When shopping for a new vehicle, safety should always factor into your decision. Whether you’re commuting to work or taking the kids on a weekend road trip, nothing beats being able to ride with an extra sense of protection. While today’s newest vehicles are built better than ever, some models are more secure than others. Let’s take a look at the safest cars of 2020.
Top 14 Safest Cars 2020
Safest Cars #1: 2020 Honda Civic
For good reason, the 2020 Honda Civic remains one of the best-selling compact cars on the market. It’s enjoyable to drive, good on gas, and extremely safe. An NHTSA five-star overall safety rating attests to the Honda Civic’s exceptional crash protection.
Great safety technologies make the new Civic an even more rewarding choice. Every trim receives a standard Honda Sensing safety package. It brings automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Honda’s exclusive Road Departure Mitigation system is also included in the package, which helps prevent you from unintentionally drifting off the paved road surface. A helpful LaneWatch system is optional. By using a passenger-side camera to display blind spots, this feature makes changing lanes far less dangerous.
Safest Cars #2: 2020 Subaru Legacy
The Subaru Legacy has long been recognized for its great passenger safety. Unlike most of its competitors, this midsize sedan comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Whether you’re driving in the rain or snow, you’ll always enjoy good traction.
Named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, the new Legacy scored well in every important crash test. It also comes standard with several active safety technologies, including automatic emergency braking and sway warning. However, some worthwhile options are offered. Subaru’s available Steering Responsive Headlights turn to provide better visibility around curves. Meanwhile, reverse automatic braking gives you more confidence when backing up.
Safest Cars #3: 2020 Volvo S60
For decades, Volvo has remained one of the world’s leaders in automotive safety. Like Volvo models of the past, the 2020 Volvo S60 provides elite crash protection. A safety cage made of ultra-high-strength boron steel helps shield every passenger from powerful impacts.
Some world-class safety innovations are also available for the new Volvo S60. City Safety technology is standard. With the use of radar technology, it can detect potential road hazards day or night. You’ll also be thankful for the sedan’s Oncoming Mitigation system. In the event that an accident is unavoidable, this system can reduce your speed to limit the seriousness of the impact.
Safest Cars #4: 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Many car shoppers are drawn to the 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid’s eco-friendly design. It’s also a safe car. When evaluated at the federal government’s crash-testing facility, the new Corolla Hybrid aced every test. Furthermore, this sedan received a “Superior” rating from the IIHS for its exceptional front-impact protection.
While behind the wheel of the new Corolla Hybrid, you can call for help at the touch of a button. Toyota’s Safety Connect emergency communications system comes standard. A standard Toyota Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 package further helps you to dodge road hazards. Aside from must-have features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, it also equips the sedan with a traffic sign reader. This feature makes you more aware of your surroundings. Also, you’re less likely to be pulled over for speeding.
Safest Cars #5: 2020 Toyota Camry
Over the last decade, no other sedan has outsold the Toyota Camry. While the new Camry is more engaging to drive than ever, safety remains a big priority. In terms of overall crash protection, it received five out of five stars from the NHTSA.
To help drivers to better avoid danger, Toyota equips even the least expensive Camry with Toyota Safety Sense-P technologies. While forward automatic emergency braking is standard, you can opt for reverse automatic panic braking. Although the Camry’s available head-up display is an extra coast, it’s worth the money. No longer will you need to take your eyes off the road to check your speed and receive safety notifications.
Safest Cars #6: 2020 Kia Cadenza
Although the 2020 Kia Cadenza may not get a lot of press coverage, this large sedan is among the best you can buy under $50,000. Solid construction enables the Cadenza to provide outstanding crash protection. Testers also give the Cadenza high marks for its good outward visibility.
All of today’s popular active safety features are available for the new Cadenza. Lane Change Assist is standard. When using this feature, driving on multilane roads becomes less nerve-racking. When taking a long road trip, the available driver condition monitor will come handy. Smart cruise control makes the Cadenza even more relaxing to drive.
Safest Cars #7: 2020 Nissan Maxima
Featuring an aggressive grille and sleek roof, the 2020 Nissan Maxima is one cool-looking sedan. Luckily, it doesn’t sacrifice style for safety. An NHTSA five-star overall safety rating and Top Safety Pick+ credentials from the IIHS prove the Maxima is a secure ride.
