Eight Subaru Models Recommended for Teen Drivers in Consumer Reports and IIHS Report

Twin Falls Subaru is happy to report that a combined study by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Report (CR) picked eight Subaru models as “Top Choices” for teen drivers. Since teen drivers often purchase or are given used vehicles, the study included both new and used vehicles in its evaluation. Subaru is no stranger to praise from either of these organizations. For 2023, CR ranked Subaru as the best mainstream automotive brand, and designated the Ascent, Impreza, Legacy, and Outback as recommended models, while naming the Forester as a Top Pick for the tenth consecutive year. As for the IIHS, in the last decade, Subaru earned more of their Top Safety Pick+ awards (their highest award) than any other brand.

The teen and young driver recommendations are based on a comprehensive evaluation of models by both organizations, based on their reviews of the vehicles under criteria deemed most important to the needs of teen drivers.  This criterion included:

• Vehicle type
• Size
• Reliability
• Emergency handling
• Braking distance performance
• Safety ratings
• Insurance claim rates.
  

Recommended Used Models

After looking at their review data for vehicles in the previous decade, the joint study recommended these Subaru models as Best Choices:

• Subaru Legacy (2013-2021: built after August 2012)
• Subaru Outback (2015-2018, 2022)
• Subaru Impreza sedan or 5-door (2018, 2022)
• Subaru Forester (2018 or newer)

All models on the used vehicle Best Choice list had to meet the following qualifications: 

• Standard Electronic stability control
• Above-average reliability: For a majority of the years listed, based on CR member surveys.
• Average or better scores from CR’s emergency handling tests
• Dry braking distances of less than 145 feet from 60 mph: In CR brake tests.
• “Good” ratings in four IIHS crashworthiness tests: Moderate-overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints.
• A good or acceptable rating in the IIHS driver’s-side small-overlap front crash test
• Four- or five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) impact tests:  If tested.
• Average or lower Insurance Claim Rates: Based on IIHS data, Including medical payment, personal injury protection, or bodily injury liability coverage.

Recommended New Models

The new (2023) Subaru models recommended as Best Choices for teens are:

• Subaru Ascent
• Subaru Forester
• Subaru Legacy
• Subaru Outback

The qualifications required for new vehicles to be on the Best Choice recommendation list include: 

• A Consumer Reports recommendation: This is a general (not teen-related) recommendation after a road test review. 
• Average or better scores from CR’s emergency handling tests.
• A mid-level or better rating by CR for controls that are easy to use.
• Dry braking distances of less than 140 feet from 60 mp: In CR’s brake tests.
• “Good” ratings in four IIHS crashworthiness tests: Moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints.
• An IIHS designation as either a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ 
• Four- or five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) impact tests:  if tested.
• Standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking systems.
• A curb weight over 2,750 pounds:  Because small, light vehicles don’t provide enough protection in multiple-vehicle crashes. 

Two entire vehicle categories were eliminated at the outset as they were not considered as best for teens by their very nature:

• Large SUVs:  By large, this refers to full-size truck-based SUVs because they can be hard to handle and often have long braking distances. 
• Sports cars because they can encourage dangerous driving.  The Subaru BRZ is in this category.

“We are thrilled to have eight of our vehicles recommended for teen drivers by IIHS and Consumer Reports this year. Safety has always been a top priority for Subaru, and we continuously work to enhance the safety features and performance of our vehicles,“ said Jeff Walters, President and Chief Operating Officer, of Subaru of America, Inc. “These recommendations reinforce our commitment to providing reliable and safe transportation options for new and experienced drivers alike.”

Though this study was focused on teen and young drivers, the evaluation criteria are relevant for anyone seeking a safe, reliable, and well-recommended car. If that applies to you or anyone else in your family, Twin Falls Subaru has all the winning Subarus for you to see and test drive.  We are also the best location in the area to find the winning used Subaru models listed above.