IIHS Recommends Seven Used Volkswagens for Teen Drivers

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently named many Volkswagen models on their list of best cars for teen drivers. For the 2018 list, there are seven used Volkswagens for teen drivers. This guide is a fabulous resource for families as they evaluate safety and price. IIHS broke down the list to include many different classes of vehicles.

Top Volkswagens for Teen Drivers

The Best Choice on the list included the 2013 or newer Passat and the 2015 or newer Jetta. Both of these earned good ratings for moderate overlap side, front, roof strength plus head restraint. They also received good and acceptable scores for the driver-side overlap test.

The Good Choices on the list included a 2009-2012 Passat wagon or sedan, the 2009-2014 Jetta wagon or sedan, the 2009 or newer CC, the 2009 or newer Tiguan and the 2012 Routan. These all earned good ratings for moderate overlap side, front, roof strength plus head restraint.

On the list, you’ll also find the prices which were provided by KBB. The values shown include the price for the lowest trim models at the earliest year. Basically, it’s the lowest price you’ll find a used vehicle for based on private-party condition.

Teen Driving Considerations

When the IIHS set out to pick the best Volkswagens for teen drivers, they looked at numerous aspects. Whether you choose something from this list or do your own research, it’s important to evaluate these considerations as well.

1. Avoid anything with high horsepower. Teens don’t have the same restraint as adults and often push the limits.
2. A heavier, bigger vehicle is often safer. They tend to protect life better during a crash. That’s why you don’t see any small or minicars on the list. The reason you see smaller SUVs on the list is that they have similar weight to a midsize vehicle.
3. You want a car that features ESC. Electronic stability control helps the teen to maintain control of their vehicle while driving on slippery or curvy roads. It’s been compared to the safety equivalent of seat belts.
4. You want a vehicle that features the best safety rating you can find. The minimum you should consider would be something with good ratings.

After looking over the IIHS’s list, are you more likely to test drive Volkswagens for teen drivers, or do you have something else in mind?