When it comes to buying a car, safety is non-negotiable. In the automotive world, a select group of vehicles stands tall as the true “Guardians of the Road,” boasting stellar safety records that make them the superheroes of asphalt. Here are 22 vehicles that are absolute overachievers in the safety department.
Volvo XC90
When Volvo talks about safety, the XC90 is the thesis paper. This luxury SUV doesn’t just pass crash tests; it aces them with honors. Awarded a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the XC90 excels in crashworthiness. Also, featuring City Safety Collision Avoidance, which can detect pedestrians, cyclists, and even large animals, the XC90 is like having a co-pilot with eagle eyes and nerves of steel.
Subaru Outback
The Outback is the automotive equivalent of the overprepared friend who packs an extra tent for camping “just in case.” Its standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking, significantly reduces accident risk, with Subaru reporting a 40% reduction in rear-end crashes. Further, the vehicle’s high-strength steel body construction adds durability, ensuring excellent protection in collisions, making it one of the safest wagons on the planet.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry has long been the poster child for reliability, but its safety features take it to another level. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite offers lane departure alerts, automatic high beams, and a system that practically screams, “Don’t text and drive!” Structural integrity is another strength, with Toyota’s TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform enhancing crash energy absorption. From innovative tech to robust design, the Camry ensures drivers stay confident and secure, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.
Honda CR-V
Compact but mighty, the Honda CR-V is packed with Honda Sensing technologies, including road departure mitigation. Equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety features, it includes Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). These systems work together to prevent collisions, maintain lane discipline, and ensure safe distances from other vehicles.
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 doesn’t just promise a futuristic ride; it delivers cutting-edge safety. Earning a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA in every category, it also holds the title of the lowest probability of injury ever tested by the agency. This is mainly due to its low center of gravity, thanks to its underfloor battery pack, which minimizes rollover risks—a common issue in many vehicles. The Model 3 is the safest electric chariot in the kingdom.
Hyundai Palisade
Think of the Palisade as the big, friendly bodyguard of the SUV world. Its Ultrasonic Rear Occupant Alert is a lifesaver, reminding drivers to check the back seats for children or pets. Also, complementing its safety credentials is a luxurious interior with three-row seating, making it a popular choice for families. Plus, Hyundai backs the Palisade with an industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, ensuring peace of mind for years.
Audi Q8
Luxury meets peace of mind in the Audi Q8. Built on Volkswagen Group’s MLB Evo platform, the Q8 includes a robust body structure with high-strength steel and aluminum, ensuring superior crash protection. Its Quattro all-wheel-drive system enhances stability in various driving conditions, while features like traffic jam assist in making urban commutes stress-free.
Subaru Forester
Another Subaru makes the cut! The Forester is like the sibling who always carries a first aid kit. According to Subaru, its EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which is standard on most trims, features pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure prevention, reducing rear-end crashes by up to 85%. Another standout is the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, which uses facial recognition to detect driver fatigue or inattention.
Ford Bronco Sport
The Bronco Sport isn’t just rugged—it’s also smart. It is built on Ford’s C2 platform and offers impressive off-road abilities, including G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) modes for optimized traction in varying conditions. And equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of driver-assistance features, the Bronco Sport includes Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Lane-Keeping System, and Rear View Camera.
BMW X5
Safety meets luxury in the BMW X5. The X5’s crash-test performance is stellar, excelling in frontal, side, and rollover tests, thanks to its strong body structure and high-strength steel. Furthermore, its surround-view camera system provides an extra layer of awareness, helping drivers navigate tight spaces. These attributes, combined with adaptive cruise control and parking sensors, ensure that the X5 is not just luxurious but also one of the safest vehicles on the road today.
Mazda CX-5
Mazda’s CX-5 offers more than zippy handling and great looks. Its i-Activsense Safety Technology keeps an eye on your surroundings like a hawk, warning you about hazards before they become a problem. Additionally, the vehicle offers Blind-Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, providing extra reassurance when changing lanes or reversing. With active safety features, solid crash test performance, and a user-friendly design, the Mazda CX-5 is a top choice for safety-conscious drivers.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord might not make your heart race with its design, but its safety features will certainly put your mind at ease. Known for its spacious interior, efficient fuel economy, and overall durability, the Accord has earned a reputation as one of the top midsize sedans. It boasts impressive Honda Sensing safety features, including Collision Mitigation Brakes, Lane-Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
Kia Telluride
If the Telluride were a person, it’d be that friend who always looks both ways at an intersection—even if it’s a one-way street. Lane Keeping Assist? That’s your virtual slap on the wrist if you start drifting off course. Blind-Spot Monitoring? It’s like having an all-seeing sidekick who never blinks. And don’t forget Smart Cruise Control, which keeps a safe distance between you and the car ahead like it’s guarding a secret. Not to mention, the Telluride also earned top crash-test ratings.
