When it comes to finding a driver for new drivers, there are several options that start at under $30,000. Ford, , and Honda make these SUVs safe for new drivers. All of the following also have high ratings from leading national security groups.
The Toyota RAV4 is a safe SUV for new drivers
What makes an SUV suitable for young drivers? says the 2023 Toyota RAV4 is fuel efficient, comfortable and safe. It is also packed with features without breaking the budget. The RAV4 has room for five and 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seats. That increases to 69.8 cubic feet with these seats down.
gave the 2023 RAV4 a five-star safety rating. This included high scores in side crash and rollover tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also gave the SUV a Top Safety Pick Plus designation.
Honda’s CR-V is another safe SUV for new drivers
The 2022 Honda CR-V is safe, offers plenty of room, and won’t break the bank. Four-wheel drive is available for those who might want it, but it diminishes fuel economy. In front-wheel drive, the CR-V gets 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. All-wheel drive is 27 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.
Some of the standard safety systems include lane departure warning, forward automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Forward collision warning, lane keeping assist and road departure mitigation are also standard.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2022 CR-V a five-star safety rating. It also received the Top Safety Pick award when equipped with LED reflector headlamps on the Touring and Hybrid Touring trim levels.
The Ford Bronco Sport is off-road capable yet safe
While you may think of the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport as an off-road oriented vehicle, it also makes the list of safe SUVs for new drivers for a few reasons. The turbocharged three-cylinder engine is good enough for everyday driving, and the MyKey system lets you set speed and audio limits for new drivers.
The Big Bend trim is just a little over the budget but is pretty well equipped. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning are standard. The Bronco Sport also includes automatic high beam, rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitor.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport a five-star safety rating, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named it a Plus award winner.
As a new driver, it’s important to prioritize safety when choosing a vehicle. Good security test scores aren’t the only thing to consider, but it’s helpful. If a system you’re hoping to own isn’t included, chances are it’s available in a package or add-on.
