The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety names the safest vehicles on the market every year. For 2018, there are three SUVs and twelve cars that meet the rigorous standards of the IIHS. The safest vehicles range from small, affordable cars to luxury sedans.
All of the cars on the list are distinct from other models in terms of safety and crash protection. If you are looking for a new car to keep you as safe as possible in the event of an accident, you should take a look at the lists below.
Small cars
- Kia Soul
- Kia Forte Sedan
- Subaru WRX
- Subaru Impreza
Midsize cars
- Subaru Outback
- Subaru Legacy
- Toyota Camry
Luxury cars
- Genesis G80
- Genesis G90
- BMW 5 series
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan
- Lincoln Continental
Midsize SUVs
- Hyundai Santa Fe
Luxury SUVs
- Mercedes-Benz GLC
Safety standards
In order to earn the honor of being an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, the vehicles must have superior crash protection from front, rear, side and rollover tests. They must also feature advanced headlight and proactive crash prevention technologies.
Passenger safety
One key takeaway from this year is the fact that the IIHS is focusing more on passenger safety than it has in the past. While driver safety is important, it is also crucial for passengers to know they are safe. The IIHS implemented a new passenger crash test to ensure all the cars meet more stringent standards. If you drive one of these cars, you will know that your family members and friends will have superior protection during a car crash.
Optional equipment
It is important to know that most of the cars on the list only qualify as the safest cars when they have additional options. A lot of the basic models do not come with protective features necessary to make the cut, such as automatic emergency braking.