Why parents keep picking the Bronco Sport for new drivers

IIHS and Consumer Reports placed the Ford Bronco Sport on the 2026 Best Choices list of used vehicles for teens, with an average U.S. price around $17,500.

Author: Daria Kashirina

04:29 29-05-2026

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Ford Bronco Sport is once again on the list of the safest used cars for teen drivers. The updated 2026 ranking was put together by IIHS and Consumer Reports — it is aimed at parents looking for a first car for a young driver without straying into an overly expensive segment.

The 2021–2025 Bronco Sport made it into the Best Choices category. The average U.S. price for such a vehicle is given at $17,500. For a crossover that arrived as one of Ford’s relatively affordable models while keeping the practicality, optional all-wheel drive and off-road character of the Bronco family, that’s a strong showing. Selection for this list is not based on a model’s popularity.

A car must weigh more than 1,247 kg, earn a good IIHS rating in the driver-side small overlap front crash test, and receive average or better Consumer Reports scores for braking, emergency handling and routine handling. Even the usability of controls and displays is taken into account — at least 2 out of 5.

For the Best Choices tier, crash avoidance systems matter just as much. The car must come standard with automatic emergency braking that has earned a high IIHS rating in pedestrian tests, and its headlights must be rated good or acceptable.

The more accessible Good Choices category uses similar criteria but typically includes older and cheaper cars. IIHS is open about why it maintains a separate list for teens: novice drivers take more risks on the road, so they need a car that forgives mistakes better than average.

Consumer Reports adds that a teenager’s first car is an important milestone, and rankings like these help parents make more confident choices without sacrificing safety. The Bronco Sport earns its place here not because of its small-SUV image, but because for moderate money by U.S. standards it offers a clear package of protection for a driver without much experience.

Earlier the updated 2026 Ford Bronco Sport received new colors and revisions to its equipment.