Subaru Models Earn Top Safety Recommendations for Teen Drivers

Subaru of America announced that nine of its models have been jointly recommended by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports for teen drivers in 2026. These recommendations cover both new and used vehicles, providing guidance for families seeking safe and affordable options for younger drivers. The selections are based on comprehensive evaluations from both organizations, focusing on critical safety and performance attributes.

Recommended Models for Teen Drivers

The 2026 list includes several Subaru models, with five designated as “Best Choices” for used vehicles. These “Best Choice” used models are the Subaru Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid (2019-2023), Subaru Legacy (2020-2025), Subaru Outback (2020-2025, specifically models built after October 2019), Subaru Forester (2019-2025), and Subaru Solterra (2023-2025).

Additional used Subaru models received “Good Choice” recommendations. These include the Subaru Impreza sedan or wagon (2014-2025), Subaru Crosstrek (2016-2025), and earlier Subaru Legacy models (2015-2019). For new vehicles, the 2026 Subaru Ascent was recognized on the list. The overall list from IIHS and Consumer Reports features 45 used vehicles starting under $10,000 and 29 used vehicles under $20,000, catering to various budgets.

Evaluation Criteria for Safety Recommendations

To qualify for the teen driver recommendation list, vehicles must meet stringent safety and performance standards set by both IIHS and Consumer Reports. All recommended new and used vehicles must achieve average or better scores from Consumer Reports for braking performance, emergency handling, and routine handling. Furthermore, Consumer Reports' engineers and usability experts assess controls to ensure they are not overly complex or distracting for drivers.

A “Good” rating from the IIHS in the driver's-side small-overlap front crash test is a mandatory requirement for all vehicles on the list. For models to earn the “Best Choice” designation, they must also feature headlights that receive a “Good” or “Acceptable” rating from the IIHS across all trim levels. Additionally, these “Best Choice” vehicles must be equipped with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection that demonstrates effective performance in daytime IIHS track tests. New vehicles on the list must also have earned a 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK or TOP SAFETY PICK+ award.

Subaru's Broader Safety and Reliability Accolades

Subaru's presence on the teen driver recommendation list aligns with its broader recognition for safety and reliability. As of March 2026, Subaru has accumulated 78 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards since 2013, indicating consistent high performance in crash testing and safety feature evaluations.

Consumer Reports has also named Subaru the Best Overall Automotive Brand for two consecutive years. For 2026, eight Subaru models received Consumer Reports Recommended Model status. Specific model recognitions include the Subaru Crosstrek as the 2026 Top Subcompact SUV and the Subaru Forester as the Top Compact SUV for 13 years running, according to Consumer Reports.

These recommendations from IIHS and Consumer Reports provide valuable information for families prioritizing safety and reliability when selecting vehicles for new or young drivers. Subaru's consistent presence on such lists, alongside its numerous safety awards and positive Consumer Reports ratings, suggests a continued focus on vehicle attributes important to a wide range of consumers.