#USA #Irvine #Mazda #IIHS #Teen Drivers

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) recently celebrated the recognition of nearly every Mazda model on the updated list of recommended new and used vehicles for teens, curated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR). This commendation comes as part of an ongoing initiative that began in 2020, directed toward assisting families in making safe and cost-effective vehicle choices for novice drivers.

Teen drivers often face increased risks on the road due to inexperience and a lack of maturity, making the selection of an appropriate vehicle paramount. Jennifer Morrison, Director of Vehicle Safety Strategy at MNAO, highlighted this issue, stating, "The most dated car in the driveway may not be the best choice for your teen. However, there is good news; various new and used Mazda vehicles are both budget-friendly and equipped with advanced safety technologies that provide peace of mind for parents."

The current recommended list showcases vehicles that have received average or better scores (at least 3 out of 5) from CR on aspects such as braking and handling—both critical for safe driving. Importantly, these vehicles boast usability scores for controls and displays, ensuring that user friendliness is prioritized, with setups deemed confusing or distracting being omitted.

When evaluating vehicle safety, all recommended used cars received good ratings in five essential tests conducted by IIHS, including protection in critical areas such as moderate overlap front and side impacts, roof strength, and head restraints. The new vehicles listed achieved accolades as 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK or TOP SAFETY PICK+, signifying their outstanding performance in the Institute's rigorous crash tests. Features such as electronic stability control are standard, and criteria like good or acceptable headlights, seat belt reminders, and effective automatic emergency braking are also emphasized.

Morrison shared the personal context behind her passionate advocacy for Mazda's safety features: "Having a teen driver myself, I truly value knowing they are in a vehicle with top-tier safety ratings. Systems like automatic emergency braking and seat belt reminders are standard with new and used Mazda vehicles, proven to mitigate accidents and injuries. I'm delighted to offer a safer option for my teen and yours."

Among the standout models for 2025 suited for new drivers are:

• - 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.

The list for best used Mazda vehicles comprises:

• - Small Cars: Mazda 3 sedan (2014-2019; priced around $5,000) and hatchback variants (2014-2019; $12,100-13,000, depending on the year).
• - Midsize Cars: Mazda 6 (2016-2018; $7,300) and newer models (from $14,000).
• - Small SUVs: Mazda CX-3 (2016-2021; prices range from $6,800 to $12,900) and Mazda CX-5 (2014-2020; priced at $7,200 and up to $15,400 depending on the model year).
• - Midsize SUVs: Mazda CX-9 (2017-2021; priced from $9,800 to $18,500).

Mazda, proudly founded in Hiroshima, Japan, has a long-standing tradition of exceptional craftsmanship and innovation. The brand revolves around the core mission of enhancing the lives of its user base, aiming to create uplifting experiences through its vehicles. With its headquarters situated in Irvine, California, Mazda North American Operations oversees substantial operations across the United States and several other North American markets.

To keep abreast of the latest updates on Mazda vehicles, one can explore the Mazda media center at news.mazdausa.com and follow @MazdaUSA across various social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and Threads. This recognition by IIHS and Consumer Reports further cements Mazda's commitment to safety and quality, making them a reliable choice for families with teen drivers.