When it comes to automobile safety, not all vehicles are created equal. With advancements in technology and stricter safety regulations, certain cars have risen to the top as the safest choices you can make. These vehicles not only excel in crash tests but also come equipped with state-of-the-art safety features to help prevent accidents and protect occupants should an incident occur. Here’s a look at the seven safest cars sold in the United States and how they shield you from personal injuries in the unfortunate event of a car accident.
1. Volvo XC90
Safety Features: The Volvo XC90 is renowned for its robust build and extensive safety features. It includes Volvo’s City Safety technology, which combines automatic braking functionality and collision avoidance systems to protect against common urban accidents. The vehicle also features Roll Stability Control to help prevent rollovers.
Crash Test Ratings: It has consistently received high marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including a Top Safety Pick+ rating.
How It Protects: The XC90’s structure and advanced airbag system provide superior protection in frontal, side, and rear crashes. Its energy-absorbing frontal structure helps minimize injury to occupants by reducing the impact force.
2. Subaru Outback
Safety Features: Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard on the Outback. This includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking.
Crash Test Ratings: It also boasts a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.
How It Protects: The Outback is designed with a reinforced safety cage that maintains integrity in a crash, while the symmetrical all-wheel drive provides excellent grip in all conditions, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
3. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Safety Features: This luxury car comes with Mercedes-Benz Pre-Safe Sound, which emits a short interference signal to prepare passengers’ ears for the loud noises of an accident, potentially reducing hearing damage. Additionally, it features a multitude of airbags, including window airbags for side impacts.
Crash Test Ratings: Received top scores in Euro NCAP and is highly praised for its occupant protection.
How It Protects: The E-Class’s high-strength steel and aluminum body structure enhance vehicle rigidity, providing excellent occupant protection in severe collisions.
4. Tesla Model 3
Safety Features: Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving capabilities can enhance safety through advanced driver-assist features, though they require active driver supervision. It also includes automatic emergency braking.
Crash Test Ratings: The Model 3 has achieved 5-star ratings in all categories from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
How It Protects: Its all-electric architecture allows for a low center of gravity, reducing the risk of rollovers. The rigid body structure also significantly reduces the impact of crashes on occupants.
5. Honda Insight
Safety Features: Features the Honda Sensing Suite, which includes road departure mitigation, collision mitigation braking system, and adaptive cruise control.
Crash Test Ratings: Another vehicle with a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.
How It Protects: The Insight’s advanced compatibility engineering (ACE) body structure helps distribute crash energy more evenly, which decreases the forces transferred to the passenger compartment and reduces injuries.
6. Toyota Camry
Safety Features: Includes ten airbags and Toyota’s Star Safety System, which features enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, and anti-lock braking system among other features.
Crash Test Ratings: Consistently earns high marks from IIHS and NHTSA.
How It Protects: The Camry’s strategic crumple zones help absorb and dissipate energy during a crash, thereby protecting cabin occupants from severe impacts.
7. Ford F-150
Safety Features: Ford’s flagship pickup truck features Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of safety features that includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot information system, and lane keeping assist.
Crash Test Ratings: The F-150 has a 5-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA.
How It Protects: The military-grade aluminum alloy body not only reduces weight but also enhances safety by allowing better energy absorption during impacts.
Choosing Safety
When purchasing a new vehicle, considering the safety features and crash test ratings is crucial. The safest cars incorporate comprehensive structural designs, advanced driver assistance systems, and high safety ratings, significantly enhancing protection during accidents. By selecting from vehicles like the Volvo XC90, Subaru Outback, and others listed, drivers and passengers can significantly lower their risk