Three Subaru models awarded in U.S. News & World Report Best Cars for Teens

Our teens are as diverse as the rest of us, if not more so. Some are rule followers, while others are rebellious. Some are cautious, while others behave as if they are invincible. However, one thing they all share is their inexperience as drivers. No matter how comprehensive their driver training is, they will likely encounter some driving situations for the first time. It could be driving in the rain at night or dealing with unexpected lane stoppages on the freeway. If there are multiple teens in the car, distractions are inevitable. We understand these challenges, and that’s why we are proud to offer Subaru models that prioritize safety for these inexperienced drivers.

If there is anything paramount in a good car for teens, it is a high level of safety. Thus, Subaru of Plano is proud to announce that Subaru, which has long made safety a primary concern, has three cars determined by US News & World Report, as Best Cars for Teens. For new cars, they selected cars and SUVs from multiple price brackets between $20K and $40K. These are the winning Subaru models in their categories:

• Legacy: Best Car priced from $30K to $35K
• Outback: Best SUV in the $35K-$40K price range
• 2020 Crosstrek Hybrid: Best Used Small SUV

“We are pleased to receive the 2024 Best Cars for Teens award for Outback and Legacy from U.S. News & World Report”. Says Jeff Walters, President and Chief Operating Officer, Subaru of America, Inc. “These awards illustrate to our commitment to providing customers and their families with vehicles not only made to the highest standards of safety, reliability, and value, but also made with the versatility for tackling life’s adventures.”

To be named one of the Best New Cars for Teens, a vehicle must have the best combination of predicted reliability ratings, crash test scores, available driver-assistance features, and top critics’ recommendations in its price category.

Both the 2024 Legacy and Outback have been recognized for their outstanding safety features. They boast a perfect 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and have been declared TOP SAFETY PICKs by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In addition, both models, like all 2024 Subarus, come standard with Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, which includes safety technology such as:

• Automatic Pre-Collision Braking
• Lane Departure and Sway Warning
• Lead Vehicle Start Alert

Subaru understands parents’ concerns about their teen drivers. That’s why Subaru vehicles offer features specifically designed for them. These include smartphone apps that allow parents to set limits and receive alerts when the car exceeds a set speed or is driven outside a set time period or geographic area. This feature empowers parents to monitor and guide their teen’s driving habits. 

Recognizing that used cars are most often an option for a teen’s first car, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid was chosen for its having been selected as a TOP SAFETY PICK+—their highest rating—as well as its suite of safety and driver assistance features. Plus, with an EPA rating of 35 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving, the Crosstrek Hybrid features low operating costs as well.

Finally, there is the available STARLINK Safety Plus Package, which includes several features that are good for everyone but can resonate particularly with inexperienced drivers and vehicle owners: 

• SOS emergency assistance
• Enhanced roadside assistance
• Advanced automatic collision notification
• Maintenance notifications
• A monthly vehicle health report
• Diagnostic alerts

The report also added these general guidelines for vehicles to avoid:

• Sports Cars – Encourages driving outside of their skill level
• Too Much Horsepower – Also tempts a teen to drive beyond their skillset
• Trucks and large SUVs – Require more attention and skill to drive
• High Seating Capacity – Each additional passenger increases the odds of a teen crashing

If you are looking for a new or used car for your teen or just consider safety a high priority, visit Subaru of Plano and sample our award-winning model line.