By the age of 16, teens can easily get a driver’s license and drive cars on the road in most US states. We are known as a gift you want a safe, well-equipped, reliable and affordable car. . So today we are going to talk about good first cars for a 16-year-old.
Teens and parents have different goals and priorities when it comes to cars. Although it is usually not difficult for the two parties to reach an amicable decision, especially if each party is willing to compromise a little.
However, some cars meet all the needs of parents and teenagers. These cars are perfect for novice drivers as they combine accident prevention, crash protection, performance, and reliability.
We’ve put together a list of good first cars for a 16-year-old to make things a little easier for you. All of these vehicles receive high safety ratings and shouldn’t break the bank.
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List Of Good First Cars For A 16-Year-Old In 2022
The best cars for teens or any new driver should also be the safest cars for teens as protecting your teen driver is your number one priority. You also want a car that is affordable and reliable.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, car accidents are the leading cause of death for 15-20-year-olds. A safe car is a must when it comes to new drivers. We researched the best cars for teen drivers and found seven models that stand out from the crowd.
1. 2022 Honda Civic
- Price:- From $21,700
- Engine:- 2.0 Liter / Inline 4 Cylinder
- Horsepower:- 158 HP
- Mileage:- 30 City / 37 Highway
From its sleek new styling to its spacious cabin, the redesigned 2022 Civic Sedan is a good first car for a 16-year-old who’s even better at driving. It’s a great combination of price, features, safety, reliability, and resale value.
It is no wonder then that it is also one of the most used cars nampa by teenagers. Base models come standard with a 158-hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder, while the upgraded engine remains a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder now producing 180 hp.
The new Civic is offered exclusively with front-wheel drive. Civic’s continuously variable automatic transmission is fine-tuned to deliver smooth power and quick response when you need a burst of speed.
Stable and sporty through the corners, the Civic inspires confidence and provides entertainment behind the wheel.
2. 2022 Toyota Camry
- Price:- From $25,845
- Engine:- 2.5 Liter / Inline 4 Cylinder
- Horsepower:- 301 HP
- Mileage:- 28 City / 39 Highway
The current Camry is by far the best-looking Camry ever. Its unique design language, variety of powertrain options, and affordable price make it a good first car for a 16-year-old. For 2022, the Camry remains a Swiss army knife with a focus on reliability and practicality.
Its base engine gets the job done, and the available V6 is dynamic on the road. Add a cushioned ride with roomy seats and a smooth ride, plus an easy-to-use infotainment system, and the Camry is ideal for just about any journey.
The Camry performs strongly in IIHS safety tests, earning a Top Safety Pick in 2021. It also receives an overall safety rating of five stars from NHTSA.
3. 2022 Mazda3
- Price:- From $21,150
- Engine:- 2.5 Liter / Inline 4 Cylinder
- Horsepower:- 227 HP
- Mileage:- 28 City / 36 Highway
The 2022 Mazda3 compact car is a rarity in more ways than one. Being a compact itself is becoming increasingly rare as many buyers and manufacturers move to crossover SUVs. It is also a highlight of the class.
Available only in the lowest sedan trim level, the Mazda3 lineup starts with a two-litre gas engine that produces 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. This is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.
Returns an EPA-estimated 28 city mpg, 36 highway mpg, and 31 combined. Whichever Mazda3 you choose, safety is assured with eight airbags, brake-force distribution with brake assist, traction control, and radar-controlled cruise control.
4. 2022 Honda Fit
- Price:- From $17,185
- Engine:- 1.5 Liter / Inline 4 Cylinder
- Horsepower:- 128 HP
- Mileage:- 36 City / 40 Highway
The 2022 Honda Fit could very well be one of those magical dream cars, with its seemingly impossible ability to hold a lot more stuff than its diminutive size would suggest. While this Fit generation lacks the driving pleasure of its predecessors, it still has a very fuel-efficient engine and a smooth ride quality.
Of course, the noisy hatch motor and some unspectacular interior materials belie its bargain price. Overall, it bears the Fit’s hallmarks of incredible space efficiency and interior versatility.
The rear seat performs the same tricks, folding flat and low or flipping the lower cushions to create a deep trough. The handling is nimble, which makes the car fun to corner. The engine is responsive and fuel economy is respectable overall at 33mpg.
5. 2022 Nissan Versa
- Price:- From $15,180
- Engine:- 1.6 Liter / Inline 4 Cylinder
- Horsepower:- 122 HP
- Mileage:- 32 City / 40 Highway
After its major redesign in 2020, Nissan’s Versa has established itself as one of the most fun small good first cars for a 16-year-old out there. Its comfortable ride and spacious interior feel like they come from a more expensive car, and available advanced driving aids make the Versa feel even more affordable.
As a bonus, if you want a manual transmission, the Versa is one of the few cars that still offer that option. The Versa is a solid little sedan that delivers in many ways, most importantly for car buyers.
It’s not perfect, but for the price of a small car, don’t expect perfection. Speaking of price, the Versa is lower than many of its competitors, making it a solid value in this class.
