One of the best parts about buying a used SUV is that they are often more affordable than new SUVs. Well, that may not currently be the case, a used sport utility vehicle still offers a lot in terms of versatility and function. If you are in the market for a used SUV for your team driver, you have several good options. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there are five sport utility vehicles on the list of best used vehicles for teens. And the best part? They are all under $20,000. Even the most expensive choice, the Toyota Highlander, starts at just $17,800. Here is what makes the Toyota Highlander one of the safest used SUVs for your teen driver.

A used Toyota Highlander is one of the safest used SUVs for teens

It can be difficult to buy a used SUV for a teenager. After all, teens are inexperienced drivers, which makes them at high risk of an accident. Because of that, it is important to make sure that your teenager is driving a safe vehicle. While many parents are tempted to buy their new driver, something old and small, it is actually important to buy something with plenty of safety features in a sturdy frame. In addition, the IIHS says that larger vehicles can also be safer than smaller ones. Of course, that’s as long as they are not so large, that they are difficult to maneuver.

In fact, the Toyota Highlander is on the list of safe vehicles for teens. This list is made by the IHS and consumer reports and it breaks vehicles into categories by size. The Toyota Highlander is one of the most expensive used midsize SUVs, yet it is still under $20,000.

Toyota Highlanders from 2014 and on make the cut

Another great part about the Toyota Highlander making the list of best used midsize SUVs for teens is that you have a lot of options as far as the model year goes. You could choose any Highlander made from 2014 or newer and that would meet the criteria set forth by the IHS and consumer reports. Of course, the newer models will certainly be more expensive, so you will have to shop according to your budget.

In order to make the list of best used vehicles, the Toyota Highlander had to earn a good rating in several crash tests, including moderate overlap, front, original side, and the roof strength and head restraint tests. In addition, the Highlander had to get at least an acceptable rating in the driver side small overlap front test.

Consumer reports ratings also play a roll in the Highlander’s ranking

Several Consumer Reports ratings also play a part in the Toyota Highlander, making the list of the best use SUVs for teenagers. The Highlander had to get at least an above average reliability rating from consumer reports. It also had to get at least a three for emergency handling and be able to break from 60 miles an hour on dry pavement in 145 feet or less.

It is worth noting that the list of the best SUVs does not include those that have a higher than average claim frequency for medical or personal injury, payments or protection.

If you are in the market for a used sport utility vehicle for your new team driver, the Toyota Highlander is a great choice. Just make sure that you pay attention to which model you are buying and that you get the safe is the TV that you can.