Road safety has significantly improved due to innovative vehicles prioritizing protection and technology over speed. This article explores 22 vehicles that ensured passenger safety and influenced how automakers approached safety features. From introducing pioneering seatbelts to developing advanced autonomous systems, these vehicles redefined safety standards. Their legacies continue to inspire modern safety innovations globally.
Volvo PV544 (1959)
The Volvo PV544, launched in 1959 and designed by Jan Wilsgaard, was the first car to feature three-point seat belts as standard. Powered by a 1.8L four-cylinder engine, it delivered modest performance, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 17 seconds. The interior was simple but comfortable, with sturdy seats and precise instrumentation. This car’s focus on passenger restraint systems laid the foundation for modern seat belt designs.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (1978)
The 1978 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, styled by Bruno Sacco, was first unveiled with the revolutionary ABS. This car packed a 4.5L V8 and delivered safety and comfort, hitting 0 to 60 mph in 9.6 seconds. The leather seats feature an advanced climate control system for utmost comfort. ABS, an innovative system at its introduction, raised the global benchmark in braking systems.
Saab 99 (1972)
The Saab 99, designed by Sixten Sason and introduced in 1972, had a 2.0L four-cylinder engine. Its 0 to 60 mph time of 12 seconds was not spectacular, but its front crumple zones, safety cage, and side-impact door beams were revolutionary. The interior featured ergonomic seats and thoughtful controls, showing that Saab was dedicated to safety and comfort, setting a new benchmark for passenger protection.
Honda Accord (1986)
The 1986 Honda Accord, a Shoji Takahashi design, introduced side-impact protection beams to a mass-market auto. Mated with its 2.0L inline-four engine, 0 to 60 mph could be reached in 10.1 seconds. By the time of its first generation, interiors were well-appointed and roomy, and instrumentation was comprehensive and good for its generation. Those side beams gave crash safety standards a sizeable upgrade.
Subaru Legacy, 1995
The Subaru Legacy was introduced in 1995 by Mamoru Ishii. It featured all-wheel drive as a standard feature for stability and traction in bad weather. The 2.2L flat-four engine allowed it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 9.7 seconds. Inside, it had a functional layout, comfortable seats, a well-placed dashboard, and enough legroom. It stood out among its competitors due to its commitment to safer driving dynamics.
Audi A8 (1997)
The Audi A8, introduced in 1997 by Peter Schreyer, was revolutionary in that it used its aluminum frame, known as the “Audi Space Frame,” to increase protection in the event of a crash without adding mass. This 4.2L V8 motor propelled it from 0 to 60 mph at 6.8 seconds. It had leather chairs, wood trim, and sophisticated controls inside. The innovative use of less weighty yet stronger production would become the future way of producing safer automobiles:
Toyota Prius (1997)
Launched in 1997 and designed by Takeshi Uchiyamada, the Toyota Prius did not only revolutionize fuel efficiency but also incorporated features such as regenerative braking that ensured much safer stopping distances. It had a 1.5L hybrid engine and could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph within 10.5 seconds. The interior was built on simplicity with a digital dashboard and supportive seating. The Prius also promoted early eco-friendly driving without compromising safety.
Volvo XC90 (2002)
The Volvo XC90, styled by Peter Horbury, was released in 2002. It included rollover stability control, a lifesaver for SUVs. The 2.5L turbocharged five-cylinder engine accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 8.9 seconds. The interior is luxurious yet practical, with leather upholstery, space inside the cabin, and intuitive controls. This SUV changed all safety expectations from large vehicles.
BMW 7 Series 2001
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ntroduced in 2001 by designer Chris Bangle, the BMW 7 Series pioneered the night vision facility that facilitates clear visibility at night. It came with a 4.4L V8 engine that accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. Its interior features luxurious materials, plush seating, and the advanced technology named iDrive. The development of night vision technology reflects a significant leap towards preventive safety measures.
Tesla Model S, 2012
The Tesla Model S, penned by Franz von Holzhausen and launched in 2012, had one of the highest safety ratings in automotive history. Its electric powertrain allowed a 0 to 60 mph time of as low as 2.3 seconds in Performance trim. The minimalist inside featured a massive touchscreen screen and premium materials. Models S redefined the safety of electric vehicles with features that included Autopilot.
Ford Explorer (2011)
The 2011 Ford Explorer, which Moray Callum styled, brought inflatable rear seatbelts to the market to increase protection during a collision. With a 3.5L V6 engine, it took a mere 8.4 seconds to reach 0 to 60 mph. The interior included three rows of seating, advanced infotainment, and the use of hardy materials.
