How to Pick a Safe Car for Teenage Drivers
About this episode
The AutoGuide Show talks with IIHS staff about teen-driving safety, including what they observed in crash and avoidance testing. Hosts challenge the “cheap beater” idea, arguing that better crash protection and crash-avoidance features matter more than treating the car as disposable. They also cover when teen risk peaks, how to shop using crash-test ratings and “zippier” trim cautions, and why AEB and blind spot detection are especially helpful. The episode wraps with guidance on used-car picks and where to find IIHS resources.
IIHS
"This week we speak to the IIHS about teen safety when it comes to driving."
IIHS is a safety organization that tests cars and gives safety ratings. They help explain which vehicles do better in crashes, which is especially important when talking about teen drivers.
IIHS stands for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a U.S. nonprofit that evaluates vehicle crashworthiness and publishes safety ratings. In this episode, they’re the source for guidance on teen driver safety and what car features/tests matter most.
Audi
"I review the Salem TerraMax RT off-road tire and Audi just dropped a new supercar."
Audi is a car brand. In this part of the show, the host mentions Audi released a new high-performance supercar.
Audi is the automaker mentioned here as having “dropped a new supercar.” Even without the exact model name in this segment, it signals the host is also covering a high-performance release alongside the teen-safety discussion.
avoidance testing
"I got to see a couple crashes and I got to see some avoidance testing."
Avoidance testing is a set of safety evaluations that measure how well a vehicle can help drivers steer or brake to avoid a crash. It typically looks at real-world scenarios like sudden obstacles or lane changes, focusing on collision-avoidance performance rather than just crash impact.
crash test ratings
"have the best crash test ratings available. For new cars, that's, you know, the testing that we're [400.4s] doing now."
Crash test ratings are scores from safety tests that show how well a car protects people in crashes. The tests look at things like how the car holds up and how well seat belts and airbags work. Higher ratings generally mean the car is safer in a crash.
Crash test ratings are scores from standardized crash tests that estimate how well a vehicle protects occupants in crashes. They’re typically based on measured injury risk and how the vehicle structure and restraints perform. For teen-driver safety choices, these ratings are used as a quick proxy for crashworthiness.
horsepower
"what like lower, not like lower horsepower, [419.2s] we're not saying like take the engine out and put a lawn mower in, but like avoid like the zippier,"
Horsepower is a number that describes how much power the engine can make. More horsepower usually means the car can accelerate faster. For teen drivers, the concern is that faster acceleration can make speeding easier.
Horsepower is a measure of an engine’s power output, which strongly influences how quickly a car accelerates. In the context of teen driving, higher horsepower often correlates with easier speeding and quicker launches. The host is using it as a proxy for “how quick the car feels.”
Mazda 3
"There are a couple of [431.0s] cars on the list. Like the Mazda 3 makes it like there's a bunch of Mazdas on the list."
The Mazda 3 is a small car that’s often considered a good safety pick. Here, it’s mentioned because the speaker thinks some versions are appropriate for teens, especially the less powerful ones. The goal is to avoid trims that feel too fast.
The Mazda 3 is a compact car that’s commonly recommended in safety-focused shopping lists because it tends to score well in crash testing. In this segment, it’s mentioned as part of a broader pattern of choosing safer, less “zippy” trims for teen drivers. The key point is that the host is steering listeners toward non-sporty versions rather than high-output variants.
turbo
"standard versions of Mazdas and like maybe avoid the turbo. [442.0s] Because teens are disproportionately involved in speeding related crashes"
A turbocharger helps the engine make more power by pushing extra air into it. That often makes the car accelerate faster. The host is saying turbo versions may be too quick for teen drivers.
A turbo (short for turbocharger) forces more air into the engine, which can increase power and acceleration without increasing engine size. That can make a car feel “zippier,” which matters when you’re trying to reduce the temptation or ability to speed. The host suggests avoiding turbo variants for teens.
