16 safest cars

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

When choosing a car, the key factors are: engine power, transmission type, boot capacity, drive, ground clearance. But safety is also an important parameter. It is expressed in the overall resistance of the body to various impacts, which is tested by independent agencies, and the saturation of systems that reduce the likelihood of damage. Our TOP-16 has collected the safest cars of all categories, which will help you choose the right car in which your life and health will be better protected than in others.

The safest cars rating

Nomination	a place	name	min. price including max. discounts
The safest crossovers	1	Volvo XC 90	RUB 3 399 999
	2	Audi Q5	RUB 3,080,000
	3	Mitsubishi Outlander	RUB 948,000
	4	Hyundai Santa Fe	RUB 1,674,000
The safest compact cars	1	Kia Rio	RUB 645,700
	2	Renault Sandero	RUB 377,000
	3	Volkswagen Polo	RUB 482 348
The safest cars in the middle class	1	Audi A4	RUB 1,999,000
	2	Toyota Camry	RUB 1,573,000
	3	Ford Focus	–
	4	Hyundai Elantra	RUB 905,000
	5	Subaru XV Crosstrek	RUB 1,764,000
The safest business cars	1	Audi A6	RUB 2,931,000
	2	Hyundai Genesis G 80	RUB 2,330,000
	3	Mercedes – Benz E	RUB 2,821,728
	4	BMW 5 Series	RUB 2,014,000

The safest crossovers

Since crossovers are very popular in Russia, the review begins with them. For the role of the safest, we have selected four models that have the best crash test results and positive user reviews.

Volvo XC 90

Rating: 4.9

The Volvo XC90 has been produced since 2002 and is now available with a 2.0 liter engine, the power of which can be from 249 to 325 hp. In total, there are four options for a power plant with a turbine. In terms of saturation with security systems, the car is equipped with 94% of what car manufacturers can offer. In addition to the front airbags for the front row, the car has inflated blocks for the driver's knees, side curtains for head and chest safety, and AIRBAG for the pelvis.

In terms of safety, the Euro NCAP agency awarded the car 5 stars. A large SUV with a powerful engine, when hitting an obstacle at a speed of 60 km / h, demonstrates the survival rate of the driver and front passenger – 97%. This is one of the record highs. A passenger / child in the front seat has an 87% chance of surviving. The soft material of the bumpers and grille contributes to a 72% increase in the chances of a hit pedestrian surviving.

Advantages

• record ground clearance of 238 mm;
• spacious luggage compartment of 721 liters;
• all-wheel drive in all modifications;
• fuel consumption from 5.7 liters in the most powerful version.

disadvantages

• cost from 4.7 million rubles;
• expensive spare parts;
• in front there is no airbag for knees sitting on the right;
• it is difficult to find a place to park a body 5 m long and 2 m wide.

Audi Q5

Rating: 4.8

The second place in our review is taken by the German crossover Audi Q5, which also received a 5-star rating from Euro NCAP. According to the test results, the SUV is able to provide a 93% probability of survival to the driver. For a child or passenger, this indicator is slightly reduced and amounts to 86%. As you can see, the car is only slightly behind the TOP leader. But in terms of pedestrian protection, the German concern VAG managed to outstrip the Swedish competitor, providing 73% survival with a car weighing 1.8 tons.

That is why the car is recognized by us as the best in terms of safety. For this, it has an active hood. The engine cover reacts to the front impact sensors (pressure-sensitive) and jumps 65 mm in 40 milliseconds. This will prevent a person from colliding with solid parts of the engine – the hood will act as a shock absorber. Such equipment will help save the life of a pedestrian and save him from a serious criminal case initiated in case of death.

Advantages

• seat belt warning indicators operate;
• AIR BAG at the front can be disabled;
• there are airbags for the head, chest and pelvis;
• built-in speed control system.

disadvantages

• there are no knee airbags at all;
• possibility of securing the child safety seat with Isofix only at the rear.

Mitsubishi Outlander

Rating: 4.7

The third safest crossover, we considered the Outlander from Mitsubishi, which received a 5-star rating in crash tests. The model has been sold in Russia since 2002 and is now available with 2.0 (144 hp), 2.4 (167 hp) and 3.0 (227 hp) engines. The most “junior” version can be both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, other options are all 4WD. Safety statistics show an 88% chance of survival after a collision for a driver. For a child / passenger, this indicator is 84%. The interior is equipped with Isofix mounts at the front and rear. The front Air Bag can be deactivated to safely install the child seat. If the belts with pretensioners are not fastened when the ignition is started, the alarm will go off.

