7 Cheapest Cars to Insure for Your Oregon Teen: A Parent’s Money-Saving Guide

The numbers tell a shocking story about teen car insurance costs in Oregon. CarInsurance.com reveals that 17-year-old drivers pay an average annual premium of $5,925 nationwide. This amount towers 237% above what drivers over 30 pay.
The good news? You can cut these costs by a lot with the right car choice. Safe vehicles like minivans and family sedans usually come with lower insurance rates. The MINI Cooper stands out as the most budget-friendly option with an annual premium of $1,730. The Chevrolet Corvette comes next at $1,741, while the Subaru Forester rounds out the top three at $1,891. These cars earn better rates because they excel in safety tests, cost less to repair, and pack reasonable horsepower.
Oregon parents might feel overwhelmed about adding their teenager to their insurance policy. This guide showcases seven budget-friendly vehicles that make sense for your wallet. Let’s look at cars that deliver the perfect mix of safety, dependability, and affordable insurance rates for your teen driver in Oregon.
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is a great choice for parents looking for cheap insurance for their teen drivers in Oregon. This SUV gives you top safety features and reasonable insurance rates, making it perfect for families watching their budget.
Subaru Outback safety features
Safety tops every parent’s list of concerns for teen drivers, and the Subaru Outback delivers on this front. The 2024 Outback earned a perfect 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named it a 2024 TOP SAFETY PICK. These ratings show Subaru’s dedication to keeping passengers safe.
The Outback’s safety package centers around Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, standard on every model. This safety suite has:
- Adaptive Cruise Control – Automatically adjusts speed to maintain safe following distances
- Pre-Collision Braking – Applies brakes automatically to prevent or reduce impact severity
- Lane Departure and Sway Warning – Alerts drivers when unintentionally drifting
- Lane Keep Assist – Actively helps maintain proper lane position
The Outback also comes with teen driver controls and smartphone apps that let parents keep an eye on driving behavior. Parents get alerts when the car goes over speed limits, runs outside allowed times, or leaves set geographic areas. These features help start important conversations about safe driving with your teen.
Subaru Outback insurance cost for Oregon teens
Teen drivers face high insurance rates, but the Subaru Outback costs less to insure than many other cars. An 18-year-old driving a Subaru Outback pays about $7,241 yearly for insurance nationwide. This is less than what most teens pay for car insurance.
Location plays a big role in insurance costs. Oregon drivers benefit from the Outback’s lower-than-average rates. The car’s IIHS Top Safety Pick award and standard EyeSight collision-prevention technology help keep costs down. The Outback’s yearly insurance premium averages $2,735, making it one of the cheaper options for teen drivers.
Insurance rates vary by city. A Subaru Outback costs $2,030 to insure in New York and $3,345 in Los Angeles. While Oregon’s rates differ, these numbers show the car’s affordability across different places.
The Outback keeps rates reasonable even for high-risk teen drivers because it has:
- Excellent safety ratings and crash test performance
- Standard advanced driver assistance technologies
- Strong reliability record reducing claim frequency
- Moderate repair costs compared to luxury vehicles
Why Subaru Outback is teen-friendly
The Outback offers more than just insurance benefits for young drivers. Every model comes with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. This gives better traction and handling in Oregon’s changing weather. New drivers feel more confident handling wet roads and occasional snow.
Your teen will love the Outback’s roomy interior and big cargo space. There’s plenty of room for school stuff, sports gear, and weekend adventure equipment. The car grows with your teen through different activities and needs.
The 2024 Subaru Outback starts at $28,895, offering great value for its features and safety tech. Subaru’s reputation for lasting quality shows in the numbers – 96% of Subarus sold in the last 10 years still run today.
Teen drivers get a clear view of the road thanks to the car’s higher ride height. The smooth suspension lets new drivers focus on learning good habits instead of wrestling with a difficult vehicle. The Outback handles like a car despite its ground clearance, making it easier to drive than bigger SUVs or trucks.
The five-passenger setup gives teens enough space for friends without getting crowded. Parents will appreciate the good fuel economy and affordable insurance that keep costs in check during the teen driving years.
