Safety should be a top priority when choosing a new car. While no vehicle can guarantee accident prevention, modern advancements in occupant protection and crash avoidance technology are making cars safer than ever. Certain models stand out by earning top honors in the most rigorous crash tests and offering the latest high-tech safety features. Read on to see What Car Has the Safest Rating?
Highest-Rated by the IIHS: Genesis G90 Sedan
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts the most rigorous crash tests that simulate the forces involved in real-world collisions. The Genesis G90 large luxury sedan earned the top “Top Safety Pick +” award in 2022 testing for its stellar performance.
Key reasons for its high marks:
- Top “Good” rating in 6 IIHS crash tests
- Effective crash prevention when equipped with front crash prevention features
- Available headlight systems that earn a “Good” rating
- Standard vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian automatic emergency braking
The G90 sets the bar for occupant protection across frontal, side and rollover crashes. Its advanced safety systems help avoid collisions. These all features make it the the car with safest ratings.
Top Pick by Consumer Reports: Mazda CX-5
Consumer Reports conducts expansive testing and incorporates real owner feedback in its comprehensive auto ratings. For 2022, the midsize Mazda CX-5 SUV emerged as its top safety choice based on performance and reliability data.
Winning metrics of the CX-5:
- Excellent crash test results in NHTSA and IIHS evaluations
- Standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
- Available blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert
- Very good owner satisfaction with predicted reliability
Owners report feeling safer on the road while driving or riding in the CX-5. This well-rounded package makes it Consumer Reports’ safety leader.
Safest according to NHTSA:2022 Subaru Outback
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is responsible for setting and enforcing vehicle safety standards in the United States. The 2022 Subaru Outback wagon earned the agency’s highest possible 5-star overall safety rating.
Reasons for the 5-star Outback rating:
- 5-star ratings in frontal, side, and rollover crash tests
- High marks for front crash prevention when equipped with EyeSight system
- Standard rearview camera, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control
Subaru’s proven reputation for safety continues with the Outback’s high ratings for protecting occupants and helping avoid crashes.
Safest Full-Size SUV: Cadillac Escalade
Large SUVs must safely manage their mass during crashes along with protecting many passengers. Cadillac’s newest 2021 Escalade flagship nearly aces this test while also packing innovative tech:
- 5-star NHTSA overall crash rating
- Available Super Cruise allows hands-free highway driving
- Rear camera mirror and surround view cameras for visibility
- Optional air suspension adapts to conditions for stability
With ample safety features surrounding drivers and passengers, the Escalade sets the benchmark for full-size luxury SUV protection.
Safest Midsize SUV: Mazda CX-9
The Mazda CX-9 midsize SUV shines for providing a wide array of active safety features plus excellent crashworthiness.
Highlights include:
- 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating
- Standard lane departure warning and forward collision warning
- Available blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert
- i-Activ all-wheel drive enhances control in poor conditions
The CX-9 demonstrates that family haulers don’t have to skimp on safety. It keeps occupants of all sizes protected.
Safest Minivan: Chrysler Pacifica
Keeping passengers safe is the minivan’s primary function. The Chrysler Pacifica delivers on this promise with active safety features and superb crash protection:
- 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating
- Standard forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
- Available all-wheel drive for stability
- Standard blind spot and rear cross traffic detection
- Available parallel and perpendicular parking assist
The Pacifica’s combination of crashworthiness and advanced driver aids make it today’s leader in minivan safety.
Leading Auto Safety Innovations
Top-rated vehicles offer more than just good crash test performance. Many now incorporate leading-edge tech to help avoid crashes in the first place:
Collision Avoidance Systems
Features like automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and adaptive cruise control warn drivers of imminent hazards and can automatically brake or steer to prevent collisions. These are among the most significant recent advances.
Lane Keeping Assistance
Cameras and sensors track lane markings and keep the vehicle centered within its lane. Some systems provide steering corrections or warning alerts if drifting is detected. This helps avoid road departures and sideswipe crashes.
Traffic Jam Assist
Complex systems like Cadillac’s Super Cruise allow hands-free driving in highway conditions by automatically following the vehicle ahead and staying in the lane. This automates stop-and-go traffic jams where fatigue often occurs.
Night Vision Technology
Infrared cameras used by high-end brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW detect pedestrians and animals in full darkness out of standard headlight range. They provide crucial extra reaction time at night.
Safety Criteria to Prioritize When Buying a Car
Beyond the vehicle models mentioned, keep these key criteria in mind when shopping for a new or used car:
- Stellar crash test ratings – Look for 5 star overall NHTSA ratings and Top Safety Pick awards from IIHS testing wherever available. High marks in frontal, side, rear and rollover tests indicate strong occupant protection.
- Collision avoidance technology – Prioritize vehicles offering standard or available forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring and similar advanced safety systems tailored to your budget.
- Current model year – While used vehicles can offer safety, newer models incorporate the latest engineering improvements in both crashworthiness and technology.
- Family-friendly features – If transporting kids, seek large vehicle size; high rear seat LATCH anchors, tether anchors and back seat space; and available amenities like parallel park assist.
- Reliable brand reputation – Look at safety recall histories along with owner satisfaction rankings from CR to identify brands with proven durability.
While every vehicle offers a unique mix of safety attributes, focusing on these criteria stacks the odds in your favor of finding a vehicle that protects and avoids crashes. Test driving, thorough research and talking to brand owners provides further insights. Prioritizing safety takes time, but avoiding just one accident makes it all worthwhile.
Conclusion
The latest vehicles are engineered with more occupant protection and crash avoidance capabilities than ever. Top safety choices like the Genesis G90, Subaru Outback, Mazda CX-5 and Chrysler Pacifica earn high marks from the IIHS and NHTSA due to their combination of excellent crashworthiness and advanced driver assistance features. As vehicles continue to evolve, new innovations in collision avoidance systems and active safety technology are joining proven structural designs and restraint systems to provide comprehensive protection. Keep crash worthiness ratings, active safety features and proven brand reliability at the top of your checklist when shopping for your next new or used vehicle to maximize safety for yourself and passengers.