Toyotas can be a great, safe pick for teen drivers, and a great way to get more value from a Toyota is by buying it used. Some model years are better than others, and for the Toyota Avalon, the best model year for teens is the 2017. Here’s a look at why the 2017 Toyota Avalon is the best used large car for teen drivers.

How U.S. News determined the best used cars for teens

Every shopper is different in terms of what they’re looking for in a car. However, when it comes to shopping for teen drivers, it’s usually simpler. Most parents want their kids to stay safe on the road, so safety is a must. Cost is also an issue, as many families can’t afford to buy a brand-new car just for their kids. Unsurprisingly, those were two of the main factors that went into this evaluation, according to U.S. News. 

While the sticker price is important, so are the ownership costs. This also makes reliability an important factor, as reliable cars are cheaper to own in the long term. When it comes to safety, the car’s crash tests matter a lot. That said, U.S. News also looked at a car’s smart safety features, as those can help avoid a crash in the first place. 

These were the main factors that U.S. News factored in, but they weren’t the only quality measurements. U.S. News also cared about a car’s fuel economy, cargo capacity, and similar practical features. When all of that’s considered, the 2017 Toyota Avalon came out on top in its segment.

Why the 2017 Toyota Avalon is the best used large car for teens

With price and safety being the top factors that U.S. News looked at, it’s no surprise that the Avalon did so well. Generally speaking, the older a car is, the fewer smart features that it’ll have. Despite that, the 2017 Avalon still has access to smart safety features, according to U.S. News. For example, the 2017 Avalon has automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist as standard features. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are also optional features, meaning it’s possible to find them on a used model.

Additionally, the 2017 Avalon has great crash test ratings. Combined with its smart safety features, the 2017 Avalon is a very safe car for teens. Plus, the Avalon is a large car, which means it’ll have more space than a smaller sedan like the Toyota Corolla. This is why U.S. News liked how much space the Avalon has, both for people and their cargo.

Additional perks include the 2017 Avalon providing a comfortable ride, which any driver can appreciate. However, while the Avalon is a reliable car, it won’t be the cheapest. A used 2017 Avalon can cost between $26,000 to $30,000, according to U.S. News.

What to avoid when buying a car for a teen

If that’s too expensive, then U.S. News has some advice for what not to look for in a teen car. Sports cars and cars with a lot of horsepower should be avoided. This is because they could encourage teens to “drive beyond their skill level.” Similarly, trucks and large SUVs should also be avoided. Like sports cars, trucks and large SUVs may require more driving skills than a teen would have and will also likely be far more expensive.

On top of that, U.S. News said that cars with high seating capacity are also bad for teens. This is because more passengers could raise the risk of teens crashing. That said, this doesn’t mean big cars are bad. Tiny cars also have their own issues, such as their crumple zones not being as safe as larger models.