IIHS releases list of top affordable, safe cars for young drivers

A new study says many teens are driving cars that don't offer good crash protection.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says parents sticking to a budget may be putting their kid in older, smaller cars that don't offer the highest protection. Car crashes are the leading cause of death among teens.

On Wednesday, the IIHS released its own list of the safest used cars for young drivers.

"We don't believe a teen should be driving a vehicle with high horsepower," said Anne McCartt with the IIHS. "We believe it's essential that the vehicle have electronic stability control and the vehicle needs good crash protection, so it should be mid-size or larger."

The IIHS recommends cars with the highest safety ratings and features like side airbags. They include later models of the Saab 9-5 sedan, Toyota Prius, and Kia Sportage.

For the full report and list, click here.