Chevrolet Volt (2011)
The Chevrolet Volt, introduced in 2011 and styled by Bob Boniface, included an electric motor with a range-extending 1.4L gas engine. It went from 0 to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds. Inside were futuristic controls, a digital instrument cluster, and room for four passengers. It was one of the advanced safety systems in the developing electric vehicle market, from a reinforced battery structure to collision alerts.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (2016)
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, styled by Gorden Wagener, featured semi-autonomous driving technology, including lane-keeping assist and collision avoidance. Powered by a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four engine, it went 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. The opulent interior featured ambient lighting, heated leather seats, and dual digital displays. This vehicle was one of the most significant leaps toward fully autonomous safety systems.
Subaru Outback (2015)
The 2015 Subaru Outback, designed under Mamoru Ishii, featured EyeSight Driver Assist technology, which included adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking. Its 2.5L four-cylinder engine allowed a 0 to 60 mph time of 9.4 seconds. Inside, the Outback provided a rugged, comfortable cabin with soft-touch materials and ample cargo space. This model cemented Subaru’s reputation for reliable, safety-focused vehicles.
Volvo S90 (2017)
The Volvo S90 was the first to offer large animal detection using its advanced collision avoidance system. Its 2.0L turbocharged and supercharged engine improved 0 to 60 mph performance within 6.8 seconds. The S90 also has a Scandinavian-inspired interior design, leather seats, wood trims, and a minimalist touchscreen interface. The S90 further bolstered Volvo’s long-stated commitment to road safety.
Honda CR-V (2017)
The 2017 re-modeled Honda CR-V was Atsushi Arisaka’s version with a suite of safety features, including collision mitigation and lane departure warning under Honda Sensing. A 1.5L turbocharged engine meant this could hit 0 to 60 mph in a little over 7.5 seconds. The CR-V offered an intuitive, family-friendly interior, premium materials, lots of storage space, and a sound infotainment system, which became the safety-conscious favorite of many families.
Toyota Camry (2018)
The 2018 Toyota Camry, designed by Ian Cartabiano, had features such as Toyota Safety Sense, which included pedestrian detection and automatic high beams. It was powered by a 2.5L four-cylinder engine, which helped it reach 0 to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds. The interior boasts a smooth dashboard, comfortable seats, and excellent connectivity options. This iteration of the Camry solidified its reputation as a safe and reliable sedan.
Nissan Rogue (2019)
The 2019 Nissan Rogue, penned by Naoki Nakada, was equipped with ProPILOT Assist, which brought together adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. A 2.5L four-cylinder engine powered it from 0 to 60 mph in 8.9 seconds. Inside, the Rogue had a roomy cabin with zero-gravity seats, premium finishes, and easy-to-use controls. Advanced safety tech set it apart in the compact SUV segment.
Hyundai Kona (2018)
The Hyundai Kona, a 2018 model by Luc Donckerwolke, came with plenty of safety features: forward collision warning and driver attention monitoring. Its 1.6L turbocharged engine reached 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds. It has a great-looking interior with comfortable seats and user-friendly infotainment. Safety innovations for the Kona made it one of the popular vehicles for urban drivers.
Ford F-150 (2021)
The 2021 Ford F-150, by Ehab Kaoud, was the first vehicle to feature Active Drive Assist, which enabled hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways. Its 3.5L turbocharged V6 engine gave it a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.9 seconds. Inside, it featured a spacious, tech-forward cabin with fold-flat work surfaces and reclining seats. The integration of cutting-edge safety tech elevated the F-150 beyond its utility roots.
Tesla Model 3 (2017)
Introduced in 2017 and styled by Franz von Holzhausen, the Tesla Model 3 brought advanced driver assistance systems like Autopilot to a broader market. The dual-motor electric powertrain boasted a 0 to 60 mph time as short as 3.1 seconds. The minimalist interior focused on functionality, as nearly everything was controlled from a single touchscreen. In the Model 3, electric vehicles showed they could be leaders in efficiency and safety.
Kia Telluride (2020)
The Kia Telluride, designed by Tom Kearns and launched in 2020, became the benchmark for midsize SUVs with safety features like Safe Exit Assist and Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance. Powered by a 3.8L V6 engine, it took 7.2 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph. Inside, it featured luxurious, family-oriented design, premium materials, three rows of seating, and cutting-edge tech. The Telluride quickly earned accolades for its comprehensive safety package.
18 Budget-Friendly Electric Cars That Last Longer Than Their Loans — Economical Electrics
Electric vehicles are no longer a luxury for the elite—they’re a smart investment for the everyday driver. With manufacturers stepping up to the plate, affordable EVs now deliver on reliability, range, and modern comforts. Here’s a look at 18 economical electric cars engineered to outlast their payment plans.
18 Budget-Friendly Electric Cars That Last Longer Than Their Loans — Economical Electrics
