5 Safest Cars for First-Time Drivers

Shopping for a car for a new driver can be a stressful experience, with safety being the top priority. Today, vehicle safety involves more than just how well a car holds up in a crash. It's also about leveraging technology to prevent accidents altogether. Many modern cars come equipped with features like forward collision warning (FCW) and automatic emergency braking (AEB), which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports have cut front-to-rear collisions in half.

2025 Mazda Mazda3

The Mazda3 is a standout choice for its exceptional safety performance. It aced crash tests from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the NHTSA, also earning a five-star rating in government rollover evaluations. A key advantage is that these top safety scores apply to both the sedan and hatchback versions, a distinction the 2025 Honda Civic doesn't share.

What sets the Mazda3 apart from competitors like the 2025 Toyota Corolla is its standard inclusion of blind-spot monitoring (BSM) and rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA) across all trims. For even greater peace of mind, the Mazda3 can be equipped with rear automatic braking, another feature that can be a real accident-saver for an inexperienced driver.

2026 Honda HR-V

Whether you consider it a "cute ute" or not, the 2025 Honda HR-V’s safety credentials are indisputable. It passes IIHS and NHTSA crash test evaluations with flying colors, making it a reliable choice for new drivers.

Honda bundles a comprehensive suite of safety features under its Honda Sensing technology, which comes standard on the HR-V. This package includes essential driver aids like FCW, AEB, BSM, RCTA, and lane departure warning (LDW). This combination of passive and active safety features provides a robust safety net on the road.

2020 Subaru Legacy

While it might not be the most thrilling car to drive, the 2020 Subaru Legacy excels in practicality and safety, which are crucial for a first car. As with most Subaru models, the Legacy comes standard with all-wheel drive, providing extra grip and stability in various weather conditions.

It also features Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system as standard equipment. This includes FCW, AEB, LDW, and adaptive cruise control with lane centering. The Legacy also boasts top-notch crash test results from both the IIHS and NHTSA. For added awareness, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on the Limited, Limited XT, and Touring XT trims.

2019 Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona's compact size makes it a very manageable car for new drivers, particularly in busy urban environments and tight suburban streets. Despite its subcompact classification, the 2019 Kona earned the highest possible ratings in both IIHS and NHTSA crash tests.

It's important to note that only the top-tier Limited and Ultimate trims received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, as they are equipped with superior LED headlights. However, essential safety features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist are standard on all 2019 trims, including the base SE model. The SEL, Limited, and Ultimate editions add blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The all-electric version of the Kona was not evaluated by the IIHS or NHTSA for this model year.

2016 Toyota Camry

Choosing an older used car like the Toyota Camry requires careful selection to ensure you get the best safety features. The 2016 model year strikes a good balance between value, reliability, and available safety technology, making it a smart choice for a first-time driver on a budget. Look for models equipped with advanced safety packages to get the most protection.

Safe Driving Starts Here

Choosing a safe vehicle is one of the most important decisions you can make as a new driver. The cars listed here offer a great starting point, blending strong crash-test performance with advanced driver-assistance technologies that can help prevent accidents before they happen. By prioritizing these features, you can provide a new driver with the protection and confidence they need to navigate the road safely.

Source: SlashGear