Top 10 Safest Cars in the World
Table of Contents
When it comes to purchasing a vehicle, safety is one of the most important factors for many consumers. As technology advances, the safety features and crash test performance of cars have improved significantly, leading to a new generation of vehicles designed to protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 safest cars in the world, considering their crash test results, advanced safety technologies, and overall design that prioritizes driver and passenger safety.
1. Volvo XC90
Safety Features: Pilot Assist, City Safety, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)
Crash Test Ratings: Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS, 5-star NHTSA rating
Overview:
Volvo has long been known for its commitment to safety, and the XC90 is a perfect example of this. This luxury SUV is equipped with a suite of advanced safety features, including Pilot Assist (a semi-autonomous driving system), City Safety (which helps detect pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals), and a comprehensive Blind Spot Information System (BLIS). In crash tests, the XC90 has received top marks from both the IIHS and NHTSA, making it one of the safest vehicles on the market.
Key Safety Features:
- Pilot Assist for semi-autonomous driving
- City Safety collision avoidance system
- Multiple airbags and reinforced passenger compartment
- Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist
2. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Safety Features: Pre-Safe System, Active Brake Assist, Evasive Steering Assist
Crash Test Ratings: Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS, 5-star NHTSA rating
Overview:
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is not just a luxury sedan—it’s a benchmark for automotive safety. It comes standard with a comprehensive Pre-Safe System, which prepares the car and its occupants for an impending collision by adjusting the seat position, tightening seatbelts, and closing windows. The E-Class also features Active Brake Assist, which can autonomously apply the brakes to prevent a collision, and Evasive Steering Assist to help drivers avoid obstacles during emergency maneuvers.
Key Safety Features:
- Pre-Safe System for collision preparedness
- Active Brake Assist and Evasive Steering Assist
- Driver attention monitoring system
- Rearview camera and parking sensors for added awareness
3. Tesla Model 3
Safety Features: Autopilot, Side Collision Avoidance, Emergency Braking
Crash Test Ratings: Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS, 5-star NHTSA rating
Overview:
The Tesla Model 3 is not just a technological marvel for its electric powertrain but also one of the safest cars on the road. The Model 3’s safety features include Tesla’s Autopilot system, which offers semi-autonomous driving capabilities, and Side Collision Avoidance, which can detect and prevent potential side-impact collisions. In addition, the Model 3’s advanced emergency braking system helps prevent collisions by applying the brakes when a crash is imminent.
Key Safety Features:
- Autopilot with semi-autonomous driving
- Side Collision Avoidance and automatic emergency braking
- Over-the-air software updates to enhance safety features
- Strong crash test results with excellent structural integrity
4. Subaru Outback
Safety Features: EyeSight Driver Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Crash Test Ratings: Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS, 5-star NHTSA rating
Overview:
The Subaru Outback is a versatile crossover SUV that combines all-wheel-drive capability with top-notch safety features. Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist system includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking. The Outback also comes with Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a safe, reliable vehicle with excellent visibility and handling.
Key Safety Features:
- EyeSight Driver Assist system for enhanced safety
- Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- All-wheel drive for added stability
- High-strength steel construction for impact resistance
5. Audi A6
Safety Features: Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist, Pre-Sense Basic
Crash Test Ratings: Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS, 5-star NHTSA rating
Overview:
The Audi A6 luxury sedan excels in both performance and safety. Its Pre-Sense Basic system prepares the car for potential collisions by tightening seat belts and closing windows, while Adaptive Cruise Control helps maintain a safe distance from other vehicles on the highway. Additionally, the A6 features Lane Assist, which gently steers the car back into its lane if it begins to drift, and a comprehensive suite of airbags for added protection.
Key Safety Features:
- Pre-Sense Basic collision preparedness system
- Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist
- Park Assist and surround-view camera for maneuvering
- Comprehensive airbag system and advanced restraint technology
6. BMW 3 Series
Safety Features: Active Driving Assistant, Frontal Collision Warning, Blind Spot Detection
Crash Test Ratings: Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS, 5-star NHTSA rating
Overview:
The BMW 3 Series is a compact luxury sedan that offers both dynamic driving and robust safety features. The Active Driving Assistant system includes Frontal Collision Warning, which alerts the driver to a potential crash, and Blind Spot Detection, which provides a visual warning if another vehicle is in your blind spot. The 3 Series also features pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking to mitigate the risk of accidents.
