When it comes to selecting a vehicle, safety should be at the forefront of every buyer’s mind. After all, cars are not just about getting from one point to another—they are designed to protect us in the event of an accident.
While many vehicles are built with safety in mind, some stand out for their superior crash ratings, advanced technology, and solid engineering that go above and beyond to keep passengers safe.
On the other hand, certain cars, despite offering attractive features, are considered risky rides due to their poor crash performance, lack of safety features, or structural weaknesses that could compromise the safety of the occupants.
In this article, we will explore 5 cars that are built to save lives. These vehicles shine in crash tests and come equipped with the latest in safety technology, ensuring the highest level of protection.
Conversely, we will also examine 5 cars that pose significant risks on the road. These vehicles have failed to meet basic safety standards or have been found lacking in crucial safety aspects, making them a less-than-ideal choice for those prioritizing protection in the event of a collision.
Let’s dive into both categories and explore which cars excel and which ones fall short.
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5 Cars That Are Built to Save Lives
When it comes to vehicle safety, some cars are engineered to excel in protecting their occupants, going beyond the basics to include advanced safety features and crash-tested designs that minimize injury risk.
These vehicles have been built with one primary goal in mind: to save lives. With the help of cutting-edge safety technology, reinforced structures, and design innovations, these cars set the bar for safety standards, ensuring that their passengers have the highest level of protection in case of an accident.
The cars in this section stand out for their exceptional crash ratings, earning top marks in tests conducted by organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
They also come equipped with the latest active safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, which can help avoid collisions altogether.
The inclusion of these technologies helps reduce the likelihood of an accident, complementing their already impressive crashworthiness.
In addition to these active safety systems, these cars feature strong, well-engineered bodies that are designed to absorb impact and protect the occupants during a crash.
Some of them boast additional features like advanced airbag systems, crumple zones, and collision avoidance systems that make them leaders in automotive safety.
For those prioritizing safety above all else, the cars featured in this section are the ideal choice. Let’s take a closer look at five vehicles that are built with safety as their top priority, and explore why they are among the best when it comes to saving lives on the road.
1. Volvo XC90
Volvo has long been a leader in automotive safety, and the Volvo XC90 is no exception. This luxury SUV has been built with a focus on saving lives, earning top marks in crash tests from both the NHTSA and IIHS.
The XC90’s solid construction and advanced safety features make it one of the safest vehicles on the road today.
The XC90 comes with a robust steel safety cage, which is designed to absorb and distribute crash forces away from the cabin.
In addition to its structural integrity, the SUV is equipped with a suite of active safety technologies, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
These features work together to help avoid accidents before they occur, reducing the likelihood of a collision.
In crash tests, the Volvo XC90 has performed exceptionally well, especially in side-impact and frontal crash scenarios.
Its high safety ratings are also attributed to the inclusion of advanced airbags and a well-designed crumple zone that minimizes the impact on passengers during a crash.
The XC90 also features a pedestrian detection system, which can prevent accidents involving pedestrians, further emphasizing Volvo’s commitment to safety.
With its combination of excellent crash performance, cutting-edge safety features, and Volvo’s longstanding dedication to safety, the XC90 is a prime example of a vehicle built to save lives. It’s an excellent choice for those who value protection on the road.
2. Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is renowned for its ruggedness and reliability, but it also stands out as one of the safest vehicles in its class.
This midsize SUV has consistently earned top marks in crash tests from the NHTSA and IIHS, with exceptional performance in both frontal and side-impact collisions.
The Outback’s combination of a strong safety structure and advanced driver-assistance features makes it one of the best vehicles for protecting its occupants in the event of a crash.
The Outback’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system and high ground clearance offer added stability and control, making it safer in a variety of driving conditions.
In terms of crashworthiness, the Outback is equipped with a reinforced body structure designed to protect passengers during a collision. The vehicle’s crumple zones absorb impact, helping to minimize injury to occupants.
The Outback also comes with a comprehensive suite of active safety technologies, such as Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.
This system includes features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. These technologies help prevent accidents by alerting the driver to potential hazards and, in some cases, automatically taking action to avoid collisions.
The Subaru Outback’s strong performance in crash tests, combined with its advanced safety features, makes it an ideal choice for safety-conscious drivers.