This car is recognized as the best in terms of providing safety to passengers in the second row. Although they have fewer threats than those in the front, a collision poses an increased threat to a mother and child. To reduce the likelihood of injury from broken glass, the manufacturer has provided inflatable side airbags in the rear passenger compartment.

Advantages

• ground clearance 215 mm;
• luggage compartment with a volume of 591 liters;
• automatic speed control;
• airbags for the head, knees and chest.

disadvantages

• for a pedestrian, safety is not the highest and amounts to 64%;
• no emergency braking system;
• cannot automatically keep the car in a certain lane.

Hyundai Santa Fe

Rating: 4.7

The category of the safest SUVs is completed by the Korean crossover Hyundai Santa Fe. In 2018, the Euro NCAP agency tested the car, pushing it against concrete blocks with a metal frame at a speed of 50 km / h. All security systems are triggered by the SUV as quickly as possible, and the car itself “senses” how many people are in the cabin and extra pillows do not “shoot” if the seats next to them are empty. The general safety indicators in a collision are as follows: driver 94%, child 88%, pedestrian 67%.

The car is notable for the AEB system, which is able to recognize pedestrians or cyclists. Even if the driver is distracted by a telephone message or does not follow the road well due to fatigue, the car itself will brake when the person in front is close. This safety function works in two modes – on the highway and in the city, where it takes into account vehicle speed, road illumination and other conditions.

Advantages

• seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters;
• Isofix on all rows;
• the car is able to automatically keep in one lane;
• there is a speed control with a limiting function.

disadvantages

• there are no bulging curtains behind;
• no AIR BAG for knees;
• the hood is not active.

The safest compact cars

Now let's start looking at cars as their size and class grow. For lovers of compact cars, which are convenient to park in the city, the following three options are recognized as the safest.

Kia Rio

Rating: 4.7

In the first place is a small family car from the Korean concern Kia-Hyundai. The model is available with petrol engines 1.4 and 1.6 liters, as well as manual and automatic transmission. In the reviews, the owners are satisfied with the spacious 480 l trunk, which is the largest in the class of compact cars. The test results show a driver survival rate of 85%, a child 84% and a pedestrian 62%. Front airbags are installed in any configuration to protect the chest and head. There are similar elements in the side pillars of the passenger compartment to prevent damage from broken glass. Electric heated mirrors provide good rear visibility in winter.

Experts considered the car to be the best in terms of safety due to the presence of many functions, including: tire pressure monitoring with data output to the on-board computer screen, automatic door locking when starting to move, an auxiliary system when starting off on an uphill and a torque distributor that prevents wheel slip.

Advantages

• roomy trunk 480 l;
• vehicle warranty 5 years or 150 thousand km;
• electric power steering simplifies control and increases safety of maneuvers;
• electrically heated side mirrors.

disadvantages

• Isofix only at the back;
• speed control, lane keeping and auto braking are not included in the vehicle.

Renault Sandero

Rating: 4.6

The second place in the category of the safest compact cars we gave to Renault Sandero. Since the car is relatively inexpensive (from 550 thousand rubles), it does not have many protective functions, but despite this it received 4 stars from Euro NCAP. The crash test showed a driver survival rate of 80% in a head-on or angle impact. For a child, safety is ensured at the level of 79%, and the probability of saving a pedestrian's life is 57%. The car is available with a 1.6 liter engine, the power of which varies from 82 to 113 hp. The model is available with manual transmission and automatic transmission. In the reviews, the owners praise the car for its economical fuel consumption of about 7 liters and a responsive engine.

In terms of safety, we recognized the car as the best because of the cruise control, although it is difficult to find it in cars for this price. The function allows you to relax on a long trip by setting an acceptable speed on the highway and by dropping the accelerator pedal. This reduces driver fatigue when traveling by 300-700 km and improves safety.

Advantages

• two front pillows for head and chest;
• seat belt warning indicator;
• bright fog lights;
• there is a rear wiper for better control of the situation through the interior mirror in bad weather.

disadvantages

• no seat belt pretensioners;
• there are no parking sensors.

