If you have a child who is starting to drive, you may be panicking a little bit. After all, it is a pretty big deal. And if you have two teenaged drivers? Your worries are undoubtedly doubled. So if you’re looking to buy an SUV for your kids to share, you may want to consider getting something super safe. While buying something brand new for a teenager may seem counterintuitive, it also can be a great idea. That’s because new vehicles come with updated safety features. If you’re torn about what kind of SUV to buy for your kids, you just might want to consider a brand new 2022 Toyota Highlander.

The new 2022 Toyota Highlander is one of the best SUVs for teens

The 2022 Toyota Highlander price starts at $36,420 for the base model L. Sure, that isn’t cheap, but the Highlander is one of the best SUVs you can buy for your kids. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is a non-profit organization that tests vehicles and conducts research on driving and safety. Together with Consumer Reports it releases a list of the safest vehicles for teenagers every year and the 2022 Toyota Highlander is on that list. Although a brand new 2022 Highlander is certainly more expensive than some choices, its status as a best pick should put it high on your list.

The Best New Vehicles must have good Consumer Reports predicted reliability ratings, average or better emergency handling test scores, and take fewer than 140 feet to stop from 60 mph on dry pavement. In addition, they must have a good or better for their controls from Consumer Reports. Finally, they couldn’t have high average insurance claim rates under medical payment or personal injury protection in models from the last few years.

The Toyota Highlander is loaded with safety features

 It comes standard with pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, and cruise control. In addition, the Toyota Highlander has automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, and road sign assist, according to Toyota. It also comes with its Star Safety System. This includes stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and brake assist. It also has Smart Stop technology.

If you want a little more in your 2022 Toyota Highlander, you can upgrade by buying the XLE trim level. That adds blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. Pay a little more for the Limited, Platinum, and Bronze Edition and you’ll also get front and rear parking assist with emergency braking.

The Highlander is super safe

The 2022 Toyota Highlander is a Top Safety Pick+. That’s the highest safety award that the IIHS gives out, and it only goes to vehicle with good crash test results in the driver-side small overlap front test, passenger-side small overlap front test, and moderate overlap front test. It also must have good original side test results, roof strength, and head restraint tests. In addition, it has to have an advanced or superior rating for its available front crash prevention system for both the vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations and an acceptable or good headlight rating standard on all trim levels.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander is a new SUV with great crash test ratings, excellent safety features, and a top safety award. If you’re looking for a super safe SUV that your teen drivers can share, the 2022 Toyota Highlander should definitely be something that you consider.