Whether navigating urban streets or off-road trails, the Outback is built to keep its passengers safe, making it a standout in the field of vehicles designed to save lives.
3. Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 has quickly gained recognition as one of the safest cars on the road, with groundbreaking safety features and exceptional crash test performance.
Its innovative design, including a rigid body structure and cutting-edge technology, ensures that both the driver and passengers are well-protected in the event of an accident.
The Model 3 earned top marks in both NHTSA and IIHS crash tests, with excellent ratings in every category, including frontal, side-impact, and rollover tests.
One of the key reasons for its impressive crashworthiness is its all-electric architecture, which creates a low, flat floor and gives the car a solid structure, reducing the risk of cabin intrusion during a collision.
Additionally, the car’s battery is mounted low in the vehicle’s floor, lowering the center of gravity and reducing the risk of a rollover.
Beyond its physical design, the Tesla Model 3 is packed with an array of advanced safety features.
Tesla’s Autopilot system, which includes automatic emergency braking, collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, offers an extra layer of protection by helping the driver avoid accidents.
The Model 3 also features a full suite of airbags and an active safety system designed to minimize injury in the event of a crash.
With its combination of excellent crash test scores, active safety technology, and innovative design, the Tesla Model 3 is a prime example of a car built to save lives. It represents the future of automotive safety, combining traditional protection with cutting-edge technology.
4. Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 is a luxury SUV that excels not only in performance and comfort but also in its commitment to passenger safety. With top-tier crash test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, the Q7 has proven itself as one of the safest vehicles in its class.
Audi’s engineering expertise is clearly evident in this SUV’s design, as it offers a combination of structural integrity and advanced safety technology to ensure the highest level of protection for its occupants.
The Q7’s body is constructed with a rigid safety cage and crumple zones that are specifically designed to absorb and redirect the force of a crash away from the cabin.
In crash tests, the Q7 consistently performs well, receiving high marks for occupant protection during both frontal and side-impact collisions.
Additionally, its advanced airbag system further enhances safety, providing a cushion of protection in the event of an accident.
On top of its solid crashworthiness, the Audi Q7 is equipped with an impressive range of active safety technologies. Standard features include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.
These systems work together to help avoid accidents in the first place, making the Q7 as proactive as it is reactive in its approach to safety.
For families looking for an SUV that provides both luxury and security, the Audi Q7 is an excellent choice. Its combination of top-tier crash performance and modern safety features ensures that it is truly built to save lives.
5. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is renowned for its commitment to safety, combining cutting-edge technology with a robust and well-engineered design.
The E-Class has consistently earned top safety ratings from both NHTSA and IIHS, making it one of the safest luxury sedans on the road today.
Its combination of strong crash performance and advanced driver assistance systems makes it a standout in the realm of vehicles built to save lives.
The E-Class features an advanced safety cage designed to absorb and redistribute crash forces, minimizing the impact on passengers during a collision.
In addition to its reinforced structure, the vehicle is equipped with multiple crumple zones, which are designed to absorb energy and prevent intrusion into the cabin.
This comprehensive approach to safety ensures that the E-Class can effectively protect its occupants in a variety of crash scenarios.
Beyond its physical crash protection, the E-Class is equipped with an extensive suite of active safety technologies, including Mercedes’ Pre-Safe system, which can detect potential collisions and prepare the vehicle by tightening seatbelts and adjusting the seats for optimal protection.
Other features like active brake assist, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring further enhance the car’s ability to prevent accidents before they happen.
With its strong crashworthiness, advanced safety features, and exceptional engineering, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a prime example of a vehicle designed to save lives. For those who value both safety and luxury, the E-Class is an excellent choice.
5 Cars That Are Risky Rides
While many vehicles today are designed with a strong emphasis on safety, some cars still fall short of providing the protection expected in modern times.
These vehicles, despite their other appealing features, have been found to pose significant risks when it comes to crash safety.
Whether due to poor crash test results, lack of advanced safety technologies, or structural weaknesses, these cars fail to meet the high standards needed to keep passengers safe in the event of a collision.
The cars in this section are often less equipped to protect their occupants in a crash compared to their competitors, making them risky rides for those prioritizing safety.
