When it comes to choosing a compact car, safety is a top priority for many drivers. With advanced safety features and rigorous testing, today’s compact cars are built to withstand impacts and keep passengers protected. In this article, we’ve rounded up 25 compact cars that have earned impressive crash test ratings, giving you peace of mind while on the road.
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Honda Civic
The Honda Civic has consistently ranked high in crash safety ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA. It’s equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety features like collision mitigation braking and lane-keeping assist. With solid structural integrity and top-tier ratings in side-impact and front crash tests, the Civic is a well-rounded choice for safety-conscious drivers.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla earns high marks in crash tests thanks to its reinforced body structure and Toyota Safety Sense system, which includes automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Both IIHS and NHTSA have awarded it top ratings, making it a reliable option in terms of safety.
Mazda 3
Known for its agile handling, the Mazda 3 doesn’t compromise on safety, earning high marks in crash tests. It features advanced safety technologies such as smart brake support and blind-spot monitoring, and its solid chassis contributes to strong performance in side and front crash assessments.
Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra offers excellent safety features like forward collision-avoidance assist and lane-keeping technology, which contribute to its strong crash test results. With top marks from both IIHS and NHTSA, the Elantra’s well-engineered design makes it a standout in its class for safety.
Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza stands out with its symmetrical all-wheel drive, enhancing stability during crashes. It earns high marks from IIHS, particularly for front crash prevention due to its EyeSight driver assist system. Its solid safety ratings make it a go-to option for those prioritizing security.
Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf performs impressively in both frontal and side crash tests, earning high safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA. The Golf comes equipped with adaptive cruise control and automatic post-collision braking, offering a robust package of safety features.
Kia Forte
The Kia Forte shines in crash test ratings thanks to its advanced driver assistance systems, including forward collision warning and lane departure warning. With a well-constructed frame and top scores in frontal impact and side-impact tests, the Forte is built for safety.
Nissan Sentra
Nissan Sentra comes with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a comprehensive suite of safety features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. These features, combined with a reinforced frame, have earned it strong crash test scores, making it a dependable compact car for safety.
Chevrolet Bolt EV
The Chevrolet Bolt EV is not just an eco-friendly option; it also excels in safety. With features like lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking, the Bolt has performed well in both side-impact and frontal crash tests, earning high ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA.
Ford Focus
The Ford Focus earns its place on this list due to solid crash test results and advanced safety features such as pre-collision assist and active braking. Its rigid frame and smart airbag system help it perform well in frontal and side-impact crash tests.
Mitsubishi Mirage
Despite being a more budget-friendly car, the Mitsubishi Mirage earns respectable crash test scores, especially in side-impact protection. It comes with features like hill start assist and active stability control, which contribute to its overall safety performance.
Honda Insight
The Honda Insight, a hybrid compact, combines fuel efficiency with top-notch safety. Its advanced safety suite, including lane-keeping assist and forward collision warning, helps it achieve high ratings in crash tests, making it both eco-friendly and secure.
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius consistently earns high marks in crash safety tests, thanks in part to Toyota Safety Sense, which offers automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. Its lightweight yet rigid frame also helps absorb impacts effectively.
Hyundai Ioniq
The Hyundai Ioniq performs well in crash tests, receiving high marks from IIHS and NHTSA. With its advanced safety features, including lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking, the Ioniq combines eco-friendliness with safety.
Kia Soul
The boxy design of the Kia Soul might be unconventional, but it holds up well in crash tests, with strong ratings from IIHS and NHTSA. It comes equipped with advanced safety features like blind-spot detection and forward collision warning, making it a reliable choice for safety.
Volkswagen Jetta
The Volkswagen Jetta excels in crash test performance, particularly in front and side-impact evaluations. It includes modern safety features such as rear cross-traffic alert and forward collision warning, helping it maintain high safety ratings.
Chevrolet Cruze
The Chevrolet Cruze consistently performs well in safety assessments due to its solid frame and comprehensive airbag system. It also comes with advanced features like rear park assist and forward collision alert, making it a safe and practical compact car.
Mini Cooper
Despite its small size, the Mini Cooper scores impressively in crash tests, thanks to its rigid frame and advanced safety systems like forward collision warning and pedestrian detection. Its excellent performance in frontal crash tests ensures a high safety rating.
Audi A3
The Audi A3 is equipped with Audi’s Pre Sense system, which includes features like automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. It excels in crash tests, with strong marks in both frontal and side-impact collisions, making it a luxury option with a focus on safety.
BMW 2 Series
The BMW 2 Series earns high safety ratings, especially in side-impact and rollover tests. It comes with advanced features like forward collision warning and pedestrian detection, offering a blend of luxury and safety in a compact package.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is packed with safety technology, including attention assist and active brake assist. It performs exceptionally well in crash tests, especially in frontal and side impacts, cementing its place as a luxury compact with strong safety credentials.
Volvo S40
Volvo’s reputation for safety extends to the compact S40, which boasts impressive crash test results. With advanced systems like City Safety, which helps avoid low-speed collisions, and a strong, rigid body structure, the S40 is built for maximum protection.
Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta may be small, but it performs well in crash tests, especially in side-impact scenarios. With safety features like lane-keeping assist and electronic stability control, it’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on safety.
Buick Verano
The Buick Verano earns its spot with top scores in both frontal and side-impact crash tests. Its advanced safety features, such as rear cross-traffic alert and lane departure warning, make it a solid choice for those looking for a compact car that prioritizes safety.
Acura ILX
The Acura ILX combines luxury with high safety ratings. Its suite of driver-assist features, including collision mitigation braking and adaptive cruise control, helps it perform well in crash tests, particularly in side and frontal impact scenarios.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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