It isn’t easy being green, Kermit the frog once said. But heading into the new school year, becoming a greener teen driver can be easier with vehicle recommendations from the Automobile Club of Southern California Automotive Research Center (ARC).
The ARC recently released its list of 10 Best Green Cars for Teens published in the 2016 AAA Green Car Guide. The top 10 list of tested green vehicles by ARC engineers can help guide teens and parents when deciding to buy or lease a vehicle for a teen driver (or determining which family vehicle to let a novice driver use). More information can be found at www.AAA.com/greencar
“New drivers with limited behind-the-wheel experience need safe and reliable transportation,” said Automotive Research Center Manager Megan McKernan. “A four-cylinder engine limits a car’s acceleration and generally provides better fuel economy and a lower carbon footprint,” she added.
Traffic crashes are the leading cause of teen deaths, so a car with a high crash-test score could save a teen’s life or reduce the chance they’ll be seriously injured in a crash. In general, a midsize car with a four-cylinder engine, an automatic transmission and high crash-test scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is desirable, according to McKernan. “A mid-size car is big enough to protect occupants in a crash but small enough for a new driver to handle easily.”
The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) listed is for base-model vehicles with automatic transmissions.
Auto Club Automotive Research Center 10 Best Green Cars for Teen Drivers
Make Model MSRP
Subaru Outback $26,995
Volkswagen Passat $26,280
Subaru Legacy $23,495
Subaru Forester $30,820
Honda Accord $25,965
Lexus NX 300h $47,045
Toyota Camry Hybrid $27,995
Lexus ES 300h $40,430
Mazda 6 i Grand Touring $30,290
Hyundai Sonata Eco $23,275