Here Are The Safest Cars You Can Buy In 2020
As more and more vehicles are on the road and distracted driving has become a bigger problem than ever, safety is an increasing concern if you are buying a car. It's not enough just to have airbags and a great alarm system anymore when driving is becoming more and more dangerous.
Luckily, the automotive industry has responded to this growing problem by adding and developing more safety features with new technologies that allow people to have things like backup cameras, lane change assist, and even automatic braking. Here is a list of some of the safest cars that you can buy today.
Honda Insight
Honda is known for producing some of the safest and most reliable cars on the market and its 2020 Honda Insight doesn't fall short. It has phenomenal fuel efficiency, loads of cargo space, and comes with a laundry list of standard features.
It has an above-average reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 from J.D. Power and even earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Some of the standard safety features that drivers can expect are driver drowsiness monitoring, collision mitigation braking, traffic sign recognition, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning.
2020 Audi Q8
The 2020 Audi Q8 is a riveting luxury midsize SUV that has tons of space, refined handling, and is very user-friendly. In 2020, Audi is introducing a high-performance RS Q8 model later in the year for those who want more horsepower than the standard model.
In crash tests, the Q8 was rated a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and received five stars in additional safety categories. All Q8 models come with a rearview camera, forward collision warning with automatic braking, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and automatic high-beam headlights. An optional safety feature is a night vision camera.
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
One of the newest models on this list, the Volkswagen Tiguan is a welcome addition to the compact SUV lineup. It is comfortable and well-equipped and has a stable reliability rating and loads of cargo space.
The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan received a rating of four out of five stars from J.D. Power for reliability, making it above average. In crash testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Tiguan got a 5 out of 5 star rating. Some of the 2020 Tiguan safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist.
2020 Lexus RX
When it comes to luxury SUVs, Lexus knows how to make them great. The 2020 Lexus RX consistently ranks in the top half of luxury midsize SUVs because of its pillowy ride, upscale cabin, and impressive V6 engine. Some of its new features for 2020 include a refreshed interior as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety-wise, the 2020 Lexus RX has a lot to offer drivers and anxious parents with new drivers alike. Some of the standard safety features are forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, automatic high-headlights, lane departure warning, and parking sensors.
2020 Subaru Ascent
The 2020 Subaru Ascent is a higher-ranking midsize SUV that is popular thanks to its easygoing handling, off-road capability, and abundant safety features. A new standard safety feature for 2020 is the rear-seat reminder which alerts the driver if there is a passenger in the back seat after the car comes to a stop.
Named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, the 2020 Ascent is a very safe ride. It got the highest honors of "Good" in all crash tests administered. All Subarus come with Subaru's EyeSight which is a driver assistance program that comes with a slew of features.
Chevrolet Tahoe
One of the biggest vehicles on this list, the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe is a highly-ranked large SUV that has powerful engine options, comfortable rides, and above-average reliability ratings.
Getting four out of five stars in reliability, buyers interested in the Tahoe can expect above-average reliability. During testing by the National Highway Safety Administration, the Tahoe got an overall score of four out of five stars as well. Some of the standard safety features you can expect are rear parking sensors and the Teen Driver system which allows you to control sound volume and speed as a secondary driver.
2020 Toyota Camry
The 2020 Toyota Camry sits high on top of the ratings for midsize cars because of its great fuel mileage, reliability, and growing list of standard features that make the overall driving experience entertaining and engaging. Often compared to the Honda Accord, the Camry offers roughly the same number of options and features.
Consistently ranking above average for reliability by J.D. Power, the 2020 Toyota Camry aligns with its predecessors as a car that you can depend on. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Camry 5 stars in all 3 of the crash tests performed.
2020 Tesla Model 3
A growing force to be reckoned with, the Tesla Model 3 is only becoming more popular and common on the road. With its nimble handling, high-tech features and quick acceleration, the Model 3 is quickly becoming a first choice for buyers entering the electric car world.