Volkswagen Polo

Rating: 4.5

Lovers of compact cars should pay attention to another model with increased safety. Volkswagen Polo is a 5-Star Challenger. The hatchback provides a 90% chance of survival for the driver and 86% for the child passenger. In Russia, you can buy a car with 1.4 and 1.6 liter engines, which produce 80 and 105 hp. respectively. There is a more “charged” version 1.4 with turbocharging, generating 125 hp. Judging by the reviews, users like the car for its appearance, excellent gearbox and economical gas mileage, where the most powerful model consumes 5.7 liters.

We have selected the car as the safest due to the presence of VGS / VGRS. This is the ability to change the gear ratio while turning the steering wheel. When driving at a speed of 20-40 km / h, the steering wheel is very light and pliable. It is so convenient to maneuver, leaving the yard or parking. When you pick up speed, the steering wheel becomes rigid, which protects against accidental wobbling of the car or increases directional stability.

Advantages

• trunk with a volume of 460 liters;
• low fuel consumption;
• electric power steering;
• there is anti-slip ABS;
• Cruise control.

disadvantages

• low survival rate of a hit pedestrian – 41%;
• Isofix mount only on the second row;
• high cost of spare parts.

The safest cars in the middle class

Mid-range cars are versatile and suitable for both everyday commuting to work and long-distance travel. In any of the operating options, safety is important, which is best provided by the presented models.

Audi A4

Rating: 4.9

The sedan or wagon Audi A4 belongs to the category of large family cars. The model has the Advanced Safety Award and a 5-star rating. The driver has a 93% chance of survival in a frontal collision. If there is a child in the salon, then his chances of saving life are at the level of 84%. In our country, the car is sold with a 1.4 liter petrol engine with 150 hp. and a 2.0 liter diesel generating 150 to 249 hp. Even the most powerful version has a fuel consumption of 5.9 liters. In reviews, owners like the soft suspension, which provides comfort when moving on poor road surfaces.

Experts considered the car safe due to the many electronic systems, one of which is BAS. This is an auxiliary braking function that provides maximum effect (squeezing the full brake cylinders), regardless of the driver's applied brake pedal force. This technology was developed by German experts after analyzing hundreds of accidents in which the driver had time to press the pedal, but not hard enough.

Advantages

• roomy trunk 480 l;
• spacious salon;
• there are rear parking sensors;
• electric power steering;
• electronic parking brake.

disadvantages

• only 39% in favor of pedestrian survival;
• high price;
• only 2 years warranty and does not depend on mileage;
• low ground clearance 140 mm.

Toyota Camry

Rating: 4.8

The second place in the category was taken by the Japanese sedan Toyota Camry. The latest model was tested in 2018 and received 5 stars from ANCAP. In the event of a frontal overlap impact, the vehicle scored 15.16 out of 16 points. The protection of an adult passenger showed 35.3 points out of 36 possible. Child safety was 44.4 out of 49. Overall, the sedan scored 36.16 out of a maximum of 37. Converting these values ​​from the South Asian agency to “European”, the car's safety is 91.47%. But since this car has not been on sale in Europe for a long time (except for the Russian and Ukrainian markets), Euro NCAP did not undertake the “defeat” of the sedan.

According to the editors of the magazine, the increased safety of the car is due to the presence of active head restraints. At the moment of impact, the human body is pressed into the back, which activates a special lever that brings the headrest closer to the head. This softens the force of the impact and reduces injury. The tool is effective at low and medium speeds (20-70 km / h), when, according to statistics, the most of such damage occurs. After practicing the impact, the head restraints return to their original position and do not prevent the user from leaving the car.

Advantages

• the luggage compartment has a volume of 493 liters;
• electric power steering;
• fully LED optics with light sensor;
• the driver's seat is adjustable in 8 positions.

disadvantages

• the lower edge of the windshield severely damages the pedestrian in a collision;
• clearance 155 mm;
• there is no monitoring system for “blind” zones.