Honda CR-V
Want reliable protection without breaking the bank on insurance? The Honda CR-V ranks among the most affordable SUVs for Oregon teens. This compact crossover gives you both stellar safety features and insurance rates that won’t empty your wallet.
Honda CR-V safety features
The Honda CR-V comes with plenty of standard safety tech to protect new drivers. Every model has the Honda Sensing® suite that gives detailed protection through multiple advanced systems:
- Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking
- Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keeping Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
- Road Departure Mitigation System
- Traffic Sign Recognition
The CR-V also has passive safety elements built in. You’ll find Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, multiple airbags including knee airbags, and 3-point seat belts at every seat. The vehicle’s design protects both people inside and pedestrians outside through its smart body design.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) keeps giving the CR-V high marks for protection. The CR-V earned a Top Safety Pick award with specific headlights. This shows Honda’s dedication to keeping teen drivers safe as they learn to drive.
Honda CR-V insurance cost for Oregon teens
Insurance costs play a huge role in picking a car for teen drivers. The CR-V saves you money here too. Oregon families pay about $2,066 annually for a good driver. That’s much less than what you’d pay for other options.
Adding a teenager to your policy will bump up these costs. An 18-year-old driving a Honda CR-V pays around $7,412 yearly for full coverage. This comes to about $586 monthly. These rates might seem high, but they beat many similar vehicles. The CR-V costs $133 monthly to insure compared to $184 for typical SUVs.
The rates stay manageable for a few reasons. The CR-V costs $626 less than the national average to insure – $2,037 per year versus $2,663. Some insurance companies give better deals for CR-V owners. Nationwide, to name just one example, charges average premiums of $1,618 yearly, or $135 monthly.
Oregon parents can cut these costs by:
- Adding teens to family policies rather than purchasing individual coverage
- Comparing quotes from multiple insurers (Progressive, American Family, and USAA offer the best rates)
- Maintaining good credit and clean driving records
- Increasing deductibles where appropriate
Why Honda CR-V is teen-friendly
The CR-V makes an ideal car for young drivers. It handles smoothly and predictably, helping new drivers feel confident on Oregon’s various road types. The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine gives enough power without overwhelming new drivers.
The CR-V’s interior shines with practicality. You get up to 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats down. This fits everything from school projects to sports gear, adapting to what teens need. The quiet cabin and easy-to-use controls help keep young drivers focused on the road.
Parents love that the CR-V made Car and Driver’s 10Best Trucks and SUVs list. The judges praised its smart interior styling and available hybrid powertrain. U.S. News & World Report called it “the best vehicle for college students” because it balances economy, passenger space, and safety tech so well.
The CR-V gives Oregon families exactly what they need – manageable size, detailed safety systems, and reasonable insurance costs for teen drivers. Its practical design tackles common challenges new drivers face. Advanced safety features give parents peace of mind. Expert reviews confirm that the CR-V is one of the cheapest cars to insure for teens in Oregon without cutting corners on quality or reliability.
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is a top pick for Oregon families looking for affordable teen insurance rates. This compact SUV pairs excellent safety features with reasonable ownership costs, making it a smart choice for parents watching their budget.
Toyota RAV4 safety features
The RAV4’s appeal comes from its detailed safety package that gives vital protection to new drivers. The vehicle has Toyota’s Star Safety System™ with multiple active safety technologies: Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, and Smart Stop Technology®. These features help drivers stay in control during tough driving conditions—perfect for Oregon’s unpredictable weather.
The RAV4’s advanced airbag system protects passengers with well-placed airbags throughout the cabin. The network has a driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, and front and rear side curtain airbags. Parents will appreciate the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system that makes child safety seat installation secure and easy.
Safety organizations give the RAV4 excellent ratings. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) selected certain model years as Top Safety Pick+ winners. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awards the RAV4 five out of five stars in side-impact protection. The vehicle’s strong structure and safety technologies earned these high marks.
Toyota RAV4 insurance cost for Oregon teens
Insurance costs play a big role when choosing a teen’s vehicle. An 18-year-old RAV4 driver pays about approximately $7,671 annually or $639 monthly for insurance. The hybrid model costs slightly more at $8,036 per year.
