It’s a rite of passage and one of the scariest times in the life of any parent. The day that your teenager gets their driver’s license and has the freedom to drive away on their own is a double-edged celebration. On the one hand, you have another driver to help with some errands and driving needs, but on the other hand, you have a teenager behind the wheel.
Many teens want to enjoy the fun of driving, while parents would much rather ensure their safety. Some cars actually meet the desires of both family members, offering peppy acceleration, excellent handling, and a fun vibe while also keeping things under control and safe.
Avoid The “Too Much Car” Problem
Novice Drivers Need Novice Cars
Your teenager might be dreaming of a big and powerful sports car, but that doesn’t really make sense for someone who has just begun driving. When it comes to a new driver, a good choice is a car that isn’t too much for them. This means a car that looks cool and fun without so much power that things get out of control. Thankfully, there are several options that could make this work for you and your teen.
Size Matters
Driving involves parking, navigating narrow roads, and understanding a vehicle’s dimensions. You might not want your teenager driving a car that’s so small that it nearly disappears on the road, but a massive pickup truck might not be the right choice either. A compact sedan could be the right choice. This car class is small enough to be easy to drive and park, yet large enough to be noticeable and feel safe on the road.
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A Car That Makes Sense
The Subaru Impreza Sport
The Subaru Impreza Sport hits the right sweet spots for parents and teens. It has a long list of safety features and is peppy and responsive on the road. If you’re looking for a newer-generation model, the 2024-2026 model years offer the latest version of the standard EyeSight safety package, and the Sport trim has 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. The flat-four engine provides an excellent center of gravity, giving the Impreza a more engaged driving feel. The Sport model for these model years should cost between $22,100 and $27,000.
Going Back A Few Years Could Be Right
For parents searching for a used vehicle that isn’t so old it lacks safety features, the 2020-2023 model years of the Subaru Impreza make a lot of sense. This generation is among the best used cars for teen drivers, thanks to standard AWD, EyeSight safety features, and strong crash-test results. The Sport model for these model years should cost between $16,750 and $21,200.
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Subaru Has Your Back With The Impreza Sport
The Right Powertrain
Despite dreams of a high-powered sports car, which can come later, 152 ponies in the Impreza Sport should be more than enough for a new driver. The Impreza can be had with a more powerful engine, and the WRX reaches 271 horsepower in its upper echelon models, but the Sport’s engine is ideal for a new driver. Because maximum torque is achieved at 4,000 rpm, the Sport feels quicker and more active than other cars in its class.
Standard AWD Is A Huge Benefit
Most cars in the same class as the Impreza come with FWD, but Subaru includes AWD as standard on every model except the BRZ. That means your new driver has the benefits of added control in foul weather and much better traction than their classmates. Confidence and control are important when it rains, and the roads get slick, making the Symmetrical AWD system a big deal for you and your teen.
The EyeSight Safety Tech Has The Right Stuff
Modern vehicles come with impressive safety features, and the Subaru Impreza Sport is no exception. The EyeSight safety system includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, rear cross-traffic alert, pre-collision braking, blind-spot detection, driver attention warning, and reverse automatic braking. These features can help keep your teen out of a collision, making them extremely important. The Impreza earned a five-star overall NHTSA safety rating, making it one of the safest cars in its class.
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The Impreza Sport Is Easy To Drive
It Fits Everywhere
The compact size of the Impreza Sport makes it easy to park, stay in a lane, and navigate tight city streets. It’s not as intimidating for a new driver as a wider and bigger car like a Dodge Challenger or a pickup truck like the Ford Ranger. The driver has excellent visibility, making it easy to be aware of surroundings to drive safely and securely on any road. The lower ride height is also a benefit, giving new drivers a sense of connection to the road, thus enhancing their driving experience.
The Hatchback Body Is Practical And Cool
The hatchback version of the Impreza Sport is much more attractive and sporty than the sedan, making it more appealing to teenagers. This design makes it much easier to load gear, bags, and equipment in the rear while also offering a style that teens are proud to show off. This flexibility makes it easier for a teen’s lifestyle than sedans with limited trunk space.
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Compact Cars Are Fun To Drive
Unexpected Sporty Personality
If all you knew of the Impreza Sport were the powertrain specs and sprint times, you might avoid driving it, especially when searching for a fun car, but you’d be missing the point. Compact cars can be a lot of fun because they are smaller, lighter, and more agile than larger cars. This means your teen driver will enjoy the dynamics and ride quality despite the low horsepower figure. This car is a good middle ground between a “boring commuter” and a “bad decision,” making it a great choice for your teenager.
Affordability And Availability
The first car you drive shouldn’t be difficult to find or service. That makes the Subaru Impreza Sport a great choice. Among Impreza models, the Sport is one of the most popular trims, and the hatchback style has been chosen by nearly 70 percent of buyers. If you want to find a used model, it shouldn’t be difficult at all. Additionally, because the Impreza is a small car with a small engine, maintenance and repairs are more affordable than for much larger, more powerful cars.
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Subaru Offers The Right Balance And Reputation
The Brand On The Rise
The Subaru brand has become a leader in the automotive industry in terms of safety, reliability, owner loyalty, and all-weather confidence. This is exactly what parents of new drivers want in the vehicle they provide for their new driver. A safety-first image and a history of sensible ownership make a lot of sense, and the Impreza has a longstanding reputation as a great car for any driver. The Sport model, with its hatchback build, strikes the right balance.
Hitting All The Right Notes
The sweet spot for your teenage driver is the Subaru Impreza Sport because it has enough power to feel fun without being reckless. It comes with standard AWD, adding to the control and confidence a new driver needs. The strong safety tech can help keep your teenager out of trouble, while the useful hatchback style adds a sporty, yet practical, feel. This car is manageable because of its size and offers a sporty image without the risks associated with performance cars.
Sources: Edmunds, Consumer Reports, Subaru, JD Power, NHTSA, Kelley Blue Book