Developing technology in the automotive field has grown significantly. Aside from self-driving and electric power, cars are becoming safer by the day. They undergo rigorous scrutiny regarding aerodynamics, their ability to withstand crashes, and build quality, all in an effort to ensure driver and passenger safety.
The following are some of the best models on the market (according to safety ratings from the National Highway Transport and Safety Agency), incorporating the latest cutting-edge safety technology.
Acura Integra
The recently reintroduced Acura Integra stands out as one of the leading contenders within the compact luxury segment. The standard model has a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged VTEC engine capable of producing 200 horsepower. Safety-wise, it achieves a five-star NHTSA rating on frontal, side, and rollover incidence potential. Its comprehensive safety packages play a significant role in its safety ratings. These included advanced airbags, vehicle stability assist with traction control, anti-lock braking, tire pressure monitoring, a multiview rear camera, and collision mitigation braking.
Subaru Legacy
Subaru is known for blending performance and excellent driving dynamics, with recent models featuring improved safety. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), current-generation models are top-of-the-line in terms of safety. Ninety-four percent of current Legacy models sold within the previous decade are still in operation. Considering all Legacy models come with EyeSight suite’s driver assistance features, they’re a great choice. Main safety features include standard lane departure warning, automated emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control with lane centering.
Lexus ES
The Lexus ES is an excellent luxury sedan that combines a smooth ride, a comfortable interior, and safety packages. Safety is a critical priority in the ES, which is equipped with various advanced packages to assist in risk mitigation. Lexus’ Safety System+2.5 integrates several attributes, including pre-collision systems, pedestrian detection, lane departure alerts, lane tracing, and road sign assist. It also incorporates a CoDrive system, entailing adaptive cruise control and lane-centering functions.
Genesis G80
The award-winning G80 was made with safety in mind. Its packages consistently monitor driving information in real-time to prevent incidents. One package, the Safe Exit Assist, utilizes radar to detect vehicles approaching from blind spots and initiates child locks on rear doors to ensure safety. Blind spot collision avoidance assist sets differential braking when there is a risk of collision. Rear cross-traffic collision and forward collision avoidance systems also give relevant warnings regarding obstacles.
Honda Accord
The 2024 Accord provides cutting-edge infotainment technology, stylish modern design, and safety packages. Honda equipped the 2024 model with a suite of driver assistance technologies bundled into the Honda Sensing package. These include collision mitigation braking, driver attention monitoring, road departure mitigation systems, low-speed brake functions, and forward collision warnings. The Accord also has an advanced airbag system, rear seat reminders, and stability assistance.
Toyota Prius
Initially designed for fuel efficiency, the Prius also provides some of the best safety on the market. These include a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. It warns drivers when vehicles in the next lane enter blind spots or when vehicles approach during reverse maneuvers. Safe Exit Alerts are part of the package as well, with Radar sensors helping detect vehicles or approaching objects from the rear. The Prius also includes standard safety systems like advanced airbags, steering assist, and dynamic radar cruise control.
Mazda CX-50
Launched in 2022, the Mazda CX-50 is an excellent crossover with impressive handling capabilities; it feels like a front-wheel-drive BMW. Aside from performance and style, it also excels in the safety department. One key feature is its i-Activsense safety suite, which provides driver assistance packages that include blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, and smart brake support. The model is also available with Mazda’s Radar Cruise Control with Traffic Sign Recognition for better situational awareness. These work together to make highway driving much safer.
Volvo S90
The S90 combines upscale and stylish luxury with significant technology. Considering Volvo excels in safety, it is not hard to see why this model is on this list. One key safety feature is its Intelligent Driver Information System (Available with Plus and Ultra models), which utilizes two cameras to detect when the driver is distracted or sleepy. Collision avoidance, lane-keeping assistance, runoff mitigation, cross-traffic alert, and blind spot tracking are also available to help reduce collisions. Connected safety is also available to combat slippery road conditions.
Lexus RC
The RC is one of the most imposing four-seat coupes on the market, considering its racy shape and plush interior. That said, the Lexus RC also has awesome safety features like a standard pre-collision system that automatically applies brakes when it senses an impending collision and a standard full-speed dynamic cruise control system that maintains a preset distance between your car and the car ahead of you.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety notes good ratings across several tests. A primary safety feature is automatic high beams. At night, it uses windscreen-mounted cameras to switch to low beams when the lights of oncoming or preceding vehicles are detected. Dynamic radar cruise control also utilizes millimeter wave radar sensors to detect cars while maintaining appropriate distance. The RC also features standard safety tools, including blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, advanced airbags, and roadside assist.
Tesla Model 3
The Model 3 is one of the best-selling units in Tesla’s arsenal, so it makes sense that it has one of the best safety and driver assistance packages. Though the autopilot is still in development, its driver assist system facilitates smooth operation and has impressive capabilities like automatic lane changing. Its lane assistance tool monitors lane markers for vehicles and obstacles. Aside from collision avoidance packages, the Model 3 includes speed assist, allowing drivers to customize speeding alerts.
Subaru Ascent
The Ascent is a safe and practical SUV. It was introduced for families looking for ample interior room and cargo space. It is packed with high-tech functionality and safety packages. These include Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology—an all-seeing tool. Blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic also prevent inadvertent collisions with hard-to-spot vehicles. Ascent models include comprehensive airbag systems, rear vision cameras, and symmetric all-wheel drive.
Nissan Leaf
The Leaf initially laid the foundation for electric vehicles on the market; it also includes excellent safety features. Current Leaf models are equipped with driver-assistive safety technologies, most of which are standard features like the Nissan Safety Shield, which includes automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alerts, rear automatic braking, high beam assist, and blind spot warning. Premium safety systems specific to the SV Plus trim are ProPILOT Assist, Intelligent Driver Alertness, and Intelligent Around View Monitoring.
Final Thoughts
Safety features are crucial. Although reinforced manufacturing increases passenger safety in the event of a crash, packages that monitor and correct driving are more preventative.
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Mark Muhoro is a car enthusiast and writer who loves everything about automobiles. With over 11 years of experience in the automotive industry, Mark has become an expert in how cars work and what makes them special. He writes clear and interesting articles about cars for magazines and websites, making valuable contributions to renowned platforms like Vroom Magazine, Internet Brands, and Contentmotive.
