Start Smart: The Best Car Makes For New Drivers

Worrying is a large part of being a parent; these concerns only multiply when a child gets their license. Learning to drive is a huge milestone, and safely operating a vehicle is a significant responsibility. When it comes time to start moving, it’s important that the car you’re in feels comfortable and sturdy. If the thought of your child stepping behind the wheel has you panicked, or you’re a brand-new driver yourself, calm your nerves by reading this list of dependable cars you can trust.

Mazda

Mazdas put drivers at ease. In 2024, Mazda produced the greatest number of Top Safety Pick+ award winners out of all car brands. This is notable, as recipients of these awards have historically performed very well in crash testing and other safety measures. The Mazda sedan, Mazda hatchback, and three other Mazda models were praised with Top Safety Pick+ awards, solidifying their status as cars that drivers can rely on. 

Mazda’s Active Safety Technology helps vehicles prevent potential accidents. This system alerts drivers to hazards in the area so they know what to expect and can avoid danger. For circumstances when a crash is inevitable, Mazda uses pre-collision safety technology to minimize the accident's impact. When your teen is behind the wheel of a Mazda, you can rest assured they’ll get home safely.

Toyota

Since the 1930s, Toyota has been producing cars that the public can count on. Toyota’s reliability is well-documented, as evidenced by the company's sales of over two million vehicles in 2024 alone. Car brands can’t get as far as Toyota has without prioritizing customer safety, and their Toyota Safety Sense™ technology illustrates the company’s commitment to protecting drivers. 

Toyota Safety Sense™, Toyota’s exclusive safety suite, is designed to prevent accidents and simplify driving. The lane tracing assist feature helps drivers stay centered on the road, so even the inexperienced won’t stray dangerously from their intended lane. Furthermore, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) can be used to keep an appropriate distance between your Toyota and other vehicles on the highway. Toyotas have stuck around this long for a reason: they do a stellar job keeping drivers safe.

Subaru

There’s no doubt about it: a Subaru will get you to your destination and back without even an ounce of worry. Hugely popular and well-loved, there’s a good chance you pass by a Subaru (or ten) on your way to work each day. This product line is filled with reliable models, from the Subaru Forester to the Subaru Outback. 

And Subaru safety isn’t just a quality you hear about in commercials! The company’s numerous safety-related accolades demonstrate how straightforward driving a Subaru can be. Subaru vehicles can be trusted with even your most precious cargo, and they are equipped with symmetrical all-wheel drive and a cross-traffic alert system.

Kia

To drive a Kia is to feel safe, confident, and completely at ease. Originally started in Korea in 1944, the Kia brand now has a large presence in America’s automotive industry as well. Safety is of the utmost importance to Kia, and this is evident in every minute detail of its vehicles. 

Kia safety starts in a vehicle’s bare bones, as Kia carefully constructs its products with ultra-high tensile steel. This makes cars more rigid, increasing crash safety. Kia vehicles also include forward collision-avoidance technology, a vehicle stability management system, and an assortment of other safety features. If a safe ride is what you’re searching for, look no further than Kia’s trusted products.

Drive safe with Transwest

At Transwest, we strive to keep our customers happy, satisfied, and, most importantly, safe. That’s why we sell only the most dependable brands and carry a range of vehicles with excellent safety features. Whether you’re a new driver or an old pro, view our online inventory or stop by a Transwest location today to see our impressive selection of vehicles.