If you’re in the market for a new car, car safety should be a top priority. Fortunately, there are several car models with excellent safety ratings that you can choose from. This comprehensive guide focuses on the top-rated cars for safety to help you make an informed decision.
Overview of top-rated cars for safety
List of specific models with high safety ratings
An explanation of safety features to look for in a car
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What Makes a Car Safe?
Before we delve into the top-rated cars, let’s first understand what makes a car safe. There are a number of factors that affect car safety ratings, such as:
- Crash test ratings: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conduct crash tests on new cars to evaluate how effectively a car protects its occupants in a crash.
- Safety features: Modern cars come equipped with features like airbags, seat belts, and electronic stability control, which can help prevent accidents or reduce the severity of injuries in the event of a crash.
- Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS): ADAS features such as lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control can help prevent accidents from occurring in the first place.
Top-Rated Cars for Safety
| Car Model | Year | Safety Ratings | Advanced Safety Features |
| Tesla Model 3 | 2021 | 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS | Autopilot advanced safety and convenience features, including automatic emergency braking, collision warning, and lane departure warning |
| Volvo XC90 | 2021 | 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS | Pilot Assist suite of ADAS features, including adaptive cruise control with Pilot Assist, lane keeping aid, and collision avoidance |
| Audi A4 | 2021 | 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS | Automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert |
| Hyundai Sonata | 2021 | 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS | Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control |
| Subaru Outback | 2021 | 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS | EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking |
Here are the top-rated cars for safety, including the year of the models evaluated, along with some of their advanced safety features:
1. Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent is a midsize SUV that has earned top marks from both the NHTSA and the IIHS. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. The Ascent also boasts a spacious interior and plenty of cargo room, making it the ideal choice for families.
2. Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan that has been a best-seller for decades. In addition to its reliability and fuel efficiency, the Camry has excellent safety ratings. It has earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The Camry also features Toyota Safety Sense, an ADAS suite that includes automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning.
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3. Honda Odyssey
If you’re interested in purchasing a minivan, the Honda Odyssey is a top pick for safety. It has earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. The Odyssey comes with Honda Sensing, an ADAS suite that includes collision mitigation braking and lane-keeping assist.
4. Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact SUV known for its sporty handling and upscale interior. It has earned top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and the IIHS. The CX-5 comes with advanced safety features like blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
5. Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is a midsize SUV that has become a popular choice among car buyers. It has earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. The Telluride boasts advanced safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
Conclusion
Real-Life Case Study: How the Safety Features of a Top-Rated Car Saved a Family from a Serious Accident
Last year, my friend Sarah was involved in a serious car accident with her husband and two children. They were driving on the highway when another car suddenly swerved into their lane, causing a collision. The impact was so strong that their car spun out of control and hit the median.
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Thankfully, Sarah and her family were driving a top-rated car for safety that was equipped with advanced safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. These features helped to minimize the damage from the accident and potentially save their lives.
The forward collision warning alerted Sarah to the impending collision, and the automatic emergency braking system kicked in, slowing down the car just in time to reduce the impact force. The lane departure warning system kept them from accidentally veering off the road, and the blind spot monitoring system helped Sarah avoid colliding with another vehicle as she changed lanes.
While their car was totaled, Sarah and her family walked away from the accident with only minor injuries. They credit the safety features of their car for keeping them alive and preventing a much worse outcome. This real-life example highlights the importance of choosing a top-rated car for safety and investing in advanced safety features.
When buying a car ensuring safety should be of importance. Consider factors such as crash test ratings, safety features, and ADAS features like lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The top-rated cars for safety mentioned above are an excellent starting point for your search. Keep in mind that safety ratings can change from year to year, so be sure to check the year of the car model evaluated before making a final decision.
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Questions & Answers
Who regulates car safety standards?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) establishes car safety standards.
What are some common car safety features?
Common car safety features include airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control.
How can I improve my car’s safety?
You can improve your car’s safety by properly maintaining it, using seat belts, and avoiding distracted driving.
What should I do if my car is recalled for safety issues?
If your car is recalled for safety issues, take it to a dealership for repair as soon as possible.
How do car safety ratings work?
Car safety ratings are determined by crash tests and other safety evaluations conducted by organizations like NHTSA and IIHS.
But won’t adding safety features make the car more expensive?
While adding safety features may increase the cost of a car, it’s worth the investment to ensure the safety of you and your passengers.
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