The 2020 Tesla Model 3 garnered the highest rank of "Good" in all six crash tests performed by the IIHS. If you are looking into buying a Model 3 you can expect some of these safety features: emergency braking, forward and side collision warning, blind spot monitoring, and a rearview camera.
2020 Audi A6
Ranking rather average among the other midsize luxury cars comes the 2020 Audi A6. In 2020, you can expect to get a posh and spacious interior and it offers a smooth ride for drivers of all types. In 2020, Audi introduced two new high-performance S6 and RS 6 Avant models for those drivers desiring a little more speed.
J.D. Power gave the Audi A6 a reliability rating of 3 out of 5 which makes it about average. Some of the A6's notable safety features include a 360-degree parking camera system, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and intersection crossing assist.
2020 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid isn't one of the highest rated SUVs in its class but still pulls in great fuel ratings and maintains the impressive off-road capabilities that Subaru is well known for. Some of its new features for 2020 include a rear-seat reminder and automatic door locks as well as additional USB ports.
When it comes to the safety and reliability of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, J.D. Power gave it a rating of 3.5 of 5 stars. In various crash tests administered by the IIHS, the Crosstrek Hybrid ranked "Good," the highest rating available.
2020 Nissan Maxima
Though the 2020 Nissan Maxima doesn't rank as high as some of its other competitors, it is still a wholesome option for drivers who want a larger Nissan. It has a slew of features and options for the driver to add on and choose from and is often compared to the Toyota Avalon.
Where it lacks as an overall car, the 2020 Nissan Maxima has a 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. New for 2020 is the Nissan Safety Shield 360 Bundle which includes driver assistance features such as lane departure warnings, automatic high-beam headlights, and pedestrian detection.
Subaru Legacy
Ranking in the middle of the midsize car rankings, the 2020 Subaru Legacy has an upscale cabin with all of the up to date technology and features that a driver could want. Drivers have the option between two powertrain choices and it even offers standard all-wheel drive, making it a stronger choice in its class.
The 2020 Subaru Legacy has an average reliability rating of 3 out of 5 by J.D. Power as well as an array of standard and optional safety features. Some of the impressive features available are driver drowsiness monitoring and a 180-degree front vision camera.
2020 Lexus ES
The 2020 Lexus ES comes onto the scene as a refined luxury midsize car that offers a smooth comfortable ride, roomy cabin and large trunk, and new standard safety features. The 2020 Lexus ES has one of the lowest starting prices in its class but even the base trim is full of luxury goodies.
When it comes to safety, all 2020 Lexus ES models will come with a rearview camera and Lexus Safety System 2.0 which includes a suite of advanced safety features. Some of those features include a pre-collision system, low-light pedestrian detection, road sign assist, and lane tracing assist.
2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
When you mention the word luxury, a Mercedes-Benz is never too far off and the C-Class is one of the most popular models available. It comes into the top third of luxury small car rankings and has a high-class interior as well as powerful AMG engine options available for drivers who want a little more speed.
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has an average reliability rating of 3 out of 5 but it was named a Top Safety Pick by IIHS. Some of its safety features include optional evasive steering and braking, crosswind assist, and Mercedes Pre-Safe in the event of an impending collision.
2020 Genesis G70
Coming into its second year of production, the 2020 Genesis G70 is already making major waves in the luxury small car world. Available in 2 separate engines, the G70 also sports excellent handling and is often compared to the BMW 3-series.
J.D. Power gives the Genesis G70 a 3.5 out of 5 reliability rating which puts it above average. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety(IIHS) gives the the car the highest available score of "Good" in all six of their crashworthiness tests and even gave it a rank of "Superior" for front crash prevention. One of its notable safety features is driver attention monitoring.
2020 Genesis G80
Considered a stellar luxury midsize car, the 2020 Genesis is one of the best buys available in its class and offers the buyer everything that they want at a fraction of the cost. It is overloaded with standard safety and tech features, and has refined engines that get impressive horsepower on the road.
