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The best new and used cars for teens, according to US News

Safety is critical for teen drivers, which is why US News & World Report's list of the best cars focuses on safety and safety-enhancing tech. Here are this year's best choices for new drivers.

Andrew Krok
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.
Andrew Krok
2018-honda-fit-promo
1 of 26 Nick Miotke/Roadshow

2019 Honda Fit: Cars, $20,000 and under

The 2019 Honda Fit (2018 shown) is the most affordable car on the US News list.

2018 Honda Fit
2 of 26 Nick Miotke/Roadshow

2019 Honda Fit: Cars, $20K and under

It packs a number of standard safety features, including automatic braking.

2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
3 of 26 Wayne Cunningham/Roadshow

2018 Hyundai Ioniq: Cars, $20K to $25K

The 2018 Hyundai Ioniq (2017 shown) is a hybrid, but you spend a bit more money for a PHEV or EV variant.

2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
4 of 26 Wayne Cunningham/Roadshow

2018 Hyundai Ioniq: Cars, $20K to $25K

The Ioniq Hybrid gets nearly 60 mpg on the highway.

2018 Toyota Camry
5 of 26 Emme Hall/Roadshow

2018 Toyota Camry: Cars, $25K to $30K

This is the first time the Camry appears on this list, but it won't be the last.

2018 Toyota Camry
6 of 26 Toyota

2018 Toyota Camry: Cars, $25K to $30K

The gas Camry gets its power from either a 2.5-liter I4 or a 3.5-liter V6.

2017 Toyota Prius Prime
7 of 26 Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

2018 Toyota Prius Prime: Cars, $30K to $35K

The 2018 Prius Prime (2017 shown) is the replacement for the last-generation Prius Plug-In Hybrid.

2017 Toyota Prius Prime
8 of 26 Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

2018 Toyota Prius Prime: Cars, $30K to $35K

It's one of only a few cars in the industry to sport a massive, portrait-oriented screen.

2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid
9 of 26 Wayne Cunningham/CNET Roadshow

2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid: Cars, $35K to $40K

If you can spend a bit more money, the Camry Hybrid will reward you with improved fuel economy.

2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid
10 of 26 Wayne Cunningham/CNET Roadshow

2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid: Cars, $35K to $40K

The EPA rates the Camry Hybrid at 51 mpg city and 53 mpg highway.

2017-kia-sportage-sx-7.jpg
11 of 26 Jon Wong/Roadshow

2018 Kia Sportage: SUVs, $25K to $30K

The 2018 Kia Sportage (2017 shown) features app-based tech that lets parents keep track of their kids.

2017-kia-sportage-sx-26.jpg
12 of 26 Jon Wong/Roadshow

2018 Kia Sportage: SUVs, $25K to $30K

A geofenced warning lets parents know when their teen drives beyond a preset geographic limit.

32121-2019tucson
13 of 26 Hyundai

2018 Hyundai Tucson: SUVs, $30K to $35K

The 2018 Tucson (2019 shown) offers a great blend of tech and economy without getting too large.

32030-2019tucson
14 of 26 Hyundai

2018 Hyundai Tucson: SUVs, $30K to $35K

The Tucson starts well under the price category it's in, but if you want all that teen-friendly tech, you'll have to shell out for higher trims.

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
15 of 26 Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan: SUVs, $35K to $40K

The Tiguan entered a new generation in the 2018 model year, growing a third row in the process.

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL
16 of 26 Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan: SUVs, $35K to $40K

The Volkswagen features solid build quality and decent economy, but it's pricey in higher trims.

2015 Buick LaCrosse
17 of 26 Buick

2015 Buick LaCrosse: Used Cars, Large

The 2015 LaCrosse can be had with either a 3.6-liter V6 or a 2.4-liter I4.

2015 Buick LaCrosse
18 of 26 Buick

2015 Buick LaCrosse: Used Cars, Large

It's an older Buick, so I hope you like having lots of buttons on the dashboard.

2015 Toyota Camry
19 of 26 Toyota

2015 Toyota Camry: Used Cars, Mid-Size

The Toyota Camry is a perennial favorite for people who want a sensible, reliable ride.

2015 Toyota Camry
20 of 26 Toyota

2015 Toyota Camry: Used Cars, Mid-Size

Thankfully, the used Camry market is huge, so you won't have a problem finding one.

2015 Buick Verano
21 of 26 Buick

2015 Buick Verano: Used Cars, Small

The Verano is no longer on sale, but that doesn't mean it doesn't work well as a used car.

2015 Buick Verano
22 of 26 Buick

2015 Buick Verano: Used Cars, Small

Again, Buick's love of physical buttons is on full display.

2015 Chevrolet Traverse
23 of 26 Chevrolet

2015 Chevrolet Traverse: Used SUVs, Mid-Size

Anonymous styling will help your teenager stay out of trouble.

2015 Chevrolet Traverse
24 of 26 Chevrolet

2015 Chevrolet Traverse: Used SUVs, Mid-Size

The Traverse's interior can get pretty cushy, depending on the trim.

2014 GMC Terrain
25 of 26 GMC

2014 GMC Terrain: Used SUVs, Small

The 2014 GMC Terrain sports a blocky aesthetic that still looks good today.

2014 GMC Terrain
26 of 26 GMC

2014 GMC Terrain: Used SUVs, Small

GMC followed in Buick's footsteps, covering its dashboard in physical buttons.

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