Subaru Earns Nine Spots on the 2026 IIHS & Consumer Reports Teen Driver Recommendation List

August 5th, 2026 by

Parents shopping for a safe, reliable first car for a new teen driver have strong options from Subaru. Subaru of America announced that nine of its models earned recommendations on the 2026 joint Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports Teen Driver Vehicle Recommendation List — covering both new and used vehicles.

The list is designed to help families find vehicles that balance safety, affordability, reliability, and ease of use for younger drivers. This year’s recommendations include 45 used vehicles available for less than $10,000 and 29 used vehicles under $20,000.

“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 of Subaru of America. “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.”

What It Takes to Make the List

Both organizations evaluate vehicles on a range of factors, including cost, vehicle type and size, reliability, emergency handling, braking performance, and crash-test ratings. To qualify, vehicles must earn average or better scores from Consumer Reports for braking and for emergency and routine handling. Controls must be judged straightforward and not overly distracting. A “Good” rating from IIHS in the driver’s-side small-overlap front crash test is also required.

Models named “Best Choices” go a step further: headlights must earn a “Good” or “Acceptable” rating from IIHS across all trims, and the vehicle must be equipped with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection that performs well in daytime IIHS track tests. New vehicles on the list must also be 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK or TOP SAFETY PICK+ winners.

Subaru Models on the 2026 List

Used Vehicles – Best Choice

  • Subaru Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid (2019–2023)
  • Subaru Legacy (2020–2025)
  • Subaru Outback (2020–2025)
  • Subaru Forester (2019–2025)
  • Subaru Solterra (2023–2025)

Used Vehicles – Good Choice

  • Subaru Impreza sedan or wagon (2014–2025)
  • Subaru Crosstrek (2016–2025)
  • Subaru Legacy (2015–2019)

New Vehicle

  • 2026 Subaru Ascent

A Broader Record of Safety and Quality

These recommendations build on Subaru’s strong standing with both organizations. Subaru has earned eight Consumer Reports Recommended Models for 2026 and was named Consumer Reports’ Best Overall Automotive Brand for the second year in a row. The Crosstrek is the 2026 Top Subcompact SUV, and the Forester has been named Top Compact SUV for 13 consecutive years.

Safety remains a cornerstone of the brand. As of March 2026, Subaru has received 78 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards since 2013.

For families looking for a vehicle that prioritizes protection, reliability, and real-world usability for a new driver, Subaru’s strong showing on this year’s IIHS and Consumer Reports list offers plenty of trusted choices — both new and used.

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