Given the massive popularity of crossovers and SUVs in America among adults, it makes sense for this enthusiasm to be passed down to the next generation. According to a new study by US News & World Report, the 2019 Kia Sportage compact crossover SUV has been named as the Best New SUV for Teens in the $25,000 to $30,000 category. Yes, apparently teenagers also prefer SUVs to cars, at least their parents do. "The Sportage should be at the top of your list if you want to buy a safe and dependable SUV for your teenage driver," says US News & World Report executive editor Jamie Page Deaton.

The Sportage, already a strong seller in the Kia lineup, benefits from a number of safety technologies that any parent will greatly appreciate as they hand over the keys to their kids with a newly minted driver's license. Some of those features include a blind spot detection system, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning system, lane change assist, and rear cross traffic alert.

Parents will surely be happy (teens not so much) to make use of Kia's UVO technology, a system that essentially monitors the vehicle when the teenager is at the wheel. For example, it can be programmed to monitor when the vehicle is out past a specified curfew, exceeds the speed limit, and even go out beyond designated boundaries parents set for their kids.

The publication also noted the Sportage's five-star overall test score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as well as being a top pick last year by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The 2019 Kia Sportage begins at $$23,750 and comes standard with a 181 hp 2.4-liter inline-four. A turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with 240 hp is available only on the SX Turbo trim. Power teenage to either the front or all four wheels through a CVT.