In New Jersey, teaching your teen to drive is less of a rite of passage and more of an extreme sport-somewhere between competitive dodgeball and a high-stakes reality show. Between surprise snow squalls in Sparta, left-lane cruisers on Route 206 who think 45 mph is a lifestyle, and parking spots that seem better suited for skateboards than sedans, your kid's first car has to be more than just "cute and compact." It needs to be ready for everything short of a meteor strike.
That's why the Kia K4 earned a top spot in Nielsen Editorial's guide to the safest vehicles for teen drivers in NJ.
This sedan proves that safety doesn't have to break the bank. The K4 comes standard with Kia Drive Wise safety tech, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind Spot Monitoring. Basically, it's like having an invisible driving instructor who doesn't sigh dramatically every time your kid forgets to check their mirrors.
Add in top-tier IIHS crash-test ratings, and you've got a vehicle that acts like a second set of eyes, ears, and reflexes for first-time drivers still figuring out that turn signals are, in fact, not optional.
The K4's design also makes it a standout in everyday life. It's compact enough for navigating Newton's downtown side streets (where every turn feels like a three-point puzzle), but solid enough to inspire confidence in icy Sussex County weather. And with its smooth ride, user-friendly infotainment system, and just enough style to win over even the pickiest teen, it makes a strong case for being the first car that keeps them safe and satisfied - without requiring you to take out a second mortgage.
Because there's enough to worry about once they hit the road (like why they always come home with an empty tank). Their car shouldn't be one of them.
Want to give your teen a solid start with a sedan that puts safety first? Find a new K4 for sale in NJ at our New Jersey Kia dealership.
Read the full Nielsen article: Safest Vehicles for Teen Drivers in NJ
