Choosing the Best SUV for Teens: A Parent’s Guide
When your teen gets their driver’s license, it’s a monumental moment for you both. It’s one of the biggest moves toward independence your teen gets to experience and, as a parent, it’s often the first moment you realize how close they are to adulthood.
Before your teen hits the road, you want to ensure they are as prepared as possible — that includes having them drive a vehicle you can trust. More and more SUVs are on the roads these days, which may have made you wonder whether an SUV could be a good type of vehicle for your new driver.
From shopping considerations and safety features to recommended SUVs, this guide covers everything you need to know before you hand over the keys to your kiddo.
Choosing appropriate SUVs for teens
While we’re not in the business of fearmongering, statistically, teen drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents than other age groups. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), teens are nearly four times more likely to get in a car crash per mile driven than those aged 20 or older. Additionally, the fatal crash rate for teens aged 16 and 17 is around three times higher than that for older drivers per mile driven. Why? Teen drivers are inexperienced, may not know how to avoid hazards appropriately, and are more likely to engage in risky driving behaviors that put themselves and others on the road in danger.
While you may not be able to control how your teen drives, you can control the type of vehicle they travel in.
Things to consider when choosing an SUV for teens
So, how do you find the safest SUV for your teen? Compare the following features to know just what each vehicle can offer:
Crash test ratings
The IIHS and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) both conduct a series of tests to determine how well vehicles perform under various crash conditions. The IIHS evaluates a vehicle’s performance in small overlap front tests, moderate overlap front tests, and side crash tests. They also check the responsiveness of headlight systems, front crash prevention systems, seat belt reminder systems, and child restraint systems. You may find IIHS ratings for other categories like roof strength and head restraints on older models, but these tests have been discontinued as newer models were consistently performing well. Across all categories, vehicles are given a score of Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor.
At the same time, the NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings program conducts rollover crash testing in addition to frontal and side tests. Star ratings are given based on the risk of serious injury. For example, five stars equate to a crash injury risk of less than 10% or much less than average, while one star signals a more than 40% chance of serious injury or a risk that’s much greater than average. So, when shopping for an SUV, look at its IIHS and/or NHTSA ratings — it’ll give you an idea of the level of safety it can provide to your teen.
Model year
Newer vehicles typically have a wider array of standard or available advanced safety technologies that older models lack, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. For younger, inexperienced drivers, investing a few more dollars into a newer vehicle that’s equipped with technologies that are proven to help avoid crashes can give you added peace of mind and assurance.
Size
Physically, larger and heavier vehicles provide better frontal crash protection than smaller, lighter vehicles; the longer distance between the front bumper and the occupant means that the area can absorb more energy from an impact. However, this is only in cases where size is the only difference between vehicles. Manufacturers have begun reducing the stark difference in frontal structures so that heftier vehicles like SUVs and trucks shouldn’t pose as much of a threat to smaller vehicles. Moreover, advanced safety technologies are giving newer, more compact vehicles added protection against older, heavier vehicles.
When it comes to your teen, you’ll also have to think about how comfortable they feel driving a car of a certain size. The more comfortable they are behind the wheel, the more confident they will likely be when driving, and there’s a big difference between driving a subcompact SUV and a full-size SUV.
Cost of car insurance
Since teens are at the most risk of getting into a collision, insurance companies see this age group as a bigger liability, making their premiums more expensive. But driver age is just one of many factors insurance companies use when determining rates. They also consider account driving history, credit history, annual mileage, car make and model, and ZIP code.
To offset the high costs of having a teen driver on your plan, try looking into factors you can control. For example, whether your plan offers lower premiums for vehicles with higher safety ratings and more safety features; these features reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries, which translates to fewer claims for the insurance company.
Fuel economy
SUVs can vary significantly in fuel economy, so be sure to do some research before purchasing a vehicle. Choosing an SUV with good fuel efficiency can help save money on gas and lessen your environmental impact, making it a practical choice for long-term use. It’s also easier to squeeze into your teen’s budget if they’re going to be the ones responsible for fuel expenses.
Budget
Advanced safety features
Features like parking assist, backup cameras, and blind-spot monitoring can make a world of difference in helping your teen feel more at ease and safe on the road. As they’re learning how to properly navigate their vehicle, there are certain safety features that are particularly important for teen drivers. Many of these features became standard equipment and/or required in different model years. Let’s explore some of them below.
Important safety features for teen drivers
Anti-lock brakes
Anti-lock brakes have been required on all new vehicles since 2011 and can help prevent the wheels from locking up during emergency braking, allowing your teen driver to maintain steering control and come to a complete stop. This helps avoid skidding, especially on slippery roads, which may help reduce the risk of accidents. Make sure your teen knows how they feel when functioning.
Traction and stability control
Forward-collision warning
Automatic emergency braking
Pedestrian detection
Blind-spot monitoring
Adaptive cruise control
Lane-departure warning
Lane-keeping assist
Backup camera
Rear cross-traffic alert
Parking assist
Parking assist helps drivers with parallel and perpendicular parking by providing guidance or even taking control of the steering. This feature makes parking in tight spaces much easier and can reduce the likelihood of minor collisions like fender benders.
Should you buy a car or an SUV for teens?
Choosing an SUV over a sedan for your teen can make sense if safety, space, and versatility are your top priorities. SUVs offer better visibility due to their higher seating position, which can be beneficial for new drivers still building their road awareness. This higher stance also provides a commanding view of the road, helping drivers anticipate potential hazards more effectively.
Best SUVs for teens at Mazda
The following are great options for teens:
Mazda CX-30
Ready for every curve and turn of the road, the Mazda CX-30 is equipped with Mazda i-Activ AWD® technology, which continuously monitors your vehicle’s performance to provide optimal torque to each wheel. This model also includes G-Vectoring Control Plus, which discretely adjusts the vehicle’s balance for a smooth driving experience. And with 20.2 cubic feet of cargo area (45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats down), this SUV has just enough space to accommodate your teen’s daily needs, without being a burden to drive.
Mazda CX-50
Mazda CX-5
Shop with peace of mind at Mazda
At Mazda, our teams are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technology to find better ways to help you and your loved ones feel secure on the road. In fact, our commitment to safety has led to many of our latest models earning top safety awards, making your quest for finding an SUV that you can trust, a breeze.
Ready to find a good first car for your teen? Request a quote online and start building a list of potential vehicles for your teen to hit the road in. Then, find your local Mazda dealership and have your teen take some models on a test drive. Let’s celebrate your teen’s driving achievement together.
Still trying to figure out if an SUV is right for your teen?
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is based on the latest competitive information available at the time of posting. Information herein is subject to change without notice and without Mazda incurring any obligations. Please review a variety of resources prior to making a purchasing decision. Visit Resource Center for more articles.