If that wasn't impressive enough, the NHTSA gave the 2020 Genesis G80 a 5-star overall safety rating which includes 5-star ratings in frontal crash, side crash, and rollover evaluations. Some of its features include collision warning, lane keep assist, and a head-up display for distracted drivers.
2020 Mazda CX-3
With great fuel mileage, acceleration, and handling, the 2020 Mazda CX-3 is an overall average subcompact SUV that is fun to drive. It got a completely new redesign in 2020 as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well as i-Activsense driver assistance.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2020 Mazda CX-3 a 5 out of 5 star rating but also issued an auxiliary safety warning for the vehicle, stating that in the event of an accident the door panel could cause serious spinal injury. One of its notable safety features is automatic emergency braking.
2020 Mazda CX-5
Earning at a spot at near the top of the compact SUV ratings is the 2020 Mazda CX-5. It boasts one of the nicest interiors in its class and is fuel-efficient and agile. For drivers, it has amazing handling, great gas mileage, and user-friendly tech features like an Infotainment screen.
When it comes to reliability, J.D. Power gives the 2020 Mazda CX-5 a 3 out of 5 rating which is pretty average for its class. But in safety, it received a 5-star rating and was even dubbed a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
2020 Subaru Forester
Hanging in the top third for compact SUV ratings is the 2020 Subaru Forester with its larger interior space and great fuel economy. The Forester comes with new safety systems, user-friendly tech and is even comfortable and stylish to ride in.
When it comes to safety, the 2020 Subaru Forester has an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars and scored 5 out of 5 in crash tests and rollover tests as well. Some of its safety features include lane departure and sway warning and the DriveFocus system which monitors the driver for signs of distraction or fatigue.
Acura RDX
Placing near the top of the luxury compact SUV, the 2020 Acura RDX is a great option for those looking for a comfortable ride with a lot of technology and space at a reasonable price. Though the 2020 models haven't been fully tested, the 2019 Acura RDX received a 4 out 5 from J.D. Power for reliability.
When it comes to safety, the RDX was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and it received a high rating of "Good" on all six crash tests. Interested buyers should also check out the RDX's AcuraWatch system.
2020 Cadillac XT6
With an all-new model designed and released for 2020, the Cadillac XT6 is an impressive piece of machinery. It has an overall quiet interior and is spacious with high maximum cargo capacity. When it comes to reliability, the Cadillac has an average rating of 3 out of 5.
Here are some of the standard safety features that you can expect from the 2020 Cadillac XT6: rear pedestrian braking, Night Vision infrared pedestrian and large animal detection, a head-up display, and surround-view parking. The XT6 also comes with the Teen Driver system, which allows you to control the sound volume and speed as a secondary driver.
2020 Subaru Outback
Another car that has been completely redesigned for 2020, the Subaru Outback has long been the image of what an ideal outdoor SUV would look like. Known for its ruggedness, the new models offer a sense of class while keeping its off-road capabilities that we all admire.
When it comes to reliability, the 2020 Subaru Outback ranks better than average with a 3.5 out of 5 J.D. Power ranking. Some of the safety features you can expect are the EyeSight suite which has driver assistance technology like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and forward automatic emergency braking.
2020 Hyundai Accent
The Hyundai Accent does well to be a subcompact car and ranks mostly in the middle across most categories in its class. Even at a lower price point, Hyundai doesn't skimp on the options it offers drivers and it still includes things like roomy seats and updated tech features.
When it comes to safety, the Hyundai Accent doesn't come with all of the options that some of its counterparts have but the 2020 Hyundai Accent models include standard safety features such as a rearview camera, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. It was given 3.5 out of 5 stars for reliability by J.D. Power.
