Safety is always a concern when it comes to teen drivers, especially when it comes to a versatile and powerful vehicle like an SUV. It’s certainly possible to find a good SUV with safety features that’s also fun to drive, like a used Ford Edge. Here are some of the best used SUV options for teens.
Ford Edge: Performance Wherever You Go
The Ford Edge is an attractive and fun-to-drive mid-size SUV that’s just right for teen drivers, a good choice for those who appreciate responsive handling and don’t want the weight and length of a full-size SUV. You’ll find a used Ford Edge to be a smooth driving vehicle with a structure and suspension that can handle rugged, uneven surfaces.
Ford Edge is one of those vehicles that feels sporty whether you’ve driving home from work or taking a weekend road trip. If you purchase a used Ford Edge, you don’t have to worry you’ll miss out on its built-in peppiness if you get a base model version. Each trim comes with a powerful engine and Ford’s industry-leading safety package.
Buick Encore: Technology for Teen Drivers
The Buick Encore is a great SUV option for teenagers thanks to its economical performance (33 mpg highway), four-cylinder engine, Teen Driver technology, and front-wheel drive. It’s a five-seater, a nice option for teen drivers who like cruising around with friends, while four doors accentuate the vehicle’s overall utility and convenience. Of course, having a 4G WiFi hotspot on board is also a strong inducement for teens, whose lives seem to revolve around connectivity these days.
Honda HR-V: A Safe, Solid Choice
Honda, as is often the case, carved out a strong niche in the compact SUV market with its HR-V. It’s an efficient and safe utility vehicle with an attractively sleek profile. Teens will appreciate a variety of exterior tweaks and options, while mom and dad will like the vehicle’s outstanding safety tech(for example, the Honda HR-V EX trim comes with Honda’s LaneWatch feature). Price is another nice thing about the Honda HR-V, which starts at just over $19,000 (be aware that the base model features a six-speed manual transmission, which may mean learning to shift gears manually).
Jeep Cherokee: For Outdoor-Loving Teen Drivers
Anyone who’s attracted to the SUV aesthetic has an appreciation for the legendary Jeep Cherokee, which has its origins in the military and a longstanding rugged reputation. Keep an eye out for the 2016 version, especially if you like heading off road now and then. The Trailhawk is a great choice if you’re into camping and weekends in the woods. The 2016 Jeep Cherokee’s ultra-solid build and strong suspension pair nicely with a versatile and compact wheelbase.
Mazda CX-3: Sporty and Reliable
Few teenagers can resist an SUV with a racy profile. The Mazda CX-3 exudes sportiness and comes at a nice price for teens (the 2017 model starts in the $19,000 range). It’s in Honda’s class when it comes to safety tech, thanks to features like a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alarm. But it’s not all about safety. Mazda’s CX-3 also features a 2.0-liter engine with Mazda’s proprietary Skyactiv G technology, which generates nearly 150 horsepower while delivering solid fuel economy at 29 mpg city/35 highway.
A Learning Experience
A used SUV can be a great starter experience for young drivers, who learn the importance of fuel economy and reliable safety features while driving a vehicle that’s designed for fun and performance. A used Ford Edge is an outstanding choice for teen drivers, an attractive, sporty ride with enough pep to be fun and safe enough to make parents happy.
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