Back To School: Our Favorite New and Used Cars for Teens

At Nutley Kia, we care about the safety of our drivers. This time of year, school’s back in session and customers are constantly asking about the best cars for teens and new drivers. So, we did some research and came up with a detailed list of new and used vehicles. This class is called, The Best Cars for Teens.

Before we get into our lesson plan, let’s go over some prerequisites for class. First off, we will only be considering vehicles with excellent safety scores and a reliable track record. For an inexperienced driver, the road is a complex, often-misunderstood thing. For that reason, we rooted out all sports cars and turbo-engines. Controlling high speeds mixed with the new driver’s urge to go fast can end in disaster. Avoiding sports cars for teens means avoiding the high insurance premium that goes with it.

Lastly, let’s go over trucks and SUVs. We aren’t against all heavier vehicles, some perform incredibly well in crash tests.  However, if they’re too large, they can be difficult to maneuver for a young driver. Larger vehicles have worse fuel economy and can provide hazardous distractions due to the number of passengers they hold.

Now, let’s begin!

Teacher’s Picks #1: Top 5 Used Cars

1. 2015 Kia Optima

Courtesy of Autobytel

The 2015 Kia Optima is a worthy competitor for new drivers. With secure, easy handling and a smooth comfortable ride, the Optima packs substance and value. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is enjoyable, and the 28 mpg is good for a used sedan of its size. Experience 16-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, full-power accessories, a six-speaker sound system, and Bluetooth. A practical and stylish ride for a beginner.

2. 2014 Nissan Altima

The Nissan Altima is a solid car with an affordable price tag. With 31 mpg, this mid-size sedan has excellent fuel economy, and the 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine is steady and reliable. There are endless standard features offered in the 2014 model, which incorporating classy interior and zero-gravity front seats. Overall, the 2014 Nissan Altima has good performance with steady handling for commuting and road trips.

3. 2013 Toyota Corolla

The legendary compact car. You can’t go wrong with the 2013 Toyota Corolla. With 29 mpg and a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine, this is one of the most reliable four-door sedans on the market. Teens will be cruising safe with the Corolla’s secure handling and comfortable ride.

4. 2016 Nissan Rogue

SUVs can be a lot for a new driver for reasons we mentioned earlier. But there are still notable options worth mentioning. The 2016 Nissan Rogue is one of them. This is a great small SUV option for a teen. It’s easy to drive, spacious and relatively quiet. The 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine is reliable, and the exterior detailing offers some extra style to a relatively practical model. It’s perfect for those who want to cart their gear between games and shows.

5. 2015 Kia Soul

The Kia Soul is one-of-a-kind. A wonderfully authentic SUV-alternative, this vehicle offers new drivers excellent visibility through large windows. The interior is spacious with chair-like seats. And with a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine, the 2015 Kia Soul gives a low-key, steady ride.

Teacher’s Picks #2: Top 5 New Cars

1. 2019 Kia Sportage (non-turbo)

The 2019 Kia Sportage is another suitable SUV for young drivers. It’s safe, stylish, and semi-sporty. The 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission provide a smooth, easy-to-maneuver driving experience. This car is great for camping and adventuring with friends, destined to keep you safe in tough terrain. And the accessories are top-notch: Apple CarPlay, and Kia’s award-winning UVO eServices System.

2. 2019 Kia Forte

The 2019 Kia Forte is new and improved. Already one of Consumer Reports’ top-rated compact cars in 2018, the 2019 redesign is even more promising. The cabin is more spacious with 3 inches of extra legroom. The fuel economy is better with a two-mpg improvement (34 mpg). And the interior technology is improved with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This car is safe, stylish, comfortable, and fun to drive. You can’t go wrong here.

3. 2018 Mazda 3 Hatchback

This car has character. The exterior lines and curvature make for a dazzling new hatchback from Mazda. While being fun, and reliable, the 2018 Mazda 3 also received the Top Safety Pick from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The handling is above-average ad the 2.0, four-liter engine makes the most of its 155 horsepower. This car is for the young driver with a fresh perspective.

4. 2018 Hyundai Ioniq

The 2018 Hyundai Ioniq is a unique addition to our lesson plan. Not only is it strangely futuristic looking, but it’s also a green machine with 3 solid green powertrain options. This car can be a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, or battery-electric. It’s the only car on sale in the US to offer these three options together. But how does it drive? Impressively well! The six-speed dual-clutch transmission is fun and the car itself is incredibly efficient. Perfect for a teen who’s thinking green.

5. 2018 Toyota Camry

This whip is a more-expensive starter for a youngster, but they’ll have it for years. The Toyota Camry is one of the most reliable cars ever made, and its 2018 design offers the vehicle a sporty new look. There’s a reason this car is an IIHS Top Safety Pick. With Toyota Safety Sense, the 2018 Camry includes forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. Better yet, this bad boy gets 34 mpg.

 

Okay, that’s it or today’s class. We hope you took something away from our first lesson plan! For a quick recap, we want our young drivers to excel on the road. These are the cars we think will best help them learn the rules of the road, safely and in style. Some of these models – new and used – are even available at our dealership, so stop by today!

 

Attention young drivers. You’ve become comfortable in your new car, so now it’s time to set up the best sound system possible. Check out our list of the best bang-for-your-buck audio-enhancers here!

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