Best cars for teens in 2024
Ah… there’s nothing so liberating as passing your driving test as a teenager and having the freedom to get to where you want to go! But there’s nothing so worrying for parents, who are concerned that their child’s inexperience on the roads may bring them to some harm, or worse.
A happy balance is required. The car has to be cool enough for the teens so that their friends are happy to get in it, economical to run, easy to drive and have robust safety features to keep mum and dad happy, too.
Check out our selection of the best cars for teens this year to help you find the best one for you and your loved ones.
Top cars for teenagers
Hyundai i10
Price
RRP £15,430 – £18,980
Pros
👍 Good tech
👍 Feels roomy
👍 Smart looking
Cons
👎 Not many options
👎 Quite a bit of road noise
Summary
The Hyundai i10 is a practical choice for teen drivers, offering easy handling and fuel efficiency. Its compact size makes it ideal for city driving and parking in tight spots. The i10 has enough space and modern features to keep things comfortable inside. It’s affordable to run and maintain, making it a smart option for young drivers looking for a reliable first car.
Volkswagen Polo
Price
RRP £20,975 – £27,475
Pros
👍 Looks cool enough
👍 Efficient – does its job
👍 Advanced technology
Cons
👎 Not the cheapest on the market
👎 The ride’s on the firm side
Summary
The Volkswagen Polo is a great set of wheels for teenagers. It’s known for its solid build quality and comfortable interior, and the compact size makes it easy to drive and park in the city. The user-friendly infotainment system and good fuel efficiency make it even more appealing. With plenty of interior space and reliable performance, the Polo is a well-rounded choice for those looking for their first car.
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Price
RRP £30,505 – £36,945
Pros
👍 Cheap to run
👍 Decent quality inside
👍 Fun to drive
Cons
👎 More expensive than its rivals
👎 Tight on space in the back
Summary
The Toyota Corolla Hybrid is a top choice for teen drivers due to its combination of style and safety. Its modern design is attractive, and the hybrid engine offers excellent fuel efficiency, which is great for reducing running costs. The Corolla has various safety features, such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking, all of which lead to a safer driving experience and make it an excellent option for younger drivers.
Ford Fiesta
Price
RRP £20,980 – £23,670
Pros
👍 Cheap to run
👍 Decent quality inside
👍 Fun to drive
Cons
👎 More expensive than its rivals
👎 Tight on space in the back
Summary
The Toyota Corolla Hybrid is a top choice for teen drivers due to its combination of style and safety. Its modern design is attractive, and the hybrid engine offers excellent fuel efficiency, which is great for reducing running costs. The Corolla has various safety features, including lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. These all contribute to a safer driving experience, making it an excellent option for younger drivers.
Kia Soul
Price
RRP £12,930 – £24,165
Pros
👍 Striking looks
👍 Good value
👍 Lots of space inside
Cons
👎 Not the best driving experience
👎 Hefty running costs
Summary
The Kia Soul is a great choice for teenage drivers. Its unique, boxy style makes it stand out, while its compact size makes it easy to handle. The spacious interior adds comfort. On the safety side, features like rearview cameras, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking provide extra protection. With its mix of quirky design and reliable safety, the Soul is a winner for young drivers.
Safety features that matter most in teen cars
Advanced driver-assistance systems
Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) enhance vehicle safety and make driving easier by using technology to assist drivers. These systems offer extra support and safety for teen drivers. Key ADAS features include:
👍 Lane-keeping assist: Helps keep the car in its lane.
👍 Adaptive cruise control: Maintains a safe distance from the car ahead.
👍 Automatic emergency braking: Alerts the driver and applies brakes to avoid collisions.
Crash test ratings explained
Car test ratings measure how well a car protects its passengers in an accident. Independent organisations, like Euro NCAP in Europe, test vehicles by simulating collisions to evaluate their safety features. Ratings are typically given as stars, with five stars being the highest.
These tests assess factors like frontal and side impact protection, seatbelt performance, and safety technology. For teen drivers, a car with a high crash test rating provides extra peace of mind and protection on the road.
FAQs
What car is best for a 17-year-old?
The best car for a 17-year-old is one that’s safe, easy to drive, and affordable to run. Compact cars with smaller engine sizes (1.0 to 1.4 litres) are ideal, as they offer better fuel efficiency and lower insurance costs. Look for models with good safety features and reliability.
Is a 1.6 engine good for a first car?
It depends! A 1.6 engine can be good for a first car, offering more power than smaller engines without being too overwhelming. However, it may come with higher fuel and insurance costs compared to a 1.0 or 1.2 engine. For most new drivers, a smaller engine may be more practical and affordable.
Is it time to sell your car?
Ready to learn more about valuing, maintaining, and selling your car? Check out our other guides here, covering everything from hybrid and electric car depreciation to converting your vehicle to dual-LPG fuel.
- Sell my car
- Track your car value
- What to look for when buying a used car
- How many different car brands are there
- Is there a cooling-off period when buying a car?
- Car depreciation – the ultimate guide
- How to get the best price for my car
- Can you lease a used car?
- What documents should I get when buying a used car?