Some of these vehicles have received low scores in essential crash tests conducted by organizations like the NHTSA and IIHS.
These tests are designed to assess the performance of vehicles in various collision scenarios, from side-impact crashes to rollovers.
Unfortunately, many of the cars in this section have demonstrated poor protection for both front and rear seat passengers, revealing gaps in their safety engineering.
Additionally, some of these vehicles lack the latest driver-assistance systems, such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, or adaptive cruise control—technologies that can help prevent accidents before they happen.
In a world where automotive safety is rapidly advancing, these models stand as reminders of what happens when manufacturers fail to prioritize occupant protection.
Let’s take a closer look at five vehicles that are considered risky rides. These cars are less likely to protect their passengers in the event of a crash, making them a less than ideal choice for safety-conscious drivers.
1. Fiat 500L
The Fiat 500L, despite its quirky charm and compact size, has earned a reputation for being a risky ride in terms of safety.
While it’s an affordable choice in the subcompact SUV category, its poor crash test ratings have raised significant concerns about its ability to protect occupants in the event of a collision.
The Fiat 500L received low marks in multiple crash tests, particularly for its frontal crash performance. In the IIHS small overlap frontal crash test, which simulates a collision where only a portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts an object, the 500L performed poorly.
The structure of the vehicle showed signs of intrusion into the cabin, which compromises the safety of the driver and front passenger. This type of test is critical because it simulates real-world collisions, where vehicles often do not hit objects head-on.
In addition to poor crash test results, the 500L is lacking in modern safety technologies that have become standard in many newer vehicles.
Features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring are either optional or unavailable in this model.
This lack of active safety features increases the likelihood of an accident, especially in high-speed or high-risk driving situations.
While the 500L offers a unique look and decent features for the price, its subpar crash safety and outdated technology make it a risky choice for anyone prioritizing occupant protection in case of an accident.
2. Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mitsubishi Mirage is a budget-friendly compact car, but it comes with a significant drawback—poor crash safety ratings.
Despite its affordability and good fuel efficiency, the Mirage has consistently underperformed in critical safety tests, making it a risky choice for anyone concerned about protection in the event of an accident.
The Mirage has received low marks in both NHTSA and IIHS crash tests. In frontal crash tests, the vehicle’s structure showed signs of significant compromise, with potential injury risks to the driver and passengers.
Side-impact crash tests also revealed that the Mirage struggled to protect its occupants, particularly in terms of head and chest protection. These are concerning results, especially for a vehicle that is often marketed as a commuter car for city driving.
In addition to its disappointing crash performance, the Mirage lacks many modern safety features that have become standard in more recent vehicles.
Key systems like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning are either unavailable or offered only on higher trims, making the car less capable of preventing accidents before they occur.
This lack of active safety technology leaves the driver more vulnerable to accidents, particularly in congested urban environments.
While the Mirage may appeal to budget-conscious buyers, its subpar crash ratings and absence of advanced safety features make it a risky ride.
Drivers seeking a car that offers both affordability and protection would be better off exploring other options with higher safety standards.
3. Dodge Dart
The Dodge Dart, once considered a compact sedan with decent performance, is another car that falls short when it comes to safety.
Despite offering attractive features for its price range, its poor crash test ratings and lack of modern safety systems make it a risky ride for those prioritizing protection.
In crash tests conducted by the IIHS and NHTSA, the Dodge Dart consistently underperformed. The car received a “Marginal” rating in the IIHS small overlap frontal crash test, which simulates a collision with an object such as a tree or utility pole.
This test is particularly important because it evaluates how well the car’s structure holds up when only part of the vehicle impacts the object.
In the case of the Dart, the results were concerning, showing that the car’s frame allowed more intrusion into the cabin, which increases the risk of injury.
Furthermore, the Dodge Dart is lacking many of the essential active safety features available in newer models. Systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring are either unavailable or only available on higher trims.
Without these technologies, the Dart is less equipped to prevent accidents, especially in high-risk driving situations like heavy traffic or adverse weather conditions.