Key Safety Features:
- Active Driving Assistant with collision warning and lane departure warning
- Pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking
- Blind Spot Detection and rearview camera
- Strong crashworthiness and structural integrity
7. Toyota Avalon
Safety Features: Toyota Safety Sense, Lane Departure Alert, Pre-Collision System
Crash Test Ratings: Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS, 5-star NHTSA rating
Overview:
The Toyota Avalon sedan is known for its high safety ratings and advanced features. Toyota Safety Sense, which includes Lane Departure Alert and Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, is standard on all Avalon models. The Avalon also offers adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, providing a comprehensive suite of safety features to keep both the driver and passengers safe on the road.
Key Safety Features:
- Toyota Safety Sense suite with Pre-Collision System
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Adaptive cruise control and safety assist technologies
8. Honda Accord
Safety Features: Honda Sensing, Lane Keeping Assist, Collision Mitigation Braking
Crash Test Ratings: Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS, 5-star NHTSA rating
Overview:
The Honda Accord has been a top choice for safety-conscious drivers for years. The Honda Sensing suite of safety technologies includes Lane Keeping Assist, Collision Mitigation Braking, and Road Departure Mitigation, which help the driver avoid accidents. The Accord also comes with adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and rearview cameras, making it one of the most well-rounded sedans in terms of safety.
Key Safety Features:
- Honda Sensing suite with collision mitigation and lane assist
- Adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition
- Multi-angle rearview camera for better visibility
- Strong structural integrity for crash protection
9. Ford F-150
Safety Features: Co-Pilot360, Pre-Collision Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control
Crash Test Ratings: Top Safety Pick by IIHS, 5-star NHTSA rating
Overview:
The Ford F-150 is one of the most popular trucks in the world, and it also excels in safety. Equipped with the Co-Pilot360 suite of features, the F-150 includes Pre-Collision Assist, Blind Spot Information System, and Lane-Keeping Assist. Its adaptive cruise control ensures that the vehicle maintains a safe distance from other cars, while its tough construction helps protect passengers in the event of an accident.
Key Safety Features:
- Co-Pilot360 suite with collision assist and lane-keeping assist
- Blind Spot Information System and adaptive cruise control
- Reinforced steel frame for enhanced crash protection
- Excellent towing and stability features
10. Kia Stinger
Safety Features: Forward Collision-Avoidance, Lane Keep Assist, Smart Cruise Control
Crash Test Ratings: Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS, 5-star NHTSA rating
Overview:
The Kia Stinger combines a high-performance driving experience with impressive safety features. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist helps prevent crashes by detecting potential obstacles, while Lane Keep Assist and Smart Cruise Control ensure the car stays safely in its lane and maintains a safe distance from other vehicles. The Stinger also features a strong chassis and comprehensive airbag system to protect passengers during a collision.
Key Safety Features:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance and Lane Keep Assist
- Smart Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection
- Driver Attention Warning and rearview camera
- Advanced airbag and restraint systems for maximum protection
Conclusion
These top 10 safest cars in the world represent the best in automotive safety, featuring advanced driver assistance systems, excellent crash test results, and cutting-edge technology designed to protect everyone inside the vehicle. From the luxurious Volvo XC90 to the performance-oriented Kia Stinger, these vehicles demonstrate how safety and innovation can go hand in hand. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly SUV, a high-performance sedan, or a tough truck, these cars offer top-tier protection, ensuring peace of mind for both drivers and passengers.
Automakers continue to prioritize safety with the integration of advanced technologies like autonomous driving systems, collision avoidance, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, modern materials and engineering advancements have contributed to stronger vehicle structures, further reducing the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Ultimately, when choosing a vehicle, it’s essential to consider not just the performance or luxury but also the safety features that can protect you and your loved ones on the road. These top 10 safest cars offer a perfect combination of both, helping drivers navigate the increasingly complex and unpredictable roads with confidence.