The RAV4 still costs less to insure than many similar vehicles, despite these high teen driver rates. Full coverage insurance averages $1,287 yearly or $107 monthly for regular drivers—8% below the national average for comparable vehicles. The RAV4’s strong safety ratings and moderate repair costs explain these lower rates.
State Farm often leads with the best rates for RAV4 owners, charging average premiums of $1,750 yearly or $146 monthly. Shopping around different insurance providers will help you find the best rates.
These reasonable premiums come from several factors:
- The RAV4’s excellent safety ratings lower risk levels
- Standard advanced safety technologies prevent accidents
- The vehicle’s popularity makes parts accessible and affordable
- Repair costs stay moderate compared to luxury vehicles
Why Toyota RAV4 is teen-friendly
The RAV4 shines as an ideal choice for young Oregon drivers beyond insurance benefits. Its versatile design fits friends, sports gear, and college moves without being too big. The 2024 model starts at $28,675 and comes in 13 different versions to match your budget and needs.
New drivers will love the RAV4’s easy handling. The multi-link rear suspension gives better traction in tough conditions—a real plus during Oregon’s rainy seasons. The automatic emergency braking system remains a key safety feature that slows the vehicle when it spots potential collisions.
The RAV4 combines practicality with safety in ways parents appreciate. Good fuel efficiency keeps running costs low—especially important with teen driving patterns. Toyota’s reliability means fewer surprise repair bills, letting families put more money toward insurance instead of emergency repairs.
The RAV4 hits the sweet spot for teen drivers with its size. It’s big enough to offer good visibility and protection yet small enough for easy parking at high schools, college campuses, and first apartments.
Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is one of the cheapest cars to insure for Oregon teens. This compact SUV strikes a perfect balance between practicality and premium feel that both parents and young drivers love. It ranks high on safety tests and keeps insurance rates reasonable – exactly what budget-minded Oregon families need.
Mazda CX-5 safety features
The CX-5’s excellent safety record comes from its detailed i-Activsense® suite of advanced technologies. These features help prevent accidents and boost road awareness – something new teen drivers really need. The system has:
- Automatic Emergency Braking – Applies brakes when potential collisions are detected
- Blind Spot Monitoring – Alerts drivers about vehicles in adjacent lanes
- Lane Departure Warning with Lane-keep Assist – Notifies and helps correct unintentional drifting
- Mazda Radar Cruise Control™ – Maintains safe following distances automatically
Safety ratings matter a lot to parents choosing cars for their teens. About 84% of parents think IIHS and NHTSA ratings are important. Parents of teen drivers value these ratings even more – about 5% higher. The Mazda CX-5 shines here with its 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA and IIHS 2022 TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation.
New drivers will like features such as Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control System for slippery roads and Hill Launch Assist for uphill starts. Higher trim levels add more protection with the 360° View Monitor and parking sensors that help teens park in tight spots with confidence.
Mazda CX-5 insurance cost for Oregon teens
Teen drivers’ insurance costs vary a lot based on age. A 16-year-old driver pays about $6,099 yearly for a 2022 Mazda CX-5, while a 40-year-old pays just $1,361. For a 2013 model, teens pay around $5,450 compared to adults at $1,194.
Insurance costs drop as teens get more experience:
- 17-year-olds with clean records pay about $4,765 yearly
- 18-year-olds with clean records pay about $4,419 yearly
- 19-year-olds with clean records pay about $3,911 yearly
Driving history affects these rates by a lot. After an accident, rates jump up – a 17-year-old with a recent accident pays about $7,004 yearly, 47% more than someone with a clean record.
The CX-5 still costs less to insure than other compact SUVs. Yearly insurance runs about $1,912, which is $1,165 below the national average for popular SUV models. Full coverage costs around $182 monthly, close to the national average of $176.
Why Mazda CX-5 is teen-friendly
Young drivers will find plenty to love about the CX-5. The cargo space is generous – up to 59.3 cubic feet with rear seats down and 30 cubic feet with seats up. This makes it perfect for college moves and daily activities. Students can easily handle their busy schedules between home, school, and activities.
Safety organizations give the CX-5 high marks for teen drivers. It’s listed as both a “Good” Used Choice (2014-19 models built after October 2013) and a “Best” Used Choice (2020 or newer) on the “Best Cars for Teen Drivers” list. These ratings come from tough testing by IIHS and Consumer Reports.
