A safer car can save people a lot of money on car accident insurance and give car owners a better sense of security. This is why all car manufacturers crunch crash test numbers and invest a lot of money to design the next generation of safe cars.
Creating a list of safest cars depends on a lot of variables and hinges on a number of biases. Are bigger cars safer? Do we have to factor cost efficiency when looking at safe cars? How much do crash test results weigh in our decision?
Car safety information such as fewest injuries and deaths based on car model also provide great insight. We also have to take into account numerous safety features and capabilities of a car to prevent accidents or a severe injury when an accident does occur.
The most reputable source for car safety reports are Consumer Reports, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and the Highway Loss Data Institute.
Here are ten of the safest cars that are out in the market. This list covers various vehicle classes and manufacturers. You can consult the complete safety ratings of different car models in reputable online resources like Automotive.com (http://automotive.com) and Cars.com (http://cars.com).
Audi A4
The Audi A4 is an acclaimed car for its high scores in crash test results. The 2009 edition has electronic stability controls, traction control, lower anchorage for child seats, advanced air bag features which include side and front airbags, and energy management feature. The Audi A4 also has daytime running lights and tire pressure monitor for additional safety on the road. The Audi A4’s wide body is a big plus when combined with its remarkable weight balance. The Audi A4 is a perfect car for families looking for large sedans.
Honda CR-V EX
The Honda CR-V model is one of the safest cars to drive among SUV class of vehicles. Its safety features include electronic stability controls, trunk release, pretensioner, adjustable upper front seatbelts, head airbags, dynamic head restraint, and more. The Honda CR-V is also cost efficient considering the number of safety features and fuel efficiency. The Honda CR-V recorded perfect scores in frontal and side impact crash ratings.
Volkswagen GTI
The Volkswagen GTI ranked first in crash test results among small cars. The hatchback design gives car owners the feel of a sporty look with excellent handing, precise steering, and guided acceleration features. The Volkswagen GTI has a decent fuel efficiency compared to other cars in its class. The sportier version is lowered by a half-inch for improved handling and aerodynamics.
Honda Civic-EX
The Honda Civic-Ex has been gaining popularity as one of the foremost family cars. The main competitive advantage of Honda Civic is its low cost, high fuel efficiency, and excellent safety standards. Safety features include 4-Wheel ABS, pretensioner, complete seat belts, energy management features, advanced airbags, and dynamic head restraint among other things.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is one of the safest cars to drive among large sedans. This mid-size vehicle is also one of the best-selling car models in the last decade. The Toyota Camry has improved its overall safety scores since its design overhaul in 2007. You can pick up a sporty version or a hybrid version and still get the same level of safety features that you will get from any Toyota model.
Toyota Tundra
The Toyota Tundra is a good choice if you need a pickup truck with high safety standards. Although Toyota is known for its space efficiency and sleekness, the Tundra model competes well compared to its Chevy, Ford, and Dodge equivalents in terms of size and power. The Toyota Tundra survived crash test results with flying colors. Toyota has invested heavily on the safety features of its pickup trucks, and it has paid off for them.
Hyundai Santa Fe
This SUV release offered from Hyundai is a perfect car for suburban areas. The Santa Fe is the larger model among Hyundai’s two SUVs. Its safety features include electronic stability control, traction control, 4-wheel ABS, advanced airbag features, trunk release, and rear seat head restraint. Its uni-body design is more apt for daily driving compared to the body-on-frame design in other SUVs.
Mercedes-Benz M Class
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class is a decent and comfortable SUV for families. Although many prospective buyers might be discouraged with its steep price compared to its competitors, the M-Class provides a nice value for people who want a luxury SUV that has excellent handling on the road and off-road. The luxury design is complemented with safety features like auto crash notify, traction control, daytime running lights, and more.
Saturn Astra
The Saturn Astra does well for a compact car on a budget. Its European equivalent, Opal Astra, is considered one of the safest compact cars in Europe, earning a score higher than the BMW compact series. The “understeer” control logic in its stability control systems makes it one of the safest cars to drive in the U.S.
Mini Cooper
Completing the top ten safest cars list is the Mini Cooper. Although it is the most popular “small car” in the world, its size does not stop it from being one of the world’s most efficient and safest cars. The Mini Cooper has superior braking and handling ability, driving dynamics, and good balance. The safety features of the Mini Cooper include stability control systems, advanced airbag features, and energy management features. The Mini Cooper earned a high score in the latest crash test ratings. The Mini Cooper is definitely a worthy model if you want an attractive and fuel efficient compact car that does not sell short on passenger safety.
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