Safest Cars of 2021
With so many motorists on today’s roadways, car accidents are bound to happen. In fact, research shows that more than 16,000 crashes occur each day. This is why it’s important to choose a secure vehicle. Nothing beats having an extra degree of protection. Some of today’s newest models are actually smart enough to help you avoid a collision. Let’s take a look at the safest cars of 2021.
Mazda 3
The Mazda3 is considered to be one of the most fun-to-drive compact cars on the market. It also ranks among the safest cars. Not only did the Mazda3 receive an NHTSA five-star overall safety rating, but it was also named an IIHS Top Safety Pick. Because the Mazda3 handles to well, even new drivers will feel confident while behind the wheel. Mazda’s standard G-Vectoring Plus Control system enhances stability when taking curves. Among the Mazda3’s list of standard safety technologies include automatic emergency braking, smart cruise control, and active lane control. Blind-spot monitoring is offered on the higher trim levels.
Toyota Camry
Over the years, the Toyota Camry has remained America’s top-selling family sedan. Many parents love the Camry’s outstanding impact protection. It was one of the few cars to score a perfect rating in every NHTSA crash-test category. For 2021, an upgraded Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ safety suite comes standard. Toyota’s pre-collision system is now able to detect pedestrians in low-light conditions. This system has also been updated with a new intersection support feature, which can detect an oncoming vehicle when you’re making a left-hand turn. Lane departure assistance and dynamic radar cruise control making it on the safest cars list.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Known for its upscale interior and stout performance, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a top-rated luxury sedan. Your family will greatly appreciate this car’s outstanding impact protection. It was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. While behind the wheel of the E-Class, drivers will enjoy excellent outward visibility. Mercedes-Benz did an excellent job of minimizing the sedan’s number of blind spots. Aside from standard automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, the E-Class also benefits from an exclusive Pre-Safe system. If another vehicle hits you from the rear, Pre-Safe will automatically activate your brakes to prevent a secondary collision.
Subaru Legacy
When shopping for a new midsize sedan, don’t overlook the Subaru Legacy. It holds a key advantage over the competition. Regardless of the season, Subaru’s standard AWD system ensures the best possible traction. This sedan also received superior crash scores, thus earning a five-star overall safety rating from the federal government. Standard automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist give you greater confidence. Drivers who often travel at night should opt for the Legacy’s Steering Responsive LED headlights. These headlights automatically swivel to provide better visibility on dark roads. Meanwhile, reverse automatic braking makes backing up a bit more secure making this one of 2021 safest cars.
Volkswagen Passat
While the Passat may not be quite as popular as some other cars in the class, it’s still a fine choice. Passenger safety is clearly a big emphasis for the new Passat. This European sedan received top marks in all six crash tests performed by the IIHS. Class-exclusive safety features makes the Passat an even more appealing family hauler. If your airbags are deployed during an accident, VW’s Intelligent Crash Response system will automatically activate your hazard lights and turn off the fuel pump. The Passat also boasts other standard driving aids that help prevent car accidents, such as blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla has always been a popular choice among budget-minded drivers. It’s arguably one of the safest cars you can buy in the $20,000-$25,000 price range. You’ll definitely appreciate the Corolla’s NHTSA five-star overall safety rating. Toyota has bolstered the 2021 model’s safety by adding new rear-seat side airbags. In the event that someone hits you from the side, your rear passengers will now have an extra barrier of protection. Even the lowest-priced Corolla comes standard with forward collision mitigation, dynamic radar cruise control, and lane departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring is found on the higher trim levels.
Nissan Maxima
The Nissan Maxima offers a lot of driving fun for a large sedan. It also excels in the safety department. When riding in the new Maxima, families will remain secure. When last tested by the NHTSA, this car earned a five-star overall safety rating. Nissan engineers the Maxima with some innovative features that improve road handling. By providing light braking pressure to the wheels when cornering, Intelligent Trace Control aids the Maxima’s maneuverability. Unlike its closest competitors, the Maxima receives rear automatic braking as standard equipment. Other standard safety gear includes forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and pedestrian detection.
