10 Cars With The Best Safety Features

Thanks to modern advancements in chassis design, regulations, and safety technology, you’ll be hard-pressed to find an unsafe car in today’s market. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, over 50 vehicles secured the “Top Safety Pick+” award for 2021. The IIHS tests vehicles based on several factors, putting them through frontal, side, roof, and even head restraint tests. 

With modern advancements in the field, the institute also rates advanced driver assistance technologies like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assistance based on their performance. The scores range from Good to Poor. and the active safety system ratings range from “Basic” to “Superior” depending on their effectiveness.

To secure the aforementioned award, cars have to achieve the highest crash tests ratings as well as a “Superior” or “Advanced” active safety system rating.  Fret not, almost all modern cars from compact models like the Toyota Corolla to the new Volkswagen Atlas SUV, received some of the highest safety ratings possible, although some models did miss out on the “Top Safety Pick” award. 

So, in no particular order, here are ten of the safest cars money can buy for 2021. All of these models secured the “Top Safety Pick +” award, and are a cut above the rest in terms of safety.

Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 is one of the most popular EVs in the market with plenty of technology, and high performance. The 2021 model received several updates both in terms of looks and features, along with an updated drivetrain that offers more range.

Although fully autonomous driving or "Autopilot" as Tesla calls it is still under development, the Model 3 gets other key features like automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more as standard. Being an electric car with an integrated floor pan battery, the Model 3 also has a dynamic advantage and is less likely to roll over because of the lower center of gravity.

Volvo S60

Volvo has always been known as a brand that focuses on safety above all else. After pioneering some of the most important safety features in its early years, the current lineup still carries the torch forward. The S60 is often regarded as the underdog in the segment with handsome looks and one of the best interiors this side of $50,000.

Needless to say, the S60 focuses on performance with a capable drivetrain and athletic dynamics.

As expected, the S60 is loaded with advanced driver assistance technologies like forward collision warning, automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and more as standard, making it one of the safest options in the luxury car segment.

Toyota Camry

After several updates and a major facelift, the Toyota Camry has become one of the best family sedans in its class with plenty of space and a choice of three powertrains including a frugal hybrid and a powerful V6.

In terms of safety, the Camry gets Toyota Safety Sense suite of advanced features that includes forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more as standard. 

Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 manages to stand out among affordable cars with a comprehensive array of safety features. For 2021, the 3 gets new engine options and a trim refresh.

All models get advanced driver assistance features like automated braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims also include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology.

Honda Insight

Available with a standard hybrid system, the Insight can be considered as a hybrid version of the popular Honda Civic. Surprisingly, the Insight secured better safety ratings than Civic. For 2021, the Insight gets a conventional blind-spot monitoring system on the higher trims, replacing Honda's LaneWatch camera system.

Safety-wise, the Insight comes with a comprehensive list of standard safety features as part of Honda Sensing, which includes forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims also get blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert.

Nissan Maxima

Sitting at the higher end of the spectrum, the Maxima offers plenty of luxury for the price along with a suite of safety ratings and features. Thanks to the recent refresh, the Maxima is more appealing with a better design and comprehensive feature list.

Standard safety features include automated emergency braking, forward collision warning, and more, while adaptive cruise control is reserved for the higher trims.

Although initial models didn't receive a high rating because of the headlights, Nissan gave the Maxima a mid-cycle facelift in November 2020, allowing it to achieve the highest ratings possible.

Acura TLX

One of the better sports sedans on the market, Acura has managed to go back to its roots by producing a sporty car with handsome styling and a well-tuned chassis.

The TLX received a complete redesign for 2021 and is now available in sportier trim levels. Underneath all that glamour, the TLX is loaded with a suite of standard safety features including traffic sign recognition, and a driver awareness monitor. 

As expected for a luxury sedan, the TLX also gets forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Unfortunately, basic features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are reserved for the higher trims.

Honda Accord

With the launch of the latest generation, the Honda Accord has become one of the best sedans in the market, even beating the Toyota Camry in some aspects. Although the updates for 2021 are minimal, Honda now includes LED headlights on the higher trims. A rear-seat reminder feature is also standard on all models.

Like most Hondas, the Accord also gets Honda Sensing Suite, and some features include automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, features like blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert are available as optional extras.

Audi A6

One of the more expensive models on this list, the Audi A6 is aimed at luxury and comfort. Audi has always been known for its technology and the A6 gets plenty of advanced features along with a comfortable and upscale cabin. 

For 2021, the base model can be bought with a 360-degree camera system, and the Premium Plus models get adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist as standard.

Audi also includes automated emergency braking and lane departure warning as standard on all models.

Subaru Legacy

Unlike the rest of Subaru's lineup which mostly consists of rugged off-road capable models, the Legacy stands out, offering a level of comfort and practicality fit for a family sedan. As expected, the Legacy still gets Subaru's signature all-wheel-drive system as standard, which is a rarity in its segment.

But, the legacy fails to excite because of its neutral dynamics. For 2021, the Legacy gets adaptive headlights and a rear-seat alert system as standard. Subaru also includes their EyeSight suite of safety features including automated emergency braking, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control with lane-centering capability, and more.
All models included in this list secured the "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS, making them the safest options on the market for the 2021 model year.