If you’re looking for a new SUV for yourself, but you know that your teenager will be driving it, it can make it harder to choose. After all, you want something that you love, but is safe enough for a new driver. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports say that these five midsize SUVs are perfect for teens – and you’ll want to drive them, too. These are the five safest SUVs for teens and parents.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander is one of the safest SUVs for teens and parents

Top 4 Reasons to Buy the 2022 Toyota Highlander

The 2022 Toyota Highlander isn’t just one of the IIHS’ best new SUVs for your teen drivers, it’s also a Top Safety Pick+. On top of that, it’s loaded with safety features. It comes standard with pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, and cruise control.

In addition, the Toyota Highlander has automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, and road sign assist, according to Toyota. It also comes with its Star Safety System. This includes stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and brake assist. It also has Smart Stop technology.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander price starts at $36,420 for the base model L. It comes with 18-inch wheels, LED lights, and heated mirrors. It also has keyless entry and ignition, an 8-inch infotainment system, and a six-speaker sound system. In addition, the Highlander is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and has a WiFi hot spot.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe is a great choice for teens

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe comes with a host of important safety features. These include blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, lane keeping assist, and driver attention warning. The Hyundai Santa Fe also has lane following assist, forward collision warning, and cruise control. In addition, the Santa Fe comes with safe seat exit and rear occupant alert, which helps to remind you if you leave a child or pet in your backseat.

The 2022 Nissan Murano is one of the best new SUVs for teen drivers

The 2022 Nissan Murano is one of the best new SUVs for your teen driver. It’s a Top Safety Pick+ and costs about $35,000. It also comes with Safety Shield 360, which is Nissan’s suite of safety systems. This includes things like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, and blind spot warning.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe price starts at $27,400. The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe comes standard with a 2.5-liter inline-4 that makes 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission. It gets a combined 26 mpg, with 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. It can also tow up to 2,000 pounds.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade is a great SUV that’s fun for you and your teen

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade is a great SUV for you and your teen. It’s a nice midsize SUV that also happens to be an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. The 2022 Hyundai Palisade has essential driving safety features like forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and blind spot-monitor. The Palisade also has adaptive cruise control and rear parking sensors.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade price starts at $36,295. The Palisade comes with a 3.8-liter V6 engine that makes 291-hp and can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 Mazda CX-9 makes the list of the safest SUVs for teens

The 2022 Mazda CX-9 has a ton of safety features, making this a great option for a teen driver. While many SUVs offer some standard safety systems, the CX-9 is loaded with the essentials. Some of the safety systems that come standard in the Mazda CX-9 include blind-spot monitoring, smart city brake support with both day and night-time pedestrian detection, and rear cross traffic alert.

The Mazda CX-9 also has radar cruise control, adaptive front-lighting, and a smart braking system. In addition, the CX-9 comes with lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and driver attention alert. It even comes with traffic sign recognition and high beam control. 

The 2022 Mazda CX-9 price starts at $35,280. It comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 227 hp and 310 hp matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard in the 2022 CX-9. The CX-9 gets 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

The best 2022 midsize SUV for you and your teen should be safe, spacious, and versatile. Any of these five safest SUVs for teens and parents are a great choice.