Mazda Vehicles Recommended by IIHS and CR as Top Picks for Teens

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) have named several Mazda models to the updated list of recommended new and used vehicles for teen drivers. This is a testament to Mazda’s dedication to developing remarkably secure automobiles. Parents will appreciate knowing their children are behind the wheel of a safe ride. Mazda’s cars and SUVs are built to provide superior impact protection and offer several advanced driver-assistance technologies that help you avoid an accident. Here’s a list of the vehicles that made the cut:

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; only vehicles built after October 2013)
• Mazda 3 hatchback (2014–19; only vehicles built after October 2013)
• Mazda 3 hatchback (2019 or newer)
• Mazda 3 sedan (2020 or newer)

Midsize Cars

• Mazda 6 (2016–18)
• Mazda 6 (2019–21; only vehicles built after June 2019)

Small SUVs

• Mazda CX-3 (2016–2019)
• Mazda CX-3 (2020–21)
• Mazda CX-5 (2014–2019; only vehicles built after October 2013)
• Mazda CX-5 (2020 or newer)
• Mazda CX-30 (2022 or newer)

Midsize SUVs

• Mazda CX-9 (2017–20; only vehicles built after November 2016)
• Mazda CX-9 (2021 or newer)

A vehicle had to meet certain safety criteria to be featured on the list of recommended vehicles for teens. For starters, the models needed to receive average or higher braking and emergency handling scores. Furthermore, the safety features had to be user-friendly.

All 2025 Mazda models recommended for teens earned 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK or TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards. This means they excelled in all of the more challenging crash tests. Other key attributes include high-performing automatic emergency braking systems, acceptable or better headlight ratings, and good-rated seat belt reminders.

If you have questions about Mazda’s available safety features, contact Joe Myers Mazda today.