The results are in! We’ve curated a list of the top 10 safest cars based on the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Picks and the U.S. News Safety scores. Vehicles rated high on these lists are specifically designed to prevent collision and protect you and your passengers in an accident. They also include several modern safety systems that autonomously help prevent or mitigate car crashes by providing warnings and automatic braking features. If you’re shopping for a new car, consider purchasing one of these safe vehicles. They’ll ensure you feel secure and protected on the road. Keep in mind that while these safety features may earn you some insurance discounts, they still add to the overall value of your car. They also make repairs more expensive and may increase your Auto Insurance. Either way, they don’t call them the safest cars for nothing. Learn why below.
Top 10 Safest Cars of 2018
1. Subaru Impreza
Subaru is well-known for being a safe brand. Most of their vehicles come with all-wheel drive for better road traction and a boxer engine for better overall stability. Newer models can now also be upgraded to the Subaru EyeSight system. This system includes all the latest safety features like blind-spot monitoring, automatic pre-collision and automatic reverse braking, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, steering-responsive headlights and automatic high beams. The Subaru Impreza also has a superior rating from the IIHS for front-crash prevention. In the Impreza, you can be certain that you and your passengers are protected from all sides in an accident.
2. Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback has the same driving and safety features as the Impreza, as well as similar high ratings from the IIHS. That means it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a car with more room, especially in the trunk. You can also upgrade to the Subaru EyeSight system on this vehicle. What does the upgrade do? It provides additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure warning. Great for off-roading and maneuvering through cold-weather conditions, the Subaru Outback is not only one the safest cars, but it also has all of the necessary safety features for every driving adventure.
3. Toyota Camry
A top IIHS safety pick, the Toyota Camry is pretty much the perfect family sedan. Known for its crash-safety, the Camry comes with 10 airbags, LATCH options for child safety seats and 3-point seat belts. It also comes equipped with Toyota’s Star Safety system. This includes electronic brake-force distribution, stability control, brake assist, anti-lock brakes and Smart Stop Technology. Everyone in this vehicle will be as secure as possible if there ever are any driving mishaps.
4. BMW 5 Series
If you’re looking for more of a luxury vehicle, the BMW 5 series has many options that are highly ranked for safety. All of the BMW 5 series vehicles that underwent crash testing earned an almost perfect U.S. News Safety score. They only missed the mark because of the child-seat anchor being slightly more difficult to use than others. The BMW 5 series offers essentially all the typical safety features on the market, plus extras like parallel parking assist, night vision, side-collision prevention and speed-limit detection. You can drive one of the safest cars, ride in style and feel secure in the BMW 5 series vehicles.
5. Volvo XC60
Volvo is well-known for offering the safest cars, especially in collision protection and passenger safety. The brand is also currently promoting its “Vision 2020: Aiming at Zero†campaign. The campaign assures that there will be no serious injuries or fatalities in any Volvo vehicle beyond 2020. The Volvo XC60 comes with a multitude of available safety features, including City Safety, Park Assist Pilot and Steer Assist. The City Safety feature scans for pedestrians and vehicles to avoid collision and to brake if necessary. Park Assist Pilot will park the car for you. Steer Assist works with the oncoming lane sensors and blind-spot information systems to prevent collisions. Driver alert control, hill descent control, lane keeping aid and run off road mitigation all come standard on the XC60, too. It’s easy to see why the XC60 is considered one of the safest cars out there.
6. Lexus RC
Ranking high on the IIHS list and scoring a 10 out of 10 on the U.S. News Safety test, the Lexus RC is compact, luxurious and secure. Its standard safety features include brake assist, electronic stability control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist and cross-traffic alert. On most models, you can also add pedestrian detection, front and rear parking sensors and a driver drowsiness monitor to make it the safest luxury coupe on the road.
7. Acura RLX
Acura is another leader in safety technology. The Acura RLX comes standard with the AcuraWatch package. The package includes safety features like forward collision warning, road departure mitigation, active lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control. You can also add automatic emergency braking, a 360-degree camera and parking sensors to make it the ultimate safety sedan. If you’re looking for both safety and luxury, this is the perfect car for you.
8. Honda Ridgeline
Some pickup trucks also come with all the same safety bells and whistles as sedans and SUVs. The Honda Ridgeline gets high ratings from the IIHS, and its safety features will help keep you secure even without any add-ons. Collision warning, avoidance systems, adaptive cruise control and LaneWatch come standard in the Ridgeline. Do you plan on taking your truck off-roading or through wintry conditions? Then you can also include four-wheel drive for additional stability and security on the Ridgeline.
9. Audi A3
The Audi A3 offers some of the most up-to-date safety technology available today, including the Audi Pre-Sense Basic and Audi Pre-Sense Front. The Pre-Sense Basic prepares the vehicle for collision by closing the windows and sunroof, turning on the hazard lights and tightening the seat belts. The Pre-Sense Front enables front-collision warning and brake assist. The Audi A3 standard also comes with a rearview camera and rain-sensing headlights and wipers. For extra safety, add on blind spot monitoring, a driver drowsiness monitor, a night vision camera and adaptive cruise control. With a few add-ons, you can definitely make this Audi one of the safest cars around.
10. Mazda CX-3
If you’re looking for something with a bit more space, the Mazda CX-3 is a highly rated compact SUV with an excellent combination of both athletic performance and great safety scores. Most Mazda models now come with a rearview camera and Smart City Brake Support, which is low-speed automatic emergency braking for collision prevention. There are also additional safety features available like blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition and rear cross traffic alert.
Car Insurance
While these cars are specifically designed to help you prevent accidents, you’ll want the best Auto Insurance coverage in case something does happen to you on the road. Call an Insurance Specialist at (855) 919-4247 to make sure you have the best Car Insurance policy at the best price. It’s the only way to ensure you have the best protection in any accident.
This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms, and coverage in a given policy may be different from those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.