Ford Focus

Rating: 4.7

And here is a safe car from the middle price segment in a hatchback body. Ford The Focus was tested by Euro NCAP for two years in a row in 2018 and 2019. The first crash test results showed a driver survival rate of 85%, and a passenger or child nearby – 87%. After making improvements, the first indicator improved to 96%, making the car one of the safest in such a body. A hatchback with a 1.5 liter turbocharged petrol engine producing 150 hp, as well as the usual “aspirated” 1.6 with 105 or 125 hp is on sale. The owners in the reviews are pleased with the soft multi-link suspension of the car, which provides comfort on rural and secondary roads.

We put the car in the category of the best in terms of safety due to the presence of a car lane keeping system. This is an active function and is equipped with a monochrome camera that detects dividing lines. When the car begins to approach the edge of the lane, the system warns the driver with a signal. If the car crosses the line, but there is no action from the driver, the electronic assistant will automatically return the vehicle to the lane.

Advantages

• automatically controls the speed;
• trunk 421 l;
• ground clearance 167 cm;
• toxicity class corresponds to Euro-6.

disadvantages

• Isofix mount is provided only on the front seat;
• the hood is not active;
• there are no side airbags.

Hyundai Elantra

Rating: 4.7

Another safe mid-range car is the Hyundai Elantra. Last tested in 2016 by ASEAN NCAP. The car successfully passed all tests, including a collision with a small overlap, and earned 5 stars. For the CIS countries, the car is supplied with gasoline engines 1.6 (128 HP) and 2.0 (150 HP). There are modifications with manual and automatic transmission. Judging by the reviews, the buyers like the car with electric windows “in a circle”, heated front seats and a steering wheel, an assistance system when starting at a slope.

The car is listed as the safest due to its robust body. Underneath the metal sheathing, additional stiffeners and air compartments are concealed to trap solid external objects or give them enough room to submerge. In addition to a special shape that absorbs impacts, the body is notable for the low penetration of its own parts into the interior upon impact. In a crash test, Elantra showed a result of 5 cm, while in most other cars this figure is 23 cm.

Advantages

• trunk volume 458 liters;
• a light sensor is provided;
• heat-shielding glazing;
• 5 headrests.

disadvantages

• clearance 150 mm;
• halogen headlights;
• starting the engine with a key;
• almost all equipment has fabric seat upholstery.

Subaru XV Crosstrek

Rating: 4.6

In conclusion, the Subaru XB section, which belongs to the most compact mini-SUVs. The body of the car is now built on the modular platform used on the Impreza. The new architecture has contributed to a 70% increase in structural strength over the previous generation. In terms of safety, the car is distinguished not only by a rigid body, but also by the presence of various auxiliary systems. Among them: electronic parking brake, airbags and curtains for the head, body and knees, ABS, EBD, ESP. According to the official test results, the car received the highest rating, where the driver's survival rate reaches 94%, the passenger's – 89%, and the pedestrian's 84%. Reviews show that the owners are most satisfied with the cross-country ability of the car, which is possible due to the ground clearance of 220 mm. You can buy a car with 1.6 or 2.0 liter engines, where all-wheel drive and a continuously variable CVT are implemented everywhere.

Our experts considered the Subaru XB to be the best in terms of safety due to the anti-glare rearview mirror. Most competing models are self-dimming, which protects the driver's eyes, but deprives the rear picture. Here is another technology that allows you to keep the view, but absorbs the rays of bright light from the headlights.

Advantages

• the body perfectly maintains the integrity of the geometry in a side impact;
• ground clearance 220 mm;
• support for manual switching;
• LED headlights;
• independent suspension on wishbones.

disadvantages

• small trunk 310 l;
• spare wheel is not full size;
• no adaptive lighting.

The safest business cars

The high cost of business class cars does not guarantee the preservation of life and health in the event of an accident, since the price of a car is formed on the basis of various components, including the quality of materials. But this plays an unimportant role in case of strong impacts, so we offer a list of the safest cars from the premium segment.

Audi A6

Rating: 4.9

In the first place is the prestigious Audi A6 sedan, available with 2.0-liter engines and power from 190 to 245 hp. Among the more “charged” modifications, the German concern offers 3.0 liters, generating 340 hp. There are gasoline and diesel engines, as well as a hybrid version. The sedan comes with full LED optics, push-button engine start and sports seats with lumbar support. In the reviews, the owners are pleased with the spacious interior, which provides ample headroom and legroom for passengers in the second row. Comfort is provided by electrically heated seats, power windows “in a circle”, and heated washer nozzles.