Hyundai Veloster
The previous-generation Veloster wasn’t as safe as some people would like. Fortunately, the newest Veloster is extremely secure. According to the IIHS, this small hatchback provides superior front crash protection. You’ll also appreciate the Veloster’s low center of gravity, which helps promote very impressive handling. Although the Veloster is built to offer affordability, it doesn’t force buyers to miss out on today’s most popular safety features. Whether you’re driving home after a long day or taking an out-of-town road trip, Hyundai’s driver drowsiness monitoring system will make sure you don’t doze off while at the wheel. Forward collision mitigation, blind-spot mirrors, and lane-keep assist also come standard.
Audi A6
In the eyes of some automotive gurus, the Audi A6 is the safest car for children. Its child seat anchors receive a good rating. Parents will have one less thing to worry about. This midsize luxury sedan also earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Meanwhile, great safety features help drivers to avoid dangerous road hazards. Audi Pre Sense Front comes standard, which monitors the road for pedestrians and stopped vehicles. If needed, the system will automatically trigger the brakes. Available as an option, Audi’s night-vision system uses infrared technology to reveal unseen objects in your path.
Ford Escape
When shopping for a new small crossover, be sure to check out the Ford Escape. Top-notch crash scores enabled the Escape to receive an NHTSA five-star overall safety rating. Tests show the Escape’s standard automatic emergency braking system does a great job of anticipating a potential crash. Another asset is the Escape’s tall ride height, which enables drivers to obtain an excellent view of the road ahead. A head-up display is on the Escape’s list of options. By projecting your speed and other info onto the lower windshield, this feature helps drivers to avoid looking down.
Kia Telluride
There’s a lot to like about the new Kia Telluride. It’s bold exterior styling will appeal to a lot of people. However, this midsize SUV isn’t just a great-looking ride. Families can look forward to experiencing safe travels. In terms of overall impact protection, the Telluride receives five out of five stars from the NHTSA. Thoughtful accident-avoidance technologies, like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, come standard. To help prevent children and pets from being left behind in a hot vehicle, Kia equips the Telluride with a rear-seat reminder system. On the list of options is a blind-spot camera that displays real-time video of vehicles approaching from the rear.
Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX is known for being an exciting sports sedan. While the WRX does offer a lot of performance, safety is also a big emphasis. This exhilarating compact car receives the NHTSA’s highest overall safety rating. Subaru also offers the new WRX with helpful EyeSight safety technologies, including pre-collison braking and blind-spot monitoring. Unlike the typical sports car, the WRX comes standard with a full-time AWD system. When the weather turns bad, you’ll be thankful for the extra grip.
Lincoln Aviator
The Lincoln Aviator is a top-rated luxury SUV. You’ll love the Aviator’s excellent driving dynamics. It handles more like a sedan as opposed to a traditional truck-based SUV. This crossover also received a flawless rating in every NHTSA crash test. Among the Aviator’s list of standard safety features are blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. A cutting-edge Evasive Steering Assist system is optional. When a collision is imminent, Evasive Steering Assist will help you to safely maneuver around the obstacle. Drivers will also enjoy the lane centering assist, which further minimizes driving stress.
Mazda CX-30
The new Mazda CX-30 is a fine pick for anyone who’s looking for a compact crossover. Automotive reviewers applaud the CX-30 for its sporty handling. Like the previously mentioned Mazda3, it receives standard G-Vectoring Control Plus for enhanced stability. This vehicle also aced every single crash test. A staggering number of active safety features come standard. When traveling on crowded streets, Smart City Brake Support helps you to avoid fender benders. Pedestrian detection, smart cruise control, and lane-keep assist also come standard. Optional Traffic Jam Assist reduces driver fatigue by assisting with steering, braking, and acceleration on congested roadways.