The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports released their annual collaborative report this week, identifying 96 vehicle models that provide the highest levels of safety for teen drivers in the United States. The list aims to assist parents in navigating the complex automotive market by highlighting vehicles that balance essential crash-test performance with advanced driver-assistance features and affordability.
Understanding the Safety Criteria
Selecting a vehicle for a new driver involves more than just choosing a reliable engine; it requires a focus on crashworthiness and technology. The IIHS and Consumer Reports evaluated vehicles based on stringent criteria, including top ratings in crash tests, reliable braking distances, and high scores in emergency handling.
The organizations specifically exclude high-horsepower vehicles from the