What are the Best Cars for New Drivers?

Your teenager just turned 16, passed their driving test, and is ready to hit the road – at this point, you’re probably wondering, what are the best cars for new drivers?

At Eich VW in St. Cloud, MN, we’re here to help answer this question so you can rest easy knowing your new driver is completely safe on the road. Keep reading to discover our picks for the best cars for new drivers!

Safety Concerns for New Drivers

Car accidents are the third-leading cause of teenage deaths, so making sure your teen is safe on the road is a top priority for all parents.

Some of the most common challenges new drivers face on the road include:

• Lack of experience: New drivers have less practice than more experienced drivers. 
• Increased likelihood of accidents: In 2021, eight 16 to 19-year-olds were killed in car accidents each day. In over half of these deaths, teenagers were drivers of the vehicle.
• Difficulty in handling emergencies: Younger people often don’t know how to manage an emergency, as they have had less experience in these scenarios.

Luckily, choosing a safe vehicle can significantly mitigate these safety concerns. From comprehensive airbag coverage to safety features like adaptive cruise control and crash avoidance features, finding a car that checks every box in terms of safety is well worth the investment.

What Safety Features to Look for in a Car for New Drivers

Here are the safety features you should look for when choosing a car for your new driver. 

1. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

These technological features are designed to assist drivers when it comes to safety. Here are a few of these systems:

• Lane-Keeping Assist: This feature helps the driver stay within their lane by gently steering the car back if it begins to drift.
• Adaptive Cruise Control: Automatically adjusts the car’s speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead.
• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Detects a potential collision and applies the brakes to prevent a crash.

2. Crashworthiness and Crash Avoidance

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, also known as IIHS, examines two safety aspects of every vehicle. These tests include crashworthiness (how well a car protects its occupants during a crash) and crash avoidance mitigation (technology that can prevent a crash or lessen its severity). 

When you’re looking for a vehicle for your new driver, make sure it has high ratings from the IIHS! You can also look for cars with technologies that help prevent accidents, like electronic stability control and traction control.

3. Airbags and Restraint Systems

When looking for a car for your teen driver, look for comprehensive airbag coverage, including front, side, and curtain airbags, which offer protection during collisions.

Advanced seatbelt systems can also be helpful. Features like pretensioners and load limiters enhance the effectiveness of seatbelts so that they hold occupants securely during a crash.

4. Visibility and Lighting

Opt for cars with large windows and minimal blind spots. This will help new drivers see their surroundings better, especially at night when accidents are more common. LED and adaptive headlights improve night driving by providing better illumination and adjusting to the road ahead.

5. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

An anti-lock brake system is essential since it prevents the wheels from locking up during emergency braking, helping new drivers maintain vehicle control. Electronic stability control is also just as important – it helps prevent skidding by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels, especially useful on slippery roads.

6. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Be sure to choose a vehicle with a tire pressure monitoring system. This will alert the driver when tire pressure is low, helping to maintain optimal tire performance and reducing the risk of blowouts. The last thing a teen driver needs is a flat tire on the side of the highway!

7. Backup Cameras and Parking Sensors

Parking and reversing can be one of the most challenging aspects of driving for teenagers, so try to find a vehicle with backup cameras and parking sensors.

8. Teen Driver Technology

Some vehicles have features that promote safe driving habits, like speed limiters, volume restrictions, and driving reports that parents can review.

List of Safe Volkswagen Cars for New Drivers

1. Volkswagen Atlas

The Volkswagen Atlas has a wide range of safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. It also boasts high crash test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The Atlas offers excellent visibility and a spacious interior, making it easier for new drivers to handle. Its advanced driver assistance systems provide an extra layer of safety, and it also has a high crashworthiness score.

2. Volkswagen Jetta

The Volkswagen Jetta includes safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Not to mention, it has a well-designed airbag system and electronic stability control.

The Jetta is a smaller, more maneuverable car, which can be easier for new drivers to handle. Its combination of safety features and affordability makes it an excellent choice for those just starting out on the road.

3. Volkswagen Taos

The Taos has several advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert. It also has LED headlights and a tire pressure monitoring system.

This vehicle offers a good balance of size and spaciousness, making it comfortable for new drivers while still being easy to handle. Its modern safety technologies provide extra peace of mind for both drivers and parents.

4. Volkswagen Tiguan

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact SUV that offers the elevated driving position and visibility of an SUV with the maneuverability of a smaller vehicle.

This car also includes safety systems such as automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a comprehensive airbag system, a 360-degree camera system, and parking sensors. These safety features, plus a comfortable ride, make this SUV an excellent choice for new drivers.

Conclusion

From the Tiguan to the Atlas, Volkswagen has several vehicles with top-notch safety features perfect for new drivers. 

If you’re asking yourself, “what are the best cars for new drivers?” our non-commissioned sales team is here to help you and your teen every step of the way. Schedule a test drive or shop today at Eich Volkswagen in St. Cloud, MN, to see the safety features of these vehicles firsthand!