Choosing the right car for new drivers can be a daunting task, especially when safety is a top priority. With advanced safety features becoming more common, there are plenty of options to help keep young drivers safe on the road. Let’s explore 20 cars that offer top-notch safety features designed to provide peace of mind for both drivers and their families.
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Honda Civic
A popular choice among new drivers, the Honda Civic is packed with advanced safety features thanks to the Honda Sensing suite. It includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking. In addition to its safety tech, the Civic’s solid crash-test ratings make it a trusted vehicle for young, inexperienced drivers.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is synonymous with reliability and now offers Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of driver-assistance features. Automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control are standard across most trims. This compact car also boasts strong crash-test ratings, adding to its appeal for new drivers. Its simple and intuitive controls help keep distractions at bay, allowing young drivers to focus more on the road.
Subaru Impreza
Equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, the Impreza offers safety features like pre-collision braking and lane departure warning. What sets it apart is its standard all-wheel drive, which provides enhanced control in various weather conditions. This added grip, combined with the Impreza’s strong crash safety performance, makes it ideal for drivers in regions with unpredictable climates. Moreover, its size strikes a balance between compact city driving and long-distance comfort.
Mazda 3
Mazda 3 delivers impressive safety with its i-Activsense suite, which includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The car’s agile handling and responsive steering help new drivers maintain better control, especially in tricky situations. Additionally, its sleek design offers a more premium feel, making safety and style go hand in hand. Its fuel-efficient engine adds practical value without compromising performance.
Ford Focus
The Ford Focus is designed with young drivers in mind, thanks to safety features like pre-collision assist and automatic emergency braking. The innovative MyKey system allows parents to set limits on speed and audio volume, providing peace of mind for both parents and teens. Its compact size makes parking and city driving less daunting for novices.
Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai’s Elantra is equipped with SmartSense technology, which includes features such as forward collision avoidance and lane-keeping assist. For new drivers, this system offers much-needed peace of mind. Driver attention warnings are especially helpful in detecting fatigue, a common issue for inexperienced drivers. In addition to its robust safety features, the Elantra is affordable, making it a practical first car.
Kia Soul
With its distinctive design, the Kia Soul offers the Kia Drive Wise suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning. Its boxy shape allows for excellent visibility, helping new drivers see their surroundings more clearly. This feature-packed car also provides ample room for passengers and cargo. For young drivers seeking something a little different, the Kia Soul’s unique blend of safety and style makes it stand out.
Volkswagen Jetta
The Volkswagen Jetta combines refined German engineering with essential safety technologies like autonomous emergency braking and forward collision warning. One of its standout features is the post-collision braking system, which applies the brakes after an initial impact to reduce further collisions. The car’s efficient fuel economy also makes it a cost-effective choice for new drivers.
Nissan Altima
Nissan’s Altima is fitted with the Safety Shield 360, providing features such as rear automatic braking and pedestrian detection. This system reduces the risk of accidents in high-traffic areas, making it a valuable tool for city driving. The Altima also includes a driver alertness monitor, which detects signs of drowsiness. With the option of all-wheel drive, this sedan excels in offering stability across different terrains.
Chevrolet Malibu
Chevrolet’s Malibu is packed with technology aimed at improving driver behavior, including Teen Driver, which generates a report card that monitors driving habits. It also features forward collision alert and automatic emergency braking. These systems give new drivers extra support behind the wheel. The Malibu’s comfortable ride quality and spacious cabin further enhance the driving experience.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is known for its reliability and now includes the Honda Sensing suite, which offers adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. Its traffic sign recognition feature keeps new drivers aware of speed limits and other road signs, adding an extra layer of safety. The Accord’s crash-test ratings are among the best in its class. Its roomy interior makes it a great choice for long trips or daily commutes.
Toyota Camry
Toyota’s Camry offers the same Toyota Safety Sense suite found in other models, ensuring it has pre-collision braking and lane departure alerts. With its strong chassis and robust construction, the Camry excels in crash safety tests. New drivers will appreciate its easy handling and advanced safety features. This midsize sedan is also known for its longevity, making it an investment that can last for years.
Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona, a compact SUV, comes with Hyundai’s SmartSense features, including forward collision avoidance and driver attention warning. Its small size allows for easy parking and tight turns, ideal for new drivers navigating crowded city streets. The elevated driving position provides better road visibility, which is a plus for those just learning. Its stylish design also appeals to younger drivers looking for something trendy yet safe.
Ford Escape
The Ford Escape is equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360, a comprehensive suite of safety features that includes automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. The Escape’s larger size compared to sedans gives new drivers a higher driving position, offering greater visibility. With its spacious interior and optional all-wheel drive, it’s versatile enough for both city driving and road trips.
Subaru Crosstrek
With Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology and standard all-wheel drive, the Crosstrek is an ideal car for new drivers in varying weather conditions. Its adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking offer enhanced safety. Despite its rugged exterior, the Crosstrek is compact enough for city driving while still capable of off-road adventures. Its excellent crash-test ratings add another layer of reassurance.
Kia Forte
The Kia Forte comes equipped with a range of safety features, such as forward collision warning and lane-keeping assist, making it a top choice for new drivers. The car’s design is both sleek and functional, offering modern tech at an affordable price. Its user-friendly infotainment system allows drivers to stay connected without being distracted. Overall, it’s a stylish and safe option for young drivers.
Toyota Prius
Toyota’s Prius is a hybrid that not only excels in fuel efficiency but also in safety, thanks to Toyota Safety Sense. Its low center of gravity contributes to its stability on the road, minimizing the risk of rollovers. The Prius also features automatic high beams and pedestrian detection, enhancing safety in both urban and rural settings. For eco-conscious new drivers, the Prius is an environmentally friendly and safe choice.
Honda HR-V
The Honda HR-V is equipped with Honda Sensing, featuring collision mitigation braking and adaptive cruise control, which are especially useful for new drivers. Its compact SUV size allows for easy maneuvering while offering more space than a typical sedan. The HR-V’s flexible cargo area and high safety ratings make it a practical choice for both young drivers and their families. Its sleek design also adds a modern touch.
Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue comes with the Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. Its ProPILOT Assist system provides semi-autonomous driving, combining adaptive cruise control with lane centering. For new drivers, this makes highway driving much less stressful.
Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf’s advanced safety features, including front assist with automatic emergency braking, make it a reliable choice for new drivers. Its compact size ensures ease of parking and maneuverability in tight spots. The Golf’s pedestrian monitoring system is particularly helpful for city driving, where foot traffic is common. With its sturdy build and responsive handling, the Golf offers a safe yet sporty driving experience.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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