While the Dodge Dart may be a decent option for buyers on a budget, its poor crash test performance and lack of modern safety features make it a less-than-ideal choice for anyone concerned about safety. It’s a reminder that a low price tag can sometimes come at the expense of occupant protection.
4. Chevrolet Spark
The Chevrolet Spark is a subcompact car that offers an affordable price tag, but it comes with notable safety concerns.
Despite its small size and fuel efficiency, the Spark falls short in crash test performance and lacks essential safety features, making it a risky option for those who prioritize protection on the road.
In terms of crash test results, the Spark has received poor ratings in key areas. The IIHS gave the Spark a “Poor” rating in the small overlap frontal crash test, which is a critical evaluation for assessing how well a vehicle’s structure holds up in the event of a partial collision.
The test revealed that the Spark’s safety cage did not adequately protect the driver and passenger from intrusion, which is a significant concern for occupant safety.
Additionally, the NHTSA awarded the Spark a three-star rating in frontal crash tests, further underscoring its weak crashworthiness.
On top of its subpar crash test performance, the Spark lacks modern active safety systems that can help prevent accidents before they occur.
Features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring are either unavailable or optional in higher trims.
These systems, now standard in many vehicles, are critical for avoiding collisions, especially in busy urban environments.
While the Chevrolet Spark may appeal to those seeking an affordable, compact car, its low safety ratings and lack of advanced safety features make it a risky choice for drivers who value occupant protection. It’s a reminder that safety should be a key consideration, even in budget-friendly vehicles.
5. Nissan Versa
The Nissan Versa is another affordable subcompact car that raises significant safety concerns. While it may be attractive due to its low price and efficiency, the Versa’s poor crash test ratings and limited safety features make it a risky ride, particularly for those who prioritize protection on the road.
The Versa’s crash test performance has been subpar, earning low marks in both frontal and side-impact crash evaluations.
In the IIHS small overlap frontal crash test, the Versa received a “Marginal” rating, indicating that the car’s structure failed to provide adequate protection during a collision.
Additionally, the NHTSA awarded the Versa just a four-star rating in its frontal crash tests, highlighting its vulnerability in certain crash scenarios.
These results suggest that, in the event of an accident, the Versa may not perform as well as many of its competitors in terms of occupant safety.
In addition to its poor crash performance, the Nissan Versa lacks many of the advanced safety technologies that are becoming standard in newer vehicles.
Active safety systems such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning are either not available or offered only on higher trims.
This lack of advanced technology means that the Versa is less equipped to avoid accidents in the first place, further increasing the risk to its occupants.
While the Nissan Versa may appeal to budget-conscious buyers, its low crash test ratings and lack of modern safety features make it a risky choice for anyone looking for a vehicle with strong occupant protection.
The difference between a vehicle designed to save lives and one that risks occupant safety is stark.
The cars in the “Built to Save Lives” category showcase how automotive engineering has advanced to prioritize passenger protection, incorporating robust crash structures, cutting-edge safety technology, and proactive driver-assist systems.
Cars like the Volvo XC90, Subaru Outback, and Tesla Model 3 represent the pinnacle of safety engineering, offering occupants the highest level of protection in the event of a crash.
These vehicles not only perform exceptionally well in crash tests but also provide a suite of active safety features that help prevent accidents altogether.
Whether through advanced airbag systems, crash-worthy body structures, or active safety technologies like lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking, these vehicles are specifically designed to mitigate the consequences of accidents and save lives.
On the other hand, the cars highlighted in the “Risky Rides” section serve as cautionary tales. Vehicles like the Fiat 500L, Mitsubishi Mirage, and Nissan Versa fall short in terms of both crash test performance and the absence of crucial safety technologies.
These cars, while often affordable and fuel-efficient, compromise on the structural integrity and advanced safety systems that are essential in modern vehicles.
Poor crash test results and a lack of standard driver-assistance features make them less equipped to protect passengers, increasing the likelihood of injury in the event of an accident.
Choosing a vehicle with strong safety features isn’t just about crash test ratings; it’s about understanding the importance of both passive and active safety systems.
While budget-friendly vehicles may appeal to certain buyers, the protection of life should always come first.
For those prioritizing safety, opting for a car built to save lives rather than one with significant safety compromises is an investment in both well-being and peace of mind.
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