For families searching for cars for new drivers, those priorities matter. A first vehicle should help a new motorist become comfortable behind the wheel. Whether the choice is a new vehicle or a carefully chosen used model, taking the time to compare safety ratings, features, condition and long-term costs can make the decision much easier.
Start With Safety
Safety should be the first reason when looking for a first car.
Looking for vehicles with strong crashworthiness ratings and points buyers toward models that perform well in testing. It also recommends checking National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety ratings when shopping for a vehicle. For used cars in particular, buyers should pay attention to performance in the IIHS driver-side small overlap front test.
Vehicle size matters, too. The latest Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recommendations for young drivers require the listed used vehicles to have a curb weight greater than 2,750 pounds, along with other safety and handling criteria. That is one reason a reasonably sized sedan or SUV may make more sense as a first vehicle than an extremely small car.
The point that a vehicle should provide an appropriate balance between manoeuvrability and occupant protection.
Driver-Assistance Features Can Make a Difference
New drivers have a lot to look at; factors such as checking mirrors, judging distances, watching traffic signals and anticipating what other motorists might do all become easier with experience.
Modern driver-assistance systems can provide an additional layer of protection while those skills develop.
Features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure prevention and blind-spot monitoring are worth considering. IIHS has incorporated crash-avoidance technology into its recommendations. And its 2026 “Best Choice” used vehicles must have standard automatic emergency braking that earns specified ratings in pedestrian crash-prevention testing.
Electronic stability control is another feature worth having. It can help a driver maintain control during certain emergency maneuvers or when traction becomes limited.
Technology is not a substitute for good driving habits. A new driver still needs to learn defensive driving, follow speed limits and remain focused on the road. Safety technology simply gives drivers another tool when something unexpected happens.
Reliability Should Be Part of the Equation
A first car is often someone’s primary way of getting to school, work, activities and appointments. That makes reliability more than a convenience.
Unexpected repairs can be frustrating for an experienced driver. For someone who has only recently received a license, they can be especially disruptive.
When comparing vehicles, look beyond the purchase price. Research the model’s maintenance requirements, reputation and expected running costs. If you are buying used, the individual vehicle’s condition matters just as much as the model’s reputation.
A well-maintained older vehicle can be a better purchase than a newer vehicle with a questionable history.
For buyers considering Subaru models, the decision can also come down to practical needs. A smaller vehicle may be easier to maneuver around town, while a crossover or SUV may provide more cargo room for school equipment, sports gear, luggage or family use.
Is New or Used Better for a First Car?
A new car offers the latest safety technology and the reassurance of starting with a vehicle that has no previous owner. However, a quality used vehicle can make excellent financial sense, particularly when the buyer wants to keep the purchase price down.
The important part is knowing what you are buying.
IIHS recommends checking for open recalls before purchasing a used vehicle. Buyers can use the vehicle identification number to look for outstanding recalls, while NHTSA recommends checking for new recalls periodically after purchasing a vehicle as well.
It is also wise to review the vehicle history and have the car inspected before committing to the purchase.
For shoppers who want some of the advantages of a used vehicle without giving up manufacturer-backed protections, a certified pre-owned Subaru is another option worth considering.
Subaru’s Certified Pre-Owned program includes a 152-point inspection, a vehicle history report, 24/7 roadside assistance and factory-backed powertrain coverage, subject to program terms.
For a first-time buyer, that additional review can provide useful reassurance.
Don’t Forget the Cost of Ownership
The amount written on the sales contract is only part of what a vehicle will cost.
Insurance, fuel, registration, tires, routine maintenance and repairs all need to fit into the budget. Insurance deserves particular attention for younger drivers, since premiums can vary significantly depending on the driver and vehicle.
Fuel economy is worth considering as well. A car that costs a little more initially but uses less fuel could make sense over several years, depending on how much it is driven.
Maintenance is another piece of the puzzle. Regular oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections and other scheduled services can help keep a vehicle operating properly.
For Subaru owners in Jackson, access to a qualified Subaru service center can make ongoing maintenance more straightforward. Paul Moak Subaru’s service department provides routine maintenance and repairs, including oil changes, tire rotations and brake service, and its technicians receive Subaru-specific training.
Pay Attention to How the Car Feels
Specifications tell only part of the story.
A new driver should feel comfortable in the driver’s seat. Visibility, steering, braking, seat position and the location of controls can all affect how easy a vehicle is to operate.
That is why a test drive should be more than a quick trip around the block.
Try adjusting the mirrors and seat. Pay attention to visibility at intersections. Test the brakes gently and firmly. Practice parking if possible. Notice whether the vehicle feels predictable or seems larger, faster, or more complicated than the driver is comfortable handling.
A good car for new driver buyers should inspire confidence rather than make the driver feel overwhelmed.
Avoid Buying More Car Than You Need
It can be tempting to buy a vehicle with a powerful engine or a long list of expensive upgrades. But first-car shopping is usually a good time to keep things sensible.
That does not mean a first car has to be boring. It simply means performance should not come at the expense of control, safety or affordability.
The same principle applies to size. A vehicle that is difficult to park or maneuver can make everyday driving unnecessarily stressful. On the other hand, choosing something with enough space for passengers and belongings can make the car useful for years instead of just months.
Think Beyond the First Year
The best first car is one that continues to make sense after the excitement of the purchase wears off.
Think about how the vehicle will be used during the next several years. Will the driver commute to college? Travel to work? Carry friends? Take road trips? Transport sports equipment or other gear?
Those questions can narrow down the choices quickly.
The 2026 IIHS and Consumer Reports recommendations show that families do not have to choose between safety and affordability. Their list includes used vehicles at a range of price points, as well as newer vehicles that meet stringent safety criteria.
Among the new vehicles recommended by IIHS and Consumer Reports for 2026 is the Subaru Ascent, which appears in the midsize SUV category.
Of course, the Ascent will not be the right fit for every new driver. The goal is to find a vehicle that matches the driver’s needs, experience and budget.
Finding the Right First Car
There is no single answer to the question of what makes the best car for new driver shoppers. The right choice depends on the person behind the wheel.
Start with safety. Look at crash-test results and available driver-assistance technology. Consider reliability and maintenance costs. If buying used, investigate the vehicle’s history and condition. Then think about insurance, fuel economy and whether the car will still suit the driver’s needs a few years from now.
For families exploring Subaru models, a dealership such as Paul Moak Subaru can also be a useful place to compare new and Certified Pre-Owned options side by side.
A first car should do more than get someone from one place to another. It should be a dependable vehicle that gives a new driver the opportunity to gain experience, develop confidence and become a safer motorist over time.
In the end, choosing carefully is more important than choosing quickly. A safe, practical and reliable vehicle can make those first years behind the wheel considerably easier—and that is exactly what a first car should do.