In addition to high performance for the driver (93%) and passenger (85%), the car has the best safety in relation to pedestrians. A knocked-down person has an 81% chance of survival – almost the same as that of a fellow traveler in the front seat. This is due to the special geometry of the windshield, a durable hood that does not allow hitting the engine, and a soft bumper with a radiator grill.

Advantages

• trunk 530 l;
• economical fuel consumption 6.8 l;
• 4 year warranty;
• steering wheel with a change in gear ratio.

disadvantages

• high price;
• spare wheel is not full size;
• almost all comfort and safety features are available in optional packages.

Hyundai Genesis G 80

Rating: 4.8

The second place for safety among business class cars is Hyundai Genesis G 80. This is a premium sedan, produced only with four-wheel drive. The model is available with engines 2.0 (197 or 245 hp), as well as 3.3 (370 hp) and only with an automatic transmission with 8 steps. All sedan owners like the reviews from the manufacturer for 4 years, which does not contain mileage restrictions. Everyone also praises the interior for the double glazing, which makes it very quiet inside. Front row users are protected by head, chest and knee airbags. To prevent a collision or departure from the road, the following are triggered: anti-lock braking system, traction control (TCS), stability control (ESP), LKA, BAS.

In our opinion, the car is one of the best in terms of safety, since it displays the speedometer and on-board computer data on the windshield using a projector. This allows the driver to control and receive all important information on time without being distracted from the road. With this equipment, the risk of an accident is significantly reduced.

Advantages

• luggage compartment capacity of 493 liters and an electric door;
• attractive appearance;
• supports manual gear shifting;
• soft suspension.

disadvantages

• ground clearance 150 mm;
• fuel consumption about 12 liters;
• no headlight washer.

Mercedes – Benz E

Rating: 4.7

And here is one of the safest cars from the German concern Mercedes-Benz. The E-class is available in sedan, coupe and station wagon bodies. In 2016, Euro NCAP tested a sedan version, crashing several cars against various obstacles. In all respects, the car received the highest mark. Crash test statistics show a 95% chance of survival for a driver, 90% for a passenger and 77% for a pedestrian. The model has the widest choice of powerplant equipment, where power varies from 150 to 612 hp. According to the type of drive, the manufacturer offers 4WD and rear-wheel drive options. The transmission is automatic everywhere with 9 gears. In the reviews, the car is liked by the richness of the finish with large pore ash and aluminum molding.

The experts singled out the car as the best for safe parking. Thanks to the assistant, the car itself can park itself in reverse to the specified location. At the same time, if obstacles arise on the way (a child, an animal runs out, the door of another car opens), it will automatically stop to prevent an impact. To start the intelligent assistant, you only need to indicate the desired maneuvering space on the screen connected to the rear view camera.

Advantages

• inflatable side curtains are provided for both rows of seats;
• there is a seat belt warning indicator;
• trunk capacity 540 liters;
• active hood;
• super economical consumption from 4.8 liters.

disadvantages

• the passenger does not have a knee pillow;
• Isofix mount only at the back;
• many functions in options for an additional fee.

BMW 5 Series

Rating: 4.6

Our TOP-16 is completed by another German car, but from the BMW concern. The 2017 Euro NCAP crash tests awarded the model 5 stars with 91% survival rates for driver, 81% for pedestrian and 85% for passenger or child. The luxurious car is available with internal combustion engines from 190 to 462 hp. There are configurations with rear or all-wheel drive. The diesel version has 3.0 liters with a capacity of 249 hp. fuel consumption is 5.6 liters, and the toxicity class complies with Euro-6. Among the numerous safety systems, there is an automatic braking function so as not to knock a pedestrian or to prevent a collision with another vehicle.

Judging by the reviews, the owners are satisfied with the directional stability of the car and report that it goes “like on rails”. This is facilitated by: ESP, DAC, HAC. The model also has a sport mode that makes the suspension more rigid. This reduces body swing during maneuvers and reduces the likelihood of rollover. The car confidently holds the road at a speed of 200 km / h and is suitable for those who like fast but safe driving.

Advantages

• collision-inflated curtains “in a circle”;
• active hood;
• speed control system;
• recognition of cyclists;
• trunk volume 520 l.

disadvantages

• the front passenger does not have their own knee airbag;
• ground clearance 141 mm.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.