When buying a new Maxima, you won’t have to pay extra for highly sought-after safety features. Blind-spot monitoring, pedestrian detection, and front/rear automatic emergency braking are on the Maxima’s list of standard equipment. If you spend a lot of time in the city, opt for Nissan’s Around View Monitor. It features a total of four cameras, which give you a 360-degree view of the car’s perimeter. Moving Objection Detection is built into the system.
Safest Cars #8: 2020 Mazda6
Considered by many critics to be one of today’s most fun-to-drive family sedans, the 2020 Mazda6 also deserves to be mentioned among the safest. It received a top overall safety score from the NHTSA. Although all-wheel drive is not offered, this shouldn’t be an issue for most regions of the country. Precise handling helps inspire drivers with confidence. Every trim receives G-Vectoring Control Plus. When taking tight curves, the system applies light braking pressure to the outside wheels to enhance stability.
A total of eight i-Activ safety technologies come standard, including blind-spot monitoring and full-speed adaptive cruise control. Upper trims benefit from adaptive LED headlights and traffic sign recognition.
Safest Cars #9: 2020 Hyundai Veloster
If you’re looking for fun and affordable hatchback, take a serious look at the 2020 Hyundai Veloster. The redesigned model has also improved its safety. Very few cars in this price class give you more security on the road. Although the NHTSA has yet to officially crash test the new Veloster, it was chosen as an IIHS Top Safety Pick.
A compelling number of safety features are found on the Veloster. Standard blind-spot mirrors help you to keep an eye on vehicles approaching from the rear. You can also receive forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and drowsiness monitoring. Pedestrian detection is offered as an option.
Safest Cars #10: 2020 Honda Accord
Many car reviewers rank the 2020 Honda Accord as the best all-round family sedan on the market. When it comes to crash protection, the Accord takes a backseat to no other car in the class. It received a perfect overall NHTSA safety rating. Balanced handling also makes the Accord feel secure in virtually every driving situation.
Like the previously mentioned Civic, the larger Accord receives standard Honda Sensing safety features. Drivers who do a lot of highway traveling will appreciate the optional blind-spot monitor. You can also get the Accord with a head-up display.
Safest Cars #11: 2020 Subaru Impreza
The 2020 Subaru Impreza goes toe-to-toe against the best compact cars on the market. Many Subaru fans love the Impreza’s value. It’s one of the most affordable cars in the country with standard all-wheel drive. Folks who need to commute in the snow will cherish the extra grip. This car also received the IIHS’ highest safety grade.
While the Impreza is available with a manual transmission, choosing the automatic CVT brings Subaru’s EyeSight safety system. You’ll receive forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise. Along with the EyeSight system comes Lead Vehicle Start Alert, which is a feature unavailable on most competitors. If you happen to become distracted while waiting at a stop, this feature will alert you when traffic starts moving again.
Safest Cars #12: 2020 Kia Optima
Many people consider the stylish 2020 Kia Optima to be a serious bang for the buck. Its 100,000-mile powertrain warranty is a big perk. Kia also designed the new Optima to keep families secure. The NHTSA gives the Optima a five out of five rating for overall impact protection.
When shopping for a new Optima, don’t hesitate to choose the low-priced base model. Even it provides valuable safety features like lane change assist and automatic emergency braking. Meanwhile, Kia’s available smart cruise control does a great job of keeping a safe distance between you and the next vehicle ahead.
Safest Cars #13: 2020 Mazda3
Mazda has a reputation for developing sporty cars. The 2020 Mazda3 is no exception. However, safety has elevated to the next level. Perfect crash scores helped this compact car to garner a five-star overall safety rating. With an AWD system now being offered, even people living in snow-prone regions can enjoy the Mazda3.
Some great safety innovations are found on the new Mazda3. If you enter a curve a bit too quickly, G-Vectoring Control Plus helps the Mazda3 to remain composed. For 2020, Mazda has bolstered the car’s safety profile by making last year’s optional i-Activsense package standard. It provides features like Smart Brake Support, which can automatically stop for pedestrians and other motorists.
Safest Cars #14: 2020 Volkswagen Passat
Refreshed exterior styling has transformed the Passat into a more appealing midsize sedan. However, it continues to provide a safe driving experience. Although the feds have yet to critique the new Passat’s crash protection, last year’s model took home a five-star overall rating.
What makes the Passat so great is its thoughtful safety features. In the event your airbags are deployed during a crash, VW’s standard Intelligent Crash Response System will lower your stress levels. Aside from activating your hazard lights and unlocking the doors, this system shuts off the fuel pump to prevent a potential fire. You also won’t have to pay extra for blind-spot monitoring and forward collision avoidance.