Chevrolet Camaro Named Most Dangerous First Car For Teen Drivers In New Study

DALLAS, Texas (TXAN 24) — Texas parents shopping for a first vehicle for a teenage driver may want to look beyond horsepower and appearance. A new national study identifies the Chevrolet Camaro as the most dangerous first-car option among 22 popular models analyzed.

The November 2026 study by Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers evaluated fatal crash involvement, crashworthiness, collision-prevention technology and ownership affordability.

The Camaro received the lowest overall score, 41.83 out of 100, including a safety score of 21.06. Researchers also gave the vehicle a 2-out-of-4 crash protection rating and a 1-out-of-3 score for technology designed to help prevent collisions.

The Jeep Wrangler ranked second, followed by the Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Mustang and Toyota Tacoma. Four of the five highest-risk models were sports cars or trucks, which the study associated with characteristics such as higher horsepower, rear-wheel drive or increased rollover concerns.

The Chevrolet Blazer was the most expensive vehicle among the five, with a starting price of approximately $34,200, according to the report.

The study’s findings offer a reminder for Texas families preparing teenage drivers for increasingly independent travel. Vehicle selection should account for crash protection, safety technology, handling and affordability—not just the purchase price.

The rankings reflect the study’s selected models and methodology, not a determination that every vehicle of a particular model is unsafe. Parents should also review current model-year safety ratings and available driver-assistance features before purchasing a vehicle.