2020 Lexus NX
A small crossover that ranks mostly in the middle of the pack is the 2020 Lexus NX. It has a large spacious cabin, offers a smooth and quiet ride and has great fuel economy and reliability ratings. The Lexus NX gets a 5 out of 5 star reliability rating from J.D. Power and it also got a 5 out of 5 safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Some of the notable 2020 Lexus NX safety features include a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, bicyclist detection, lane departure warning, a surround-view parking camera system, and automatic emergency braking.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Another luxury midsize SUV that got a complete redesign in 2020 is the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. It is one of the top-ranking luxury SUVs for its state-of-the-art infotainment technology, serene and spacious cabin, balanced handling, and powertrain options for drivers.
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class has an above-average reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars and its new model comes with impressive new features. Some of the standard features are rearview cameras, blind spot monitoring, active brake assist, and driver attention monitoring. Mercedes also offers Pre-Safe which readies your cabin by tightening seat belts and closing windows for the driver.
2020 Honda Civic
Arguably the most popular and best-selling car in the world is the Honda Civic. With its engine options, easy handling, and great fuel economy what's not to love? It is great for almost any driver at any budget and comes with many different options and trims for you to personalize your car the way you want.
The 2020 Honda Civic got a perfect score of 5 stars from the NHTSA and even earned 5 stars in rollover and crash testing. Some of its safety features include rearview cameras, automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, and road departure mitigation.
Hyundai Elantra
Saddling right into the middle of the compact car ratings, the 2020 Hyundai Elantra is a perfect car for first-time buyers and drivers. It has a great balance of features, is affordable, and gives the buyer a lot of options to choose from.
The 2020 Elantra is a pretty reliable car as well with a good reliability rating of 4 out of 5 from J.D. Power. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rated the Elantra a 4 out of 5 in overall safety and it received 4 stars in the frontal and side crash tests as well as rollover tests.
2020 Hyundai Veloster
One of the most user-friendly cars on this list, the Hyundai Veloster offers a ton of features and is fun to drive, with intuitive technology as well as generous cargo room and even bolstered front seats for a snug ride.
The 2020 Hyundai Veloster comes with a load of safety features and even offers buyers additional front crash protection. Some of its notable features are pedestrian detection, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display. The Veloster's headlights aren't that great though, and received either an "Acceptable" or a "Poor" rating.
2020 Kia Forte
Another compact car that ranks high for its impressive standard features, space, and great fuel economy is the Kia Forte. Its interior includes comfortable and spacious seats and it has a large trunk for such a small car which makes it great for long road trips.
When it comes to reliability, the Kia Forte ranks high as well there and got a 4 out of 5 from J.D. Power. In terms of safety, the 2020 Kia Forte received a 4 out of 5 stars overall and 4 stars in the front crash and rollover tests.
2020 Subaru Crosstrek
Ranking in the top half of the subcompact SUVs is the Subaru Crosstrek with its simple yet chic interior and comfortable ride. Well built to be able to sustain harsh weather and climates, Subaru builds its vehicles to withstand it all. This one is built with high-quality materials and is very safe for all types of different drivers and passengers.
The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek ranked 5 out of 5 stars for safety and received 4 out of 5 stars in the frontal crash and in rollover evaluations. Some of the Crosstrek's safety features include sway warning and automatic emergency braking.
2020 Subaru Impreza
A roomy and composed ride with a comfortable interior, the Subaru Impreza ranks high among its peers because of its engine options, high reliability ratings, and luxury options. The Impreza is often compared to the Toyota Corolla for its great gas mileage and technological features.
The 2020 Subaru Impreza introduced a new safety feature in called Eyesight which is a safety system that Subaru is making standard in all of their models. Eyesight is a suite of safety features offered in one package that includes things like lead vehicle start alert, which alerts the driver when the car in front of them has moved after stopping.
2020 Subaru WRX
Though the 2020 Subaru WRX isn't the most popular car on this list nor does it even score high in its class, it is still an overall safe car to drive and one to consider if you are considering buying a new vehicle.
Its 2020 testing hasn't been completed but the 2019 Subaru WRX models were named a Top Safety Pick and even received some of the highest safety ratings available. Some of the 2020 safety features include a standard rearview camera, forward collision warning, pre-collision braking, reverse automatic emergency braking, and even rear cross-traffic alerts.
