been standard on every Forester since the 2019 model year. This technology includes automatic braking, pre-collision throttle management, and adaptive cruise control, significantly enhancing safety on the road. Subaru vehicles consistently rank well in crash safety tests, with many models earning top ratings from independent reviewers. For instance, the Subaru Legacy and Outback are also recommended for teen drivers due to their excellent safety ratings and comfortable, elevated seating for maximum visibility. For more details on best SUVs and cars for new drivers and teens by Subaru, visit their website.

Nissan

Nissan stands out as a top choice for first-time drivers due to its emphasis on safety and advanced technology. Models like the Nissan Rogue and Pathfinder have received the highest 5-Star Overall Vehicle Safety Rating from the NHTSA, and the 2023 Rogue has been named a TOP SAFETY PICK+ by the IIHS. These vehicles are equipped with Nissan's Safety Shield 360 system, which includes features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. In 2021, Nissan's safety features contributed to a lower involvement rate in fatal traffic crashes compared to other age groups, with young male drivers having a rate of 60.28 per 100,000 licensed drivers, still significantly lower than many other vehicles on the market. Nissan's commitment to safety makes their cars an excellent option for new drivers. For more details, visit their dedicated section on cars for young drivers here.

Kia

Kia has emerged as a top choice for first-time drivers, particularly among the younger demographic, with its reliable, stylish, and affordable models. Between 2008 and 2012, the percentage of young drivers (18-34 years old) opting for Kia or Hyundai models increased significantly, from 5.8% to 12.6%. Models like the Kia Soul, Forte, and Rio have been especially popular due to their appealing design and practicality. In recent years, Kia has continued to set sales records, with a 13% year-over-year increase in 2023, selling 782,451 units in the U.S., and its SUV lineup accounting for 72% of total sales. The brand's focus on quality and design, led by figures like Peter Schreyer, has contributed to its success. For more about Kia's journey and impact, visit the history of Kia.

Mazda

Mazda is highly regarded as one of the best brands for first-time drivers due to its strong commitment to safety and reliability. Multiple Mazda models, such as the Mazda3, CX-30, and CX-5, consistently receive high safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA, earning them 5-star Overall Vehicle Scores and Top Safety Pick designations. These vehicles are equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and have excellent crash test performance, making them ideal for teen drivers. According to Consumer Reports and IIHS, Mazda vehicles are frequently included in lists of safe cars for teens, highlighting their real-world safety and reliability. Nearly half of parents (47%) prefer vehicles with higher safety ratings, and Mazda's dedication to safety aligns with these parental concerns. For further details on why Mazda models are a great choice for first-time drivers, visit their resource center.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen stands as a premier choice for first-time drivers, notably with the Volkswagen Jetta, which was named a Best New Car for Teens by U.S. News & World Report in 2019. This recognition is based on the Jetta's excellent combination of reliability, strong crash test scores, and advanced driver-assistance features such as forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The Jetta also offers good gas mileage, a significant advantage for new drivers. With over 30 million Golf models sold worldwide since its introduction in 1974, Volkswagen's commitment to safety, technology, and value is evident. In 2022, Volkswagen's global vehicle production increased by 5.2% year-on-year, highlighting the company's ongoing innovation and efficiency.

Chevrolet

Chevrolet stands out as a top choice for first-time drivers due to its comprehensive safety features, particularly the Teen Driver mode, which is standard on most of its vehicles, excluding performance and commercial models. This mode promotes safe driving habits by monitoring and limiting certain behaviors, such as speeding, and encourages seatbelt use, a crucial aspect given that only 43.1% of high school students wear seatbelts when riding with someone else. Chevrolet's commitment to safety is evident in its wide range of vehicles, including sedans, CUVs, SUVs, trucks, and EVs, making it a versatile option for families. With a market share of 10% in North America and a strong presence in the US market, Chevrolet continues to be a reliable brand for new drivers. The brand's focus on safety and driver assistance features ensures peace of mind for both new drivers and their families.