Teens and their parents have trouble agreeing on most things these days. Finding the best car for a teen driver is often a contentious subject, needing to find the balance of safety, affordability, and features. When it comes down to it, it’s the Mazda 3.
Digital Trends had nearly 90 hands-on reviews of new cars in 2019 and can attest to other great options for teens, too. From sporty to spacious, all with an eye on safety, these are our picks for the best rides for teens.
The best car for teens: Mazda 3
Why should you buy this: It’s safe and reliable, but not boring.
Who’s it for: Budding car enthusiasts.
How much will it cost: $21,500+
Why we picked the Mazda 3:
The Mazda 3 is a great car for teens because it’s simply a great car. It will indoctrinate them into the concept that cars can be fun and entertaining even when they have to be practical, and it also checks important boxes like reliability, value, and safety.
Unlike many other compact cars, the Mazda 3 gives its driver more than just basic transportation. Handling is above average, exterior styling is pleasing to the eye, and even the base 2.0-liter engine is pretty zingy, making the most of its 155 horsepower (a 184hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder is available on higher trim levels).
The Mazda 3 also offers plenty of tech features like a nine-speaker Bose audio system and head-up display, albeit as optional extras. The rotary controller paired with the standard touchscreen display is easy to use, and paranoid parents can spec safety features like autonomous emergency braking and rear cross traffic alert.
Read our Mazda 3 review
The best green car for teens: Hyundai Ioniq
Why should you buy this: It’s a solid car with a choice of three green powertrains.
Who’s it for: Up-and-coming environmentalists.
How much will it cost: $23,200+ (hybrid)
Why we picked the Hyundai Ioniq:
The Hyundai Ioniq may look like just another hatchback, but that’s because the company put all of the effort into the powertrain. Developed to take on the Toyota Prius, the Ioniq is offered in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery-electric flavors.
Whichever powertrain you pick, the Ioniq offers impressive efficiency. The Ioniq Hybrid gets an EPA-rated 55 mpg combined (58 mpg in the efficiency-focused Blue trim), while the Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid can operate solely on electric power for up to 29 miles with an efficiency rating of 119 MPGe combined. Finally, the Ioniq Electric offers 170 miles of range at 133 MPGe combined. With this kind of efficiency, trips to the gas station will be a rare occurrence.
Hyundai also tried to make the Ioniq fun. The Ioniq Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid use a six-speed dual-clutch transmission for snappier responses, and the chassis was tuned for relatively lively handling. The combination of efficiency, a focus on driving dynamics, and typical Hyundai value makes the Ioniq a worthy contender.
