Best Subaru Vehicles for Teens and New Drivers
Getting a driver’s license is a rite of passage for many teens–and so is the anxiety felt by parents with a new driver on the road. However, parents can encourage and enable their teens to become safe drivers by teaching them responsible driving practices and by equipping them with the safest vehicles possible.
When choosing a car for your teen, there are a variety of factors to consider when making the right choice for your family, including expert reviews and safety ratings. Loaded with safety features and built upon our Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, Subaru vehicles represent an excellent option for beginner drivers, with reliable options available to suit any family budget.
What to Consider When Choosing a Car for a Teen or New Driver
Even the most careful, responsible, and experienced drivers can sometimes get into a collision. Despite taking steps to prevent accidents from happening, the very nature of sharing the road means that there are often factors outside of your control at any given time including weather, road conditions, hazards, and other drivers’ behavior.
One way to help offer your teen greater protection on the road is to equip them with a dependable vehicle. The right vehicle–and instilling safe, defensive driving practices–can help add an extra layer of protection against a crash.
As you begin reviewing potential vehicles for your teen driver, you may want to take the following factors into consideration to help make your choice:
- Safety features – Look for models equipped with basic and advanced safety features like anti-lock brakes, collision warning, traction control, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, parking sensors and other types of driver assistance.
- Reliability – As breakdowns and mechanical failure can be a cause of accidents, opt for a vehicle you can trust to be well-made and with a good reputation for durability over time.
- Ease of Handling – Choose a car with responsive handling, simple controls, and a user-friendly interface to limit distractions due to confusion.
- Reviews – Consult independent, reputable reviews and studies such as those conducted by the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA), the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and Consumer Reports.
Why Subaru is an Ideal Choice for New Drivers
Thanks in-part to the renowned Symmetrical AWD system at the foundation of nearly every Subaru drivetrain, Subaru has a long history of accolades and awards by top independent reviewers. It’s a reputation we stand behind, with Subaru continuing our commitment to building vehicles that perform well in crash safety tests and on the road.
Subaru Safety Features
Subaru cars and SUVs offer a variety of safety features. Consider some of the systems available in a Subaru that work to keep your teen safe:
- Symmetrical AWD: The Subaru Symmetrical AWD system optimizes power distribution and enhances stability and traction across a variety of challenging conditions.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: This feature uses a camera to gauge your surroundings and automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from other cars on the road.
- Rear-Vision Camera: A built-in camera system offers a clearer view of what’s behind your vehicle when driving or backing up.
- DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System: This system scans the driver’s face for head and eye movements that may indicate drowsiness or distraction – such as texting while driving or turning around to chat with backseat passengers. Once detected, the system alerts the driver to refocus on the road.
- EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology: This Subaru-exclusive feature monitors traffic movement, optimizes cruise control, and issues a warning if you’re veering out of your lane.
- Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: This feature alerts drivers if another vehicle is in their blind spot or if oncoming traffic is approaching while reversing out of a space.
- Pre-Collision Braking System: This EyeSight feature scans for potential dangers on the road and can automatically apply the brakes to help avoid an accident.
- Pre-Collision Throttle Management: Another helpful EyeSight feature, Pre-Collision Throttle Management detects dangers on the road and responds accordingly by reducing power to your Subaru vehicle’s engine and giving you more time to slow down.
- MySubaru Connected Services® Safety and Security: MySubaru Connected Services offers Subaru drivers access to a variety of emergency services, including Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance and Vehicle Diagnostic Alerts.
- Set Vehicle Alerts: You can’t always be in the passenger seat next to your teen driver, but an active MySubaru Connected Services subscription allows you to encourage and monitor safe driving habits. Set up alerts in the MySubaru app or on MySubaru.com to receive notifications on Boundary, Speed, and Curfew limitations you define for drivers using your Subaru vehicle.
Subaru Vehicles That Are Great for Teen Drivers
Exploring safe, reliable options for teen drivers learning the ways of the road can feel like an overwhelming task. To help you narrow the field, here are some of our top picks for teen drivers among the Subaru lineup.
Subaru Legacy
For teens who prefer a sedan to an SUV or hatchback, the Subaru Legacy offers a robust range of safety features and comfort in a stylish package. Every driver has their preferences and some new drivers may feel more comfortable in a vehicle with a lower seating position, allowing them to more easily “feel” the road.
Subaru Impreza
With its sporty, compact hatchback design with ample storage space, the Subaru Impreza is a favorite among teen drivers. Much like the Legacy, the Impreza features a lower ground clearance that can help beginner drivers feel more in control of the vehicle and more aware of the road.
Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek offers ample ground clearance alongside uniform stability. Equipped with our Symmetrical AWD system, teens and new drivers can rely on the Crosstrek to offer improved handling, faster response, and greater peace of mind when faced with challenging road conditions. For driving to school or weekend adventures with friends, the Crosstrek is an economical and practical choice to help teens and new drivers confidently get where they need to go.
Subaru Forester
The Forester makes a terrific first car for new drivers. This compact SUV is among the most popular Subaru models and it’s easy to see why. Not only does standard Symmetrical AWD make it a breeze to maneuver, but the Forester also features comfortable, elevated seating for maximum visibility.
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback excels as a family car and is packed with features to help teen drivers feel confident and in control. Its large wheelbase and high ground clearance give the Outback impressive stability, especially for drivers with less experience navigating through rain, snow, and other inclement conditions. Its roomy interior is perfect for teens transporting friends–and all their gear–to school and extracurricular activities.
Ready to Find the Perfect Subaru Vehicle for Your Teen? Explore Our Collection and Shop Online Today!
Empower your teen to feel safe and confident on the road in a Subaru. Find a Subaru for your teen or new driver today.
