There are many criteria that you might use when shopping for a new vehicle. You might want to get one based on its fuel economy, its resale value, or horsepower. Maybe you`re more interested in its towing capacity or cargo space. For many, though, a vehicle`s safety record is going to be of paramount importance. A car`s safety records counts for a lot. More traumatic brain injuries result from car crashes than any other type of accident, so getting a vehicle that offers the best protection on the road should be a high priority for you.
Let`s look at some vehicles that have come out recently that have stellar safety records.
The 2018 Audi A4
The 2018 version of the Audi A4 is probably going to cost you upwards of $30,000, so you can find cheaper options that are a comparable size. However, with the Audi, you get:
- A five-star safety rating from the NHTSA
- An endorsement as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS
Both of those matter a great deal. The Audi can sense a potential collision before it occurs, and will tighten the safety belts accordingly of all passengers in the car. It also has pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and forward-collision warning.
You also get adaptive cruise control with innovative stop-and-go technology, along with high-beam assist and front and rear parking sensors. To top it off, a surround-view camera comes standard.
2019 Chrysler Pacifica
Maybe you need a larger vehicle to lug a crowd of kids, pets, and friends around. If so, then the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica is going to be a viable option. It comes with:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear parking sensors
- Rear cross-traffic alerts
If you have a young member of your family who is just learning to drive, this vehicle should be on your radar. There are a lot of optional safety features you can also add on if you so choose, some of them well worth the extra money.
You can get automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, front parking sensors, and lane departure alert. You can also get this vehicle for well under $30k, and it maintains its resale value quite well.
2018 Genesis G80
This would be the vehicle to gravitate toward if you want a combination of safety and luxury. It retails for a little upward of $40,000, so it`s not going to be for everyone. However, it`s hard to argue with the NHTSA rating of five-stars across the board.
The Genesis features blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The IIHS gave the Genesis a rare Top Safety Pick+ rating, which they reserve for vehicles with best-in-class safety features.
It also has a lot of great add-ons. Some noteworthy ones include front and rear parking sensors, a multi-angle camera, and adaptive LED headlights. On top of that, the Genesis features a luxurious interior and state-of-the-art sound system.
2018 Honda Accord
This vehicle is exceptionally safe, but it`s also a top pick for the budget-minded. In the current climate, you may want to give it a once-over for that reason alone. Hondas also last practically forever, so it would not be unreasonable to expect to own this one for at least the next decade.
You can get this version of the Accord for less than $25k new, and if you find one that`s gently-used or certified preowned, you can do considerably better than that.
With the 2018 Accord, you get automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and road departure mitigation. You can also add front and rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring.
A Few General Tips as You Shop
While any of the four vehicles mentioned will serve you well in the safety department, there are plenty more on the market that are worth looking into, like the 2019 Honda Ridgeline, the 2018 Lexus GS, and the 2019 Acura MDX.
Obviously, two areas where you`re going to want to look are size and price. Beyond that, look at what the NHTSA and the IIHS have to say about the vehicle you`re considering. Those two are considered leading authorities when it comes to judging safety, and you can be sure to get an unbiased opinion from them.
It`s true that this isn`t a great time to buy for some people, with the pandemic going on. However, many car companies are offering unprecedented deals right now, so take advantage if you have the money to do so.
