IIHS, Consumer Reports Recommend Nine Subaru Models for Teen Drivers
There are no bunny slopes for new drivers. Once they’ve earned a driver’s license, they are on the same city streets, highways, and freeways as the rest of us. And while they may remember better than we do the number of feet before an intersection to engage your turn signal – a number the rest of us have tossed down the memory hole in favor of common sense – they still lack the most-important good-driving qualification: experience.
Teens also desire cars that extend their self-image. Competitive sport types may yearn for performance; outdoor types want an overtly rugged off-roader, while fashionistas look for style. Parents who still vividly recall 14-15 years earlier, when they spent all day keeping their infant-toddler from injuring themselves, prioritize safety and reliability, and most often they are the ones writing the check. Thus, Michael Hohl Subaru is proud to announce that nine Subaru models were on the Recommended Cars for Teens list, a collaboration between the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports.
Recommended models were divided into used vehicles under $10,000, used vehicles under $20,000, and brand-new vehicles. They were also divided into “Good Choices” and “Best Choices,” the latter including five Subaru models.
“We are proud at Subaru of America to offer a wide range of affordable and safe vehicles that families can trust with younger drivers, including the nine models listed in this year’s report,” said Jeff Walters, President and Chief Operating Officer, Subaru of America, Inc. “Value, safety, and affordability are at the heart of every Subaru, and we’re proud to be recognized again by the IIHS and Consumer Reports in their annual list for teen drivers.”
To compile the list, all used and new vehicles had to show average or superior scores from Consumer Reports in braking, emergency handling, and routine handling. Additionally, the vehicles’ controls were judged by Consumer Reports’ engineers and usability experts to ensure they are neither overly complex nor distracting. A “Good” rating in the driver ’s-side small-overlap front crash test by the IIHS is also mandatory.
IIHS also saw that all “Best Choices” had headlights that received a “Good” or “Acceptable” rating across all trim levels. The models must also be fitted with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, which performs adequately in daytime IIHS track evaluations. Recommended new vehicles must have been recognized with IIHS’s 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK or TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards.
The list excludes overt performance vehicles with excessive horsepower relative to their weight. Powerful cars may encourage young drivers to take risks, accelerate too fast or to reach high speeds. Minicars and any vehicle under 2,750 pounds are also excluded. Though smaller models are often popular among young drivers, they may not provide sufficient protection in crashes with larger vehicles. Large trucks and truck-based SUVs were also excluded as they handle less adeptly and can be slow to stop.
The Subaru models in each of their lists include:
Used Vehicles: Best Choice
- Subaru Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid (2019-2023)
- Subaru Legacy (2020-2025)
Used Vehicles: Good Choice
- Subaru Legacy (2015-2019)
New Vehicle
It is also worth noting that Subaru has eight Consumer Reports Recommended Models for 2026 and has been named the publication’s Best Overall Automotive Brand for two years in a row, including luxury brands. In addition, the Subaru Crosstrek is CR’s highest-rated 2026 Top Subcompact SUV, while the Subaru Forester is not only named a Top Compact SUV for 2026 but has held that position for 13 years in a row.
Cars recommended for teens are also safe, practical vehicles for shoppers of all ages. If you live in the Greater Lake Tahoe area, Michael Hohl Subaru’s new and used inventory is the best place to shop for any of these models.
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