Toyota Highlander
The Highlander is your haven on wheels. The Highlander’s tech is top-notch, boasting touchscreens that are so intuitive they’ll make your phone jealous and driver-assist features that practically read your mind. It’s also as reliable as your grandma’s casserole – built to last through years of carpool chaos, camping trips, and questionable parking decisions. The Highlander is the ultimate road warrior, from its comfy seats to sleek styling.
Genesis GV80
The Genesis GV80 gained worldwide fame for keeping golfer Tiger Woods alive during a high-speed crash. Under the hood, it offers a choice of turbocharged engines, both eager to get you from 0 to “Wow, this is smooth!” in no time. Its road manners? Impeccable. It also glides over bumps like they owe it money. And don’t worry about safety—it’s practically a personal bodyguard, packed with features.
Chevrolet Tahoe
For those who love space and safety, the Chevrolet Tahoe has you covered. Lane Keep Assist nudges you back into your lane like a mom steering a shopping cart. And let’s not forget about Automatic Emergency Braking. Also, the Teen Driver mode is a digital chaperone that tracks your kids’ driving habits so you can lecture them with data. Oh, and with 360-degree cameras, you’ll see everything except the future.
Volkswagen ID.4
Electric and safe, the ID.4 combines sustainability with security. Lane Assist ensures you don’t wander into someone else’s lane like a lost puppy. And let’s not forget Adaptive Cruise Control—it’s like hiring a chauffeur obsessed with safe distances. The ID.4 even comes with IQ.DRIVE, a high-tech co-pilot that monitors blind spots, traffic jams, and more without ever complaining. And, if all else fails, the sturdy body design and airbags galore make it a fortress on wheels.
Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue SUV has safety features that make you feel like driving in a protective bubble. Its Safety Shield 360 suite includes six advanced features: automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. It can see everything you miss (including that sneaky cyclist).
Chrysler Pacifica
Who says minivans can’t be cool? The Pacifica not only has room for your entire family (and the dog). The 2024 model has earned high marks from safety bigwigs like the NHTSA and IIHS. The NHTSA gave it a perfect 5-star overall rating, meaning it’s as crash-resistant as a minivan can get without being wrapped in bubble wrap. The IIHS also awarded it the Top Safety Pick+ badge, the gold star of crash tests, thanks to its excellent crashworthiness and advanced crash prevention systems.
Lexus RX 350
Luxury with a safety net—literally. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) applauds the RX 350 with a “Top Safety Pick+” badge (if equipped with certain headlights), which is the automotive equivalent of a gold star from a strict teacher. Plus, the adaptive cruise control is so smooth that you might forget it’s there (but don’t). All in all, the RX 350 takes safety seriously.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Grand Cherokee is a master of versatility and safety. Crash tests have given it a thumbs-up, with the NHTSA bestowing it a solid 5-star rating for overall safety. Also, Jeep didn’t skimp on safety tech, either. Automatic Emergency Braking? Check. Blind Spot Monitoring? Oh, it’s watching! Adaptive Cruise Control? Your co-pilot. Taller SUVs like this may wobble in sharp maneuvers, but that’s physics, not personality. Also, airbags and sensors are your unseen squad if you’re off-roading. So, buckle up and cruise smart.
Ford F-150
Rounding off the list is America’s sweetheart, the Ford F-150. It passed with flying colors in frontal and side crash tests—imagine it shrugging off impacts like a superhero. Is it an optional crash prevention system? They call it “Superior.” Fancy tech-like automatic emergency braking is your truck saying, “Don’t worry, I’ve got this!” However, the headlights? They’re not exactly laser beams—they got “Marginal” in some trims. Who needs perfect headlights when your truck is built like a tank?
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
Reliability is a core feature that defines a vehicle. Over the last few decades, some vehicles have emerged as a reliable and durable option, standing out as workhorses that never quit. These vehicles not only prove themselves in terms of performance but transcend their role and become reliable partners, always fulfilling their role. Here are 12 Cars known for their unbreakable reliability.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