6. 2022 Kia Rio
- Price:- From $16,450
- Engine:- 1.6 Liter / Inline 4 Cylinder
- Horsepower:- 120 HP
- Mileage:- 33 City / 41 Highway
The Rio’s appeal lies in its unassuming design. Handsome without attracting attention, he is drawn simply without drama. The cockpit comes in grey or black, with a very large touchscreen that stimulates the imagination.
The no-nonsense 120hp engine and CVT unleash a power that moves the Rio unemotionally but flawlessly. It rides well enough to make even most daily commutes comfortable. It’s louder and less safe on the freeway but still offers 36mpg in mixed driving.
It gets high marks for its ease of use, with logically arranged physical climate controls and easy-to-read dials. It’s also fairly easy to see in all directions from the cabin, and relatively roomy inside, despite being one of the smallest cars on the market.
One of our biggest complaints about the interior has to be the compromised driving position.
7. 2022 Toyota Corolla
- Price:- From $20,425
- Engine:- 2.0 Liter / Inline 4 Cylinder
- Horsepower:- 169 HP
- Mileage:- 31 City / 40 Highway
The 2022 Toyota Corolla is worth considering when shopping for a new good first car for a 16-year-old. It’s comfortable to drive, fuel-efficient, packed with standard safety and technical features, and known for its reliability.
This latest Corolla still lives up to those core values, only it adds a more striking design and premium interior than its predecessors. The Corolla is also available in hatchback or hybrid sedan variants, which we review separately.
Except for the sportier SE and XSE models, the Corolla sedan uses a 139-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder that sends power to the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
The Corolla’s ride quality is smooth on a variety of road surfaces, and the front seats are comfortable. Whether it’s high or low, there are enough settings and enough range within those settings to find your preferred position.
8. 2022 Ford Mustang
- Price:- From $27,470
- Engine:- 5.0 Liter / V8
- Horsepower:- 470 HP
- Mileage:- 21 City / 32 Highway
The Ford Mustang has been an affordable American pony car for years. And the 2-door 2022 Ford Mustang GT coupe is poised to continue that tradition with its powerful and signature Coyote V8. Possibly the only ‘correct’ engine configuration for a ‘Stang.
Starting at an MSRP of $37,275, the GT offers the thrill of a V8 sports car that people can afford. Ford builds a Mustang for almost every taste and budget, starting with the base $28,400 coupe with cloth upholstery, manual front seats, a 4.2-inch audio screen, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
The convertible costs $5,000 more. There’s no denying the Mustang’s brilliance, and there are few that can match it in the price range. In our opinion, the Mustang does enough to stay on top and remain the default choice in the pony car class.
9. 2022 Hyundai Sonata
- Price:- From $24,150
- Engine:- 2.5 Liter / V4
- Horsepower:- 290 HP
- Mileage:- 28 City / 38 Highway
The 2022 Hyundai Sonata is a visually interesting and very good value-for-money family sedan. Hyundai’s midsize comes in a variety of flavours, from well-appointed entry-level trims to a trio of budget-friendly hybrids and a tire-screeching performance model.
The 2022 Hyundai Sonata features a sleek, modern cabin with minimal clutter and premium materials. As with most new cars, the infotainment control screen is prominently located on the dash.
SE and SEL trims have an 8-inch display, while a 10.25-inch touchscreen is standard on SEL Plus and above. Compared to rivals like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, the Sonata is an easy-to-use means of getting around town or tackling hours of car travel.
In its most run-of-the-mill configuration, the 2023 Sonata is reasonably nimble and has plenty of oomph for routine rides. The base 4-cylinder with 190 hp isn’t great, but it doesn’t lose steam at country-highway speeds, either.
FAQ Regarding Good First Cars For A 16-Year-Old
Q. 1) Is it a good idea to buy a 16-year-old a car?
Ans. 1) Yes, according to experts, nowadays a car is a need not our want. But you should consider your affordability and the safety of your teenagers before buying good first cars for a 16-year-old.
Q. 2) How much should spend on the first cars for a 16-year-old?
Ans. 2) If you are looking for a used car, then you can spend up to $10k for purchasing an affordable, safe and reliable car. However, for a new car, your budget should be $25.
Q. 3) What car is best for first-time drivers?
Ans. 3) Here we have listed the best new cars for novice drivers. They’re small enough to be manageable and easy to ride, but also offer a few luxury items to keep new riders safe and connected.
Volkswagen up
Kia Picanto
Ford Fiesta
SEAT Ibiza
Toyota Corolla Cross
Honda Civic
Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru Forester
Q. 4) Is it smart to lease a car for a teenager?
Ans. 4) With a lease, your teen can get a new car with the latest safety features, a comprehensive warranty, and affordable monthly payments.
Leases typically last two to three years, often for as long as a college student can access the school’s parking lot.
Conclusion
There’s no denying that sending your child out onto the streets is stressful. After all, you want to buy the first car you can afford for a 16-year-old, with the latest safety equipment.
And good fuel economy to maximize your safety while keeping insurance, maintenance, and driving costs down.
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