News Releases
Washington, DC (May 27, 2026) – Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) is proud to announce a strong presence on the latest Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) list of recommended new and used vehicles for teen drivers, with multiple models recognized across both categories.
Since 2020, IIHS and CR have partnered to develop this annual list to help families prioritize safety, performance, and affordability when selecting vehicles for new drivers. With teen drivers facing elevated crash risks due to inexperience, vehicle choice remains a critical factor in helping mitigate those risks.
“The range of vehicles on this list reinforces that families don’t have to compromise between safety and affordability when choosing a vehicle for their teen,” said Jennifer Morrison, Director of Vehicle Safety Strategy at Mazda North American Operations. “We’re proud to see so many Mazda vehicles recognized again this year—reflecting our commitment to making advanced safety technologies widely accessible as we work toward our vision of eliminating traffic fatalities.”
All vehicles included on the IIHS and CR list meet rigorous safety and performance criteria. These models earn strong ratings for braking, handling, and usability from Consumer Reports, while also demonstrating solid crashworthiness in IIHS evaluations.
Best New Mazda Vehicles for Teens (2026 MODELS)
Small Cars
Mazda 3 hatchback or sedan
Small SUVs
Mazda CX-30
Mazda CX-50 (including Hybrid)
Midsize SUVs
Mazda CX-70
Mazda CX-70 PHEV
Mazda CX-90
Best Used Mazda Models for Teens
Small Cars
Mazda 3 (hatchback: 2019-25; sedan: 2020- 25) $13,200
Mazda 3 hatchback or sedan (2014-18; built after October 2013) $6,900
Midsize Cars
Mazda 6 (2016-18) $8,400
Small SUVs
Mazda CX-5 (2018-25; built after March 2018) $13,100
Mazda CX-3 (2020-21) $13,600
Mazda CX-30 (2021-25; built after September 2020) $15,900
Mazda CX-5 (2014-17; built after October 2013) $8,400
Mazda CX-3 (2016-19) $9,000
Midsize SUVs
Mazda CX-9 (2020-23; built after December 2019) $16,200
IIHS and CR emphasize that vehicles on the list strike a balance between affordability and strong safety performance. They also recommend avoiding vehicles with excessive horsepower, very small vehicles, or large SUVs that may be more difficult for inexperienced drivers to control.
“Having a teen driver of my own, there’s nothing more important than knowing they’re as safe as possible every time they get behind the wheel,” said Morrison, “In the chaos of teen parenting, peace of mind matters—and I get that knowing they’re driving a vehicle with top safety ratings and proven crash avoidance features.”
For families navigating the important milestone of a teen driver’s first vehicle, Mazda’s inclusion across both new and used categories reinforces its commitment to delivering safety, reliability, and driving confidence at every stage.
Earlier this year, Mazda was also recognized by Consumer Reports as America’s safest new car brand in its first-ever Safety Verdict.
About Mazda North American Operations
Proudly founded in Hiroshima, Japan, Mazda has a history of sophisticated craftsmanship and innovation, and a purpose to enrich life-in-motion for those it serves. By putting humans at the center of everything it does, Mazda aspires to create uplifting experiences with our vehicles and for people. Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Colombia through approximately 795 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc. in Richmond Hill, Ontario; operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and operations in Colombia are managed by Mazda de Colombia in Bogota, Colombia. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at news.mazdausa.com.
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