The best cars for teens in 2019

It's a highly anticipated (and scary) time in a parent’s life: Your son or daughter has just turned 16 and is about to get their driver’s license.

Or maybe they're going off to college and will need their first vehicle. But what's the best car for a teen driver? Will you let them use the family vehicle or buy them a new one? New cars have more and better safety features, warranties, and are likely to be more reliable than cars even just a few years old. So if you’re in the market for something new, how do you pick the safest car that meets your needs and budget?

Your teen might want a fast sports car or a big SUV. That’s understandable, but those aren’t the best match for new drivers. For one thing, teens may struggle to control their impulses, and buying them a sporty car is an invitation to drive aggressively. Insurance costs are likely to be much higher, too. And big SUVs are harder to control and more prone to rolling over at their handling limits.

AAA recommends a midsized sedan or crossover with a 4-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, and high crash-test scores. 

• A midsized car—based on EPA interior volume classification—is big enough to protect occupants in a crash but small enough for a new driver to handle easily.
  
• A crossover can be a good alternative to a midsized car. With their higher seating position, crossovers afford a better view of the road.
  
• A 4-cylinder engine limits a car’s acceleration (and hopefully a teen’s desire to show off) and generally provides better fuel economy and a smaller carbon footprint.
  
• Cars with automatic transmissions are easier to drive, allowing teens to focus on steering, proper speed, and braking.
  
• Traffic crashes are the leading cause of teen deaths. A car with a high crash-test score could reduce the chance of your teen being killed or seriously injured in a crash.