EVs
"Is there [467.7s] an issue that you've seen or is it too early still with EVs? Because they're all so quick and [472.5s] powerful."
EVs are electric cars that run on batteries instead of gas. The speaker is asking whether teens are crashing them more, but says EVs are still relatively rare. So the crashes that get reported may seem like a bigger problem than it is.
EVs (electric vehicles) are cars powered primarily by electric motors and a battery, rather than a gasoline engine. The host discusses whether EVs have higher teen speeding or crash rates, and argues that EVs are still a small share of the overall fleet. Because of that, the crash stories that do make the news can feel more common than they really are.
hot topic coverage
"So people think that it's a huge problem [495.1s] and it's just because it's being covered because it's a hot topic."
Sometimes the news focuses more on certain kinds of stories, especially when something is new or popular. That can make it seem like there are more crashes than there really are. The speaker is saying EV crashes get attention, even if EVs are still a small part of the cars on the road.
The host is pointing out a media-effect issue: crashes involving a new or trendy technology can get disproportionate attention. That can make people assume the problem is widespread when it may be driven by limited exposure and higher news coverage. In other words, “how much it’s covered” can distort perceived risk.
plaid mode
"I've been in a Tesla doing what like plaid mode, where it goes zero to 60 in like two and a half seconds"
“Plaid mode” is a special driving mode in some Teslas that makes the car accelerate harder. It’s meant for maximum performance, so it can be too much for a new teen driver.
“Plaid mode” is a performance setting used on certain Tesla models to maximize acceleration and responsiveness. It’s essentially a driver-selectable “go faster” mode that can make the car feel dramatically quicker than normal driving settings.
Toyota Corolla
"oh, a teen driver will get them a used Civic Corolla, like those used to be sort of safe bets?"
The Toyota Corolla is a very common used car. The host is saying that, historically, people often chose it for teen drivers because it was considered a safe, sensible option.
The Toyota Corolla is a mainstream compact car known for being easy to live with and commonly available in the used market. Here, it’s paired with the Civic as an example of the traditional “safe bet” teen-car choice.
Honda Civic
"is it still the good old, oh, a teen driver will get them a used Civic Corolla, like"
The Honda Civic is a long-running compact car that’s often recommended as a practical, widely available used option. In this segment, it’s mentioned as the kind of “safe bet” used car people used to buy for teen drivers.
crash avoidance features
"So our used list is broken down into best and good, the best are equipped with crash avoidance features and the good ones are not"
Crash avoidance features are safety technologies that try to stop or reduce crashes. They can help the car react faster than a driver might, especially if the driver doesn’t see something in time.
Crash avoidance features are driver-assistance systems designed to help prevent or reduce collisions. They typically use sensors and automated braking/steering interventions to reduce the chance that a driver makes a mistake that leads to a crash.
active safety systems
"And Subaru's getting there too, where all that safety active safety systems are just standard."
Active safety systems are safety features that try to prevent crashes while you’re driving. The host is saying they’re increasingly included by default, so you don’t always have to pay extra trim pricing.
Active safety systems are technologies that help prevent accidents in real time, rather than just protecting occupants after a crash. The host contrasts them with needing to “go up trim levels” to pay for these features.
Ford Dark Horse
"...od safety out of it. Yeah, it's a little bit of a dark horse because everyone's like, oh, that exists. But yea..."
The Ford Mustang is a sports car made by Ford, usually with a powerful engine and a driver-focused feel. It’s popular with people who want something more exciting than a typical everyday car. When it’s called a “dark horse,” it means it can be better than some people expect, depending on the version.
The Ford Mustang is a performance-focused sports coupe/convertible that’s known for its strong enthusiast following and wide range of powertrains. It’s often discussed as a “dark horse” because it can surprise people with how capable it is in real-world driving and safety/feature content depending on the specific year and trim. In the podcast context, it’s likely being used to highlight that it’s more than just a well-known name.
