- The 2014 Highlander and newer are great SUVs for teens under $25k
- 3 Hyundai Santa Fe models are good for teenagers
- The Lexus NX is a solid used luxury SUV
- The 2017 GMC Terrain and 2017 Chevy Equinox are safe for teens
- A used Nissan Murano may be great for your teenager
- The Ford Edge offers two safe used models for teens
If you’re shopping for an SUV for your teenager, chances are you’re looking for something super safe, and maybe with a bit of style. You also may not want to spend an arm and a leg to get it. You’re in luck. Every year the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Consumer Reports release a list of the safest SUVs for teens, and there are several used SUVs for teens under $25,000 that make great options. Here’s what you can get for a little less than $25k.
2014 Toyota Highlander | Toyota
The 2014 Highlander and newer are great SUVs for teens under $25k
The 2014 Toyota Highlander and newer are on the IIHS‘ list of Safe Vehicles for Teens. It has a good rating in the moderate overlap front, original side test, roof strength and also head restraint tests. Its price according to the IIHS is $17,800.
3 Hyundai Santa Fe models are good for teenagers
There are three used Hyundai Santa Fe models for those looking for a safe SUV for their teens. The 2017, 2018, and 2019 Hyundai Santa Fes all make the list. The listed price is $17,800. In addition to the ratings above, all of the models selected by the IIHS must have a good or acceptable score in the driver-side small overlap front test.
The Lexus NX is a solid used luxury SUV
If you want to but your teen (or yourself, for your teen to share) something a little bit nicer, consider the Lexus NX. Any model made after 2015 is considered safe for teens. It has an average price of $16,700. To find the prices listed, the IIHS and Consumer Reports used Kelley Blue Book. The prices are rounded to the nearest even $100 and are the “average U.S. values from April 28, 2022, for the lowest trim level and earliest applicable model year.”
The 2017 GMC Terrain and 2017 Chevy Equinox are safe for teens
Both the 2017 GMC Terrain and 2017 Chevy Equinox make the list of Safe Vehicles for Teens. The GMC Terrain price is listed as $16,000 and its mechanical twin the Equinox has a price of $15,600. The Kelley Blue Book criteria is based on SUVs in good condition with an average mileage on the odometer and bought from a private party.
A used Nissan Murano may be great for your teenager
Want a safe Nissan for your teen? The Nissan Murano may be a great choice, as long as it’s a 2015 model or newer. The Murano has a price listed of $14,700. All vehicles picked by the IIHS and Consumer Reports have “above-average reliability scores from CR” and emergency handling scores of at least 3/5.
The Ford Edge offers two safe used models for teens
Finally, there are two used Ford Edges that offer safe options for teen drivers. The 2015 Ford Edge is on the list, provided it was built after May 2015. Also, the 2020 Ford Edge is safe for teenagers.
If you want something affordable for your teen that’s also super-safe, you have a lot of options. All of these SUVs are available for under $25,000, making them the perfect place to start the search for your teenager’s next vehicle.