Mazda Top Safety Picks for Teens
When it comes to choosing a first car for your teenager, safety should be your top priority. As a parent, you want peace of mind knowing your young driver is protected on the road. At Art Hill Mazda in Merrillville, IN, we understand these concerns and want to help you find the perfect vehicle that combines safety, reliability, and affordability for your teen driver.
Why Safety Matters for New Drivers
Teen drivers face unique challenges on the road. Statistics show that drivers aged 16-19 are nearly three times more likely to be involved in a crash compared to older drivers. Limited experience, distractions, and overconfidence can all contribute to dangerous situations. That's why selecting a vehicle with advanced safety features and strong crash test ratings is crucial for protecting your most precious cargo.
IIHS & Consumer Reports Recognition
Mazda North American Operations is pleased to announce that nearly every Mazda model has been named in the updated list of recommended new and used vehicles for teens from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR).
According to the official announcement, "IIHS and CR have jointly produced the list of recommended vehicles for teens since 2020 with the intention of helping families prioritize safety without breaking their budgets."
Mazda CX-30: Small SUV Safety
Recommended by IIHS as a top safety pick for teens, the Mazda CX-30 combines compact size with comprehensive safety features. It comes standard with Mazda's i-ACTIVSENSE suite of safety technologies, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and smart brake support.
Safety Fact: The CX-30 is named one of the best new small SUVs for teens by IIHS and Consumer Reports.
Mazda CX-5: Family Safety Leader
For families needing more room without sacrificing safety, the Mazda CX-5 represents an outstanding option. This midsize SUV has earned numerous safety awards and offers comprehensive protection through its robust construction and advanced technology features.
Safety Fact: The CX-5 includes standard features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking that help prevent accidents before they occur.
Mazda CX-50: Adventure with Protection
The CX-50 combines rugged capability with top-tier safety features, making it an excellent choice for teen drivers who enjoy outdoor activities around Northwest Indiana. Its standard safety suite provides comprehensive protection on and off the road.
Safety Fact: All recommended new Mazda vehicles are winners of the 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK or TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, excelling in challenging crash tests.
Essential Safety Features for Teen Drivers
Automatic Emergency Braking
This feature can prevent or reduce the severity of front-end collisions, providing crucial protection for inexperienced drivers.
Blind Spot Monitoring
Helps young drivers become aware of vehicles they might miss during lane changes, reducing collision risks.
Lane Departure Warning
Gently alerts drivers when they begin to drift out of their lane, helping prevent accidents caused by distraction or fatigue.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Maintains safe following distances automatically, reducing the cognitive load on new drivers during highway driving.
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Warns drivers of approaching vehicles when backing out of parking spaces, a common scenario for new drivers.
Electronic Stability Control
Helps maintain control during sudden maneuvers or on slippery surfaces, a standard feature on all recommended Mazdas.
What Makes a Vehicle IIHS Recommended for Teens?
According to the IIHS guidelines, recommended vehicles must meet strict criteria:
Crash Test Performance
All recommended vehicles have good ratings in five IIHS tests: moderate overlap front, side, driver-side small overlap front, roof strength and head restraints.
Safety Technology
Recommended new vehicles have standard good or acceptable headlights, standard seat belt reminders, and high-performing automatic emergency braking.
Handling & Usability
Vehicles must have average or better scores from Consumer Reports for braking and handling, with controls that aren't confusing or distracting.
Affordability
The list focuses on vehicles that provide excellent safety without breaking family budgets, with many quality used options available.
Mazda Models Recommended for Teens
Best New Mazda Vehicles for Teens (2025 Models)
- Small Cars - Mazda 3 hatchback and Mazda 3 sedan
- Small SUVs - Mazda CX-30 and Mazda CX-50
- Midsize SUVs - Mazda CX-70 and Mazda CX-90
Best Used Mazda Vehicles for Teens
- Small Cars - Mazda 3 sedan (2014-19; $5,000+) and Mazda 3 hatchback (2014-19; $12,100+)
- Midsize Cars - Mazda 6 (2016-18; $7,300+) and Mazda 6 (2019-21; $14,000+)
- Small SUVs - Mazda CX-3 (2016-2019; $6,800+), Mazda CX-5 (2014-2019; $7,200+), Mazda CX-30 (2022+; $18,000+)
- Midsize SUVs - Mazda CX-9 (2017-20; $9,800+) and Mazda CX-9 (2021+; $18,500+)
"Having a teen driver myself, I find peace of mind knowing they are behind the wheel of a vehicle with top safety ratings and systems like automatic emergency braking and seat belt reminders. These are standard features on new and used Mazda vehicles because they have been proven to reduce crashes and mitigate injuries. A benefit I'm happy to provide to my teen, and yours."
- Jennifer Morrison, Mazda North American Operations Director of Vehicle Safety Strategy
Find the Safest Mazda for Your Teen Driver
Visit Art Hill Mazda in Merrillville to explore our selection of IIHS-recommended vehicles for teen drivers. Our team will help you find the perfect balance of safety, affordability, and reliability for your family.
Keep Your Teen's Mazda in Top Condition
Regular maintenance is essential for vehicle safety. Visit our service department to ensure your Mazda continues to provide optimal protection for your teen driver.
Schedule ServiceArt Hill Mazda is located at 7895 Mississippi St, Merrillville, IN 46410. All prices exclude taxes, title, license fees and destination charge. Vehicle shown may be priced higher. Actual dealer price will vary. See dealer for complete details. Safety information sourced from IIHS and Mazda USA Newsroom.