Volkswagen Jetta
"They ended up buying a, I think a three year old Jetta. And I said, you know, it's a nice, big, easy to drive car, but it's full of safety. It's got a lot of the safety systems built in because it's mid trim."
The Volkswagen Jetta is a regular-sized sedan that’s generally straightforward to drive. The host’s point is that a newer used Jetta can include built-in safety features, especially when you pick a higher trim level.
The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan, and the host recommends it as an easy-to-drive, safety-focused option for a new teen driver. They specifically say the example they advised was a “three year old Jetta” with safety systems included in the mid trim.
consideration too
"I think people, when they look at a list like this, they think, well, I'm not even going to buy my kid a car or my kid can't afford a car, but they're probably going to drive yours. So that should be consideration too."
The host is making a “who will actually drive it?” argument: even if you’re buying a car for your teen, other family members may use it too. That matters because the car’s safety and suitability should fit real-world weekend driving patterns, not just the teen’s daily commute.
pedestrian detection
"Like, has, is there anything for teens specifically like the lane keeper or pedestrian detection or anything that's really skewed..."
Pedestrian detection is a safety system that tries to recognize people near the road. If it thinks you might hit someone, it can alert you and sometimes brake automatically. It’s meant to reduce crashes caused by late reactions.
Pedestrian detection is an active safety feature that uses sensors (commonly cameras and/or radar) to identify people in or near the vehicle’s path. When it detects a likely collision, it can warn the driver and, in some systems, trigger automatic braking. The host groups it with other “avoid it” technologies when discussing teen crash prevention.
lane keeper
"Like, has, is there anything for teens specifically like the lane keeper or pedestrian detection or anything that's really skewed..."
A lane keeper helps keep the car from drifting out of its lane. It uses cameras to see the lane lines and can nudge or warn you if you start to wander. It’s a helpful backup while someone is still learning good lane habits.
A lane keeper (often part of a lane-keeping assist system) helps keep the car centered in its lane by using cameras to detect lane markings. If the vehicle drifts, it can provide steering assistance or warnings to reduce run-off-road and lane-departure crashes. The host mentions it as one example of active safety features that might help teens avoid accidents.
automatic emergency braking
"But when you look at the types of crashes that teens are in, and the types of crashes that can be prevented by different kinds of safety features, I think the one that is the most useful... is automatic emergency braking."
Automatic emergency braking is a safety feature that can sense when you’re about to hit something and then brakes for you. It helps especially if a driver is distracted or doesn’t react fast enough. The goal is to stop the crash or make it less severe.
Automatic emergency braking (AEB) is a driver-assistance system that detects an imminent collision and automatically applies the brakes to reduce speed or avoid the crash. For teen drivers, it matters because it can help when reaction time or attention is lacking. It’s designed to prevent certain types of crashes rather than just protect occupants after impact.
blind spot detection
"Blind spot detection, also high up there, because like developing an awareness of what's going on on the road around you is a thing that takes a long time."
Blind spot detection is a system that watches the areas next to your car that you can’t see well. If there’s a car there, it warns you so you don’t accidentally change lanes into it. It’s meant to help drivers while they’re still learning to check mirrors and look around.
Blind spot detection uses sensors (often radar) to monitor areas alongside and slightly behind the vehicle that the driver can’t easily see. When another vehicle is detected in that zone, it alerts the driver—helping reduce lane-change and merge-related crashes. The host frames it as “training wheels” because it supports awareness while the driver is still learning.
AEB systems
"Yeah, and especially over the last, you know, eight to 10 years, AEB systems have gotten much more sensitive to pedestrians in lots of different situations."
AEB stands for automatic emergency braking. It’s a safety feature that watches for danger and can brake by itself if you don’t react in time. The newer versions are better at spotting people walking and cyclists.
AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking) systems are driver-assistance features that detect a potential crash and automatically apply the brakes to reduce speed or avoid a collision. In recent years, AEB has improved its ability to recognize pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users in more real-world situations.
pedestrians
"Like I think when they were starting, pedestrians were really tricky pedestrians and cyclists and the systems have gotten much more sensitive to them, which we've been seeing."