The CX-5’s price tag of $28,770 makes it a great option for families who want safety without breaking the bank. Its i-Activ AWD® technology and Mi-Drive system help teens handle Oregon’s different road conditions better.
The CX-5 is popular because teens love its stylish design while parents appreciate its safety features. This crossover works great in cities and on winding roads – places where young drivers often go. It’s just the right size for new drivers, offering good protection and visibility without being too big.
To summarize, the Mazda CX-5 gives Oregon families everything they need – affordable insurance, safety, and practicality for their teen drivers. Its mix of advanced safety tech, reasonable insurance rates, and teen-friendly features makes it one of the best choices for insuring teen drivers in Oregon.
Hyundai Tucson
U.S. News & World Report named the Hyundai Tucson one of the “Best New Cars for Teens.” This compact SUV gives Oregon families with young drivers a perfect mix of safety and affordability. Its innovative protection systems and reasonable repair costs have helped it earn favorable insurance rates.
Hyundai Tucson safety features
The Hyundai Tucson’s SmartSense suite gives you a complete set of safety technologies. These advanced systems work together to protect new drivers:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist spots slower or stopped vehicles ahead, warns drivers, and automatically brakes to prevent crashes or reduce their impact
- Lane Keeping Assist watches road markings and helps steer if you drift without signaling
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist lets you know about vehicles in adjacent lanes and can brake individual wheels when needed
- Adaptive Cruise Control (Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go) keeps safe distances automatically
The Tucson’s safety features go even further to protect teen drivers. The Driver Attention Warning system keeps track of driving patterns and alerts drivers with sounds and messages if it spots signs of drowsiness or distraction. Families with young kids will appreciate the child seat safety system that has LATCH anchors and rear occupant alerts.
Independent testing confirms the Tucson’s safety excellence. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave it a 5-star overall safety rating, showing just how well it protects passengers.
Hyundai Tucson insurance cost for Oregon teens
Insurance costs play a big role in choosing a car for young drivers. An 18-year-old Tucson driver pays about $7,598 yearly or $633 monthly for full coverage. The hybrid version costs a bit more at $8,550 per year or $712 monthly.
The Tucson still costs less to insure than many other options. The national average premium in 2026 should be around $2,130 yearly – that’s $533 less than the nationwide average of $2,663. This makes it one of the more budget-friendly choices in its class.
Where you live really affects your insurance rates. Oregon’s premiums fall between Louisiana’s expensive $3,497 yearly rate and Hawaii’s more affordable $1,380. GEICO often offers the best deals, with average premiums of $1,744 yearly or $145 monthly.
These reasonable rates come from several factors:
- Great safety ratings and manageable repair costs
- Advanced features that help prevent accidents
- Good market position in the SUV segment
Why Hyundai Tucson is teen-friendly
Young drivers love the Tucson’s features. Teen athletes and those with outdoor jobs really like its extra storage space. They can carry everything they need without dealing with a bigger, harder-to-handle vehicle.
The Tucson consistently gets high marks from Consumer Reports for both safety and customer satisfaction. It earned special recognition in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best New Cars for Teens” awards for vehicles between $25,000 and $30,000. This award shows how well it balances cost, safety features, and teen-friendly design.
Parents can use the Tucson’s Bluelink connected car system to set limits for their teen drivers and talk about safe driving habits. This monitoring helps parents feel more secure while their teens develop good driving skills.
Every 2023 Tucson comes with Lane Keep Assist and Automatic Emergency Braking as standard features. It also has modern infotainment systems that let teens safely use their smartphone apps for navigation, music, and staying in touch. These features address common teen driving risks while keeping the car appealing to young drivers.
The Hyundai Tucson gives Oregon families everything they need – great safety features and reasonable insurance costs make it a smart choice for teen drivers.
Subaru Forester
Named among the best choices for young drivers, the Subaru Forester ranks high for Oregon parents who want safe and affordable insurance for their teens. This compact SUV pairs advanced protection technology with practical features that help new drivers navigate Oregon’s diverse terrain.
Subaru Forester safety features
The Forester packs an impressive set of safety breakthroughs, led by Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This complete system has adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and pre-collision braking that work together to cut down accident risks. These features are a great way to get extra protection while new drivers build their road awareness.
