With quadruple the crash rates of older drivers according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), teenage drivers present a unique challenge when it comes to choosing an appropriate vehicle, with a heavy emphasis on safety a must. The 2019 Chevy Equinox meets the necessary criteria according to Kelley Blue Book.
The 2019 Chevy Equinox made the best used cars under $20,000 list published recently by KBB. It is the only American car to appear on that list, along with various Honda and Toyota models.
Safety is the prime criterion for KBB‘s selections, given the high rate of teenage accidents and deaths on U.S. roads. For this reason, NHTSA and IIHS crash and safety test ratings were extremely important in the report’s selections, as was standard availability of key modern safety technology features. Fuel efficiency and general reliability were also considered, though not as centrally.
Vehicle type and body style also played a role in getting a vehicle named in one of the categories. IIHS media relations director Joseph Young explained why, remarking that “teens also shouldn’t be in the smallest cars on the road” because of the vulnerability of those models in a crash. He added “we’re not recommending they drive tanks, but something like a midsize car or small SUV is going to provide more protection,” parameters matched by the 2019 Chevy Equinox crossover.
Kelley’s reasons for choosing the 2019 Chevy Equinox, besides average price, are straightforward. The Bow Tie model sports GM Teen Driver Technology with its speed limiter function, controls preventing safety tech from being switched off, and report card, among other features.
The Equinox also offers Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and GM IntelliBeam automatic high-beam headlamps among its safety features, which are some of the most important for teen safety per KBB. Blind-spot monitoring and rear traffic alert can be added via the Custom and Convenience Package. The report notes that the LT trim level is generally the lowest trim offering all necessary safety features as standard.
Only newer used vehicles, such as the 2019 model year of the Equinox, made the list of best vehicles for teenagers because older cars lack the advanced safety features considered essential for these drivers. As the IIHS’s Joseph Young also remarked, “this doesn’t mean your teen needs a brand-new vehicle, but teens shouldn’t be driving an old beater that lacks basic safety features.”
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