Here, “pedestrians” means people walking near the road. The point is that the car’s safety system has become better at noticing walkers and reacting quickly.
In this context, “pedestrians” refers to the specific road users AEB systems are designed to detect and respond to. The speaker notes that early pedestrian detection was difficult, and modern systems are more sensitive across more scenarios.
Salem TerraMax RT off-road tire
"Moving on to the product test... it is the Salem TerraMax RT off-road tire. So this is a hardcore off-road tire."
Salem TerraMax RT is a specific tire model built for off-road driving. It’s designed for rough terrain, not just regular street use, and it’s compared to other tough off-road tires.
The Salem TerraMax RT is an off-road tire model aimed at serious trail and off-pavement use. The host describes it as a “hardcore off-road” tire that competes in the same category as popular all-terrain/off-road options.
KO3
"This is the kind of tire that competes against the KO2 or now the KO3."
KO3 is a newer version of a popular off-road tire line (from BFGoodrich). The host is comparing the TerraMax RT to what people typically buy for off-road use now.
KO3 refers to the newer BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 tire line, positioned as an evolution of the KO2. The host mentions it as the current competitor category for the Salem TerraMax RT.
KO2
"This is the kind of tire that competes against the KO2 or now the KO3."
KO2 is a well-known off-road tire model (from BFGoodrich) that many drivers use on trucks and SUVs. The host is saying the TerraMax RT is meant to compete with tires like that.
KO2 refers to the popular BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tire line, commonly used on trucks and SUVs for mixed street and off-road driving. The host uses it as a benchmark for the TerraMax RT’s intended off-road capability.
Red Rock area
"So to test this tire, I went to Las Vegas and we drove around an off-road trail and trails in the Red Rock area."
The Red Rock area is a desert region with rocky trails. It’s the kind of place where off-road tires get tested for grip and toughness.
The Red Rock area near Las Vegas is known for rocky desert trails, which are a good stress test for off-road tires. It includes conditions like loose sand, rock gardens, and rock crawling that reveal traction and sidewall durability.
rock gardens
"We did all sorts of off-roading everything from high speed desert floor sand runs to going through rock gardens to doing low speed rock crawls."
Rock gardens are trail sections covered with lots of rocks. Tires have to keep traction while bouncing over obstacles and rubbing against sharp edges.
Rock gardens are sections of trail filled with uneven rocks that force tires to climb, drop, and maintain traction over sharp edges. They’re a tough test for tread blocks and tire sidewalls because the tire has to grip while absorbing impacts.
rock crawls
"We did all sorts of off-roading everything from high speed desert floor sand runs to going through rock gardens to doing low speed rock crawls."
Rock crawling is slow off-roading over rocks where you’re trying to move up obstacles carefully. Tires need good grip so the wheels can pull the vehicle forward.
Rock crawling is slow, technical off-roading where the vehicle tries to climb over rocks with minimal wheel spin. Tires need strong tread-to-rock contact and predictable grip to “claw” forward without getting stuck.
tread block
"The tires tread block worked so well at gripping rocks, especially ones that are like, you know, but half the size of the vehicle."
A tread block is a raised section of the tire’s tread pattern that contacts the ground. In off-road use, larger or more aggressive tread blocks can bite into rocks and help the tire generate traction instead of sliding.
Jeep Wrangler
"We were all using Wranglers for this event of different generations."
The Jeep Wrangler is a popular off-road vehicle. The host used Wranglers on the trail to see how the tire performed in real conditions.
Jeep Wrangler is a go-anywhere off-road SUV platform that’s commonly used for trail testing because it’s built for low-speed traction and uneven terrain. The host says they used multiple Wrangler generations to evaluate how the tire performs across different setups.
Rubicon four-door
"I had a more modern Rubicon four-door and some of the rocks you would come up to that had a very vertical sort of start to them."