2020 Honda Accord
Always ranking at top of its class in almost every category is the trusty Honda Accord. The 2020 Honda Accord was a finalist in the "2020 Best Midsize Car for the Money" award because of its value and fuel economy not to mention the amazing reliability that it has.
When it comes to safety, the 2020 Honda Accord gets a 5 out of 5 star rating and even earned a 5 star in all three crash tests administered by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. One of its best safety features is the Honda Sensing suite which comes with almost every safety feature you can imagine.
2020 Hyundai Sonata
Fully redesigned for 2020, the Hyundai Sonata has one of the most impressive interiors in its class and enticing prices that can accommodate almost any driver. With its 2020 redesign came more safety features to put the driver or any worried parent at ease.
Some of the optional but highly suggested safety features are blind spot monitoring, reverse automatic braking, a blind spot camera, lane tracing assist, and driver attention monitoring. Another pretty unique feature that the 2020 Sonata has available is remote parking assist which allows the driver to automatically park and unpark the car from small tricky places remotely.
2020 Nissan Altima
One of the most popular cars on the market, the Nissan Altima is a midsize car that people love because of its accessibility, reliability and driver options. When it comes to safety, the 2020 Nissan Altima has an optional front crash protection package that is unmatched with anything else they offer in terms of safety.
Overall, it has a 5 star safety rating though it lacks some of the popular safety features that other manufacturers may offer. If you are in the market for a Nissan Altima some of the things that you can expect are a blind spot monitor and lane departure warning.
2020 Volvo S60
The 2020 Volvo S60 is an upscale, luxurious option for those on a budget. It provides a large spacious interior and a lot of powertrain choices to choose from. The Volvo S60 is also very safe as well and ranks "Superior" in its front crash prevention testing.
Some of its notable safety features include: integrated turn signal mirrors, blind spot monitoring, auto-leveling headlights, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and brake assist. Though it has average ratings in most categories for safety such as side impact tests and roof strength tests, it has an overall 10.0 safety rating by U.S. News.
2020 Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox may not be as popular as some of the other SUVs on this list but that doesn't make it any less safe. Ranked 5 stars by the IIHS, the Equinox is great for first time drivers or those who have been on the road for years.
Though the SUV doesn't come with as many safety features as some of its counterparts on this list, some of the features you can expect are: lane departure warning, lane keeping assist and brake assist. The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox has an "Acceptable" rating for its headlights due to visibility at a distance and glare.
2020 Kia Soul
Fully redesigned in 2020, the Kia Soul is another subcompact SUV that ranks close to the top of its class for its personality and options. In 2019, the Kia Soul won a "Best New Cars for Teens" award and was also #1 for "Best Subcompact SUV for the Money."
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2019 Kia Soul as a Top Safety Pick which is the organization's highest award. It also earned a "Good" rating in all 6 crash tests it was tested in. Some of the Soul's safety features include driver drowsiness monitoring and a head-up display.
2020 Ford Escape
The Ford Escape is a smaller popular SUV among those with small families. Having a car that is safe for children is a no-brainer and an absolute must. One of the best safety features that the 2020 Ford Escape has is its child seat anchors which rate at the top of the charts for ease of use.
Don't worry if you don't have a car full of children, as the Escape is also safe for the driver as well with an overall great safety rating though its headlights only received an average rating due to road glare.
2020 Honda CR-V
With a 5 star safety rating, the Honda CR-V is one of the safest SUVs on the market today and has been for quite some time. Redesigned in 2017, the 2020 Honda CR-V models include even more up-to-date safety technology. Some of the CR-V's safety features include standard daytime running lights, optional blind spot detection, optional lane departure warning, and optional lane departure prevention.
The Honda CR-V was also tested and measures superior in these other safety categories: front crash prevention from vehicle to vehicle and front crash prevention from vehicle to pedestrian.
