When you are shopping for a car, you want one that is reliable and safe. Crash test results by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provide valuable data. These tests can show you which models are the best when it comes to protecting your family in a crash.
So, which cars are best for protecting occupants in crash tests? Let’s look at the numbers and help you decide which one is the right option for your family.
What You Need to Know About Crash Test Ratings
These ratings measure a vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in different types of collisions. There are two organizations that provide these ratings: IIHS and NHTSA.
The IIHS rates vehicles in these crashworthiness categories:
- Small overlap front
- Moderate overlap front
- Side
- Headlights
- Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle
- Front crash prevention: pedestrian
- Seat belt reminders
- Latch
Every vehicle receives one of four ratings: Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor.
On the other hand, NHTSA uses a five-star system to rate vehicles. These tests focus on frontal, side, and rollover tests. The overall star rating is an average of the three categories. Cars with five stars have the highest level of safety.
Top Performing Car Brands and Models
Over the years, certain brands and models have consistently ranked highly in crash tests. These vehicles have advanced safety features and engineering innovations designed to absorb and deflect impact forces. Some of these top performers include:
- Honda Accord: The Honda Accord has received top marks in IIHS crash tests, earning the 2024 Top Safety Pick+ designation. The vehicle scored “Good” in all crashworthiness categories, including both the driver and passenger-side small overlap tests. Some of its safety features include Honda Sensing technology, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking.
- Toyota Camry: The reliable Toyota Camry also performs at a high level in crash tests. It earned a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS for high marks across all impact scenarios. This vehicle’s safety features include pre-collision braking, lane departure alert, and pedestrian detection.
- Subaru Outback: The Subaru Outback scored well in IIHS and NHTSA testing, with a five-star rating and Top Safety Pick+ designation. The EyeSight Driver Assist technology includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning to help in the event of a crash.
- Mazda CX-5: The Mazda CX-5 also received a five-star rating from NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS. The model scored high in frontal and side impacts. The CX-5 has a strong safety suite that includes blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
- Volvo XC90: Volvo has long been synonymous with safety, and the XC90 is no exception. This luxury SUV earned the Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA. Volvo’s safety features include Pilot Assist and City Safety.
- Tesla Model 3: Tesla’s Model 3 sedan earned high marks in both IIHS and NHTSA tests, with a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ designation. The Model 3 has a low center of gravity and a reinforced passenger compartment, which can help in rollover and side-impact crashes.
Which Safety Features Can Assist with Crash Protection?
Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced safety technologies that can reduce the severity of injuries in crashes. Some key features found in top-rated vehicles include:
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): AEB systems use sensors to detect an imminent collision. If it senses a potential crash, it will automatically apply brakes if the driver doesn’t respond in time. This feature is available in most vehicles with high safety ratings, such as the Honda Accord, Subaru Outback, and Mazda CX-5.
- Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Departure Warning: These technologies help prevent lane drift by steering the vehicle back into its lane or alerting the driver. Cars like the Toyota Camry and Volvo XC90 feature this technology. These features can reduce the risk of head-on and side-swipe collisions.
- Blind-Spot Monitoring: This system alerts drivers to vehicles in their blind spots, and it can reduce the chance of side-impact collisions. Models like the Mazda CX-5 and Tesla Model 3 are equipped with this technology.
No one wants to be involved in a crash. But when the unthinkable happens, you want to be assured that your vehicle has the safety features to protect you and your passengers. These top-rated models are some of the best on the market.
And if you have ever been involved in a crash, know that legal help is available for you. At Bianca | Matkins, we are ready to assist with the claims and settlement process. Our legal team is ready to discuss your legal options.
