Despite the dominance of pickup trucks and SUVs in the automotive market, traditional passenger cars still hold a significant presence, with the Toyota Camry leading the pack as one of the top-selling vehicles in the United States. While SUVs may offer size and weight advantages in crashes, passenger cars generally come with lower costs, quicker handling, smoother rides, and better fuel economy.
In efforts to determine the safest passenger cars on the market, experts have turned to crash test results from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). For the year 2024, a total of 16 passenger cars have been identified as Top Safety Picks or Top Safety Pick+ recipients based on their performance in various crash tests, including front and side-impact assessments. These models have proven to offer top-notch safety for both passengers and drivers.
In addition to crash test performance, the IIHS also considers features such as forward emergency automatic braking systems and high-quality headlights when ranking vehicle safety. These elements play a crucial role in accident prevention and nighttime visibility, both of which are essential in reducing traffic-related fatalities. Furthermore, these top-ranked vehicles have also received five-star ratings for occupant protection in crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
While the IIHS and NHTSA focus primarily on popular, best-selling vehicles in their evaluations, which may exclude luxury models and sports cars, the importance of size and weight in crash test results cannot be overlooked. Frontal crash test comparisons are most accurate within the same size category, meaning smaller models will not necessarily offer the same level of protection as larger vehicles. Side-impact tests, however, can be compared across different size classifications due to standardized testing procedures.
For consumers looking to prioritize safety when purchasing a passenger car, the list of top-rated models for 2024 includes a mix of small, midsize, and large cars, each offering exceptional crash protection and accident avoidance features. From the Acura Integra and Mazda Mazda3 to the Genesis Electrified G80 and Toyota Crown, these vehicles have been recognized for their commitment to passenger safety and overall performance. Interested buyers can find more detailed crash test ratings on the IIHS and NHTSA websites.