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is the more off-road-capable version of the Wrangler. The host used a modern Rubicon to show the tire could grip and pull the vehicle up rocks.
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is the Wrangler’s off-road-focused trim, known for stronger off-road hardware and capability. The host specifically mentions a modern Rubicon four-door to illustrate how the tire’s tread blocks “claw in” on steep rock faces.
squirrelly
"In the sand, it never got squirrelly or loose."
“Squirrelly” means the car feels twitchy or hard to control. The host is saying the tire kept the vehicle stable in sand.
In tire testing, “squirrelly” is a driver description for instability—when the vehicle feels loose or unpredictable, often from reduced traction. Here it’s used to say the tire stayed controlled in loose sand.
warranty that comes with these tires
"How they'll do in a longevity front, that's tough to say because I just did one day of off-roading. There is a warranty that comes with these tires. It's 60 months and I believe 45,000 miles."
A tire warranty is the coverage you get if the tire fails early. The host says this one includes 60 months and about 45,000 miles of coverage.
A tire warranty is the manufacturer’s promise to cover certain failures or defects for a stated time and mileage. The host cites a 60-month/45,000-mile warranty as part of the value argument for the Salem TerraMax RT.
side walls are reinforced
"We had zero punctures. The side walls are reinforced and they stood up to some of the jagged edges they were being rubbed against."
Reinforced sidewalls mean the tire’s side part is tougher. That helps it resist getting cut or damaged when you hit or rub against rocks.
Reinforced sidewalls mean the tire’s outer rubber and internal structure are strengthened to better resist punctures and damage from impacts or abrasion. Off-road tires with reinforced sidewalls are meant to survive rubbing against jagged rocks and trail edges.
Audi Nuvallari
"They're only going to make 499 and it's going to be powered by a four-liter twin-turbocharged V8 hybrid... called the Audi Nuvallari and it is going to be a limited production supercar from the brand."
The Audi Nuvallari is a rare, limited-run supercar. It uses a hybrid setup with a twin-turbo V8 plus electric motors, and it also uses high-tech aerodynamic features to help it grip and slow down.
The Audi Nuvallari is described as a limited-production supercar from Audi, built around a four-liter twin-turbo V8 hybrid system. The key hook is its hybrid front-wheel electric drive plus a high-revving V8, paired with advanced active aero features borrowed from Audi’s Formula 1 program.
limited production supercar
"it is going to be a limited production supercar from the brand. They're only going to make 499..."
A limited production supercar means only a small number of cars will be made. That usually makes the car rarer and can make it more expensive or more collectible.
A limited production supercar is built in a small quantity rather than in high-volume numbers. The episode ties this to the Audi Nuvallari’s claimed 499-unit run, which affects rarity, pricing expectations, and collector interest.
10,000 rpm
"powered by a four-liter twin-turbocharged V8 hybrid that can go to 10,000 rpm..."
RPM tells you how fast the engine is spinning. If it can reach around 10,000 rpm, that usually means the engine is tuned to rev very high like a track-focused motor.
RPM (revolutions per minute) is how fast the engine spins. A claim of up to 10,000 rpm suggests a high-revving racing-style engine calibration, which typically requires robust valvetrain and careful thermal management.
non-mechanically attached dual electric motors
"and has a non-mechanically attached dual electric motors that power the front wheels while the actual engine has a single motor."
The phrase implies the electric motors are integrated in a way that doesn’t use a traditional mechanical connection to the engine/drivetrain. In practice, this kind of layout is meant to deliver electric torque to the wheels efficiently and with precise control, supporting the car’s hybrid front-wheel drive behavior.
Lamborghini Gallardo
"Huracan and Gallardo both had R8s and this isn't actually called the R8, it's called the Nuvallario..."
The Lamborghini Gallardo is another classic Lamborghini supercar. The host mentions it to show that Lamborghini and Audi have had related model “pairs” before.
