Not all cars suit all drivers. New drivers – especially teens – have specific needs, especially when it comes to safety. Price is often a factor; you don’t want a new driver adding a bunch of dings, scratches, and dents to a pricey. At Carnamic, we often get questions about which car to choose for a first-time driver, so we’ve made this list of five of our top picks.
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Nissan Sentra
Sedans are a great choice for first-time drivers, and the Nissan Sentra is a sporty option that’s easy on the wallet. You can find a 2024 model under $25,000 and it comes with many of the bells and whistles that most drivers want.
- Advanced Driver Assist Features
- Great Price
- Easy on Fuel


Hyundai Kona
Small but mighty, the Hyundai Kona offers new drivers a long list of standard safety features as well as connectivity that helps keep their eyes on the road. The base model has enough standard features to check all the boxes for any driver.
- Compact
- Lots of Standard Safety
- Wireless Connectivity
Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mitsubishi Mirage and Mirage G4 are simple, compact, and extremely affordable. Most models come in under $20,000 and include just the basics to get your new driver from A to B.
- Most Affordable Car on the Market
- Easy on Fuel
- Compact
Kia Seltos
Although it’s not much bigger than a typical four-door sedan, the compact Kia Seltos offers the benefits of an SUV in a more approachable size for newer drivers. Plus, it has the built-in safety feature that new drivers need to stay safer on the road.
- High-Tech Safety Features
- Plenty of Available Features
- Reasonably Priced
Kia Sportage
Even roomier than the Seltos, the Kia Sportage offers extra cargo space and legroom with the same safety features. The base model gets great gas mileage on its own, but you can opt for the hybrid option to save on fuel as your new driver navigates the Bay Area.
- Lots of Space
- Reliable
- Standard Safety and Driver Assist Features
Schedule a Test Drive at Carnamic
If you’re curious about any of the cars on this list, contact Carnamic today to schedule a test drive. We can show your new driver all the features and options available to help them drive away with confidence.


