Three Honda Models Recommended for Teen Drivers by IIHS and Consumer Reports
Choosing a vehicle for a teen driver is a big decision. Families need something dependable and affordable, but safety and ease of use are just as important. A recent list from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports gives families several Honda options to consider.
The all-new 2026 Honda Passport and select pre-owned Honda Civic and Accord models have been recommended as suitable choices for teen drivers.
A New Honda Option for Teen Drivers
The 2026 Honda Passport was included as a recommended new vehicle for teen drivers. It earned the highest IIHS rating of TOP SAFETY PICK+ and received a “Best” Safety Verdict from Consumer Reports.
Every new 2026 Honda model, including the Passport, comes equipped with the Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies. These features include:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System™ with Pedestrian Detection
- Forward Collision Warning
- Road Departure Mitigation System
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Keeping Assist System
- Adaptive Cruise Control
These technologies are designed to help drivers become more aware of potential hazards and may help reduce the likelihood or severity of certain collisions.
Recommended Pre-Owned Honda Models
Families shopping for a more affordable pre-owned vehicle also have several recommended Honda options.
IIHS and Consumer Reports included the following models on their list:
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2014–2025 Honda Civic coupe and sedan models
2013–2025 Honda Accord sedan models
2014–2025 Honda Accord Hybrid models
Depending on age, mileage, condition and availability, recommended Civic models may start below $10,000, while recommended Accord models may start below $20,000.
These vehicles were evaluated for crash protection, braking, emergency handling, routine handling and overall usability. Vehicles with controls or displays considered overly confusing or distracting were excluded from the recommended list.
The Value of Honda Sensing® in a Pre-Owned Vehicle
Honda began introducing Honda Sensing® technology in 2014 and has since equipped more than 10 million vehicles in the United States with this advanced suite of safety and driver-assistive features.
Honda’s early adoption of these technologies means that many Certified Pre-Owned and used Honda vehicles may include helpful safety features normally associated with newer models.
Features vary by model, model year and trim, so shoppers should confirm the exact equipment included on each vehicle.
Designed With Occupant Protection in Mind
The recommended Civic, Accord and Passport models also benefit from Honda’s proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ body structure.
The ACE™ body structure is designed to help protect occupants in a variety of frontal collisions by distributing crash energy throughout the front of the vehicle.
This technology is part of Honda’s broader “Safety for Everyone” commitment, which focuses on improving safety for drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians.
Helping Young Drivers Make Safer Decisions
Vehicle technology is only one part of keeping young drivers safe. Education and responsible decision-making are also essential.
Through the Honda Safety Driven initiative created in partnership with Discovery Education, more than one million students have participated in educational experiences designed to encourage safer driving habits. The program uses real-world science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics concepts to help young people better understand safe driving.
Find the Right Honda for Your Teen Driver
Whether you are considering a new 2026 Honda Passport or searching for a dependable pre-owned Civic or Accord, Hardin County Honda is here to help.
Our team can help you compare models, review available safety features and find a vehicle that fits your family’s needs and budget.
Visit Hardin County Honda at 5608 North Dixie Highway in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, or browse our available new and pre-owned vehicles online.
Vehicle availability, pricing, equipment and safety features vary. Always confirm the features included on an individual vehicle. Driver-assistive technologies are not a substitute for attentive and responsible driving.
Source: American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Consumer Reports.