Best SUVs for Teens for 2023
These are the best SUVs for teens based on iSeeCars’ analysis of each vehicle’s reliability, resale value and safety.
The best subcompact SUV for teens is the Honda HR-V (10 / 10 safety score), with the BMW X1 being the best luxury subcompact SUV for teens (10 / 10 safety score). The Honda CR-V ranks #1 for the best small and compact SUVs for teens (10 / 10 safety score).
The best luxury small and compact SUV for teens is the Acura RDX (10 / 10 safety score) and the best midsize SUV for teens is the Hyundai SANTA FE (10 / 10 safety score). Topping the list for the best luxury midsize SUVs for teens is the Lexus RX 350 (9.5 / 10 safety score), while the Honda CR-V ranks first for the best crossover SUVs for teens (10 / 10 safety score).
The best luxury crossover SUV for teens is the Acura RDX (10 / 10 safety score), with the Toyota Venza being the best hybrid SUV for teens (9.0 / 10 safety score). The Lexus UX 250h ranks #1 for the best luxury hybrid SUVs for teens (10 / 10 safety score).
The best electric SUV for teens is the Tesla Model Y (10 / 10 safety score), which is also the best luxury electric SUV for teens. Topping the list for the best 5-seater SUVs for teens is the Honda CR-V (10 / 10 safety score), while the Acura RDX ranks first for the best luxury 5-seater SUVs for teens (10 / 10 safety score).
How We Rank These Cars
The best cars for teens rank vehicles by their iSeeCars Safety Score, which is based on the latest safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, as well as safety features focused on providing parents with peace of mind.
With safety as the number one factor in identifying the best cars for teens, iSeeCars considered only cars with a NHTSA crash test rating of 4 or better and a IIHS Top Safety Pick or better, and excluded large trucks and SUVs, minivans, and sporty cars and cars with high horsepower. For each vehicle, we also display an iSeeCars Score.
iSeeCars Score is an analysis of three factors: reliability, resale value and safety. It is calculated based on the latest research and analysis by our data science team. The data analysis comes from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings.
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability | 33.3%
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention | 33.3%
The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.
Safety | 33.3%
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
