Hyundai Leads the Way in 2025 Best Cars for Teens Awards
Hyundai has once again proven its dominance in the automotive industry by clinching six awards from U.S. News & World Report in their 2025 Best Cars for Teens awards. This remarkable achievement marks the fourth consecutive year that Hyundai has outperformed all competitors in this crucial category, showcasing its steadfast commitment to providing affordable, safe, and technologically advanced vehicles designed especially for young drivers.
A Closer Look at the Awards
In the recent awards, Hyundai achieved a total of six wins—three in the new vehicle categories and an additional three in the used vehicle segments. The awards highlight the brand's diverse lineup, which ranges from innovative sedans to highly versatile SUVs. By excelling in various segments, Hyundai reinforces its mission to cater to the needs of young, first-time drivers, while ensuring that safety and reliability remain paramount.
The specific winners this year include:
- - Best New Car for Teens: 2025 Hyundai Elantra (Price Range: $25,000 to $30,000)
- - Best SUV for Teens: 2025 Hyundai Tucson (Price Range: $25,000 to $30,000)
- - Best SUV for Teens: 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid (Price Range: $30,000 to $35,000)
- - Best Used Car for Teens: 2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid (Best Used Small Car)
- - Best Used SUV for Teens: 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid (Best Used Small SUV)
- - Best Used Midsize SUV for Teens: 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
These awards stand as a testament to Hyundai’s dedication to producing vehicles with cutting-edge safety features, reliability, and modern technology. As Olabisi Boyle, senior vice president of product planning and mobility strategy at Hyundai Motor North America, rightly noted, “This award isn't just about specs. It's about trust.” The vehicles are carefully designed to meet the desires and requirements of both teens seeking enjoyment and freedom, and parents looking for safety and peace of mind.
Safety Features that Matter
Safety continues to be a critical factor for parents of young drivers, and Hyundai has responded accordingly. Each model recognized in the awards comes equipped with essential safety technologies, including:
- - Forward collision warning
- - Automatic emergency braking
- - Lane-keeping assist
- - Lane departure warning
Additionally, many models incorporate features tailored for new drivers, such as teenage driver controls and connected systems that allow parents to keep tabs on driving behaviors. These capabilities can foster safer driving habits and provide reassurance to parents during their child’s learning phase on the road.
Why These Awards Matter
The 2025 Best Cars for Teens awards reflect comprehensive criteria, ensuring only the best vehicles are recognized. Award-winning vehicles must demonstrate outstanding performance in areas such as reliability predictions, crash safety ratings, and advanced driver assistance systems. For the used car category, vehicles from model years 2020-2022 are evaluated based on safety scores, low ownership costs, and favorable expert reviews.
As Zach Doell, an editor for vehicle testing at U.S. News & World Report, stated, “Hyundai's dominance of our Best Cars for Teens awards demonstrates its continuing commitment to building affordable, safe, and compelling vehicles for drivers young and old.” The winners of this year's awards not only meet stringent safety standards but also represent long-term value, as evidenced by past winner vehicles like the 2022 Elantra Hybrid now being honored as Best Used Cars for Teens.
Hyundai's Vision and Impact
Hyundai Motor America operates with a clear mission: to provide consumers with a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles while adhering to the company’s overarching vision, Progress for Humanity. With significant operations across the United States—including its North American headquarters located in California and a robust assembly operation in Alabama—Hyundai is committed to making a notable contribution to the U.S economy. According to a recent report, Hyundai contributes an impressive $20.1 billion annually and supports approximately 190,000 jobs nationwide.
In summary, the recognition awarded to Hyundai in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Cars for Teens underscores its commitment to fostering a generation of responsible young drivers through accessible, safe, and stylish vehicles. As Hyundai continues to innovate and prioritize safety, the brand solidifies its reputation as a leader in the automotive industry, particularly in catering to the needs of younger drivers entering the world of mobility.