Mazda North American Operations is celebrating a major safety milestone, as nearly every model in its current and recent line-up has earned a spot on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) list of recommended new and used vehicles for teen drivers.
This comprehensive guide, updated annually since 2020, aims to help families select safe and budget-friendly vehicles for young drivers—one of the most at-risk groups on the road due to their inexperience and vulnerability in crashes.
Highlighting the announcement, Jennifer Morrison, Director of Vehicle Safety Strategy at Mazda, emphasized that while families might be tempted to hand down the oldest car in the driveway, a better option is often an affordable vehicle with built-in modern safety tech.
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According to Morrison, Mazda’s recognition across nearly every vehicle category reflects the brand’s commitment to engineering safety without sacrificing style or affordability.
To qualify for the IIHS and CR recommendations, vehicles must meet rigorous standards. All chosen new and used Mazdas received at least average braking and handling scores from CR, as well as minimum usability ratings for vehicle controls.
Each car includes standard electronic stability control, helping reduce the risk of skidding and rollover accidents. Recommended used vehicles also earned top marks in five key IIHS crash tests, while all new selections achieved 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK or TOP SAFETY PICK+ status.
These new models also feature strong crash performance in updated testing, effective automatic emergency braking, reliable seat belt reminders, and good or acceptable headlights—all vital features for young drivers.
Morrison, a parent of a teen driver herself, noted the peace of mind that comes with knowing her child is protected by these safety features, which have been proven to prevent collisions and reduce injury risk. “It’s not just about getting from point A to B. It’s about making sure your teen is protected along the way,” she said.
Top Mazda Picks for Teens – New 2025 Models:
- Small Cars: Mazda3 hatchback, Mazda3 sedan
- Small SUVs: Mazda CX-30, Mazda CX-50
- Midsize SUVs: Mazda CX-70, Mazda CX-90
Best Used Mazdas for Teens – Selected Price Estimates:
- Mazda3 sedan (2014–19, post-Oct. 2013): ~$5,000
- Mazda3 hatchback (2014–19, post-Oct. 2013): ~$5,000
- Mazda3 hatchback (2019+): ~$12,100
- Mazda6 sedan (2016–18): ~$7,300
- Mazda6 (2019–21, post-June 2019): ~$14,000
- Mazda CX-3 (2016–19): ~$6,800
- Mazda CX-5 (2014–19, post-Oct. 2013): ~$7,200
- Mazda CX-30 (2022+): ~$18,000
- Mazda CX-9 (2017–20, post-Nov. 2016): ~$9,800
- Mazda CX-9 (2021+): ~$18,500
This recognition reinforces Mazda’s longstanding focus on creating vehicles that balance driver enjoyment with high safety standards. The brand continues to evolve its offerings for modern families, combining sleek design, innovation, and a human-centered approach that extends far beyond the showroom floor.
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