The Forester’s blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert systems help teens avoid common crashes. Its standard all-wheel drive gives better traction in Oregon’s weather, from coastal rain to mountain snow.
U.S. News & World Report backed these credentials by naming the 2022 Forester the “Best New SUV for Teens” in the $30,000-$35,000 category.
Subaru Forester insurance cost for Oregon teens
The Forester’s safety reputation shows in its insurance rates. The average annual insurance cost for a Subaru Forester in 2026 will be $2,013—about $650 less than the nationwide average.
Teen drivers pay more for premiums. Car insurance for an 18-year-old with a Forester runs about $7,188 yearly or $599 monthly. Yet these rates beat many other options.
Nationwide leads with the best rates for Forester owners at $1,444 annually or $120 monthly. Teens can get better rates through family policies instead of individual coverage.
Why Subaru Forester is teen-friendly
Young drivers benefit from the Forester’s practical design. Its roomy interior fits both passengers and cargo, supporting teens’ active lives without being too big to handle.
Parents like knowing they can add monitoring apps that alert them when the car goes too fast or leaves set areas. This tech helps start good talks about safe driving habits.
The Forester’s solid reliability means fewer surprise repairs—vital for families paying higher insurance costs. Its four-cylinder engine gives enough power for daily driving without overwhelming new drivers, hitting the sweet spot between capability and control.
Mini Cooper
Oregon parents might be surprised to learn that the stylish Mini Cooper leads the pack as the cheapest car to insure for teenagers. The average annual premium sits at just $1,730. This compact car combines impressive safety features with teen appeal.
Mini Cooper safety features
The Mini Cooper’s ultra-rigid frame and advanced airbag systems make it a safe choice. Its Dynamic Stability Control applies selective brake pressure and adjusts engine power to keep the vehicle stable. The crash sensor system kicks in during accidents to unlock doors, turn on interior lights, and cut off the fuel pump when airbags deploy. The car’s “breakaway engine” is a smart safety feature that redirects crash energy away from passengers. The 2024 Mini Cooper earned “Good” ratings from IIHS in both moderate overlap front and side crash tests.
Mini Cooper insurance cost for Oregon teens
The Mini Cooper is the most budget-friendly option for teen insurance. Parents can save more money by adding it to their family policy with other vehicles. GEICO’s family policy rates start at $601 per year, while State Farm offers individual coverage at $781. Students who take defensive driving courses and maintain good grades can qualify for additional discounts from many insurers.
Why Mini Cooper is teen-friendly
New drivers gain confidence thanks to the Mini’s responsive handling. The car’s small size makes parking easier, and its state-of-the-art safety features let teens focus on improving their driving skills. Parents should note that the standard model, with its lower engine output, usually costs less to insure than the sportier versions.
Get Started Today
Parents looking to choose the right vehicle for their Oregon teen need to balance safety features, practical design, and affordable insurance costs. Seven vehicles stand out as excellent choices that protect young drivers without emptying your wallet. Insurance premiums directly reflect safety ratings, which explains why these models cost less to insure despite teens’ typically high insurance rates.
The Mini Cooper leads the pack surprisingly at just $1,730 per year. SUVs like the Subaru Forester and Outback follow closely with their exceptional safety credentials and all-wheel drive capability – perfect for Oregon’s changing weather. The Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, and Hyundai Tucson complete your options by combining advanced safety technology with reasonable insurance rates.
Adding teens to family policies saves more money than buying individual coverage. Insurance companies offer great discounts for good grades and completed defensive driving courses. Premium quotes often vary dramatically between insurance providers for the same vehicle, so shop around extensively.
These vehicles shine beyond insurance savings. Each car on this list comes with accessible controls, good visibility, and manageable dimensions to help new drivers build confidence. Advanced safety systems actively prevent accidents in these cars – vital protection during those early learning years.
Smart vehicle choice kicks off your path to affordable teen driver insurance. A solid foundation for your teen’s driving experience emerges when you mix these budget-friendly models with proper coverage and available discounts. Your teen gains independence while you rest easy knowing they’re protected by solid safety engineering without crushing insurance costs.