The Lamborghini Gallardo is referenced alongside the Huracan to illustrate how Lamborghini’s earlier model families had Audi counterparts. In this segment, it’s used as a comparison point for how the Audi Nuvallari might relate to Lamborghini’s Temurario.
Lamborghini Huracan
"Huracan and Gallardo both had R8s and this isn't actually called the R8, it's called the Nuvallario..."
The Lamborghini Huracan is one of Lamborghini’s well-known supercars. The host brings it up to explain how Lamborghini and Audi have had similar “family” relationships in the past.
The Lamborghini Huracan is mentioned as part of the brand’s earlier lineup that the host compares to Audi’s R8-era relationships. The point is historical context for how Lamborghini and Audi have shared platform or family design/engineering logic across models.
Audi R8
"Huracan and Gallardo both had R8s and this isn't actually called the R8, it's called the Nuvallario..."
The Audi R8 is Audi’s famous supercar. The host says people might call the new Audi Nuvallari an R8, but it’s actually a separate limited-run model.
The Audi R8 is mentioned as the earlier Audi supercar that the host says Huracan and Gallardo “both had” in the sense of a shared relationship. Here, it’s used to explain why people might mistakenly call the Nuvallari an R8, even though the host says it’s a different model with its own identity.
active aero
"This car will have active aero borrowed from the F1 program from Audi so something again the Lamborghini doesn't have..."
Active aero means the car’s spoilers and wings can change shape or position while you drive. That helps it stick to the road and also reduce drag or improve braking control.
Active aero refers to aerodynamic elements that move or change configuration based on speed, steering, braking, or driver inputs. The segment claims the Audi Nuvallari’s active aero is “borrowed from the F1 program,” including rear wings that can adjust for drag reduction, downforce, and braking stability.
downforce
"the rear wings can be able to do multiple things from drag reduction to downforce to almost air braking under brakes."
Downforce is the “squishing” force that presses the car onto the road. More downforce usually means better grip when you’re going fast or turning hard.
Downforce is the downward aerodynamic force that increases tire grip by pushing the car toward the road. The host says the rear wings can switch to generate downforce, which improves cornering stability at speed.
kilowatt hour battery
"It's got a 7. something kilowatt hour battery that can be charged up and used for extra boost or also power the vehicle when needed."
A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is how much energy the battery can store. A bigger kWh usually means the car can use more electric power before the battery runs low.
A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a measure of battery energy capacity—how much total electrical energy the pack can store. The host’s “7-something kilowatt hour battery” claim indicates the size of the energy reserve available for boost and for powering the car when needed.
regenerative braking
"There's regenerative braking that can do up to 0.3 Gs on its own which is pretty incredible."
Regenerative braking means the car uses the electric motors to slow down and also recharge the battery. It’s like turning some of your braking energy into electricity instead of wasting it as heat.
Regenerative braking is when the electric drivetrain slows the car while converting some of that kinetic energy back into electrical energy to recharge the battery. The episode claims it can generate up to 0.3 Gs on its own, meaning strong deceleration purely from the regen system.
0.3 Gs
"There's regenerative braking that can do up to 0.3 Gs on its own which is pretty incredible."
“G” is a way to measure how strong the acceleration or braking feels compared to gravity. 0.3 Gs means it can slow down pretty noticeably using the electric system.
“G” is a unit of acceleration relative to gravity (1 G ≈ 9.81 m/s²). Saying regenerative braking can reach 0.3 Gs indicates how hard the car can slow using the electric system alone.
0 to 60
"The specs are just insane 0 to 60 in like 2.5 seconds it'll go well over 350 kilometers an hour..."
“0 to 60” measures how fast a car can go from standing still to 60 mph. It’s a common quick way to compare acceleration between cars.
“0 to 60” is shorthand for how quickly a car accelerates from 0 mph to 60 mph. The episode uses it as a headline performance metric to compare the Audi Nuvallari’s acceleration to the Temurario.
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