It’s that time of year when all the kids go back to school. If you’re the parent of a teenager, they might be ready to drive themselves for the first time. One major thing that lingers in the minds of all parents is the safety and wellbeing of their children, so the idea of them driving around alone may be daunting. Teenagers are new on the roads, and often this lack of experience can lead to fender benders and other mishaps.
You may have already done some research about safety and reliability, but we are here to answer the overarching question “Which car is best for teenage drivers?” Luckily, there are a wide array of new safety and driver assistance features available to give them a little extra help, and give you a little more peace of mind.
Don’t worry, our automotive experts have assembled a comprehensive list going through some of the best Toyota options for your new driver.
Toyota has an entire suite of safety features called Toyota Safety Sense. It comes standard on most new Toyotas, and includes features such as Lane Departure Alert and Automatic High Beams that will keep your teen safer out on the road and help them establish good driving habits.
Safety is obviously a top priority as a parent. Here is our list of the 5 safest Toyota cars and SUVs for teenage drivers to help you make an informed decision.
Starting in 2017, the Corolla has consistently been an amazing option for teen drivers because of its standard integration of the Toyota Safety Sense System. Additionally, it was an IIHS Top safety pick for the year 2017, meaning that it excelled in a variety of crash tests. The newer versions of this secure sedan follow the same pattern of excellence, as the 2021 model includes Road Sign Assist that can detect and read road signs for your driver to help keep your teen focused and aware of speed limits and other warnings.
The 2018 Toyota Prius was an IIHS Top Safety Pick since it received great reviews on crash tests from a variety of angles. Additionally, the 2018 model received a score of 5 out of 5 stars from the NHTSA, particularly excelling in side-impact crash tests. Unique safety features such as the Head-Up Display, are repeated on the newer models. This feature projects important vehicle information right into the driver’s view on the dash, eliminating the time that your teen driver has their eyes off of the road.
The Toyota RAV4 is perfect for a new driver. It’s reliable, efficient, and most importantly, safe. The 2017 model debuted innovative safety features, such as automatic emergency braking. Automatic emergency braking can reduce the severity of a potential accident by slowing the car down when the system senses an impending collision. The Toyota RAV4 keeps getting better through the years. The 2020 version is perfect for the modern adventurer, with nimble handling for safe pivots. The multi-link rear suspension on the new RAV4 gives you more traction while in rough conditions, making off-roading safer. If you’ve got a rascal on your hands, the RAV4 can help to keep them safe and comfortable on all of their journeys.
The 2018 Toyota Camry was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, meaning that it aced all the crash tests. The 2018 Camry received a complete redesign that changed the model for the better. It gained new standard safety features such as Adaptive Cruise Control. This feature automatically adjusts your speed if the system senses that the car is following too closely while cruising. It’s great for distracted teen drivers who often have a habit of tailgating. Automatic High Beams that started coming standard in 2018 help to provide better visibility while your teen is driving at night.
The 2016 Highlander was an IIHS Top Safety pick, performing amazingly on all crash tests. This high performance is accompanied by innovative driver-assist features such as a Rearview Camera. This camera is great for teens, as it can help to cut down on parking lot fender benders by showing them how close they are to obstacles. It also offers a Pre-Collision Braking System that automatically applies force to the brakes if it senses oncoming danger.
We chose these models because they combined popular safety features with practicality. Not only that but all of these options are reasonably priced, so you won’t have to invest too much in a car for a high-risk new driver. Browse our online inventory and see which one best suits your needs. When you find the perfect starter Toyota for your teen, we offer free delivery at no cost to you!